Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin;
and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”
(Romans 5:12)
Down through the ages mankind has grappled with this most significant question: Why do we bear the burden of Adam’s transgression? Before we can begin to explore this point of contention, we must first recognize the dual nature of will.
First, there is a natural will, or voluntas naturae. When Adam acted in direct opposition to God’s directive, he did so as the single representative for all of humanity. In other words, Adam’s sin became integral to the natural state of every human born from that point forward. As Paul so eloquently details in Romans 5:12-19, the imputation of Adam’s sin is clear. The seed of all humanity was inherent in Adam. So, by default when Adam fell, all his offspring fell with him.
And secondly, there also exists a personal will, voluntas personae. With every sin we commit, we inadvertently affirm Adam’s breach of the Covenant as free moral agents. This doctrine is deeply rooted in Scripture as well as sound theological interpretations, with prominent figures like Austin and Beza echoing similar sentiments. “The vile nature of man is apt to commit most foul and presumptuous sins.”[1]
The presence of sin (nonconformity to God’s law) is the absence of righteousness. And the sin present in all mankind manifests itself in two primary ways: original sin, which is the innate corruption of our natural state, and actual sin, reflected in our actions. Original sin is a direct consequence of Adam’s transgression and serves as the root source of all actual transgressions in our lives. But even so, how can we be certain of the existence of original sin? By considering the body of evidence that is undeniable.
Scriptural Evidence: Multiple scriptural references affirm the inherent sinfulness of man. Genesis 6:5, Job 14:14, Psalm 51:5, and Romans 5:12, among others, stand in testament to the sinful nature of humanity from the moment of inception.
Observable Behaviors: From a young age, humans exhibit a natural aversion to goodness and an inclination toward rebellion and evil.
The Universality of Suffering: The pervasive presence of sickness, adversity, and even the untimely death of infants (Romans 3:23) all point toward a world tainted by original sin.
Nature’s Rebellion: As a result of the fall, God cursed the earth with “thorns and thistles,” and the like (Gen. 3:17-18). These and similar aspects of the natural world around us evidence the pervasive influence of original sin.
The Necessity for Change: The very fact that our natures demand transformation, as seen in passages like Ephesians 2:1 and Romans 1:29, further underscores our inherent sinful nature.
The undeniable truth, considering the overwhelming body of evidence, is that every human conceived bears the weight of Adam’s sin in their natural state. This inherent corruption is so deep-rooted that every thought, word, and action of an unregenerated man is tainted by sin. Even in the absence of overt acts of wickedness, the very nature of man is predisposed to commit sins of the gravest nature.
Contemplations:
The Will: As I reflect upon the duality of will – our natural, universal will and our personal will – I am struck by the depth of our connection to Adam. It’s more than just an ancestral link, it’s a shared spiritual heritage. Every time I err, I am not just sinning in isolation but echoing the breach Adam made in the Covenant. How profound it is to realize that our individual actions continue to reverberate with the echoes of the past!
- The Scriptures. The divine wisdom of Scripture offers insight into the nature of man. Verses like Psalm 2:6 or Romans 5:12 serve as a mirror that reflects our inherent sinfulness. The Bible isn’t just a collection of ancient texts, but a living testament to the human condition, bridging the past, present, and future.
- Vipers in Diapers. In the simple observation of children, it is clear that the seeds of sin are innately present. But the innocence and purity in children runs parallel to this inherent inclination toward disobedience, which reminds us that while we are born into sin, there’s also a divine spark within each of us, waiting to be kindled.
- The Divine Order. The world around us, with its beauty and chaos, serves as a constant reminder of the pervasive nature of original sin. Yet, in the face of adversities and the unpredictable nature of life, there is also an underlying order, a divine plan in place. Even in moments of despair, I am reminded of God’s unwavering love and the promise of redemption.
A Prayer for the Weight of Sin and the Hope of Redemption
O Lord, my God, the Everlasting One, in whom there is no shadow of turning, I come before You in humility and awe. Your Word declares that by one man, sin entered the world, and death by sin. I acknowledge that I, too, am born in this corruption, a child of Adam’s fallen race, bearing the weight of his transgression in my very nature. Before I uttered my first words, sin was present in me. Before I took my first steps, iniquity had already left its mark upon my soul. Who can stand before You, O Righteous Judge, when every thought and inclination of the unregenerate heart is tainted by sin? Yet, You are merciful, and Your compassions fail not.
Father, I confess that I have not only inherited Adam’s sin but have added to it my own transgressions. I have walked in my own ways instead of Yours. I have chosen pride over humility, self-will over submission, and earthly desires over heavenly affections. My heart has often been cold when it should have burned with love for You. I have neglected the weight of my sin, making light of that which is heavy in Your sight. Forgive me, O God, for I am unclean apart from the cleansing blood of Christ. Have mercy on me, a sinner, and do not cast me away in Your wrath, for where else can I go?
Yet, Lord, I lift my eyes to the cross, where the Second Adam, my blessed Redeemer, bore the curse that was mine. The weight of sin that crushed humanity was laid upon Him, and by His obedience many are made righteous. By His wounds, we are healed. By His perfect life, the guilt of my transgressions is answered. By His death, the power of sin is broken. By His resurrection, the grip of death is shattered. I thank You, Father, for so great a salvation. I thank You that You did not leave mankind to perish in the ruins of Adam’s fall but sent Your Son as the surety of a better covenant, that by faith in Him I might be restored to life eternal.
Holy Spirit, I ask that You work in me the continual renewing of my soul. I know that though I am justified, sin still clings to my flesh. Don’t let the old nature reign but subdue it by Your power. Conform me daily into the image of Christ, that I may no longer live after the pattern of the first Adam but walk in the righteousness of the Second. Keep me from pride, that I do not forget my utter dependence upon grace. Keep me from despair, that I do not doubt the sufficiency of Christ’s redemption. Let me live as one who has been brought out of darkness into marvelous light, bearing fruit in keeping with repentance.
Lord, as I see the evidences of sin all around me—in the brokenness of the world, in the struggles of the flesh, in the rebellion of mankind—I long for the day when all things will be made new. When the last enemy, death, shall be destroyed, and the redeemed shall be raised incorruptible. Until that day, keep my feet from slipping, my heart from wandering, and my faith from wavering. For I know that in Christ the fall is reversed, and in Him I have the hope of eternal life.
In the name of Jesus Christ, the Second Adam, my Mediator and King, I pray. Amen.
Further References for Romans 5:12:
Rom. 6:23; 1 Cor. 15:21; James 1:15; Rom. 5:19
[1] Edward Leigh, A System or Body of Divinity (London: A.M. for William Lee, 1654), 308.
