How does Romans 3:10 align with the doctrine of original sin? Old Testament Source and Intertextual Echoes Paul conflates Psalm 14:1-3 and Psalm 53:1-3 (LXX numbering), passages that describe humanity’s corruption after the Fall. The Septuagint wording closely matches Paul’s Greek, showing deliberate appropriation. Dead Sea Scrolls (e.g., 11QPs a) preserve Psalm 14 in nearly identical form, confirming textual stability from the third century BC to Paul’s time. Exegetical Analysis of “None Righteous” 1. “None” (οὐκ ἔστιν): an absolute negative in Koine Greek, leaving no exception for age, ethnicity, or moral effort. 2. “Righteous” (δίκαιος): covenantal and forensic term; a person conforming perfectly to God’s standard. 3. “Not even one” intensifies the universality already implied, closing any loophole. Pauline Theology and the Universality of Sin Paul’s argument springs from Genesis 3. When Adam sinned, he represented humanity (cf. Romans 5:12). Thus all are “under sin” (ὑφ’ ἁμαρτίαν), enslaved in both status and practice. Romans 3:10 is the linchpin demonstrating that the problem is not merely social but constitutional. Doctrine of Original Sin: Historical Overview • Genesis 2-3: Adam’s transgression introduces death and corruption (3:19). • Job 14:4; Psalm 51:5 show awareness of inherited impurity. • Early Fathers: Irenaeus (Against Heresies 3.23.1) calls Adam’s sin the “captivity” of all; Augustine (Confessions 1.7) articulates concupiscence as transmitted guilt. • Councils: Carthage (AD 418) affirms infants need baptism because of original sin. Romans 3:10 Within the Framework of Original Sin Paul’s Psalm citation is not random proof-texting; it supplies the biblical premise that fallen humanity lacks inherent righteousness. Romans 5:12-19 explicates the mechanism—sin enters through one man, and death through sin, “because all sinned.” Thus Romans 3:10 is the experiential diagnosis; Romans 5 is the theological pathology report. Imputation of Adam’s Sin Romans 5:18 : “Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all men…” The forensic language parallels Romans 3:10’s legal verdict. The depravity shown in Psalm 14 is the evidence; Adamic imputation is the judicial basis. Without inherited guilt, Paul’s sweeping “none” would collapse under the weight of counter-examples (e.g., infants). Scripture offers none. Genetic Unity and a Historical Adam Mitochondrial DNA studies indicate a single maternal ancestor (“Mitochondrial Eve”), while Y-chromosome analyses suggest a single paternal lineage. Though secular timelines differ, the genetic bottleneck affirms mankind’s common descent, matching Genesis 3’s federal headship model. The recent discovery of low human genetic entropy (Sanford, 2014) also implies a limited number of generations, resonating with a Ussher-style chronology. Theological Implications: Necessity of a Savior If no one is righteous, salvation must be extrinsic. Romans 3:21-22 introduces “a righteousness of God…through faith in Jesus Christ.” The resurrection (Romans 4:25) validates this provision, answering the guilt established by verse 10. The historicity of the empty tomb, attested by multiple independent sources (1 Corinthians 15:3-7; Synoptic Gospels; early creedal material dated within five years of the event), demonstrates God’s acceptance of Christ’s atoning work. Practical Application • Evangelism: Verse 10 supplies the first step—show the need. Ray Comfort’s “Good Person Test” operationalizes this principle. • Counseling: Understanding sin’s root prevents mere behavior modification and points to regeneration (Titus 3:5). • Sanctification: Believers acknowledge ongoing struggle with indwelling sin (Romans 7), driving dependence on the Spirit (Romans 8:13). Conclusion Romans 3:10 is a concise biblical affirmation of original sin. By declaring the absence of innate righteousness, it aligns perfectly with the doctrine that Adam’s guilt and corruption permeate humanity. Textual integrity, intertextual links, behavioral evidence, genetic unity, and the resurrection’s remedy together render the verse—and the doctrine it undergirds—coherent, compelling, and authoritative. |
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