How does Romans 3:9 connect with the concept of original sin in Genesis? Romans 3:9 in Focus “What then? Are we better? Not at all. We have already made the charge that Jews and Greeks alike are all under sin.” Connecting the Dots Back to Genesis • Romans 3:9 states that every human—Jew or Gentile—is “under sin.” • Genesis 3 records the first sin: Adam and Eve disobey God, and their guilt passes to all their descendants. • Romans 5:12 echoes this link: “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.” • Original sin explains why Romans 3:9 can confidently say “all” are sinful: everyone is born in Adam’s fallen line. How Original Sin Shows Up in Daily Life • Universal inclination: Genesis 6:5 — “every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was altogether evil all the time.” • Universal corruption: Psalm 14:2-3 (quoted in Romans 3:10-12) — “There is no one who does good, not even one.” • Universal accountability: Romans 3:19 — “so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.” Key Truths at a Glance • Sin is not merely an act; it is a condition inherited from Adam. • Romans 3:9 summarizes this inherited condition: “all under sin.” • Original sin levels the playing field—no culture, ritual, or heritage exempts anyone. • The Law exposes but cannot cure the condition (Romans 3:20). Scripture Chain for Further Reflection • Genesis 3:1-19 — the fall and its curses • Psalm 51:5 — “Surely I was brought forth in iniquity.” • Isaiah 53:6 — “We all like sheep have gone astray.” • 1 Corinthians 15:22 — “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” From Universal Need to Universal Hope • Romans 3:21-24 unveils God’s remedy: “But now, apart from the Law, the righteousness of God has been revealed… all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” • Christ becomes the new representative Head (Romans 5:18-19), reversing Adam’s curse for all who believe. • Original sin shows the depth of our need; Romans 3:9 names the problem; Romans 3:24 introduces the solution. |
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