Yesterday we reviewed the significance of Adam and Eve’s sin in the garden. As a result of Adam’s sin, we all have a corrupt nature. His sin was passed down to us. “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned” (Romans 5:12). We call this inherited sin.
Today, I want to explore imputed sin. I know imputed is an awkward word, but the term “imputed” means that something is either assigned or accredited to us. It’s really simple. John Piper says imputed sin means the “guilt of Adam’s sin is credited not just to Adam himself, but to us all. We are regarded as having sinned in Adam, and hence as deserving of the same punishment. This is imputed sin.”[1] It is difficult to have a corrupt nature (inherited) and not experience condemnation (imputed). So, there lies our problem. Look at it like this:
Because we have inherited sin, we are sinners.
Because we are sinners we have imputed sin. We are guilty and deserve punishment for our sin.
Because we are guilty and deserve punishment for our sin, our punishment is physical death and eternal separation (hell) from God.
Therefore, we have a problem.
Therefore, we need a solution!
The important connection in today’s thoughts is that our inherited sin causes imputed sin (guilt). You cannot inherit sin and not possess guilt. Since we are guilty, we need help.
The good news is that there is great hope for us. That hope is found in Christ. We will discuss the remedy for our inherited sin and imputed sin in tomorrow’s thoughts. The end of the story is Great Promise and Hope! You will not be disappointed.
[1] http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/articles/what-is-the-difference-between-original-sin-and-imputed-sin