Why we have NOT inherited a sin nature from Adam

In this short article I use the scriptures to challenge Augustine of Hippos's doctrine of Original Sin or the notion that we are born with a "sinful nature" inherited from Adam, as commonly taught in the church world today.

1 John 3:4

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: For sin is the transgression of the law

We can see in this verse is that sin is a moral choice, it’s a choice to transgress or break God’s law, not a physical substance that can be passed from one person to another.

In order to “inherit” a sin nature from Adam it would have to be passed on through DNA.

Sin does not dwell in our DNA, it does not abide in our flesh or blood because it is a moral choice.

When we look at the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis we find that they started out innocent. Then the commandment came, “don’t eat of the tree in the midst of the garden”. 

When Adam and Eve knowingly transgressed that law, they committed sin and were cast out of the garden, representing spiritual death.

We see this same pattern described in Romans 7:7-13 particularly verse 9 where Paul said

For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came sin revived and I died

Just as Adam and Eve were born spiritually “alive” then “died” as a result of wilful sin, Paul said I was “alive once” but when the law came I “died”.

I think Paul is talking about being innocent as a child, then reaching the age of understanding at which point the “law” revealed sin to be “exceeding sinful” (vs 13)

To “knowingly” transgress God’s law, results in spiritual death.

Let’s go to Romans 5:12

Wherefore by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for all have sinned

Notice here that sin did not enter into mankind, rather into the world meaning Adam and Eve were the first people in the world to commit sin.

Also, why did death pass upon all men? Because all have sinned.

Remember spiritual death is the result of wilful sin.

Rom. 5:3

For until the law sin was in the world but sin is not imputed where there is no law

“Sin is the transgression of the law” which means technically a child can transgress God’s law, for example lie, but until they reach the age of understanding, they are not held accountable for their sin. 

The law opens our eyes so we begin to feel morally accountable for our behaviours. This is when transgressing God’s law becomes wilful.  

Back to Romans 5:18&19

By the offence of one judgement came upon all men to condemnation

By the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life

For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners 

So by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous  

The “free gift” came upon all men in the sense that it’s offered to all men (Titus 2:11)

but are all men made righteous by Christ’s obedience? No, because not all receive the gift.

Rom. 5:19 many be made righteous… MANY but not ALL are made righteous.

Similarly, because of Adam’s disobedience were all men made sinners?

Rom. 5:19 …many were made sinners…MANY but not ALL were made sinners

Therefore we did not all inherit a sinful nature from Adam.

What we do have are natural appetites and instincts that are not sinful in themselves but can lead to sin.

I think this is what Paul is describing in Romans 7:22-24

For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. o wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

The answer to his question is explained in the following chapter. 

Romans 8:13

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 

When we mortify or “put to death” the appetites and instincts of our flesh, the Holy Spirit strengthens our inner man to rule over them.

Ephesians 3:16

That he would grant you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

God bless