Q. 12. In what condition are we born because of Adam’s sin?

• AOR 9
• Heidelberg Catechism 7
• WCF 6.2, 4
• Belgic Confession 15

Conceived and born. The corruption of human nature is commonly called original sin or inherited depravity because it originated with Adam’s sin and it is passed down to his descendents. Jesus Christ, who was supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary, was free from original sin and able to be our pure and spotless sacrifice for sin (AOR 15).

Human nature … all parts. Original sin is sometimes called total depravity or entire depravity to emphasize that the fall resulted in “the entire depravation of the whole human nature” (Wesley, Sermon 44, “Original Sin”). John Wesley wrote of “that entire depravity and corruption which by nature spreads itself over the whole man leaving no part uninfected” (Notes on the Bible, Romans 6:6). The word “total” in the term “total depravity” does not mean that human beings are as depraved as they could be; it means that every part and faculty of human nature—the body and soul, mind, affections, and will—is corrupted by sin.

Corrupt. When it is said that human beings have a “sinful nature,” “sinful” is an adjective that describes the corrupt condition of human nature. It is improper to speak of a “sin nature” (compound noun), since human beings do not have a second nature that was added when Adam sinned. Sin is not a substance. Our need is for our whole human nature to be cleansed and renewed after the image of God (see Q. 53). In the incarnation, Christ assumed a whole human nature for its healing (see Q. 30).

Original righteousness. Human beings were created in a morally perfect condition, which is characterized in Genesis 2:25 as being naked and unashamed—fully known, yet without fear or embarrassment because of their perfect innocence.

Inclined towards evil. We are inclined to gratify our desires in ways which God has forbidden. We are curved inward on ourselves (incurvatus in se) instead of outward in love for God and neighbor.

Continually. Apart from the love of God poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5), our mind, heart, and will are continually set on evil. Sanctification renews our affections, desires, and inclinations (see Q. 53).