Are Humans Born Sinners??
Updated: Sep 29, 2023
It is a popular Christian belief that every Human is born a sinner; as the saying goes, "Humans are born Into sin". But are Humans, in fact, born sinners?
Keep reading and you may be quite surprised at what the scriptures reveal upon closer inspection!
The answer to this question is entirely determined upon the actual meaning of the word sin. How does the ancient scriptures define"sin" in direct accordance with what the GOD of Israel has deemed to be sin?
The general consensus among the Christian community is that humanity is totally depraved; meaning, everyone has a sinful nature! According to Gotquestions.org, a prominent Christian source, humans are born sinners; born with a sinful nature that was inherited from the first created man, Adam ("Are We All Born Sinners", https://www.gotquestions.org). It is unquestionably conveyed by this particular Christian sect that every Human Being is intrinsically built and programmed from the moment of conception to have a heart that defies its MAKER; a sin nature!
Is this a scriptural fact?
Can a"sinful nature" (rebellious heart) be inherited?
A"sin nature" references an innate construct within the human to rebel against authority, in particular, the GOD of Israel. The"nature" of man references inherent characteristics that are built within his core, often defining the instincts determining his behavior; meaning he would have no other choice but to rebel against his MAKER despite his best efforts not to do so. The implications of this are considerably disturbing to presume that the CREATOR would design the heart of man in such a way as to be predisposed to evil and yet punish him accordingly. This scenario would indicate that the KING over all the earth is unjust!
The same process and measure by which a man evaluates and chooses to do what is wrong is given in equal measure when processing and choosing to do what is right. Adam and the seed of Adam were each created with the innate ability to either reject sin or yield to it; this is the attestation of the conscience. The conscience not only gives Humans the divine ability to know right from wrong but the intrinsic capacity to choose and act upon this given awareness. This awareness is a result of Adam and Eve's consumption of the fruit of The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and evil and constitutes a godlike significance.
Genesis 3:22, KJV
"And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever"
After consuming the fruit of the tree, Adam possessed this divine awareness and ability to choose between right and wrong actions, good and evil, similar in nature to the immortal ones.
This godlike spiritual consciousness of good and evil extends through Adam's seed. This is scripturally confirmed when the CREATOR issued a warning to Cain, advising him to choose what is right, and in choosing to do what is right he will rule over his sinful desires which have taken root because of his choices; choices that led up to his decision to murder his brother Abel.
Genesis 4:7, KJV
"If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him"
Adam was not created with a "sin nature", nor did he have a propensity to sin; he was beguiled. We read no further accounts of Adam living a life of rebellion against the CREATOR. Adam's sons truly demonstrated the full expression of this concept. Each son inherited the spiritual awareness of right and wrong and thereby became endowed with the ability to choose the preference of their heart. Cain chose that which was evil and Abel chose that which was good (Genesis 4:3-8, KJV) demonstrating that men are not subject to a dominating intrinsic nature to sin.
Before going further, let's examine one crucial element...What exactly is sin?
Biblically Defined sin
The New Testament (the Christian book), defines the word sin synonymous to the Original Testament text:
1 John 3:4, KJV
"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law"
Transgression:
A violation of a law, principle,or duty.
The exceeding of due bounds or limits.
An act or instance of breaking a law or regulation or of non-fulfillment of an obligation or promise
The New Testament scriptures are directly referencing the Original Testament Laws and Commandments instituted by the GOD of Israel. Clear and simple. No human can render their own opinions in place of or in addition to these divinely instituted laws. For example, claiming that it is sinful for a woman to wear makeup, an individual getting too angry, or breaking the speed limit, etc. These are not the Laws and Commandments established within the Original Testament. Sin is the violation of the Laws and Commandments written within the Original Testament, given specifically by the GOD of Israel. Sin is the direct violation of these Laws and Commandments.
One who chooses in awareness to disregard the instructions and guidelines given by the CREATOR has demonstrated a heart of rebellion and pride against his MAKER. Sin is solely based on the ability to consciously choose and act in disobedience to the established Laws and Commandments of the GOD of Israel.
One must not only be aware of these Laws and Commandments, but also make a conscious choice to act against them.
Sin is not defined by one's capacity to commit a disobedient act, but it is the conscious choice resulting in the execution of the act itself.
The Newly Born
The Christian perspective is that each Human Being is born as a sinner. The moment a newborn baby enters into this world, according to the Christian, they are deemed a "sinner" in the eyes of God, bearing a heart that is in defiance against their MAKER.
We are aware as adults that a newborn human is incapable of mentally conceptualizing the awareness of these Laws much less consciously acting against them! As a child grows and matures, reaching the age of accountability, they are able to make the informed conscious decision to either act against the order of the CREATOR or to honor HIM. This is the primary determining factor pertaining to sin.
According to the Original Testament, No one is born a "sinner".
"Sin" is based on the cognitive ability to choose honor and respect or rebellion against the established laws and order of the GOD of Israel. This is a decision that a child, much less a newborn, is capable of making.
"Sin is the transgression of the Law"
Who anywhere can declare with sound judgment and in accordance with the conscience reflecting the justice and righteousness of the CREATOR, that a newborn baby transgressed HIS Laws and Commandments?
It is quite reasonable to state that, from a general perspective, Humans inherited a conscious awareness of right and wrong; the conscience. However, to imply that the CREATOR structurally designed man to be overcome by evil tendencies or to presume that Humans are helpless to an innate desire to commit evil and rebellion against their MAKER, is false! There are so many different contributing factors to consider when evaluating why the majority chooses to succumb to what is wicked in comparison to those who do not. Nonetheless, if one man demonstrates the innate capacity to consistently choose to honor the Laws and guidelines of the CREATOR then it is achievable for all men.
Man overcomes through resistance to what is evil.
The CREATOR warned Cain about the temptation of sinful desires and his ability to resist these desires. This exchange demonstrated that Humanity is not condemned to an innate overpowering desire to rebel against the order of the CREATOR, nor was it an inherited trait from Adam. To the contrary, the CREATOR has given you the ability to choose which path to take. You can choose the path that honors the order of the CREATOR or one that does not; for each can equally be chosen.
Your choice determines your bondage...or your freedom!
