The Fall of Man: Understanding Sin and Salvation

Summary

In our exploration of the doctrine of the fall of man, we delved into the profound transformation that occurred from the state of man as created in God's image to the fallen state we observe today. This transformation, as recounted in Genesis 3, brought immediate consequences, such as the curse upon the serpent, the increased sorrow in childbirth for women, and the cursing of the ground, which now yields thorns and thistles, making human labor arduous. These are not just historical events but have ongoing implications for all of creation, as Paul notes in Romans 8:20, where creation is subjected to frustration and awaits liberation from its bondage to decay.

We then turned our attention to the universality of sin, a condition that affects all of Adam's descendants. This universality is acknowledged by various worldviews, though not all label it as sin. The Bible, however, provides a clear explanation: sin is a moral and ethical evil, a deviation from God's will, and it is deeply rooted in the human heart. Sin is not merely a series of actions but a condition that precedes and influences those actions. It is a state of being that affects every part of human nature—body, soul, and spirit.

The doctrine of original sin explains how this condition has been transmitted from Adam to all humanity. Two main theories attempt to explain this transmission: the Realistic theory, which posits that all humanity was present in Adam, and the Federal Headship theory, which views Adam as the representative of the human race. Both theories highlight the biblical teaching that Adam's sin has been imputed to all his descendants, resulting in both original guilt and original pollution.

Understanding original sin is crucial for grasping the biblical doctrine of salvation. Just as Adam's sin was imputed to us, so is Christ's righteousness imputed to believers, offering justification and life. This parallel underscores the grace of God in salvation, a grace that is freely given and not earned by human effort.

Key Takeaways:

- The fall of man brought immediate and lasting consequences, affecting not only humanity but all of creation. This curse is evident in the toil and suffering experienced in the world today, reminding us of the need for redemption and restoration. [04:29]

- Sin is a universal condition that affects every human being. It is not merely a series of actions but a deep-seated condition that influences our thoughts, desires, and actions. Recognizing this helps us understand the depth of our need for salvation. [09:51]

- The Bible describes sin as a moral and ethical evil, a deviation from God's will. It is an absolute condition, with no middle ground between good and evil. This understanding challenges us to examine our lives in light of God's holiness. [14:00]

- Original sin explains the universality of sin and its transmission from Adam to all humanity. This doctrine highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for a Savior who can redeem us from its consequences. [19:04]

- The imputation of Adam's sin to humanity parallels the imputation of Christ's righteousness to believers. This profound truth emphasizes the grace of God in salvation, offering hope and assurance to those who trust in Christ. [41:34]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to the Fall of Man
- [00:46] - Immediate Consequences of the Fall
- [01:37] - Curse on the Serpent
- [02:10] - Consequences for Women
- [02:49] - Curse on the Ground
- [03:54] - Creation's Subjection to Frustration
- [05:03] - Universality of Sin
- [06:34] - Inadequate Explanations of Sin
- [07:16] - Biblical Assertions of Sin
- [09:17] - Sin's Effect on Human Nature
- [10:12] - Definition and Character of Sin
- [14:00] - Sin's Absolute Character
- [15:08] - Sin's Relation to God
- [17:04] - Sin as a Condition
- [19:04] - Original Sin and Its Transmission
- [20:49] - Theories of Sin's Transmission
- [26:53] - Federal Headship Theory
- [31:34] - Doctrine of Original Sin
- [36:31] - Original Guilt and Pollution
- [41:34] - Imputation and Salvation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 3:14-19
2. Romans 8:20-21
3. Romans 5:12-19

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Observation Questions:

1. What immediate consequences did the fall of man bring upon creation as described in Genesis 3:14-19? How do these consequences manifest in the world today? [01:05]

2. According to Romans 8:20-21, how is creation affected by the fall, and what is it waiting for? [03:54]

3. In Romans 5:12-19, how does Paul describe the relationship between Adam's sin and the universality of sin in humanity? [36:31]

4. What are the two main theories mentioned in the sermon that explain the transmission of original sin from Adam to all humanity? [20:49]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the curse on the ground in Genesis 3:17-19 reflect the ongoing struggle and toil in human labor today? What does this suggest about the nature of work in a fallen world? [02:49]

2. Romans 8:20-21 speaks of creation's subjection to frustration. How might this passage inform our understanding of environmental issues and the hope for future restoration? [03:54]

3. In Romans 5:12-19, Paul draws a parallel between Adam's disobedience and Christ's obedience. How does this comparison help us understand the concept of imputation in Christian theology? [38:13]

4. The sermon discusses the universality of sin and its deep-rooted nature in humanity. How does this understanding challenge common societal explanations for human behavior? [05:20]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced the "thorns and thistles" of life, as described in Genesis 3:18. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in light of the hope for redemption? [02:49]

2. Considering Romans 8:20-21, what practical steps can you take to care for creation while also holding onto the hope of its future liberation? [03:54]

3. How does the concept of original sin influence your view of human nature and your interactions with others? Are there specific relationships where this understanding could change your approach? [19:04]

4. The sermon highlights the imputation of Christ's righteousness to believers. How does this truth impact your daily life and your sense of identity as a Christian? [41:34]

5. In what ways can you actively seek to align your actions with God's will, recognizing sin as a deviation from it? Identify one area in your life where you can make a change this week. [10:12]

6. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of the universality of sin in your community, and what role can you play in addressing its effects? [05:20]

7. Reflect on the grace of God in salvation as discussed in the sermon. How can you share this message of hope and assurance with someone in your life who may not yet know it? [41:34]

Devotional

Day 1: The Consequences of the Fall

The fall of man, as described in Genesis 3, resulted in immediate and lasting consequences that extend beyond humanity to all of creation. The curse upon the serpent, the increased pain in childbirth for women, and the cursing of the ground are not merely historical events but have ongoing implications. These consequences manifest in the toil and suffering experienced in the world today, serving as a constant reminder of the need for redemption and restoration. The Apostle Paul echoes this in Romans 8:20, where he speaks of creation being subjected to frustration and awaiting liberation from its bondage to decay. This understanding calls us to recognize the brokenness of the world and our role in seeking God's redemptive work. [04:29]

"For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God." (Romans 8:20-21, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways do you see the consequences of the fall affecting your daily life and the world around you? How can you participate in God's work of redemption and restoration today?

Day 2: The Universality of Sin

Sin is a universal condition that affects every human being, not just as a series of actions but as a deep-seated condition that influences thoughts, desires, and actions. This understanding helps us grasp the depth of our need for salvation. The Bible describes sin as a moral and ethical evil, a deviation from God's will, deeply rooted in the human heart. Recognizing this universality challenges us to confront the reality of sin in our lives and the world, acknowledging our need for a Savior who can redeem us from its consequences. [09:51]

"Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned." (Romans 5:12, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you see the influence of sin. How can you invite God into that area to bring healing and transformation?

Day 3: Sin as a Moral and Ethical Evil

The Bible presents sin as a moral and ethical evil, a deviation from God's will, with no middle ground between good and evil. This absolute nature of sin challenges us to examine our lives in light of God's holiness. Sin is not just about wrong actions but a condition that affects every part of human nature—body, soul, and spirit. Understanding sin in this way calls us to a deeper awareness of our need for God's grace and the transformative power of His holiness in our lives. [14:00]

"Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." (James 4:17, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision or action. Did it align with God's will and holiness? How can you seek to align your future decisions with God's moral and ethical standards?

Day 4: The Doctrine of Original Sin

The doctrine of original sin explains the universality of sin and its transmission from Adam to all humanity. This doctrine highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for a Savior who can redeem us from its consequences. Two main theories, the Realistic theory and the Federal Headship theory, attempt to explain this transmission, both emphasizing that Adam's sin has been imputed to all his descendants. Understanding original sin is crucial for grasping the biblical doctrine of salvation, as it underscores the depth of our need for redemption. [19:04]

"Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me." (Psalm 51:5, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding the concept of original sin change your perspective on your need for a Savior? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Christ today?

Day 5: Imputation and Salvation

The imputation of Adam's sin to humanity parallels the imputation of Christ's righteousness to believers. This profound truth emphasizes the grace of God in salvation, offering hope and assurance to those who trust in Christ. Just as Adam's sin was imputed to us, so is Christ's righteousness imputed to believers, offering justification and life. This parallel underscores the grace of God in salvation, a grace that is freely given and not earned by human effort. [41:34]

"For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous." (Romans 5:19, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on the concept of imputation. How does knowing that Christ's righteousness is imputed to you change the way you view your relationship with God? How can you live out this truth in your daily life?

Quotes

I would remind you that last Friday evening we began our consideration of the doctrine of the fall of men we looked at the modern world and we saw that there was a very great difference between the picture we see there and the picture that we had looked at the previous week when we looked at men as created by God in his own image and likeness and set in the Garden of Eden in Paradise and we considered together the uh account which is given in the third chapter of the Book of Genesis of what produced the difference the fall of men the first sin and we went on to trace some of the immediate consequences some of the things that happened at once in the case of Adam and Eve. [00:01:19]

The curse that was pronounced upon the serpent you find that in the 14th verse of the third chapter of Genesis and the Lord God said unto the serpent because thou Hast done this Thou Art cursed above all cattle and above every beast of the field upon thy belly shalt thou go and dust Thou shalt eat all the days of thy life and I I will put enmity between thee and the woman and between thy seed and her seed it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel. [00:65:24]

Cursed is the ground for thy sake in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life Thorns also also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee and thou shalt eat the herb of the field and then it goes on to say something which we did consider last time in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat thy bread now this again is a consequence that followed as the result of the fall of men because of men's fall the very Earth was cursed and thorns and Briars came into being and into existence increasing men's toil and effort confronting him with a Perpetual problem. [00:165:44]

We are face to face with effect of the universality of sin now this is something that is rarely agreed upon by all they don't all call it sin some are not willing to call it sin but in various ways all people whether they are Christian or not have to admit and to grant that there is something universally wrong with men everywhere doesn't matter where you find him it doesn't matter how primitive he may be whether he's civilized or uncivilized there is something in men which is clearly lacking there is something which causes misery and unhappiness. [00:306:36]

The Bible asserts this fact of the universality of sin everywhere right through in its teaching I'll simply select certain well-known passages more or less at at random in order to show you how it does so take the great statement in the 53rd of Isaiah and the 6th verse all we like sheep have gone astray all of us but in many ways of course the classical statement of this Doctrine is the one which we've already read together in the third chapter of the epistle to the Romans the Apostle goes on repeating it there is none righteous no not one the whole world has been found guilty all have sinned and come short of the glory of God there's no exception. [00:436:52]

The Bible teaches clearly that sin is a special kind of evil now you you can have evil which in a sense isn't sin I mean by that that evil can be something general something physical perhaps calamities and things like that now that's a manifestation of evil but not a necessity of sin what is the difference then well it's this sin is moral or ethical evil not evil in general but a particular kind of evil ethical evil moral evil and the Bible has quite a number of terms which it uses in order to describe sin. [00:623:27]

Sin is moral or ethical evil not evil in general but a particular kind of evil ethical evil moral evil and the Bible has quite a number of terms which it uses in order to describe sin here they are it has a word for sin which means missing the Mark or deviating from the right way that's a word that it uses very frequently a man sins he misses the mark he deviates from the right way another word which it uses which is translated as Sin means an absence s of want of Integrity being true and whole a want of rectitude a departure from the appointed pathway. [00:647:68]

The Bible always defines sin in terms of our relationship to God that is where the biblical concept of sin must be differentiated so sharply from moral ideas which don't derive from the Bible itself God is always in involved and what makes sin sin is that it's a wrong relationship to God it is man in a condition in which he doesn't live love God and live entirely for God's glory and for God's honor always related to God another thing that it always emphasizes this is the fourth is that it is something that's in the heart of men not something on the surface of men's life but right down in the very depths it is out of the heart that pred EV thoughts murders adulteries and so on. [00:911:32]

Sin does not consist of actions only but essentially in a condition now there are those who have defined sin only in terms of actions and they have forgotten that it is a condition before it man itself in acts in other words it's a good way I think to think of it in this way first of all we are in a sinful State because we are in a sinful State we tend to develop sinful habits and because we are creatures of sinful habits we indulge in Deeds or in Acts of sin that's the way to look at it in layers if you like the whole state and condition is sinful that leads to these habits of which we are so constantly guilty. [00:1000:39]

The Bible tells us that it is all directly due to the sin of Adam that all this has resulted directly as a a consequence from that original sin which we were considering together last week now there are those I say who don't accept that they say that what happens is that we are all born into the world in a kind of neutral condition but we immediately see the bad example that is set for others and we imitate it and thereby we sin that's a denial of the biblical doctrine of original sin that does not connect it directly with Adam but it says that Adam left a bad example which was followed by others and this process of imitation has continued ever since we mustn't think of it like that if we want to be biblical. [00:1159:12]

The first theory is which is generally called The Realistic theory that sin is universal because the whole of human nature was in Adam God made Adam Adam the argument is is the whole of human nature entire Humanity was resident in Adam therefore it argues that when Adam sinned and when Adam fell the whole of human nature fell with him all human nature itself comes out of that original human nature which was in Adam if that fell therefore all that has come out of it must of necessity have fallen but not only that it all fell in Adam at that one moment. [00:1261:12]

The second theory tells us that we have all inherited this sin and that sin has become Universal because Adam was not only the natural head of the human race but that God made a covenant with him and appointed him as the representative of the human race that God made men and said now you are going to represent the H of humanity and I'll make a covenant with you if you do what I tell you I will bless you and you'll grow and develop and eventually you will reach that full maturity but on the other hand if you fail not only Will you fail but all who will come out of you and all whom you represent will fail in the same way it says that Adam was the kind of federal representative of the entire human race that God regarded him and appointed him as such and therefore anything that Adam did will have con consequences for all who come out of Adam and therefore when Adam fell we all suffer the consequences. [00:1604:12]

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Transcript

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