VI. OF THE FALL OF MAN
We believe (a) that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, but
(b) by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state, (c) in consequence
of which, all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but of choice; and (d)
therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse.
* * * * * * * * * *
***(a) Gen. 3:6,24. "When the woman saw that
the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to
be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave
also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. So he (the Lord God) drove out the
man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword
which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life."
*** (b) Rom. 5:12. "Wherefore, as by one man
sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men,
for that all have sinned."
Rom. 5:19. "By one man's disobedience many were
made sinners."
*** (c) Rom. 3:10-19. "As it is written, There
is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none
that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become
unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open
sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under
their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift
to shed blood: destruction and misery are in their ways: and the way of peace have
they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what
things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every
mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God."
Eph. 2:1,3. "And you hath he quickened, who
were dead in trespasses and sins; Among whom also we all had our conversation in
times past in the lusts of the flesh fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of
the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others."
Rom. 1:18. "For the wrath of God is revealed
from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth
in unrighteousness."
Ezek. 18:19-20. "Yet ye say, Why? doth not the
son bear the iniquity of the father? The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son
shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity
of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness
of the wicked shall be upon him."
*** (d) Rom. 1:32. "Knowing the judgment of
God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same,
but have pleasure in them that do them."
Rom. 1:20. "So.... they are without excuse."
Rom. 1:28. "They did not like to retain God
in their knowledge."
Gal. 3:22. "But the scripture hath concluded
all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them
that believe."
Next: VII. OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH