What Is the Doctrine of Original Sin — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
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."
"And were by nature the children of wrath, even as others."
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