Condemnation: Universal, Caused by the Offense of Adam
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The concept of universal condemnation due to the offense of Adam is a foundational doctrine in Christian theology, rooted in the narrative of the Fall as described in the Book of Genesis and expounded upon in the New Testament. This doctrine asserts that through Adam's transgression, sin entered the world, resulting in the condemnation of all humanity.

The Fall of Man

The account of the Fall is found in Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve, the first humans, disobey God's command by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This act of disobedience is not merely a personal failure but a pivotal event with cosmic repercussions. As the federal head of humanity, Adam's sin is imputed to all his descendants, introducing sin and death into the human experience.

Scriptural Basis

The Apostle Paul provides a theological exposition of this doctrine in his epistle to the Romans. In Romans 5:12 , Paul writes, "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned." This verse underscores the universality of sin and death as a direct consequence of Adam's transgression.

Further, in Romans 5:18-19 , Paul elaborates, "So then, just as one trespass brought condemnation for all men, so also one act of righteousness brought justification and life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous." Here, Paul contrasts the condemnation brought by Adam with the justification available through Jesus Christ, highlighting the redemptive plan of God.

Theological Implications

The doctrine of universal condemnation emphasizes the inherent sinfulness of humanity and the need for divine intervention. It underscores the belief that all humans are born with a sinful nature, a condition often referred to as "original sin." This inherent sinfulness necessitates salvation, which, according to Christian doctrine, is made possible through the atoning work of Jesus Christ.

The universality of condemnation also serves to highlight the grace and mercy of God. While all are condemned through Adam, the offer of salvation through Christ is extended to all, demonstrating God's love and justice. This duality of condemnation and redemption is central to the Christian understanding of salvation history.

Historical and Doctrinal Context

Throughout church history, the doctrine of original sin and universal condemnation has been affirmed by various Christian traditions. The early church fathers, such as Augustine, articulated the concept of inherited sin, which was later codified in the doctrines of the Western Church. The Protestant Reformation further emphasized the total depravity of man and the necessity of grace for salvation.

In summary, the universal condemnation caused by the offense of Adam is a key tenet of Christian theology, illustrating the profound impact of the Fall and the subsequent need for redemption through Jesus Christ. This doctrine not only explains the presence of sin and death in the world but also points to the hope of salvation and restoration through divine grace.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Romans 5:12,16,18
Why, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed on all men, for that all have sinned:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Helvetic Consensus Formula. AD 1675.
... and foreknowledge of God, whereby he caused all things ... to admit that the idea of
a universal grace, by ... of unsoundness, and desired a formal condemnation of the ...
/.../ 61 the helvetic consensus.htm

Not Now, but Hereafter!
... days ago upon the accidents, has caused considerable consternation ... that God is only
a universal Father, but ... more be heard the threat of condemnation, and when ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/not now but hereafter.htm

A Solemn Embassy
... I am sure the tidings must have caused the utmost ... From condemnation he is, therefore,
free; of salvation he ... proclaim an indemnity of such universal import that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/a solemn embassy.htm

The Universality of Actual Grace
... This is evident from the condemnation, by Pope ... in mind the sentence of the Universal
Judge: "Come ... hypothetical predestination, which fact has caused the theory ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/section 3 the universality of.htm

Examination of the Treatise
... and joined with justice in glorification and condemnation, and He ... itself being, in
the mean time, caused both by ... is said to be "a rock of offense, even them ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/examination of the treatise.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... In this condemnation there is no reproach of the law ... destroyed thousands of men for
a slight offense, or for ... wife of his soldier Uriah, and caused Uriah himself ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

Formula Concordi??.
... literis nequaquam, sunt ??quiparanda, sed universal, illis ita ... There is therefore
now no condemnation to them ... this bald phrase, full of offense and pernicious ...
/.../schaff/the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/formula concordiae.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... The thought never won universal acceptance even among philosophers; it had only
an ... wrath which is the hotter because it involves a moral condemnation, and the ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

Resources
What are indulgences and plenary indulgences and is the concept biblical? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Tatian of Adiabene? | GotQuestions.org

Does God punish us when we sin? | GotQuestions.org

Condemnation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Condemnation

Condemnation of the Wicked, an Example

Condemnation: According to Men's Deserts

Condemnation: Apostates Ordained To

Condemnation: Chastisements are Designed to Rescue Us From

Condemnation: Conscience Testifies to the Justice of

Condemnation: Increased by Hypocrisy

Condemnation: Increased by Impenitence

Condemnation: Increased by Oppression

Condemnation: Increased by Pride

Condemnation: Increased by Unbelief

Condemnation: Inseparable Consequence of Sin

Condemnation: Saints are Delivered From, by Christ

Condemnation: The Law is the Ministration of

Condemnation: The Law Testifies to the Justice of

Condemnation: The Sentence of God Against Sin

Condemnation: Unbelievers Remain Under

Condemnation: Universal, Caused by the Offense of Adam

Related Terms

Self-condemned (1 Occurrence)

Condemn (43 Occurrences)

Condemnation (30 Occurrences)

Damnation (11 Occurrences)

Witness (295 Occurrences)

Susanna (1 Occurrence)

Divination (25 Occurrences)

Opposed (23 Occurrences)

Justified (46 Occurrences)

Lie (291 Occurrences)

Believeth (42 Occurrences)

Augury (5 Occurrences)

Amulet

Slander (34 Occurrences)

Sanhedrin (19 Occurrences)

Appeal (30 Occurrences)

Debt (48 Occurrences)

Sinner (88 Occurrences)

Innocent (97 Occurrences)

Begotten (77 Occurrences)

Adoration

Drunkenness (10 Occurrences)

Zephaniah (11 Occurrences)

Sinful (61 Occurrences)

Doubt (49 Occurrences)

Separate (115 Occurrences)

Abstinence (2 Occurrences)

Imputation

Images (158 Occurrences)

Pastoral

Guilty (131 Occurrences)

King (25505 Occurrences)

Delivered (427 Occurrences)

Act (204 Occurrences)

Gospels

Judged (201 Occurrences)

Release (61 Occurrences)

Commandment (209 Occurrences)

Targum

Vow (49 Occurrences)

Verdict (7 Occurrences)

Zechariah (55 Occurrences)

Kadesh (30 Occurrences)

Know (8133 Occurrences)

Knowledge

Nicolaitans (2 Occurrences)

Nicodemus (5 Occurrences)

Unseen (18 Occurrences)

Ungodly (41 Occurrences)

Ordinary (17 Occurrences)

Oppose (29 Occurrences)

Offers (35 Occurrences)

Opposing (13 Occurrences)

Oracularly (2 Occurrences)

Opposes (7 Occurrences)

Overthrow (48 Occurrences)

Judgement (68 Occurrences)

Jambres (2 Occurrences)

Jannes (2 Occurrences)

Justly (22 Occurrences)

Leads (64 Occurrences)

Lifting (157 Occurrences)

Levi (79 Occurrences)

Lawless (16 Occurrences)

Leg (24 Occurrences)

Lying (203 Occurrences)

Guiltless (29 Occurrences)

Gomorrha (5 Occurrences)

Gomorrah (25 Occurrences)

Grudge (11 Occurrences)

Gravity (3 Occurrences)

Godly (50 Occurrences)

Groans (9 Occurrences)

Godless (31 Occurrences)

Golgotha (4 Occurrences)

Wrongdoer (16 Occurrences)

Warped (3 Occurrences)

Won't (144 Occurrences)

Worthy (92 Occurrences)

Condemnation: Unbelievers Remain Under
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