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The Fall of Humanity (Genesis 3)The Fall of AdamThe CurseMan did not stay long in the state in which God had originally created him. Man soon exercised his freedom and chose not to follow after God. The consequences of this action were severe. The consequences of the fall limit what God has made man to be. In reading Genesis 3:16-19, we see many of the characteristics that make us human become limited in the curse.
Views of Imputed SinAdam and Eve's sin has affected all of humanity. All of mankind since Adam and Eve has inherited their sin. Ryrie states, "the corruption of sin extends to all men and to all parts of all men, so that there is nothing within the natural man that can give him merit in God's sight. [2]" PelagiusIn the fifth century, a British monk named Pelagius became concerned about the immorality found among believers. He felt the church's teaching about the grace of God gave people an excuse to sin. Pelagius, believing that this is not what the early church believed, suggested that true orthodox belief required that people be responsible for the choices they made. If a person is responsible for their choices, then they must have a true choice. Pelagius believed the bible clearly taught that people could not be held accountable for the sins of another. (Ezekiel 18:20) The person who sins will die. The son will not bear the punishment for the father's iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son's iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself. Therefore, Pelagius believed each person was born with the same capability to choose sin or righteousness as Adam himself. Adam's sin did not transfer to all humanity and was merely a “bad example” for us. AugustinePelagianism grew in popularity throughout the church. In reaction, Augustine of Hippo responded with his belief that after the fall of Adam, each human was imputed with the sin of Adam. That is, prior to salvation, humans did not have the capability of choosing sin or righteousness, but only had the capability of choosing sin. Because of the depravity of humanity, salvation could come only as a result of the grace of God and humans bring nothing to their salvation. This viewpoint was expanded upon after the reformation by John Calvin. The Calvinist position on original sin is held by Presbyterians, the Reformed Church, and most Baptist churches. Semi-PelagianPelagius was condemned as a heretic in the councils of Carthage in AD 412 and 418. However, the views of Pelagius continued in a moderated form called semi-Pelagianism. This view believes that Adam's sin did affect all of humanity, but did not result in total depravity. Humans are born with the inclination to sin, but are capable through God's grace to choose righteousness. Therefore humans are not condemned because of Adam's sin, but because of their own sin. This viewpoint was re-articulated in the 17 th century by Arminius. Today, the Arminian viewpoint is held by Roman Catholics, Methodists, and the Church of God. The ScriptureThe scriptures clearly teach that Adam's sin results in the condemnation of all humanity: "So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men." (Romans 5:18, NASB95) "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.” (Psalm 51:5, NASB95) "“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it? " (Jeremiah 17:9, NASB95) The apostle Paul clearly taught the depravity of humanity: "as it is written, “There is none righteous, not even one; There is none who understands, There is none who seeks for God; All have turned aside, together they have become useless; There is none who does good, There is not even one.” “(Romans 3:10-12) This depravity came upon us due to the sin of Adam. Total depravity does not mean that people can not do good deeds, or that people always indulge in the most heinous acts of sin. Instead, total depravity means God must initiate the process if a person is to be saved; for no one, without intervention from God, is good enough to fellowship with God, and no one even seeks after God. The Redemption of HumanityThe HopeEven with this total depravity that all mankind has now as part of its nature, God still sees His likeness in humanity. Humanity did not lose the image of God, it only corrupted it. This is what makes the fall so much the worse. "When fallen people sin, and in their sin they still bear God's image, then their sin is all the more heinous." [3] As heinous as our fall is, it is such a wonder that God would still “be mindful” of us. Even in our sinful, fallen state, we still reflect our creator in a unique and special way. "This is why God loves man--even lost man. It is because he sees in every man and woman his own image, that which was designed for himself, that which he made to be the bearer of his glory. This is why man is inexpressibly important to God. God longs to reach every man, woman, boy, girl because each is made and designed for himself." [4] Jesus, the Second Adam (1 Corinthians 15)God therefore, is compelled to redeem a fallen humanity. He does so by sending a “second Adam.” Just as the first Adam brought sin and death, so the second Adam would bring righteousness and life to human race Significance of the Second Adam (15:1-19)There were some in the church in Corinth who were teaching that the dead would not be resurrected (15:12). Paul begins the passage by reminding them of the most important, central part of his teachings to them (15:1-3). Namely, the central part of his message was the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (15:3-4). Paul then recounts the evidence of the resurrection (15:5-11). Paul then forces his opponents to consider the logic of there anti-resurrection stance. If there is no resurrection, then Jesus was not raised (15:13). If Jesus was not raised, then the centrality of the gospel message has been cut out. Without the resurrection then:
Therefore, the resurrection of Jesus is the most significant aspect of the Christian faith. Without it, Christianity has no hope, purpose, or efficacy. The accomplishment of his resurrection is the very central message of Christianity. Accomplishment of the Second Adam (15:20-53)But Christ has been raised, and is the first fruit of those asleep. While Adam brought death to all humanity. Christ brings resurrection to all. Christ first, then others at His coming in the end. In Romans 5:12-21, Paul contrasts these two Adams: The Corinthians are confused as to how dead can have a resurrected body (vs. 35-38). Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:35-52 outlines the details of Christ's legacy. Paul explains that the resurrected body is a different kind of body (vs. 39). The first Adam has an earthly natural body that is perishable and weak (v. 40-49). The second Adam has a heavenly spiritual body that is imperishable (vs. 40-49). Therefore, in order to enter into the new glorified realm, both those alive and dead will be changed at Christ's Second Coming (vs. 50-52). Our Response to the Second Adam (15:54-58)Paul concludes with a call to respond. If indeed we no longer must be condemned because of the sin of Adam, we can rejoice. Death no longer has any hold over us. Death will be conquered at the resurrection (vs. 54-55). Therefore, we do not need to fear death (vs. 56). Victory is ours because of Jesus and the resurrection (vs. 57). If the righteousness of Jesus can be my righteousness, if Jesus resurrection means I can be resurrected, if death has been defeated and is no longer to be feared, if I have victory, then I can be steadfast, persevering, and ready to serve God, knowing my service to Him is not in vain (vs. 58). Footnotes
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