Original Sin: The True Story
Original Sin: The True Story
An Brief Examination of Sin, Salvation, and Redemption in Christian Theology
The doctrine of Original Sin is a critical tenet within Christian theology, positing that humanity is intrinsically flawed due to the primordial transgression by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. This concept is deeply rooted in the writings of early Church Fathers and theologians, who sought to understand and explain the human condition in light of divine revelation.
In his seminal work, "The City of God," Augustine of Hippo expounds on the nature of Original Sin and its far-reaching consequences: "The deliberate sin committed by Adam has passed into his descendants by way of birth. Thus, each person is conceived in guilt and born into an inclination towards evil" (Book 13, Chapter 3). Augustine's insights laid the foundation for much of Western Christian thought on sin and grace.
Furthermore, in "Summa Theologica," Thomas Aquinas provides a meticulous analysis of Original Sin, emphasizing its impact on human nature: "Original Sin corrupts the soul by depriving it of original justice. Consequently, all humans inherit a nature that is deficient, inclined to disordered desires and actions" (Part I-II, Question 82, Article 1). Aquinas' scholastic approach further elucidates how the effects of Original Sin permeate every aspect of human existence.
This blog endeavors to scrutinize the origin, consequences, remedy, ramifications of rejecting the remedy for sin through Jesus Christ, and the eternal rewards of Salvation’s Plan employing a scriptural framework and analyzing pivotal terminologies through Hebrew and Greek etymology. Through this exploration, we aim to deepen our understanding of the theological implications of Original Sin and its redemption through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ.
The Origin of Original Sin
"Original sin" pertains to the initial act of disobedience perpetrated by Adam and Eve, as documented in Genesis 3:1-7. The Hebrew term for sin, חטא (chattah), translates to "miss the mark," denoting a deviation from God's command. Adam and Eve's consumption of the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, in defiance of God's explicit directive, precipitated the advent of sin and mortality into the human condition (Romans 5:12). The Apostle Paul further explicates this in 1 Corinthians 15:22, "For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive."
As John Stott elucidates in "The Cross of Christ," "The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man." This quote highlights the profound theological implications of original sin and its rectification through Jesus Christ. Augustine of Hippo, in "Confessions," reflects on the universality of sin: "Our hearts are restless until they rest in You." His insights underscore the inherent restlessness and estrangement caused by original sin.
The Consequences of Original Sin
The repercussions of this primordial act of insubordination are profound and extensive. Primarily, it engendered spiritual death, characterized by alienation from God. Genesis 3:23-24 elucidates Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden, emblematic of their estrangement from God. Furthermore, it instigated physical death within the human experience. The Greek term for death, θάνατος (thanatos), signifies the cessation of life as a consequence of sin (Romans 6:23). Hebrews 9:27 emphasizes this inevitability: "Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment."
Moreover, original sin exerts a pervasive influence on human nature. Psalm 51:5 asserts that humanity is born into sin, inheriting a sinful disposition from Adam. This notion is corroborated by Ephesians 2:1-3, which depicts humans as "dead in trespasses and sins." Jeremiah 17:9 also highlights the inherent sinfulness of the human heart: "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"
As theologian Wayne Grudem writes in "Systematic Theology," "In inherited sin, we are counted guilty because of Adam's sin; this is sometimes called 'imputed sin.'" This underscores the pervasive nature of original sin within human existence. Similarly, Cornelius Plantinga in "Not the Way It's Supposed to Be" remarks, "Sin is disruption of created harmony and then resistance to divine restoration of that harmony." This emphasizes the consequence of sin as a fundamental discord in creation.
The Remedy for Original Sin
Despite the bleak reality of sin, Christianity proffers a remedy through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Greek term for salvation, σωτηρία (soteria), encompasses deliverance and preservation from sin and its ramifications. John 3:16 encapsulates the essence of salvation: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Acts 4:12 reinforces the exclusivity of this salvation: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
Salvation is facilitated by God's grace, χάρις (charis), signifying unmerited favor. Ephesians 2:8-9 elucidates, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." Additionally, mercy, ἔλεος (eleos), reflects God's compassionate forbearance in withholding deserved punishment (Titus 3:5). Lamentations 3:22-23 extols God's mercy: "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
As theologian Alister McGrath writes in "Christian Theology: An Introduction," "Grace is God’s free and undeserved assistance given to humans for their regeneration and sanctification." This underscores the significance of grace in the process of salvation.
Jesus Christ's sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection are pivotal to this redemptive schema. Romans 5:8 avers, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." 1 Peter 2:24 expounds on the significance of Christ's atonement: "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." Through His atonement, forgiveness, ἄφεσις (aphesis), is conferred upon those who repent and place their faith in Him (Acts 2:38). Ephesians 1:7 underscores this provision: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace."
James R. White in "The God Who Justifies" elaborates on the doctrine of justification: "It is not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us." This highlights the indispensable role of divine mercy and grace in the attainment of salvation.
The Ramifications for Rejecting the Remedy
The rejection of the remedy for sin through Jesus Christ bears significant and eternal consequences. John 3:18 admonishes, "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." This condemnation entails eternal separation from God, often depicted as hell, a locus of punishment. Matthew 25:46 underscores the finality of this judgment: "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." As C.S. Lewis poignantly remarks in "The Problem of Pain," “The doors of hell are locked from the inside.”
Revelation 20:15 issues a solemn caution concerning the final judgment: "Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire." The Greek term for hell, γέεννα (geenna), connotes a domain of torment and perpetual estrangement from God. Mark 9:48 accentuates the horror of this place: "where 'the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched.'" In "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," Jonathan Edwards vividly describes the peril: “There is nothing that keeps wicked men at any one moment out of hell, but the mere pleasure of God.”
Furthermore, a life devoid of accepting Jesus Christ's salvation is characterized by persistent bondage to sin. Romans 6:16 explicates, "Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?" Galatians 5:1 urges believers to embrace their freedom in Christ: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." As John Bunyan elucidates in "The Pilgrim’s Progress," “He that is down needs fear no fall; He that is low no pride.”
The Eternal Rewards of Salvation’s Plan
Salvation through Jesus Christ not only averts eternal damnation but also brings numerous blessings and rewards. Firstly, believers are granted eternal life, as promised in John 3:16. This eternal life is a restored relationship with God, characterized by peace, joy, and fulfillment (Romans 6:23). As C.S. Lewis beautifully articulates in "The Weight of Glory," “The door on which we have been knocking all our lives will open at last.”
Secondly, salvation introduces believers to the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who guides, comforts, and empowers them for righteous living (John 14:26; Acts 1:8). As Wayne Grudem articulates in "Systematic Theology," “The Holy Spirit’s presence and work in believers is the source of their spiritual strength and transformation.”
Additionally, salvation ensures adoption into God's family, making believers heirs to His promises and blessings (Romans 8:15-17). Ephesians 1:3 affirms, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." J.I. Packer, in "Knowing God," notes, “Adoption is the highest privilege that the gospel offers: higher even than justification.”
Lastly, salvation brings the promise of ultimate victory over sin and death. 1 Corinthians 15:57 declares, "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." This victory is not only spiritual but also physical, culminating in the resurrection and eternal glorification of believers (Philippians 3:20-21). As John Piper eloquently states in "Future Grace," “The best news of the Christian gospel is that the supremely glorious Creator of the universe has acted in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection to remove every obstacle between us and Himself so that we may find everlasting joy in seeing and savoring His infinite beauty.”
Conclusion
The doctrine of Original Sin underscores the inherent sinfulness of humanity and the imperative need for divine intervention. The consequences of sin are severe, impacting both the spiritual and physical realms. I come back to Augustine’s eloquently stated in his "Confessions," "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." This restlessness reflects the deep yearning within every human soul for reconciliation with God.
Through Jesus Christ, there is the prospect of redemption, salvation, and eternal life. As expressed in C.S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity," "The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God." This profound transformation offers hope and restoration to a broken world. The refusal to accept this divine remedy results in eternal ramifications, underscoring the urgency of embracing God's grace and mercy.
Moreover, as J.I. Packer writes in "Knowing God," "There is unspeakable comfort in knowing that God is constantly taking knowledge of me in love and watching over me for my good." This assurance of God's unwavering love provides believers with the strength to live out their faith and share His love with others.
As believers, we are exhorted to live in accordance with this truth, continually seeking God's forgiveness and extending His love to others. John 15:5 reminds us, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." This metaphor emphasizes the importance of a close relationship with Christ, enabling us to bear spiritual fruit and positively impact the world around us.
Coming to faith in Jesus Christ is a simple yet profound act of trust and surrender. Romans 10:9 assures us, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." This simplicity is echoed by C.S. Lewis in "Mere Christianity," where he states, “To have faith in Christ means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice.” It is through this childlike faith that one enters into a relationship with Jesus, embracing His love and grace.
