The Arminian Error: Denial of Original Sin
Arminianism aligns with both the heresies of Socinus and Pelagius, by denying the doctrine of original sin. The church trial of Arminian doctrinal error, at the Synod of Dordrecht in 1618–19, did not miss the Arminian’s treatment of original sin, despite the attempts to shroud their unbelief.
A sample of doctrinal comparisons will clearly show the utter disconnect between the faith of the Reformers and Arminius. The Reformed faith, especially, finds no affinity at any point with man-centered theology. Arminianism is heresy, and it must be countered in the same manner as Socinianism and Pelagianism.
Original sin is the sin of Adam. It is accompanied by the guilt of Adam. Adam was the federal head of all humanity. This means his sin polluted everyone who was seed in him…and that is everyone who was ever conceived, except Jesus Christ, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, in the Virgin Mary. It was to avoid the sin of Adam (original sin), and to be identified as the second Adam, that Christ’s conception was so ordered. His was holy seed, to produce this holy thing, being the Holy One of Israel and the Holy One of God.
Sin is our inheritance from our natural father, Adam. It is also our nature. It is also what we do, as sinners. We are all conceived as children of wrath, which is our natural state (Eph 2:3).
It is this very point the Arminians deny, claiming that no one at all is under the wrath of God, as a child of wrath. Their reason is that Christ died for everyone, everywhere, and at all times. This universal redemption (shared belief with Universalism) has moved every human being, out of the direct path of God’s wrath.
The Arminians claim that all people have been moved to a state of reconciliation. This might be likened to a “safe space” on a secular American university campus. While they are alive, in this state, everyone receives the grace of the covenant, which is a conditional offer to choose to let Christ save them, by their own free will. God has graciously made salvation possible for everyone, giving an unknown, indefinite number of people the chance to be saved, by their self-generated work of faith — to believe in Jesus.
How different this Arminian idea is from the reconciliation found in holy Scripture! Unlike the Arminian covenant of works, the covenant of grace reveals the Mediator, Christ Jesus, dying on the cross to reconcile the world to Himself (2 Cor 5:18–19). The apostle Paul speaks of kosmos as the church, much in the same way John does in His writings. Context is crucial to understand the broad use of authorial intended meanings of “world.” To miss this exegetical fact is sure to subject one to gross error.
In truth, Christ Jesus died on the cross to remove the sins of a particular people, and these, He has reconciled in the body of His flesh (Col 1:19–22). These people, graced into the covenant, are actually reconciled, unconditionally, to God the Father.
The relationship with man, estranged in the fall of creation, has been restored for God’s elect people, sprinkled by the precious blood of Christ. The enmity is replaced by peace with God, through His blood atonement. God’s chosen, redeemed, saints are transferred from the “danger zone,” where God’s wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of man. There is only one true, permanent, “safe space” — that is, “in Christ.” Arminians cannot say, “all people in the state of reconciliation are in Christ,” or they become what they would be, if they were logical — Universalists.
Despite the Arminian claim that there is no condemnation for anyone (until they leave their safe space at death), and no children of wrath, born with original sin — seeing that all men have been put into a state of reconciliation — we must reject the whole Arminian system, and each individual point.
The Bible teaches plainly that all men are condemned already (Jn 3:18), by nature, being children of wrath (Eph 2:3), subject to God’s very active wrath against sinners (Ps 5:5; 11:5; Rom 1:18). The reason is that Adam has left His offspring an inheritance…original sin.
God’s eternal love, demonstrated toward His beloved people, is recognized: in election (Eph 1:4-5); in redemption (Rom 5:8); and in actual apprehension of His grace unto salvation (Rom 5:5). God loved His own, while they were yet unjust sinners. Being sons of Adam — by nature, children of wrath — yet by eternal decree, these being appointed to eternal life (Acts 13:48), was one reason for God being slow to wrath. At the appointed time, in His predetermined plan (Acts 2:23), He reconciled us (His elect church) to Himself.
In conclusion, we must adhere to the biblical teaching, regarding the original sin of Adam, fully received by all his progeny. We must acknowledge humanity’s position, as under the wrath of God, especially, the children of wrath, reprobate, under the condemnation of God.
Christian, having been reconciled to God, you are at peace with God, eternally safe in Christ. There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:1). In love, He has propitiated for our sins — including Adam’s original sin — redirecting the wrath of God onto Himself, for the blessed protection of His beloved bride, His church.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
December 9, 2021
