Topical Encyclopedia 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 5:12,16,18Why, 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. Not Now, but Hereafter! A Solemn Embassy The Universality of Actual Grace Examination of the Treatise Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... Formula Concordi??. A Traveler's Note-Book Resources What are indulgences and plenary indulgences and is the concept biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Tatian of Adiabene? | GotQuestions.org Does God punish us when we sin? | GotQuestions.org Condemnation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics 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 |