Understanding the Biblical Concept of Original Sin and Personal Responsibility

The Bible explains that mankind inherited a corrupt sin nature because of Adam's sin (Romans 5:12). This is called the doctrine of original sin.

This means we aren't born "good" and ruined by our environment. We're born with a propensity to sin (Proverbs 22:15; Romans 3:10-12; 1 Corinthians 2:14). People and circumstances can tempt us to sin, but they don't force us to sin (1 Corinthians 10:13). 

Every sin is our choice:

"Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin." James 1:14-15

Sadly, many popular "Christian" teachings encourage us to assign blame outside of ourselves. For example:

"Most rebellion is simply the result of unresolved brokenness..."(1)

"The majority of problems in society stem back to the lack of a father’s love and investment in a child’s life."(2)

"You do not act in inappropriate ways for no reason. You are often trying to meet some underlying need that your family of origin did not meet."(3)

These 3 statements and others like them deny the doctrine of original sin and help us view ourselves as victims (1 John 1:8,10).

So let's reject these false teachings and experience the refreshment of God's forgiveness (1 John 1:9; Acts 3:19).

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For more biblical insights into this subject, see Why Do We Suffer for Adam's Sin? and The One Reason People Sin. To read about a pertinent "good bad example" see Anatomy of an Insincere Repentance.

Quotes: The first 2 are from Mark DeJesus' "Christian" counseling site: (1) Rejection/Rebellion, (2) Father Wounds. The last quote comes from the Boundaries' "Christian" counseling site: (3) Family Dysfunction.

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