1. Definition of Original Sin

"Original sin" typically refers to two related but distinct concepts:

A. Original Guilt – Judicial guilt passed down from Adam.

• All humanity is counted as having sinned in Adam, our federal head.
• Romans 5:12 – “...death spread to all men because all sinned.”

B. Original Corruption – Inherited inclination toward sin.

• Our nature is bent toward sin from birth.
• Psalm 51:5 – “Surely I was sinful at birth...”

This means we:

• Are born separated from God
• Have inclinations (not actions) toward sin even before moral choice
• Do not start neutral

But—and this is key—we are not born sinning, nor with sin already dwelling inside, in the sense of committed transgression.

2. Clarifying: Corruption ≠ Possession

Genesis 4:7 shows Cain—a child of Adam, already corrupted—still standing at the door of choice.

Cain is predisposed to sin.
But sin still must enter by consent.

So:

| Original sin = predisposition
| Actual sin = personal consent

Think of it like soil quality:

• Original sin = the soil is corrupted, fertile for weeds.
• Temptation = seeds are thrown.
• Sin = weeds grow when you let them.

3. Scriptural Model That Reconciles Both
Romans 7:17–20

“It is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me... I see another law at work...”

Here Paul says:

• Sin can dwell in a person.
• But it wasn’t there by default—it had to enter, likely over time.

Paul was born with the flesh, but sin had to take up residence.

So:

• The flesh (sarx) = the fallen tendency you inherit
• Sin = the active invader who takes advantage of that tendency

Original sin sets the stage, but you still must open the door.

4. How This Fits Veritocentrism

This model aligns perfectly with your worldview of objective truth:

• Truth: Sin is not your essence—it is an intruder.
• Lie: “I was born this way, so I have no choice.”
• Reality: You inherited weakness, not guilt for actions you haven’t done.

God is just. He judges based on your response to what you’ve inherited, not the inheritance itself.

Final Summary
Concept Biblical Truth

Original Sin - You are born with a sinful nature adopted down from Adam, predisposed to rebel

Sin as Crouching Beast - Sin is external, seeking to enter through your consent

Inherited Corruption - Yes – but not determinism
Internalization of Sin Only happens after your will aligns with the temptation

Salvation’s Power - Regeneration evicts sin’s rule, not just forgives guilt