What is original sin and the sin nature?
Original sin and the sin nature are foundational Christian doctrines that explain humanity's fallen state and inherent bent toward sin. Simply put, original sin refers to the corruption of human nature inherited from Adam's first disobedience, while the sin nature describes the pervasive, internal inclination to rebel against God that results from this fallenness. This doesn't mean humans are as bad as they could be, but that sin's influence touches every part of our being, making us spiritually bankrupt apart from God's grace. Understanding these concepts helps us grasp our deep need for a Savior and appreciate the profound rescue offered in Jesus Christ.
Original sin is the inherited guilt and corruption from Adam's fall, resulting in a sin nature—humanity's inherent predisposition to rebel against God.
The Origin of Sin: Adam's Disobedience
The concept of original sin traces its roots directly to the biblical account of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The book of Genesis describes God creating humanity in His image, perfect and upright (Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 2:7). God gave Adam a single prohibition: not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, with the clear consequence of death (Genesis 2:16-17). Adam's willful disobedience, spurred on by temptation, introduced sin into the human experience (Genesis 3:6). This act, often called "the Fall," was not merely an individual transgression but an event with cosmic and generational implications.
The Apostle Paul articulates this profound impact in his letter to the Romans: "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned" (Romans 5:12). Paul explains that Adam acted not only as an individual but also as the representative head of all humanity. His sin, therefore, had a catastrophic effect on all his descendants. This is not to say that every individual is punished for Adam's specific act, but rather that his sin fundamentally altered the human condition, passing down a corrupted nature.
The Nature of Original Sin
There are generally two primary views within orthodox Christianity regarding the precise nature of what is inherited through original sin:
1. Pelagianism/Semi-Pelagianism (and their rejection): To be clear, these views are heterodox and have been rejected by the Church throughout history. Pelagius believed that Adam's sin only set a bad example, and humans are born morally neutral, able to choose good or evil without inherited sin. Semi-Pelagianism is a softer version, suggesting humanity is sick but not dead in sin, still able to initiate a relationship with God. The Bible, as we will see, presents a much graver picture.
2. Augustinian/Reformed View (Original Guilt and Corruption): This view, largely shaped by Augustine of Hippo and later Reformed theology, posits that humanity inherits both guilt and a corrupted nature from Adam. Romans 5:12 is often interpreted to mean that when Adam sinned, humanity "sinned in him" in some representative sense, making all human beings guilty before God from birth. Furthermore, the very nature of humanity became corrupted, inheriting spiritual death and a pervasive inclination toward sin. This doesn't mean infants are actively committing sins, but that they are born alienated from God and unable to please Him apart from His grace (Romans 8:7-8).
3. Arminian/Wesleyan View (Original Corruption, not Guilt): This view, prominent in Arminian and Wesleyan traditions, affirms that humanity inherits a corrupted nature from Adam, making us unable to come to God on our own. This inherited corruption, often called the "sin nature" or "total depravity" (meaning sin affects every part of our being), requires God's prevenient (preceding) grace to enable a person to respond to the Gospel. However, this view typically rejects the idea of inherited guilt, believing that God does not hold individuals accountable for Adam's sin until they reach an age of accountability and personally choose to sin.
Despite these nuanced differences, all orthodox Christian traditions agree that humanity is born in a sinful state, separated from God, and utterly incapable of saving themselves. Scripture consistently portrays humanity as spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1), enslaved to sin (John 8:34; Romans 6:6), and alienated from God (Colossians 1:21).
The Sin Nature: Humanity's Inherent Inclination to Sin
The "sin nature" is the practical manifestation of original sin's corruption. It's the inherent, pervasive inclination within every person to rebel against God's will and pursue self-centered desires. This isn't just about individual acts of sin, but about a fundamental brokenness in our spiritual constitution. Jeremiah 17:9 declares, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" This verse vividly describes the internal corruption of the human heart.
Paul frequently contrasts the "flesh" (often a metaphor for the sin nature) with the "Spirit." He writes, "For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God" (Romans 8:7-8). This "flesh" or sin nature is powerful, leading to ongoing struggle even for believers (Romans 7:14-25; Galatians 5:16-17). It encompasses our desires, ambitions, thoughts, and actions when they are not aligned with God's perfect will.
Even after conversion, the sin nature remains present, though its dominion is broken. Believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to wage war against the flesh and live in newness of life (Romans 6:1-14; Galatians 5:16). The ultimate deliverance from the presence of the sin nature awaits the believer in glorification. Understanding the pervasiveness of the sin nature underscores the necessity of divine intervention for salvation and sanctification.
Bible verses about original sin
"Therefore, as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin; and so death passed unto all men, for that all sinned:—"
"And youdid he make alive, when ye were dead through your trespasses and sins,"
"Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Every one that committeth sin is the bondservant of sin."
"because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be: and they that are in the flesh cannot please God."
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it?"
"For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I know not: for not what I would, that do I practise; but what I hate, that I do. But if what I would not, that I do, I consent unto the law that it is good. So now it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwelleth in me. For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me, but to do that which is good is not. For the good which I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I practise. But if what I would not, that I do, it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwelleth in me. I find then the law, that, to me who would do good, evil is present. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me out of the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then I of myself with the mind, indeed, serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."
"But I say, Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would."
"And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat; and she gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat."
Frequently asked
Does original sin mean God is unfair to punish us for Adam's sin?
This is a common and understandable question. The Bible emphasizes God's perfect justice and fairness (Deuteronomy 32:4). While we inherit a sin nature, we also personally choose to sin. The Bible teaches that 'all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God' (Romans 3:23). Thus, our condemnation is not solely based on Adam's sin but also on our own deliberate rebellion. Furthermore, God's provision of salvation through Christ demonstrates His profound mercy, offering a way out of the consequences of both original and personal sin (Romans 5:8, 18).
If we have a sin nature, does that mean we can't help but sin?
Having a sin nature means we are predisposed to sin and cannot, by our own power, perfectly obey God or save ourselves. However, for believers, the Holy Spirit provides new desires and the power to resist sin (Romans 6:11-14; Galatians 5:16). While we will still struggle with sin in this life, we are no longer enslaved to it. We have a genuine choice to yield to the Spirit rather than the flesh. The sin nature's power is broken, though its presence remains. Unbelievers, however, are truly enslaved to sin apart from God's grace and cannot help but live according to their fallen nature (Romans 8:7-8).
What is 'total depravity' and how does it relate to the sin nature?
'Total depravity' is a theological term that describes the extent of the sin nature's impact. It doesn't mean humans are as evil as they could possibly be or that they cannot do outwardly 'good' things. Instead, it means that sin has corrupted every part of human nature—our minds, emotions, will, and conscience. Consequently, nothing we do, apart from God's grace, is truly good in His sight because it lacks pure motives and aims. We are utterly unable to save ourselves or even genuinely seek God without His divine intervention (Romans 3:10-12).
Is there a difference in how original sin affects Christians versus non-Christians?
Yes, there is a crucial difference. For non-Christians, the sin nature reigns supreme; they are spiritually dead, enslaved to sin, and unable to please God (Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 8:7-8). For Christians, through faith in Christ, the power of the sin nature has been broken, and its dominion overcome (Romans 6:6-7). While the sin nature still resides within and presents temptations, believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and are empowered to resist sin and live in newness of life. They are no longer slaves to sin but servants of righteousness (Romans 6:11-14).
How does Jesus fit into the doctrine of original sin?
Jesus is the answer to original sin. As the 'second Adam,' Jesus perfectly obeyed God where Adam failed (Romans 5:18-19). Because Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, He did not inherit a sin nature (Luke 1:35; 1 Peter 2:22). His sinless life, sacrificial death on the cross, and resurrection provide the means for humanity to be reconciled to God, forgiven of sin, and regenerated with a new spiritual nature (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 6:4). Without Christ, there would be no escape from the consequences of original sin and our own sinful choices.
Keep reading