What Is Original Sin?

The doctrine of original sin teaches that when Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit, sin entered the human race and corrupted human nature. Paul explains in Romans 5:12, '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.' This doesn't mean we are guilty of Adam's specific act, but that we inherit a nature inclined toward sin. David acknowledged this reality: 'Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me' (Psalm 51:5). Original sin explains why every person, regardless of upbringing, struggles with selfishness, pride, and moral failure. It also explains why salvation requires divine intervention — we cannot save ourselves from a nature that is fundamentally broken. The good news is that just as sin came through one man (Adam), salvation comes through one man (Jesus Christ), who offers a new nature to all who believe.