SIN IS NOT INHERITED, IT IS COMMITTED

 "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God."

I Peter 4:11

We owe a debt of gratitude to the Puritan trailblazers as well as the Bible Translators and Reformers of the 1500s and 1600s who fought their way out of the darkness of Church tradition and deeply rooted false doctrines. Our affection for many of these heroes is understandable. However, it is no honor or tribute we pay them when we cling to any of their errors. One such error that they almost universally retained was the poisonous belief that all men are born sinners because of Adam's sin. From cover to cover, the Scriptures call out to us with the powerful truth that exposes that error. Please consider with me an analysis of what is called "original sin."

I am amazed at how many of the commentaries, Bible dictionaries, and lexicons are slanted by Protestant theology.  As I read and analyze some of them, I cannot help but be alarmed since many use them as tools.  I am not going to deny that some of them are good and useful and that not all of them accept all the concepts of Calvinism. Still, there are presuppositions running throughout their commentaries that are deeply embedded in many of their conclusions.  One can significantly benefit from them, but it is vital to discern Truth from error.

"But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good"  (I Thess. 5:21).

Notice what one Bible Dictionary says regarding "original sin."

"Original sin. "Our first parents being the root of all mankind, the guilt of their sin was imputed, and the same death in sin and corrupted nature were conveyed to all their posterity, descending from them by ordinary generation." Adam was constituted by God the federal head and representative of all his posterity, as he was also their natural head, and therefore when he fell they fell with him (Rom. 5:12-21; 1 Cor. 15:22-45). His probation was their probation, and his fall their fall. Because of Adam's first sin all his posterity came into the world in a state of sin and condemnation, i.e., (1) a state of moral corruption, and (2) of guilt, as having judicially imputed to them the guilt of Adam's first sin. "Original sin" is frequently and properly used to denote only the moral corruption of their whole nature inherited by all men from Adam."  

 I.   CALVINISM AND ADAM:  MAN IS BORN IN SIN

"But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death"  (James 1:14-15).

The primary basis of Calvinism and Denominationalism is the doctrine called "original sin." They claim that man is hereditarily born a sinner with a corrupt nature, i.e., that man inherits Adam's sin and has no free will. This is the Doctrine of Total Hereditary Depravity. The word "total" means all, full, complete. "Hereditary" means that one receives, inherits it from the parents. In this case, it means from Adam, therefore, Adam's original sin.  The word "depravity" means bad, evil, wickedness, lawlessness. Thus, each person born is born totally, utterly sinful. Since man is born a sinner with a corrupt nature, he is not able to believe in God. Thus, God has to do everything for him, and He has to elect those that He wants to be saved. They imply that Christ died only for the elect and that the Holy Spirit has to touch their hearts miraculously (to regenerate them) so that they can believe and be born again. This doctrine implies that man can do nothing to be free from his sad state of depravity, for he is totally inactive in his redemption. So the "enabling force" of the Holy Spirit must regenerate the sinner before he responds to the calling of the Gospel. According to them, this "direct action or working of the Holy Spirit" takes place without the individual's will, election, or choice. Those who teach the doctrine of original sin, total depravity, corrupt nature, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, etc. do not speak according to the oracles of God (I Peter 4:11). The doctrine of original sin and sinful nature is one of Satan's most powerful and deceitful tools used in the deception of mankind.

From Genesis to the book of Revelation, the Bible clearly teaches that all men have free will and that they’re morally responsible or accountable before God for their sins. The Word of God explicitly teaches that "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law" (I John 3:4). There is no Bible Scripture that shows that sin is inherited, or that one is born in sin, a sinner. This is nothing but one of Satan’s biggest lies or false doctrines (1 Tim. 4:1) to deceive all men about sin and his accountability before his Creator. Satan's ministers (2 Corinthians 11:15) teach that man’s sins are so great and so bad that the only explanation for it is that they are born depraved (sinful nature). The practical consequence of the original sin false teaching is that sins are reduced, and the guilt for personal sin is transferred to our ancestors. And that man sins because that is his sinful nature; therefore, he must do it. This, of course, gives them license to sin. These false concepts contradict the Bible from cover to cover on man's responsibility, accountability to his Creator! 

In Genesis 3:16-19, we see the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin without any reference to an “original sin” that was to be inherited by Adam’s descendants. Such a fallacious concept contradicts all that the Bible teaches on the subject of sin! The Word of God never claims that because Adam sinned, he had a sinful nature. Much less does it say that all descendants after him had inherited such a sinful nature.

Indeed, Satan has always persuaded the carnal man to blame others for his sins.  And since Adam sinned, all his descendants also sinned, and all men inherit the supposed sinful nature of Adam. Thus, man is not morally responsible since he cannot choose between good and evil. According to this false doctrine, everyone (all mankind) is born sinful.  All babies are born utterly corrupt, depraved of all righteousness, and incapable of having a pure heart.  And he sins because he is a sinner and cannot help it.  And it is human to sin. This is what is called “original sin.”  That is why some (like the Catholics) practice "infant baptism," which, of course, is not in any sense Biblical or ordained by God.  Rather they make fun of the teachings of the New Testament over baptism, which is the immersion in water (for the sinner) for the forgiveness of his sins (Acts 2:38).

Satan has always made things chaotic for the Lord’s church.  He used the famous “St. Augustine,” the son of a Christian mother and pagan father.  He lived an immoral life searching for the most suitable path through several philosophies.  After his mother had died, he converted in 387 AD.  He became a monk and eventually the bishop of Hippo in northern Africa.  He was impressed with the moral depravity of man, which he believed to be inborn (influenced by his experiences and philosophy).  He also believed that the elect were predestined by God to obtain salvation.  He wrote a book named “Confessions,” where he retells his life story.  He is one of the most influential writers and teachers of the vast world of Catholicism/Protestantism.  He taught that because of Adam’s sin, everyone is guilty of “original sin.” And that man is born with a corrupt nature, sinful, totally depraved, unable to do good or righteousness, and believe in God.

II.   THE ROOT AND THE SOURCE OF MANY OTHER DOCTRINAL ERRORS:

 The doctrine of  "original sin" or "total depravity" is nothing but the wicked foundation for several other false doctrines as unavoidable consequences of this error. Consider them:

1. Unconditional election (or arbitrary predestination of some men and angels to salvation and others to condemnation).  
2. Irresistible Grace (the elect are regenerated only by the working of the Holy Spirit).
3. Perseverance of the saints (once saved, always saved, and that man can never fall from grace).

Having accepted the concept that man is born totally depraved of righteousness, the other four points of Calvinism are necessary to complete their theology.

The most popular false doctrines are:

• Salvation by faith alone.  They refuse to accept that "faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ"  (Romans 10:17). They rather twist Ephesians 2:8 to their own liking, saying that faith itself is not of our own doing, but rather, it is the gift of God.  How convenient it is to find Scriptures to suit our error!  The devil has succeeded in deceiving a multitude of people with this false teaching.   
• Infant baptism to take away original sin (Roman Catholic Church).   The baby is born with original sin, and since baptism is for the remission of sins (and it is according to them), then logically, the baby must be baptized (but instead of immersion, which is baptism, they only moisten the baby's forehead with a wet finger).  Such false teachers do not care about their lack of biblical authority for such so-called "infant baptism."
• Others teach that it does not matter what one believes.  For that reason, they deny that baptism is necessary for salvation.  Likewise, they dare to say that all churches are the same, and it is not essential to be a member of any church.  

The truth is that all these false doctrines are in one way or another related directly or indirectly to the fundamental error, that man is born corrupt, with a sinful nature. Then, he can do nothing to be saved, and whatever he does, it does not matter.  And if God wants to save him, he will be saved.  Therefore, once this false foundation is destroyed, the other false doctrines fall of their own weight.


III.   THE FALSE DOCTRINE OF THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD:

The false doctrine of original sin asserts that one diminishes and denies the sovereignty of God when he says that man has a free will and can obey out of his own will to be saved, and take part in the process of salvation.  On the contrary, we exalt the sovereignty of God when we emphasize man's obedience since this implies man's humiliation and the exaltation of God.


IV.   ALL BABIES ARE BORN INNOCENT AND PURE:

The Bible makes this clear!  Christ and the apostle Paul affirmed it as well.  Hence, the false doctrine that all babies are born sinful is a false doctrine.  Period!

In Matthew 18:3, Jesus said,

"And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."

False teachers believe they know more than our Heavenly Father when they brazenly claim that Christ did not understand original sin.

Matthew 19:14,

"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

 Now, if all children are born corrupt, sinful, then all that are in the kingdom of heaven are corrupt as well.  What do you think?

I Corinthians 14:20,

"Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature."

So if all infants are born corrupt, how is it then, that Paul says, "be infants in evil?" 

Galatians  4:4,

"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law.

If man is born a sinner, totally depraved, as many claim, then Jesus was born a corrupt sinner, totally depraved and inclined to do evil.  This is even revolting to the false teacher, and that is exactly why they feel compelled to invent some other false doctrines to correct their false teaching. One of these false and absurd doctrines is the "immaculate conception" of Mary.

Zachariah 12:1,

"The oracle of the word of the Lord concerning Israel: Thus declares the Lord, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him."

From this prophecy, we infer that the spirit of man is not corrupt.  It would be blasphemy to affirm that God could form an evil spirit in the baby or infant.  Those who teach such a thing must take heed!

My question:  Is the baby that is formed in the womb, the spirit, and body of a man, corrupted by God?  Even to ask such a question is an accusation and blasphemy of our God who forms the spirit of man within him!

Undoubtedly, the “god” of Catholicism and Calvinism (and other religions that teach this false doctrine) is not the God of love we find in the Bible  (I John 4:16).  “God is love.”  What kind of love would pervert or corrupt the spirit of a baby before he is born?

Genesis 6:5 speaks of the perversity and wickedness of man.  Notice that it does not say that man is born that way.  Verse 12 states, “God looked on the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth.”

Hebrews 12:9,

"Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?"

Acts 17:29-29,

"In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we are indeed his offspring.’ Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man."

Therefore, those who teach that we are born with a corrupt, evil spirit and sinful nature are blaming God! 


V.   SIN IS NOT INHERITED, IT IS COMMITTED:  

 “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.”   (I John 3:4)

• James 4:17:  “To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”  One sins when he disobeys the will of God. 

• Ezekiel 18:20:  “The soul that sinneth, it shall die: the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.”   

 Ezekiel 18 answers the complaint of the Jews that God unjustly punished the children for the sins of the parents. Ezekiel denies the premise of that complaint. Each one suffered the consequences of their own sins. No Scripture teaches that Adam’s descendants will inherit either the guilt or the corruption of their nature. A child is not born with a sinful nature. Every man will be judged for the sins that he himself has committed (2 Cor. 5:10).

The only consequences of the sins of Adam and Eve that we bear is physical death. In this present world, we have no access to the fruit of the tree of life in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:3; 17-19; Romans 5:17). I don’t see why those who teach “original sin” don’t read and take note of the phrase, “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Through one act of righteousness (He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross, Philippians 2:8) there was the result of justification for all men, if they take advantage of the Gospel plan of salvation. If we were to be consistent in applying Romans 5:17-19, then not only would all men be condemned unconditionally at birth in Adam, they would also be saved unconditionally forever through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ regardless of their response to His Grace and Mercy. The twisted “reasoning” of Catholicism and Protestantism (unconditional original sin) simply says that the righteousness of the one, Jesus Christ, resulted in unconditional universal salvation. The advocates of the “original sin” doctrine and “born with a sinful nature” simply are not consistent, or they would teach unconditional universal salvation.

CONCLUSION:

The study of Adam's sin has richly rewarded me because it pushed me beyond my knowledge in search of the truth on many aspects of a very troubling doctrine. I never stop marveling at just how much there is to learn from re-reading the Scriptures when one loves the Truth. It reminds me of Jesus' parable of the treasure hidden in a field which a man finds. He goes and sells all that he has to buy that field and rejoices to take possession of that treasure. That is how I often feel every time I am compelled to dig deeper into the Scriptures seeking God's riches. I pray that you may feel the same joy.

In John 3:16 Jesus said, 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

This Jehovah God obviously is not the god of those who support and teach this absurd doctrine of original sin. They know nothing about the salvation of "whoever believes in him."  

They reject what Jesus said in John 7:37.

"On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink."

 Notice it says, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink."  The god of Calvinism declares that man has no free will, therefore, even though he is thirsty, he still cannot come to Christ to receive the water of life on his own.  Amazing!

Another Scripture they ignore is Matthew 11:28 that says,

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Again, the god of Calvinism says that since man has no free will, he cannot accept Christ's invitation on his own.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.  (Revelation 3:20)

The god of Calvinism says that no one can respond to Christ's call but that the elect have to wait until the Holy Spirit works miraculously in their heart to regenerate them, and then God will give them the faith they need.  This is absurd!

They refuse to acknowledge that God shows no partiality "but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him"  (Acts 10:34-35).

The God of the Bible desires all men to come to the knowledge of Him that they might be saved.

The doctrine of original sin, total depravity, sinful nature are false doctrines.  Those who teach such doctrines are likewise false teachers who twist the Truth of God placing it and turning it on the instrument of torture until it says what they want it to say.  All of these false doctrines are nothing but a rotten foundation upon which many other false doctrines and practices rest.  They are the result of this fundamental error or false teaching.

These false doctrines have been invented by men to take away man's responsibility and accountability for their sins before their Creator.  However, God has revealed His will in a very simple and understandable way; giving or providing man with intelligence to understand it. He has also given man many other reasons to obey His will that he may receive the resulting blessings.  The doctrine of inherited sin is responsible for much of our lawlessness today.  Both Catholicism and Protestantism claim that man came to this condition unconditionally.  But that is not what Paul is saying!

In Philippians 2:8, Paul speaks of Christ’s work that undoes the consequences of sin:  

Through one act of righteousness (He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross, Philippians 2:8) there was the result of justification for all men, if they take advantage of the Gospel plan of salvation. If we were to be consistent in applying Romans 5:17-19, then not only would all men be condemned unconditionally at birth in Adam, they would also be saved unconditionally forever through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ regardless of their response to His Grace and Mercy. The twisted “reasoning” of Catholicism and Protestantism (unconditional original sin) simply says that the righteousness of the one, Jesus Christ, resulted in unconditional universal salvation. The advocates of the “original sin” doctrine and “born with a sinful nature” simply are not consistent, or they would teach unconditional universal salvation.

The power of God to save man is not an imaginary "enabling grace" but rather the glorious Gospel of Grace of His Son (Romans 1:16).  A Gospel that all men must hear, understand and obey.  The steps of such obedience are:  hear the Gospel, believe it, repent of sins, confess Christ as the Son of God, and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (being immersed in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).

My fervent prayer is that all those who have been taught error and false doctrines (which is but the invention and imagination of men to corrupt the purity and simplicity of the Gospel) may come to obey the Gospel with a humble heart that they might be saved.

Luci