Romans 5:12
Original sin may be defined as a hereditary corruption and depravity of our nature, extending to all the parts of the soul, which first makes us obnoxious to the wrath of God, and then produces in us works which in Scripture are termed works of the flesh. This corruption is repeatedly designated by Paul by the term "sin" (Gal. 5:19). The works which proceed from it—such as adultery, fornication, theft, hatred, murder, reviling—he terms, in the same way, the fruits of sin, though in various passages of Scripture, and even by Paul himself, they are also termed sins.
The two things, therefore, are to be distinctly observed: that being thus perverted and corrupted in all the parts of our nature, we are, merely on account of such corruption, deservedly condemned by God, to whom nothing is acceptable but righteousness, innocence, and purity. This is not liability for another's fault. For when it is said that the sin of Adam has made us obnoxious to the justice of God, the meaning is not that we, who are in ourselves innocent and blameless, are bearing his guilt, but that since by his transgression we are all placed under the curse, he is said to have brought us under obligation. Through him, how-ever, not only has punishment been derived, but pollution instilled, for which punishment is justly due.
Next comes the other point: that this perversity in us never ceases, but constantly produces new fruits, in other words, those works of the flesh which we formerly described— just as a lighted furnace sends forth sparks and flames, or a fountain without ceasing pours out water. Our nature is not only utterly devoid of goodness, but so prolific in all kinds of evil, that it can never be idle.
—John Calvin
Readings taken from Day by Day With John Calvin
Original sin may be defined as a hereditary corruption and depravity of our nature, extending to all the parts of the soul, which first makes us obnoxious to the wrath of God, and then produces in us works which in Scripture are termed works of the flesh. This corruption is repeatedly designated by Paul by the term "sin" (Gal. 5:19). The works which proceed from it—such as adultery, fornication, theft, hatred, murder, reviling—he terms, in the same way, the fruits of sin, though in various passages of Scripture, and even by Paul himself, they are also termed sins.
The two things, therefore, are to be distinctly observed: that being thus perverted and corrupted in all the parts of our nature, we are, merely on account of such corruption, deservedly condemned by God, to whom nothing is acceptable but righteousness, innocence, and purity. This is not liability for another's fault. For when it is said that the sin of Adam has made us obnoxious to the justice of God, the meaning is not that we, who are in ourselves innocent and blameless, are bearing his guilt, but that since by his transgression we are all placed under the curse, he is said to have brought us under obligation. Through him, how-ever, not only has punishment been derived, but pollution instilled, for which punishment is justly due.
Next comes the other point: that this perversity in us never ceases, but constantly produces new fruits, in other words, those works of the flesh which we formerly described— just as a lighted furnace sends forth sparks and flames, or a fountain without ceasing pours out water. Our nature is not only utterly devoid of goodness, but so prolific in all kinds of evil, that it can never be idle.
—John Calvin
Readings taken from Day by Day With John Calvin
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