PART I - ON THIS PAGE Introduction to Original Sin The Original Miscarriage of Justice
How does this doctrine not make hash of God's justice which is the cornerstone of our faith. We Are Often No Better Than The Cults
Before we point our finger at the cults, let us remember that we are doing exactly what most of them do Defining Sin
An immoral choice made by the sinner that transgresses God's law. Adam's Sin and The Book of Genesis
Adam.. Morally Perfect and Immortal?
God Mentioned a Number of Curses but Apparently "Forgot" To Mention The Most Devastating Consequence Of Adam's Sin
Adam.. Physical or Spiritual Death? Guilty By Inheritance or Guilty by Deed?
The Scriptures are clear - a man is defiled by things he does The Old Testament Emphasizes That
We Are Held Only Accountable For Our Own Sins
Our Eternal Destiny Is Determined By Our Actions Infants and Young Children - Innocent or Tainted? Part II - HERE
Misunderstood, Misused and Misinterpreted Bible Texts:
Psalms - 51:5 and 58:3-6. Jeremiah 17:9. Isaiah 64:6. Romans 3:10-18, 5:12, 5:18 -19.
Origins And Spread of The Doctrine
Introduction to Original Sin..
The term "Original Sin" is not found in the Bible but was coined to refer to both Adam's sin of disobedience in eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and its effect upon the rest of the human race. As the story goes, God holds everyone guilty of the sin that Adam committed in the garden of Eden - not only was he found guilty but his sin was passed down to all his descendants. Thus every member of the human race was born with with the stain of sin.
In other words, although the actual sin was committed by a single individual in days long gone by his guilt is imputed to every person's account. We are found guilty long before we even consider committing a sin for ourselves. Thus we are without hope apart from the saving grace of God. Removing the 'stain' of Original Sin is probably the foremost reason infants were and are baptized
See Footnote on Infant Baptism Christians believe Original Sin to be a Biblical doctrine for two reasons. 1.) It is supported by long-held tradition - almost universally believed for a very long time. Many denominations including most Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians and Catholics unblushingly subscribing to this view. 2.) Theologians, priests, preachers, and Sunday school teachers give it a semblance of credence by quoting passages of Scripture to 'prove' it. (Not only are the texts they quote usually out of context but they completely ignore those passages that clearly and unambiguously contradict the doctrine). See Context is Crucial
This, in a nutshell, is most of what is wrong with much of the modern church. Although we would vehemently deny it, we take tradition, man's opinions and interpretations to be on par with - and even superior - to God's word. Our modus operandi seems to be to be that we are taught something that we accept as absolute and unshakable truth then go to the Scriptures to find support for what we have already decided to believe. It doesn't seem to matter that Biblical passages have been misunderstood, misinterpreted, and misapplied. It seems that all too many Christians are unwilling to dig deeper into the Scriptures for themselves. Isn't that what the pastor and theologian's job? The problem is that the vast majority of them didn't either. One of the the four most dangerous mistakes any Christian can make
is to believe that we, or our pastor/denomination/spiritual leader, cannot be fooled HERE What is wrong with us? One should expect that when a major belief system stands or falls on a single fact, there should be unequivocal proof for it in the Scriptures. Far from this being the case, Original Sin and the resulting depravity of man is based not on God's Word but on unproven philosophic assumptions that have been unquestionably accepted (The proof texts from Romans sadly misunderstood). In fact Original Sin directly contradicts numerous Biblical texts and both the spirit and the letter of all the fundamental doctrines of the Bible.
The Original Miscarriage of Justice
Proponents often refer to this doctrine as "hard to understand".
'Hard to Understand' is not only the understatement of the century but it doesn't even begin to skim the surface of the problem. Isn't it true that any logical and fair minded human being would balk at the thought that they are condemned for a crime that they themselves did not commit? Does it not speak volumes that we consider it a "miscarriage of justice" when an innocent person is sentenced for an illegal act he did not commit? This because man's fundamental concept of justice is that a person cannot be condemned and punished except for intentional, reckless or negligent wrong doing. In fact, guilt and innocence are the warp and weft of the fabric of our justice system. Although a lot more needs to be done thankfully some individuals and organizations do everything in their power to free innocent people from wrongful punishment. Peter Neufeld, the co-founder of an organization (aptly named The Innocence Project) says (Emphasis Added) Thousands of innocent people are languishing in prison for crimes they didn't commit. These citizens' most basic rights to life and liberty have been quashed by an egregious failure of our criminal justice system. Innocent Project centers are the last hope, not only for the victims, but also for the very concept of justice as we know it." [01]
Yet we are expected to believe that 1.) The Father whom we consistently refer to as a "loving God" would indulge in the greatest miscarriage of justice (involving trillions of people) that this world has ever seen. 2.) That He is less fair than any honest judge in the judicial system - unwilling to consider the guilt or innocence of the individual. 3.) That His moral sense is inferior to ours and that He has a warped sense of fairness .
This doctrine makes God a worse offender than the biased judge or the over zealous district attorney who only cares about adding another notch to his belt. And it makes hash of the justice of God which is the cornerstone of our faith.
We Are Often No Better Than The Cults
Before we point our finger at the cults, let us remember that we are doing exactly what most of them do, i.e bypassing texts that are uncomplicated and straightforward in their intent and/or instruction we read meaning into the difficult ones that is in accordance with what we have already come to believe.
And yes, I know that there are a small number passages (few and far between) that, at first glance, seem to promote the idea of Original Sin. The problem being that they not exactly known for their clarity thus hopelessly misunderstood and misinterpreted. See Part II for precise examples One of the golden rules of sound Bible interpretation is to always interpret the more difficult or unclear passages by the clear ones. There is not a single passage that clearly teaches a person will eternally condemned because of guilt he inherited from Adam. In fact, there are numerous passages that clearly and unambiguously say exactly the opposite. So let us take a look at what the Bible itself has to say which, by the way, it does in no uncertain terms. Two things are certain.. Original Sin did not originate in the Scriptures and cannot be proven by the Scriptures. However, the first thing we need to get straight is how God's word defines sin.
Defining Sin
I wonder how many of those that profess to believe in Original Sin have given any thought to the fact that sin is not a substance with physical properties that can be transmitted from person to person. Sin is a conscious, willful act performed by an individual (in word, deed, or thought) that opposes God's will. It is an immoral choice made by the sinner that transgresses God's law. Therefore sin can not even exist unless someone makes that immoral choice. See An Old Testament Word Study on Types of Sin Yet theologians persist in the belief, more fit for a science fiction script than the Scriptures, that sin has literally been passed from Adam to all his descendants, yet fail to tell us a) Why it is that we can only inherit sin from Adam but not from the rest of our ancestors
b) Why would Adam's descendants be held responsible for his first sin only and not for his later sins?
c) Why are we not also held responsible for the sins of all our forefathers that came after Adam?
d) Why it is that we can inherit sin but not inherit righteousness. I have heard it said that being nonmaterial Original Sin is passed along spiritually. In which case, virtue, goodness, and righteousness are also nonmaterial and should also be inherited. e) How it is that Adam's sin can come through our parents even if they are true Christians and therefore, in the words of the apostles John and Paul, have been cleansed from all sin.
In regards to the last point, the Bible says If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NASB) and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. (Romans 6:18 NASB)
If at the moment of conception our parents were Christians who had been cleansed from all sin there would be no sin to inherit. If there were no sin to inherit from our parents, we would be born pure. If sinners can beget sinners, saints should beget saints! Or does the "stain" of Original Sin jump over baptized and 'born again" Christians? This does not happen. See Original Sin and Epigenetics But lets step back in time for a moment to where all this depravity was supposed to have originated - The Garden of Eden.
Adam's Sin and The Book of Genesis:
Adam.. Morally Perfect and Immortal?
It is assumed that Adam was created morally perfect and immortal but his sin caused him to become totally corrupt and alienated from God. He then passed these qualities to all his descendants. The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed statement of Faith. The 1647 version says (All Emphasis Added) After God had made all other creatures, He created man, male and female, with reasoning and immortal souls, rendering them fit to live that life for Him for which they were created; - being made in the image of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness; having the law of God written in their hearts, and having the power to fulfill it; [02]
However, nowhere in the Genesis account (or anywhere else in the Bible for that matter) does it say Adam and Eve were created immortal or morally perfect. Nowhere does it say they had "the law of God written in their hearts". To claim either one is to is going above and beyond what the Scriptures tells us. Certainly Adam and Eve were probably innocent, as is anyone who has never encountered anything evil or bad. In light of the fact that they hid themselves when God came to the garden (Genesis: 3:7,8) it is reasonable to surmise that the fact that their disobedience caused them to feel guilty and lose some of this innocence.
Apparently God "Forgot" To Mention The Most Devastating Consequence Of Adam's Sin
One would think that if Adam's transgression had such a monumental effect on all future generations it would at least be mentioned in the Genesis account. Much to the contrary, the silence is deafening. It is nowhere stated (or even implied) that Adam's sin was passed down to anyone.
All we are told is because Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of Good and Evil, God did not want them to also partake of the Tree of Life, and live for ever therefore He banished them from the garden (Genesis: 3:22-23). The man was cursed with having to work for food and the ground (that was also cursed) would reward him with thorns and thistles (Genesis: 3:17-19). The woman was cursed with great pain in childbirth (Genesis: 3:16). However all these curses fade into insignificance when compared to the fact that trillions of Adam's descendants would inherit his sin and not be able to respond to God. Yet, the book breathes not a single word about this. Why not? Did God just forget or simply neglect to mention the most devastating consequence of all.
Adam.. Physical or Spiritual Death?
Most supposed most proof texts for Original Sin are taken from the book of Romans. There is no question that Romans 5:12 does say (Emphasis Added)
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
It is commonly assumed that in this passage Paul had to be talking about a "spiritual death", primarily because in Genesis 2:17, God tells Adam that in the day he eats of the forbidden fruit he would "surely die". However, as we well know, both Adam and Eve ate of the tree but lived to have several sons. Although we do not know how old Eve was when she died, Adam lived to the ripe old age of 930 (Genesis 5:5). Therefore, as the argument usually goes, since Adam's physical death does not occur "in the day" that he sinned, God must have been speaking of a spiritual death. However is this accurate? What are we to make of the fact that Adam did not die "in the day" he ate of the forbidden fruit? T he problem is that most translations have Genesis 2:17 reading (Emphasis Added) but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die." (Genesis 2:17 NASB)
That is, most translations except for the literal ones ... The Concordant Literal version has this verse as Yet from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you are not to be eating from it, for in the day you eat from it, to die shall you be dying. (Genesis 2:17 CLV)
Young's literal translation renders the verse so... and of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou dost not eat of it, for in the day of thine eating of it-- dying thou dost die.' (YLT)
About this commentator Adam Clarke said Literally, a death thou shalt die; or, dying thou shalt die. Thou shalt not only die spiritually, by losing the life of God, but from that moment thou shalt become mortal, and shall continue in a dying state till thou die. This we find literally accomplished; every moment of man's life may be considered as an act of dying, till soul and body are separated.
What the literal translations and Adam Clark are both saying is that God told Adam that if he ate of the fruit he would begin the process of physically dying until he went to his grave. Adam began this process as an adult but for the rest of mankind it starts much earlier. The process of dying almost literally starts at birth - every moment of life is a step towards the inevitable end. Noting that there is no indication in the opening chapters of Genesis that Adam was created immortal, one has to ask the all important question.... What changed in Adam and Eve's circumstances that caused them to begin the process of dying? The answer is relatively simple. In view of their sin of eating from the Tree of Good and Evil, God did not want them to also partake of the Tree of Life, and live for ever (Genesis: 3:22), therefore He banished them from the garden (Genesis: 3:23). We are not told how exactly the Tree of Life works nor everything it does, or even if it is literal or figurative. However, it appears to have been the only resource that would enable Adam and Eve to stave off physical death - being banished from the garden meant they no longer had access to it. In fact an angel with a flaming sword stood guard at the entrance to the garden thus ensuring that they could not get back in. The Tree of Life was henceforth denied to all humanity, and without access to this life giving resource, we too are doomed to physical death.
1 Corinthians 15 also supports the fact that although death was Adam's Legacy (not the only one) every single member of the human race has hope in Christ who is life. 1 Corinthians 15
This chapter is primarily devoted to the topic of Christ's physical resurrection. In it Paul uses some pretty strong language, telling the church at Corinth that if Christ had not been raised, their faith was worthless. Also they were to be pitied if their hope in Him was limited to this life only, because He (Jesus) is the first fruits of "them that are asleep" (dead). and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied. But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. (1 Corinthians 15:17-20 NASB)
See The Seven Feasts of Israel (First fruits was the third)
The feasts celebrate a historical event in Israel's past but
are also a prophecy of future events - four of which have already come to pass. Paul then went on to speak of the order of the physical resurrection... Christ was raised first and believers will be raised at His second coming. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ's at His coming, (1 Corinthians 15:21-23 NASB)
There is absolutely no doubt that Paul was referring to a physical death and a physical resurrection. Physical death resulted from Adam's transgression but through Jesus physical resurrection will come in the future. See The Seventh Trumpet Whether the Tree of Life in the age to come is literal or figurative, the principal is the same in the three references to the tree in the book of Revelation... We will once more have access to everlasting life. 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.' (Revelation 2:7 NASB) Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (Revelation 22:1-2 NASB) Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. (Revelation 22:14 NASB)
Guilty By Inheritance or Guilty by Deed?
Conspicuous by their absence from the Bible are verses that say or even imply that a person is guilty of sin because he inherited guilt from Adam. Much to the contrary it unambiguously states that a person is guilty of sin when he himself commits one. i.e. sin is something a person does, not something he inherits.
"So the Lord was no longer able to endure it, because of the evil of your deeds, because of the abominations which you have committed; thus your land has become a ruin, an object of horror and a curse, without an inhabitant, as it is this day. "Because you have burned sacrifices and have sinned against the Lord and not obeyed the voice of the Lord or walked in His law, His statutes or His testimonies, therefore this calamity has befallen you, as it has this day." (Jeremiah 44:22-23 NASB)
A man is defiled by things he does ... not anything he inherits. And He was saying, "That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. "All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man." (Mark 7:20-23 NASB) Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. (John 8:34 NASB) Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. (1 John 3:4 NASB) the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8 NASB)
James was clear. A man becomes worthy of death when he himself responds to temptation by sinning. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. (James 1:14-15 NASB)
I am not sure how much more clear it can get - God made man upright, but man sought out many inventions. Behold, I have found only this, that God made men upright, but they have sought out many devices." (Ecclesiastes 7:29 NASB)
Isaiah says we have turned to do evil and. Centuries later Paul echoes the thought ... All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him." (Isaiah: 53:6) For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. (Isaiah 64:6 NASB) all have turned aside, together they have become useless; there is none who does good, there is not even one." (Romans 3:12 NASB)
The Old Testament Emphasizes That We Are Held Only Accountable For Our Own Sins
Why do we consistently ignore the passages of Scripture that unambiguously tell us that no person can bear the guilt (or innocence) of another ... that every one will answer for their own sins and misdeeds.
Fathers shall not be put to death for their sons, nor shall sons be put to death for their fathers; everyone shall be put to death for his own sin. (Deuteronomy 24:16 NASB) Also See 2 Kings 14:6 However, he did not put their children to death, but did as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, which the Lord commanded, saying, "Fathers shall not be put to death for sons, nor sons be put to death for fathers, but each shall be put to death for his own sin." (2 Chronicles 25:4 NASB) The person who sins will die. The son will not bear the punishment for the father's iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son's iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself. (Ezekiel 18:20 NASB) Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, each according to his conduct," declares the Lord God. "Repent and turn away from all your transgressions, so that iniquity may not become a stumbling block to you. (Ezekiel 18:30 NASB) Yet you say, 'The way of the Lord is not right.' O house of Israel, I will judge each of you according to his ways." (Ezekiel 33:20 NASB) In those days they will not say again, 'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, And the children's teeth are set on edge.' "But everyone will die for his own iniquity; each man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth will be set on edge. (Jeremiah 31:29-30 NASB)
Our Eternal Destiny Is Determined By Our Actions
Why do we consistently ignore the passages of Scripture that unambiguously tell us that every single person is held accountable for his own deeds and will be judged by his own actions whether they be good or bad.
For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds. (Matthew 16:27 NASB) and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment. (John 5:29 NASB) But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to each person according to his deeds: (Romans 2:5-6 NASB) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10 NASB) If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; (1 Peter 1:17 NASB) to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him." (Jude 1:15 NASB) And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. (Revelation 20:12-13 NASB) Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. (Revelation 22:12 NASB)
Also See The Myth of Faith Alone
Perhaps one of the all time greatest tragedies in the Christian world, is the innumerable number of people who are under the impression that, in order to be forgiven their sins and inherit eternal life all they have to do is believe Jesus died for their sins on the cross. In fact the suggestion that anything other than faith is required for salvation, is not only militantly opposed by most of Christendom, but denounced as an unbiblical, works based, false teaching. But is this true? While it is certainly a fact that the Bible teaches that faith is an essential ingredient without which it is impossible to please God, it never ever teaches that faith is the only requirement for salvation.
Infants and Young Children - Innocent or Tainted?
If Original Sin is true, then babies are born guilty of sin, totally depraved, and destined for eternal punishment. Why then do the Scriptures call children innocent with no knowledge of good or evil. When the nation of Israel, lacking trust in the Lord refused to go up against the Amorites, He told them that they would never see the land but their children who had no knowledge of good and evil would..
'Moreover, your little ones who you said would become a prey, and your sons, who this day have no knowledge of good or evil, shall enter there, and I will give it to them and they shall possess it. (Deuteronomy 1:39 NASB)
And the Father was both disgusted and angry at the spilling of innocent blood in the child sacrifices made as burnt offerings to Baal, and say, 'Hear the word of the Lord, O kings of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, "Behold I am about to bring a calamity upon this place, at which the ears of everyone that hears of it will tingle. "Because they have forsaken Me and have made this an alien place and have burned sacrifices in it to other gods, that neither they nor their forefathers nor the kings of Judah had ever known, and because they have filled this place with the blood of the innocent and have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal, a thing which I never commanded or spoke of, nor did it ever enter My mind; therefore, behold, days are coming," declares the Lord, "when this place will no longer be called Topheth or the valley of Ben-hinnom, but rather the valley of Slaughter. (Jeremiah 19:3-6 NASB)
See What and Where is Hell? Part III... Gehenna
Incidentally, this valley of Ben-hinnom is the Gehenna (Ge-Hinnom) that Jesus spoke of. Perhaps in order to make it fit in with pre-determined theories it was translated Hell in the New Testament. It is claimed that in later years, the Valley of Benhinnom became the common dump site for all the refuse of Jerusalem. Rubbish, animal carcasses, and the dead bodies of criminals were all said to consumed by a fire constantly kept burning in the valley. Not only is there a complete lack of archaeological or literary evidence that supports this claim, but it doesn't even make any sense. We Become Guilty From Our "Youth"
There are several passages in the Old Testament that state it is from their youth that people become sinners... The Lord smelled the soothing aroma; and the Lord said to Himself, "I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man's heart is evil from his youth; and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done. (Genesis 8:21 NASB) In vain I have struck your sons; They accepted no chastening. Your sword has devoured your prophets Like a destroying lion. (Jeremiah 2:30 NASB) I spoke to you in your prosperity; But you said, 'I will not listen!' This has been your practice from your youth, That you have not obeyed My voice. (Jeremiah 22:21 NASB) Isaiah does refer to a time when a child does know the difference and is able to choose. No specific age is given, presumably because the age of reason differs from one young person to another. He will eat curds and honey at the time He knows enough to refuse evil and choose good. "For before the boy will know enough to refuse evil and choose good, the land whose two kings you dread will be forsaken. (Isaiah 7:15-16 NASB)
Footnote I
It is commonly believed that because infants carry the stain and guilt of "original sin" they have to be baptized to remove this sin. Should they die before baptism they are unsanctified and forever excluded from heaven. This of course has led to the corollary doctrine and practice of Infant Baptism, which ignores the fact that there is not a single Bible verse that commands or even implies that infants should be baptized. In fact the conditions for being baptized excludes infants.
And of course there is the danger that multitudes of people baptized as infants could grow up thinking they are saved and on their way to Heaven, even though they have never been born again through faith in Christ. See Baptism (Part II deals with infant baptism)
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End Notes
[01] National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Initiative to Free the Innocent Expanding
https://www.nacdl.org/newsrelease/NewsRelease-11-20-1997
[02] The 1647 Westminster Confession of Faith. Chapter 4: Of Creation. http://www.apuritansmind.com/westminster-standards/chapter-4/
Continue On To Part II - Misused and Misinterpreted Bible Texts HERE
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