What Is the Sin Nature?
What Is the Sin Nature? The sin nature is the inherited tendency toward sin that every person receives from Adam — it corrupts the will, mind, and desires, making salvation by human effort impossible.
Key verse: Romans 5:12 (KJV)
The sin nature is the inherited tendency toward sin that every person receives from Adam — it corrupts the will, mind, and desires, making salvation by human effort impossible.
The sin nature is the inherited tendency toward sin that every person receives from Adam — it corrupts the will, mind, and desires, making salvation by human effort impossible.
"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 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
The doctrine of the sin nature (also called original sin or the flesh) teaches that Adam's fall affected all humanity. Romans 5:12 states, 'by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.' David acknowledged, 'Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me' (Psalm 51:5). Jeremiah declared the heart 'desperately wicked' (Jeremiah 17:9). Paul described the internal battle: 'the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do' (Romans 7:19). The sin nature is not merely bad habits but a deep corruption that makes humans unable to save themselves. Ephesians 2:1 describes the unregenerate as 'dead in trespasses and sins.' This is why the new birth is necessary (John 3:3) — only God's regenerating power can overcome the sin nature. Through Christ, believers receive a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17) while still battling the old until glorification.
Key Scripture References
"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."
"Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me."
"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Grace?
Grace is God's unmerited favor — the free gift of salvation and blessing that cannot be earned but is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
What Does the Bible Say About the Heart?
The heart is the centre of a person's being — Scripture says to guard it above all else, for from it flow the issues of life.
What Is Repentance?
Repentance is a genuine change of mind and heart about sin, turning away from it and toward God.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
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The answer above sits inside Romans. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Romans on day 334 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is the Sin Nature?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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