Imputed Sin
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Definition:
Imputed sin refers to the theological concept that the sin of Adam, the first man, is attributed to all of humanity. This doctrine is rooted in the belief that Adam's disobedience in the Garden of Eden brought sin and death into the world, affecting all his descendants. As a result, every person is born with a sinful nature and is subject to the consequences of sin, even before committing any personal acts of sin.

Biblical Basis:
The primary scriptural foundation for the doctrine of imputed sin is found in the writings of the Apostle Paul, particularly in the book of Romans. Romans 5:12 states, "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 highlights the transmission of sin and death from Adam to all humanity.

Further elaboration is provided in Romans 5:18-19 : "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 imputation of Adam's sin with the imputation of Christ's righteousness, underscoring the redemptive work of Jesus as the second Adam.

Theological Implications:
The doctrine of imputed sin is integral to understanding the human condition and the necessity of salvation. It emphasizes the universality of sin and the inherent need for divine grace. According to this view, humanity is not only affected by personal sins but is also under the judgment of God due to the inherited sin from Adam.

This concept is closely related to the doctrines of original sin and total depravity, which assert that human nature is fundamentally flawed and inclined toward sin. Imputed sin underscores the belief that salvation cannot be achieved through human effort but is solely the work of God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Relation to Imputed Righteousness:
The doctrine of imputed sin is often discussed in conjunction with the doctrine of imputed righteousness. Just as Adam's sin is imputed to all humanity, the righteousness of Christ is imputed to believers. This is articulated in 2 Corinthians 5:21 : "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." Through faith in Christ, believers are credited with His righteousness, enabling them to stand justified before God.

Historical Context:
The concept of imputed sin has been a subject of theological discussion and debate throughout church history. It was notably addressed by Augustine of Hippo, who articulated the doctrine of original sin, and later by the Reformers, such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, who emphasized the total depravity of man and the necessity of grace.

Practical Considerations:
Understanding imputed sin has practical implications for Christian life and ministry. It fosters a sense of humility and dependence on God's grace, recognizing that human efforts are insufficient for salvation. It also encourages believers to share the message of redemption through Christ, who offers a remedy for the sin imputed to humanity through Adam.

In summary, the doctrine of imputed sin is a foundational element of Christian theology, highlighting the pervasive impact of Adam's transgression and the profound need for the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
Topical Bible Verses
Romans 5:12
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:
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Romans 3:23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
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Romans 5:18
Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came on all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came on all men to justification of life.
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2 Corinthians 5:21
For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
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1 Peter 2:24
Who his own self bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live to righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed.
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1 Corinthians 15:22
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
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Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
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Romans 5:1-21
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
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Isaiah 53:6
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
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1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
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Library

Whether the Infusion of Grace is Required for the Remission of ...
... 2: Further, the remission of guilt consists in the Divine imputation, according
to Ps.31:2: "Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin." Now the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the infusion of grace.htm

Guiltless and Without Sin.
... If so, then, like all other men, Christ was conceived and born in sin by virtue
of this original guilt. Where imputed original guilt is, there must be sinful ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xviii guiltless and without sin.htm

Whether Despair is a Sin
... Neither is it imputed to a wayfarer as a sin, that he despairs of something which
he is not born to attain, or of something which he is not under obligation to ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article one whether despair is.htm

Whether Sin Can be in the Reason?
... defect of reason be about something which a man is able and ought to know, he is
not altogether excused from sin, and the defect is imputed to him as a sin. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether sin can be in.htm

Whether Despair is a Sin?
... their fault but as part of their damnation. Therefore neither is it imputed
to wayfarers as their fault, so that it is not a sin. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether despair is a sin.htm

As to the Words of St. ...
... Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin." [3092] He calls each
blessed, both him whose sins are remitted by the font, and him whose sin is ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter v as to the.htm

Whether There Can be Sin in the Sensuality?
... Therefore the inordinate movement of the sensuality is not a sin. Objection 3: Further,
that which man himself does not do is not imputed to him as a sin. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be sin.htm

The Law of Sin with Its Guilt in Unbaptized Infants. By Adam's Sin ...
... this remission of sins takes place in the offspring, they have within them the law
of sin in such manner, that it is really imputed to them as sin; in other ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 37 xxxii the law of.htm

Whether the First Sin of Our First Parent is Contracted by his ...
... Wherefore a murder which the hand commits would not be imputed as a sin to the hand,
considered by itself as apart from the body, but is imputed to it as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the first sin of.htm

Its Nature
... When God imputed sin to Christ as the sinner's Surety, He charged Him with
the same, and dealt with Him accordingly. Christ could ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/5 its nature.htm

Resources
What is impartation? | GotQuestions.org

Federalism vs. seminalism'which view is correct? | GotQuestions.org

What is original sin? | GotQuestions.org

Imputed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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