Original sin refers to the inherited sin nature and guilt that all human beings possess as a result of Adam’s first act of disobedience in the Garden of Eden. It is not merely Adam’s sin, but a condition and legal standing passed down to all his descendants. This doctrine teaches that humanity is not born morally neutral, but corrupted, spiritually dead, and under condemnation.
Reformed theology summarizes original sin in two dimensions: imputed guilt (Adam’s guilt legally charged to all humanity) and inherited corruption (a depraved nature that inclines us toward sin). Every human being, except Jesus Christ, enters the world spiritually dead in sin and enslaved to their fallen nature.
Key Scriptures
- Genesis 3:6-7 – The historical fall of Adam and Eve into sin.
- Romans 5:12, 18-19 – “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin… so one act of righteousness leads to justification…”
- Psalm 51:5 – “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.”
- Ephesians 2:1-3 – “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins… by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:22 – “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.”
Key Theologians and Historical Voices
- Augustine of Hippo – Developed the foundational Western articulation of original sin, emphasizing both inherited guilt and moral corruption.
- Martin Luther – Taught that original sin is not just a lack of righteousness but a total corruption of human nature.
- John Calvin – Argued that original sin pervades every aspect of human nature and necessitates sovereign grace.
- The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) – “They being the root of all mankind, the guilt of this sin was imputed; and the same death in sin and corrupted nature conveyed to all their posterity…”
Denials and Heresies
- Pelagianism – Pelagius denied that Adam’s sin affected his descendants, claiming each person is born morally neutral. This was condemned as heresy by multiple early church councils.
- Semi-Pelagianism – A softer version, it admits a weakened will but denies total depravity. It teaches man initiates faith apart from grace.
- Modern Liberal Theology – Often reduces sin to social conditioning or structural oppression, rejecting inherited guilt and personal depravity.
Connection to the Gospel
Original sin explains the necessity of the gospel. Because mankind is born spiritually dead and morally corrupt, we are unable to please God or seek Him apart from divine grace. Christ, the second Adam, obeyed perfectly and died sacrificially to reverse the curse. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He overcomes both our guilt and our corruption.
Only the gospel offers true hope: not reform but rebirth (John 3:3). The good news is not that we can try harder, but that Christ makes us new creations (2 Cor. 5:17) by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9).
Apologetic Issues
- Fairness of Inherited Guilt – Critics argue it’s unjust to be held accountable for Adam’s sin. Yet federal headship (as in Romans 5) shows that just as Adam represented us in disobedience, Christ represents believers in righteousness. We are not judged apart from our own sin nature and choices; we confirm Adam’s rebellion by our own acts.
- Human Nature and Free Will – Some assert we are free to choose good or evil. Scripture clarifies that apart from grace, man is “a slave to sin” (John 8:34) and “unable to submit to God’s law” (Rom. 8:7-8). Our will is free, but only within the confines of our corrupt nature—like a lion freely choosing meat over lettuce.
Pastoral and Counseling Applications
Understanding original sin humbles pride and silences self-righteousness. It helps Christians see that the battle against sin is not merely behavioral, but spiritual and rooted in identity. For counseling, it explains why effort alone doesn’t change hearts—people need new birth, not just new habits.
Parents must grasp that their children are not born innocent, but with a sinful nature. Discipleship starts early, with evangelism and gospel-centered discipline. Marriages are strained when spouses expect innate goodness rather than recognizing mutual fallenness.
Churches must not be shocked by sin in the pews. Rather, they should labor in preaching, prayer, and discipleship, understanding that sanctification is a lifelong fight against indwelling sin.
Contemporary Relevance
In an age of self-esteem and moral relativism, original sin is deeply countercultural. The world says, “Follow your heart”—Scripture says, “The heart is deceitful above all things” (Jer. 17:9). Secular culture treats humans as victims of environment or systems. The doctrine of original sin declares: the real enemy is within.
When we grasp this, we understand why government can’t perfect society, education can’t purify the soul, and therapy can’t regenerate the heart. Only Christ can deal with the root issue. Denying original sin leads to utopian dreams and totalitarian nightmares; affirming it leads to gospel realism and lasting hope.
Christian Holiday Connections
Christmas celebrates the Incarnation of Christ—the sinless Savior born of a virgin, bypassing the sin nature passed through Adam’s line. Good Friday commemorates His substitutionary death for sinners, bearing the guilt of Adam’s race. Easter rejoices in His resurrection, the firstfruits of the new humanity. Pentecost points to the indwelling Spirit, necessary for overcoming the power of sin.
Each of these holidays reflects a divine answer to the problem of original sin.
Hymns and Worship Songs
Traditional Hymns:
- “Rock of Ages” – “Be of sin the double cure; cleanse me from its guilt and power.”
- “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” – Expresses sorrow for sin and Christ’s substitution.
- “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” – “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it…”
Contemporary Songs:
- “This is Amazing Grace” (Phil Wickham) – Celebrates Christ’s work on behalf of sinful man.
- “Jesus Messiah” (Chris Tomlin) – Highlights Christ bearing our sin.
- “By His Wounds” (Mac Powell/Third Day) – Speaks of Christ’s atonement for our transgressions.
- “You Are My King (Amazing Love)” (Billy Foote) – Emphasizes Christ’s sacrificial love for sinners.
- “At the Cross (Love Ran Red)” (Chris Tomlin) – A modern reflection on the cross and grace.
S.D.G.,
Robert Sparkman
christiannewsjunkie@gmail.com
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