Topical Encyclopedia The concept of sin as an inherent aspect of human nature is a foundational doctrine in Christian theology, emphasizing the fallen state of humanity and the need for divine redemption. This entry explores the biblical basis for the belief that all men are shapen in sin, drawing from scriptural references and theological interpretations.Biblical Foundation The notion that all humans are born into sin is primarily derived from the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms. King David, in his penitential Psalm 51, acknowledges the inherent sinfulness of humanity: "Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me" (Psalm 51:5). This verse is often cited to illustrate the belief that sin is not merely a result of individual actions but is an intrinsic part of human nature from conception. The doctrine of original sin, which posits that the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden has tainted all of humanity, is further supported by the writings of the Apostle Paul. In Romans 5:12, Paul 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 passage underscores the idea that sin and its consequences are universal, affecting every person born into the world. Theological Implications The belief that all men are shapen in sin has significant theological implications. It underscores the necessity of salvation and the role of Jesus Christ as the Redeemer. According to Christian doctrine, only through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus can humanity be reconciled with God and cleansed from sin. This is articulated in Romans 3:23-24: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" . Furthermore, the concept of inherent sinfulness highlights the need for spiritual rebirth. In John 3:3, Jesus tells Nicodemus, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" . This spiritual rebirth is seen as a transformation that begins with repentance and faith in Christ, leading to a new life free from the bondage of sin. Human Nature and Moral Responsibility While the doctrine of original sin suggests that all humans are born with a sinful nature, it does not absolve individuals of moral responsibility. Scripture consistently calls for personal repentance and ethical living. In Ezekiel 18:20, it is written, "The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not bear the iniquity of the father, nor will the father bear the iniquity of the son" . This passage emphasizes individual accountability for one's actions, despite the inherited nature of sin. The tension between inherent sinfulness and personal responsibility is a recurring theme in Christian ethics. Believers are encouraged to strive for holiness and to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength in overcoming sinful tendencies. As Paul exhorts in Galatians 5:16, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh" . Conclusion The belief that all men are shapen in sin is a central tenet of Christian theology, reflecting the universal need for redemption and the transformative power of Christ's atonement. It serves as a reminder of humanity's fallen state and the hope of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 51:5Behold, I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Original Sin The Righteous Men who Lived in the Time of the Law were for all ... The Sinfulness of Original Sin. Whether There are Many Original Sins in one Man Entire Sanctification Obtainable. The Way from Sin to Perfect Salvation. All are Sinners. Through the Fall and Revolt of Adam, the Whole Human Race Made ... Sentences from Ambrose in Favour of Original Sin. Love of Religion, a New Nature. Resources Questions about Sin (All) | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible teach mortal and venial sin? | GotQuestions.org How can I learn to hate my own sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |