What Is Original Sin — In Biblical Context
Original sin is the doctrine that all humans inherit a sinful nature from Adam and Eve's first disobedience in the Garden of Eden.
Original sin is the doctrine that all humans inherit a sinful nature from Adam and Eve's first disobedience in the Garden of Eden.
"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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Romans 5:12, sits inside Romans 5. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me."
"For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous."
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