Untitled Sermon (5)

Man was created free from sin, in perfect fellowship with God, and with a positive bent toward holiness (Gen. 1:26-30; Eccl. 7:29). Adam and Eve chose to sin, succumbing to the temptation of Satan (Gen. 3:4-5) in whom sin originated (1 Jn 3:8; Ezek. 28:13-16). Because of this rebellion against the revealed will and Word of God mankind came under the wrath of God (Rom. 1:18-20), under the curse of death (Rom. 6:23), and became inherently corrupt (Jer. 17:9). Because of this corruption man is thoroughly depraved, incapable of doing that which is acceptable to God apart from divine grace (Rom. 3:10-12).

The result of sin is spiritual death (1 Cor. 15:21-22; Eph. 2:1) and physical death (Gen. 3:19). Because of sin man experiences alienation from God and His subsequent wrath (Gen. 3:8-10; Rom. 5:10). Sin also results in the estrangement of men toward each other (Gen. 3:16; Eph. 2:12-16) and the corruption of the whole created order (Rom. 8:21-22).

Adam stood before God as a representative of all mankind, and in that capacity his sin was the legal ground for condemnation upon all mankind (Rom. 5:12-21). However, it is not simply the guilt of his sin which is imputed to all mankind, but also a corrupted nature which renders all men and women totally depraved in their entire being (Ps. 51:5; Rom. 8:7; Eph. 2:3) and totally unable to change this disposition toward sin and move toward God (Jn. 15:5; Rom. 8:8).

All men and women voluntarily and personally disobey God and thus cooperate with this sin nature (2 Chr. 6:36; Rom 3:23; Jas. 4:17). Though each person stands condemned in Adam (Rom. 5:18) each one will be judged in the final day according to his or her own sinful deeds (Ezek. 18:19-20; Rom. 2:5-6).

Humans were originally created in a state of positive holiness, in prefect fellowship with God (Gen. 1:31; 2:7-24). Through the wiles of Satan Eve was tempted and sinned, refusing to trust God's guidance and deciding by herself and for herself what was good and evil. Adam joined her willfully in that sin. (Gen. 3:1-6; 1 Tim. 2:13-14). Their sinful act destroyed the perfect fellowship, bringing spiritual and physical death upon them (Gen. 3:8-10).