Imitation vs. Imputation of Original Sin; or, The Condemnation of Babies in the Womb
Adam sinned against God in Paradise (Gen 3; Rom 5:12). He and Eve suffered spiritual death and subsequently physical death (Gen 3:6). Further, their children were made in their post-fall likeness (Gen 5:3). The question we would like to address is, “What was the extent of the impact of Adam’s sin on his posterity?”
Pelagius taught that man’s nature was not affected by original sin; rather, people actively sin by learning from bad examples in their environment. Today, most philosophy and religion follow Pelagius’ premise, as they seek to improve man, by improving environments. The error of Pelagianism, which is the denial of a polluted sin nature, means that the sin problem in man persists (Jn 3:19; Rom 3:23).
Semi-Pelagianism has a lower view of man than the original version, as man relates to his first father, Adam. Original sin has marred the image of God in man, and the fall has left man very seriously sin-sick. Man is deathly ill, but he is not dead in his trespasses and sins (Eph 2:1). In other words, it is every man for himself, in the world of sin and death, but with the right regimen for recovery, man can improve his lot. God is the great physician, and man must simply choose to go to the doctor to receive his diagnosis and treatment.
The crux of Pelagianism and semi-Pelagianism is that man is not totally depraved, nor does Adam’s original sin deem everyone condemn-able. The key to these systems is that sin is entirely a personal act, not an inheritance.
Unless there is a personal sin action, there can be no condemnation. There is now no condemnation for those in the womb, nor for those who have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, so as to decide for the faith. We must note that there is a spectrum on which some may believe one thing, while others in the same camp may not fully embrace the same thing.
Where God operates his so-called, “common grace,” there is a “possibility” of salvation, for those who choose to let Jesus save them. These join with the innocent children and those who never heard the Gospel, in being saved. Grace saves when men decide to cooperate with God, if they are in a position to do so. If they are not in this position…no worries, they are saved.
Arminianism is a more recent development of Pelagian and semi-Pelagian thought. Arminians deny that people can be guilty of Adam’s sin; and without guilt, they are not liable. They, too, adhere to the innocence of children, inventing the notion of the age of accountability. God cannot punish children for a sin they did not commit themselves. Note here the origins of American individualism, in this man-centered theology.
The Arminian scheme adheres to a corruption from Adam, plus a practice of sin, by imitation. In itself, original sin is not a punishable offense put upon the whole human race. Every man must first participate in the act of sin, and this leads to the grace of God, albeit resistible, that spurs sinful man’s free will to choose a savior for himself. This is the progress of sin unto salvation for the Arminian. In this, the Arminian and the Roman Catholic are in agreement. Where they may differ is where the Roman Catholic puts forth infant baptismal regeneration, as the antidote for original sin.
Biblical Christianity sees these matters very different. Turning to Romans 5:12–21, original sin is taught by the Apostle Paul. His emphasis is the federal headship of Adam, in comparison and contrast to the federal headship of Christ. As all people were organically in Adam, they received from him what He was, as a physical creation. This is true, spiritually, too.
Adam died spiritually. He was corrupted by his own sin. After the fall, his nature was now ruled by sin. Sin reigned in Adam’s body and soul. The wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23), so wherever we witness death in the human race, sin is already present. From conception, every person, body and soul, has Adam’s original pollution, and thus, original guilt.
In Psalm 51:5, David laments his being “shapen in iniquity,” in his mother’s womb. Paul speaks of the unwillingness and the inability of the natural man in mind, heart, and will to incline himself toward God (Rom 3:10–12; 1 Cor 2:14). He is spiritually dead, even being born a child of wrath because of his sin nature (Eph 2:1–3). Clearly, we must agree: if one is born an object of God’s wrath, sin already being present in the womb; then, it must be sin nature in man. So the sin preceding personal action, on the part of sinners, must be inherited.
All people, except Christ, receive the inheritance of original sin, by imputation. Because sin is present from conception, original guilt and the liability for sin is proven. This makes all people subject to death, “In Adam, all die (1 Cor 15:22a). It is appointed for men to die once, and then comes the judgment of God (Heb 9:27). By Law, guilty sinners must be punished. Otherwise, God would be an unjust Judge.
Rejecting Pelagianism, semi-Pelagianism, and Arminianism, their popular sentimentalism, and denial of man’s total depravity, we instead, rejoice in the wonder of God’s sovereign grace unto salvation for those He has chosen, redeemed, and regenerated. Jesus Christ is our federal Head, whose righteousness is imputed to His spiritual progeny, in the same way as Adam’s headship…but with very different results.
In Christ, our Head, His church has the ultimate representative before God. Christ mediates our right standing (1 Tim 2:5), having given God’s elect access to God (Eph 2:18). This was done by His sacrificial, substitutionary death on the cross (2 Cor 5:21; 1 Pet 2:24). Paul says, “In Christ, all shall be made alive (1 Cor 15:22b).” This includes elect babies who die in the womb. For them and for regenerate believers, sin is cancelled…past, present, and future. Death is abolished. Guilt is forgiven. Pollution is cleaned up. Justice and punishment are satisfied.
The good news of the Gospel tells us of the total depravity of man, unwilling and unable to resolve the problem of inherited and practiced sins. It tells us of the sovereign act of our Triune God in salvation (Ps 3:8; Jon 2:9; Rev 19:1).
Man is in a far worse state than most could think or imagine; but God is a far more wondrous Savior than anyone could believe, were faith to believe in Him not given to them. Glory hallelujah! What a Savior, indeed! Jesus Christ has come to save His people from their sins (Mt 1:21)…sins both inherited and practiced.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
June 12, 2022
