Of the Fall of Man, of Sin and the Punishment thereof
April 26 2025
It seems to me that some things are so self-evident that there wouldn’t be much controversy, such as the fact that we are sinners, fallen short of God’s glorious and perfect standard (Ro 3:23); born into the sinful state initiated by Adam and confirmed by our own consistent proclivity to sin. Yet much in society resists the obvious and ignores the Spirit. Humanism would have us believe that we’re basically good and evolving into progressively better human beings. Without a moral standard to create a plumb line, a philosophic agenda selectively looks to what humanity can achieve seemingly without divine support. This post isn’t about the misdirection of humanism, but we must recognize that this cultural norm diminishes biblical conviction and has weakened the church’s beliefs about the fall, our sin nature, and the punishment thereof.
The WPC 6.4 states, “From this original corruption, whereby we are utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good, and wholly inclined to all evil, do proceed all actual transgressions.”[i] In other words, we’re born into a state of corruption, and we will act out of that volitionally, willfully showing our inclination to sin. One could compare themselves to others and have the conviction that they don’t sin like others, that they certainly are not inclined to evil. Yet the only comparison the Bible encourages is to the perfection of the law or to the radiant life of Christ, and when we attempt to hold ourselves in comparison to God’s glory, we must see how dark we are in comparison.
RC Sproul uses phrases like “utterly indisposed” towards sin and “wholly inclined to all evil.” He continues with, “we possess a consuming passion for sin that marks our fallen state.” Considering why we sin, two things come to mind that are aligned with the WPC. I think we sin because it works for us. Out of a sin nature, we navigate life to make it work for us in some helpful, manageable way. In doing so, we experience a sense of control, maybe even delight. This could look like a life of performing well at work to achieve a desired outcome, investing in family to create a peaceful life, or even participating in church to belong and form orthodox beliefs. But all these good things can simply be a mechanism to control life and get what we want. The heart is an idol factory that reshapes good things into ultimate things, and our Lord hates when anything usurps His rightful place. Work, family, and church can be experienced from a state of deep inward rest, our inner being fulfilled in communion with God, or they can be experienced as a means to fill the inner being. As Augustine said, “Oh, Lord, Thou hast made us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.” Nothing can possibly satisfy the deepest desires and needs of the human soul as can fellowship with God.[ii]
Not only does sin work for us, fulfilling the twisted and often subtle desires of the flesh but we also sin because our affection for ourselves is greater than our affection for God.
Point to ponder: While God delights in our obedience, obedience can be either from a place of rest and union with God, or it can be out of disquiet, a place of need or want. What is the difference? How have you seen the difference in your own experience?
[i] Sproul, R.C.. Truths We Confess: A Systematic Exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith (p. 158). (Function). Kindle Edition..”[i]
[ii] Ibid p.159
Dave Young 
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