There is a belief among many denominations that all children born into the world inherit the guilt of Adam and Eve's first sin. In a related doctrine, it is also usually concluded that because of this original sin, mankind has inherited a corrupted and depraved (sinful) nature. As a result, we are completely incapable of doing any good unless acted upon by a direct operation of the Holy Spirit. These two doctrines are known as "original sin," and "inherited total depravity." Therefore, it is believed that infants are doomed to eternal destruction unless their sins are removed. It is often the case that one false belief has led to another false belief or false practice. In this case, the false belief of original sin has led to the unscriptural practice of infant baptism.

Do all individuals inherit Adam's sin? Has the sinfulness of our first parents been imputed to the whole human family? Much could be said, but please carefully consider these points:

The Bible teaches that people do not inherit guilt from others, either their parents, grandparents, or their original parents. Nor does the Bible teach that one is accountable for the sins of another. Ezekiel 18:20 says, "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." Ezekiel plainly teaches, "The person who sins will die." The son does not bear the punishment for the sins of the father, and the father is not held responsible for the sins of the son. Each person shall be held accountable for his or her own actions. Individual, personal responsibility is a principle that is clearly taught throughout the Word of God (1 John 3:4, Mark 7:20-23, Romans 3:9-23; 6:16-19). Each person's eternal destiny will be determined by what he or she does during his or her own lifetime. As the apostle Paul wrote, "For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Secondly, the Bible teaches that babies are born innocent, and not with guilt. In Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, "Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." If little children are totally depraved and evil from birth, why does our Savior call up us to imitate them? Is not Jesus teaching that we must all become as innocent, harmless, and humble as children if we are to be worthy subjects for the kingdom?

The Bible clearly teaches that sin is a reality in our lives, and that those who are guilty of sin are in danger of eternal separation from God. But the guilt of sin comes as a result of our own transgressions and disobedience to the will of God, not because we have inherited the guilt of Adam's sin. Do you need to repent of your sins and turn to God? Do you want to learn more about the salvation that is available in Jesus Christ? Enroll in our free Bible Correspondence Course or email us with specific questions that you may have.

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