What Is the Doctrine of Original Sin?
What Is the Doctrine of Original Sin? Original sin is the doctrine that all human beings inherit a sinful nature and guilt from Adam, our first father.
Key verse: Romans 5:12 (KJV)
Original sin is the doctrine that all human beings inherit a sinful nature and guilt from Adam, our first father.
Original sin is the doctrine that all human beings inherit a sinful nature and guilt from Adam, our first father.
"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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Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
When Adam disobeyed God in the garden, he did not sin merely as a private person but as the representative head of the human race. As a result, his guilt and corruption have passed to every one of his descendants. '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). Every person comes into the world spiritually dead, with a nature inclined toward sin and away from God. This is why even infants die, why no one needs to teach a child to lie, and why salvation must be a new birth, not mere reform. The doctrine of original sin explains the universal reality of human sinfulness and underscores our absolute need for Christ.
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 were by nature the children of wrath, even as others."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is Total Depravity?
Total depravity is the doctrine that sin has corrupted every part of human nature, leaving no one able to save himself.
What Is Imputation in the Bible?
Imputation is the act by which God charges sin or righteousness to someone's account — Adam's sin to humanity, our sin to Christ, and Christ's righteousness to believers.
What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?
Being born again means experiencing a spiritual rebirth through faith in Jesus Christ, receiving a new nature and eternal life from 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:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Is Original Sin?
Sin & Salvation
Original Sin vs. Actual Sin — What's the Difference?
Sin & Salvation
Can a Christian Lose Their Salvation?
Theology & Doctrine
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God Promises to Forgive Your Sins
Bible promises about complete forgiveness, cleansing, and the removal of guilt t
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
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