The Estate of Sin

Q. 17. Into what estate did the fall bring mankind?
A. The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery.

Question 17 gives us two categories for understanding the consequences of the Fall. Adam’s first sin brought about an estate of both sin and misery. Question 18 deals with the first part of that: the sinfulness of man’s estate.

Q. 18. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell?
A. The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell consists in the guilt of Adam’s first sin, the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of his whole nature, which is commonly called original sin; together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it.

The estate of sin consist of both original sin and actual sin. Actual sin is what happens when we, by our own wills, violate God’s law. Actual sin are the sinful things we do. But remember that sin is both about doing and being. Original sin deals with the being part.

Original sin consists of three parts. First, original sin includes the guilt of Adam’s first sin. Romans 5:15 tells us that “many died through one man’s trespass.” The way Paul reasons in Romans 5 is to say that since all people suffer the consequence of Adam’s first sin, then all people are guilty of Adam’s first sin. This may not strike us as fair, but remember that Adam represented the whole human race in the covenant of works. Therefore, we say that Adam’s sin is imputed (accounted or credited) to us. Although none of us committed the particular of sin, it is counted to us as if we did because of his federal headship.

We think in these terms all the time. If the President of the United States decides to shoot missiles at another country, then we can rightly say that the United States did it, since he is their representative. While the order didn’t come from every individual citizen, since the President the head of state, we are responsible for his actions to a degree. And if the other country retaliates, we face the consequences.

Second, original sin includes the want (or lack) of original righteousness. When Adam was created, he was created in perfection. He was righteous, not because he did anything good, but because God only creates good things. It wasn’t a state he earned, but something he was given. But when Adam sinned, he gave up that gift of perfection and was then unable to share that gift with any of his offspring. As a result, from the moment we are conceived, we lack the righteousness that Adam had at first.

Third, original sin is not only a lack of righteousness, but a continuing corruption. After the Fall, our hearts are crooked and wicked by nature. We are by nature children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3). The thoughts and intentions of our hearts are only evil continually (Genesis 6:5). And from this natural corruption comes all actual sin (James 1:14-15).

So the estate of sin is a sorry place to be, but understanding this state helps us understand what we need. Since we have inherited the sin of Adam, we need another legal representative to take that sin. Since we have lost original righteousness, we need a new Mediator to impute his own righteousness to us and renew the gift that Adam scorned. Since our natures have been corrupted, we need a special work of God to straighten us out and root out that corruption. The gospel of Jesus Christ, of course, is the answer to all of those problems.

Updates

Be sure to be preparing for communion this coming Lord’s Day. A good practice is to review Larger Catechism 171:

Q. 171. How are they that receive the sacrament of the Lord’s supper to prepare themselves before they come unto it?
A. They that receive the sacrament of the Lord’s supper are, before they come, to prepare themselves thereunto, by examining themselves of their being in Christ, of their sins and wants; of the truth and measure of their knowledge, faith, repentance; love to God and the brethren, charity to all men, forgiving those that have done them wrong; of their desires after Christ, and of their new obedience; and by renewing the exercise of these graces, by serious meditation, and fervent prayer.

The Community Thanksgiving Service will be at 5 PM on Sunday. The choir is meeting at 4. Be sure to bring your food, and be ready to help us host!
Remember the congregational meeting scheduled for December 8th.

Your friend in Christ,
Reid