Inherited Sin?

Some believe that sin is inherited from our forefathers—that the sin of Adam has been passed down from generation to generation so that, when a child is brought into this world, he or she is born in sin, totally depraved. This explains why some practice infant baptism. It is an effort on the part of man to erase inherited sin. However, the doctrine falls under its own weight if there is no such things as inherited sin.

While physical death came into the world as a result of Adam’s sins, we are responsible only for the sins which we actually commit. Long ago, the prophet Ezekiel said, “The person who sins will die. The son will not bear the punishment for the father’s iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son’s iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself” (Eze. 18:20). A child may suffer consequences as a result of his father’s sins, but he will not be held accountable for them. If a father is imprisoned for criminal activity, his children will suffer loss in many ways. But, they do not inherit his guilt. They are responsible only for their own actions. Remember that sin is a transgression of the law (1 Jn. 3:4). An individual must first transgress the law before they can be guilty of sin. What law has an unborn child broken so as to be guilty of sin?

Sin is the result of our own personal wrong choices. James describes the process whereby sin comes into our lives in James 1:13-15 where he says, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.” We cannot blame our parents for our sins. And, we certainly cannot blame God for He cannot be tempted by evil. Even the devil is not to be blamed; for although he may bring temptation our way, we are the ones who actually yield to it and do the things which are contrary to God’s will. Sin is not inherited, it is committed.

Jesus held up children as examples for those who would enter into the kingdom of God (Mt. 18:3). Surely He would not point us in the direction of total depravity! Quite to the contrary, children possess the innocence and humility needed by all of God’s people.