How does Romans 7:11 relate to the concept of original sin? Romans 7:11 in the Berean Standard Bible “For sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through the commandment put me to death.” Defining Original Sin Original sin is the inherited corruption and guilt that entered humanity when Adam rebelled (Genesis 3:6-19; Romans 5:12-19). Every descendant of Adam is conceived with a nature inclined toward sin and already under condemnation (Psalm 51:5; Ephesians 2:3). Immediate Context of Romans 7:11 Romans 7:7-13 shows Paul explaining how the Mosaic Law, though holy, exposes and stirs up the sin already present. The verbs “deceived” (ἐξηπάτησεν) and “put…to death” (ἀπέκτεινεν) depict sin as an active power working inside the sinner before any conscious choice is made, echoing the Edenic narrative (Genesis 3:13). Parallels with Genesis and the Fall • “Deceived”—Eve’s confession: “The serpent deceived me” (Genesis 3:13). • “Through the commandment”—Adam received a single prohibition (Genesis 2:17). In both cases, an external command revealed the internal susceptibility. • “Put me to death”—God’s warning “you will surely die” (Genesis 2:17) is fulfilled as spiritual and physical death spread to all (Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:22). Sin Personified: Evidence for a Pre-Existing Nature Paul writes as if sin were a parasitic force that lies dormant until a command appears, then springs to life (Romans 7:8). This presumes sin’s presence prior to personal transgression—precisely the situation created by original sin. The Law’s Role in Relation to Original Sin The Law is holy (Romans 7:12) yet powerless to cure depravity. Instead, it functions as: a) A mirror—revealing sin already within. b) An irritant—stimulating rebellion (Romans 7:8). c) A verdict—handing down the death sentence. Thus Romans 7:11 shows that the Law does not implant sin; it exposes and condemns inherited sinfulness. “Put Me to Death”: Universal Condemnation from Birth Physical death comes to infants who never consciously violate Mosaic statutes, demonstrating a prior legal guilt (Romans 5:14). Romans 7:11 reinforces that death originates in Adam’s sin, not individual law-breaking alone. Link to Romans 5:12-19—Adam vs. Christ Paul’s Adam-Christ typology hinges on the reality that one man’s act constituted all in sin (5:12, 18-19). Romans 7:11 serves as a micro-illustration: the command appears, sin exploits it, the sinner dies—mirroring the historical sequence in Eden and validating inherited guilt. Patristic and Reformation Witness Augustine cited Romans 7:11 to argue that concupiscence itself is sin transmitted from Adam (On the Grace of Christ, 1.25). Luther and Calvin read the verse as proof of humanity’s total inability, necessitating sola gratia. The unanimous thread: sin precedes conscious violation. Theological Implications a) Self-reformation is impossible; sin weaponizes even good commands. b) Salvation must come from outside the sinner—through the resurrection of Christ who conquers both inherited guilt and personal transgression (Romans 8:1-4). c) Glorifying God begins with acknowledging our Adamic helplessness and receiving grace. Summary Romans 7:11 demonstrates that sin exists prior to and independent of personal choices, using God’s good commands to deceive and kill. This dynamic confirms the doctrine of original sin: an inherited, universal corruption that only the atoning, resurrected Christ can remedy. |
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