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Christians acknowledge humanity is in trouble. Sin dominates daily living. Most believers agree that the first step in regeneration is admitting you are a sinner who needs a Savior. One can only comprehend their sin against God by acknowledging their actions and the fact that they have violated God’s law.
Does being a sinner mean you are automatically a horrible, evil person? First, Jesus taught only God is good (Mark 10:18). Humanity’s definition of good is not equivalent to the righteousness or standards of living set forth by God. All sin leads to eternal damnation.
Paul spoke about the condition of mankind, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. Romans 3:10-11”
Loraine Boettner wrote on the issue:
This doctrine [the impact of original sin]… declares that men are dead in sin, does not mean that all men are equally bad, not that any man is as bad as he could be, not that any one is entirely destitute of virtue, nor that human nature is evil in itself, not that man’s spirit is inactive, and much less does it mean that the body is dead. What it does mean is that since the fall man rests under the curse of sin, that he is actuated by wrong principles, and that he is wholly unable to love God or to do anything meriting salvation.[1]
God’s grace and mercy are emphasized in the teaching of original sin. Mankind achieves deliverance from this deadly state through faith and grace alone. While all of humanity has a conscience, by human nature, they will sin and displease God. The significance of regeneration lies in the saving power of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Both elements connect directly to faith, underscoring that faith alone saves. Boettner pointed to the following verses to support his teachings:
“So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:8”
“And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Romans 14:23”
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6”
Humanity can perform good deeds and even seek God’s guidance in prayer. After all, most people have probably prayed to God before, even if they were not believers. And the Scriptures do not teach that God will not answer unbeliever’s prayers. Through His providence, the Lord is determined to ensure we carry out His will in life, even using those outside of the faith. By partaking in virtuous deeds, unbelievers support man’s connection to God (Genesis 1:27) and further reinforce the idea that His law is written upon their hearts (Romans 2:12-16). Morality comes from God and Him alone.
The teaching of original sin lies at the heart of the Gospel message. Humanity cannot please God outside of faith in Jesus Christ. The doctrine must be the foundation of a new life (2 Corinthians 5:17). Realizing your good deeds do not merit salvation humbles the soul in a manner where God’s measures replace human standards. Affirming your inability to please God starts the regeneration process. When you trust in humanity, disappointment will follow; when you walk with the Lord, your understanding will deepen.
[1] Loraine Boettner, The Reformed Faith, (Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 1983), 61.
