Expert: Phillip Senn - 5/6/2005

Question
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Followup To
Question -
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Followup To
Question -
Do we need Christ's atonement to free us from original sin, or just our own sins?
Answer -
Acts 13:37-39 in speaking of Christ says, "But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses". Notice that the atoning work of Christ, by which we are justified, provides forgiveness of ALL sins. We are not justified only from the sin of Adam (the original sin), nor only from our sins. We are justified from ALL things. In other words, when God sees a believer in Christ, He counts the faith of that believer as righteousness, just as He did for Abraham and David (see Romans 4).

I hope this has answered your question. Please rate this answer at allexperts.com so that I may know if my answer was helpful.

With Love In Christ,
Phillip Senn

Thanks Phillip, for that prompt reply to my question.  That leads to another question.  Adam seems to have been a follower of righteousness.  Was he forgiven of his original sin soon after leaving the Garden of Eden?

Thanks,
Alan
Answer -
In Genesis 3:21, concerning Adam and Eve, the Scriptures tell us that God did, "make coats of skins, and clothed them". Many theologians assume, although Scripture doesn't specifically say so, that this was the first animal blood sacrifice for sins. Notice that there were still consequences to the sin, even after it was atoned for (assuming the theologians are correct).

Even though Adam and Eve had their sins covered, all of those born to them were born of a corrupt (dead) seed. Those born of Adam (the first birth) had the sentence of death upon them. They could not have a right relationship with God, apart from a new birth. The Apostle Paul dealt more extensively with this in Romans 5.

As to when Adam and Eve received forgiveness of their sins, it was at the point of faith in God's Word. Whether that happened in the Garden or after they were sent out of the garden, that would be speculation on my part. But whenever it took place, there were still consequences for their sins, as they bore two sons, and one of them was a murderer and the other was taken from them as a result of the murder.

Again, I hope this has answered your question to some degree. Please rate my answers at allexperts.com so that I may know how I am doing, and if there are areas in which I need to improve.

With Love In Christ,
Phillip Senn

Good answer.  To make sure I understand then; the conditions created by the fall, which are mortality and a nature that temps us to sin, we inherit and cannot escape while in this Earthly state.  But it appears that we only need forgiveness for our sins and are not unclean at birth, as the Catholics believe, since Adam was forgiven before he had children.  We then are only held accountable for our own sins and not for Adam's.  Is that correct?

Thanks,
Alan

Answer
We were by nature (because of our birth nature) children of wrath, even as others (Ephesians 2:3). Paul also wrote in Romans 5, "Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life". It was Adam's sin that caused condemnation to be upon all men. Just as it is by Christ Jesus' righteousness that justification is upon all that believe on His name.

Men are already condemned, and in need of a Saviour. The term sin means to "miss the mark". All are inheritantly guilty because of the sin nature they inherited from Adam. They are also guilty because that sin nature has caused them to miss the mark of God's righteousness. At what point a person is personally responsible for this remains a matter of debate. (I believe that) an infant or those without an ability to comprehend wrong are not held accountable for their sins. I cannot however, back that with Scripture. It is my belief based upon the teaching I have received, and from some Scriptures that seem to indicate that might be the case.

The law was given to show man his sinful condition, and in doing so, show him his need for a Saviour. If a person is never confronted with the Word of God, is He condemned? The Scripture indicates that he is without excuse, because even the eternal power and Godhead are revealed in the things that He created (Romans 1:20).

The Roman Catholic Church teaches that the original sin is removed by baptism. This is far from the truth, as there is only one payment for sin. That payment is death (Romans 6:23a). Baptism is a rite that, according to the Apostle Phillip, was reserved for those that believe on the name of the Son of God. Those who have already been counted as righteous through faith in the blood of Christ. An infant cannot do that, and is thus, not eligible for Baptism.

Thanks for your questions. I hope I have dealt with them fairly and honestly.

With Love In Christ,
Phillip Senn