Inheritance of Original Sin
In this lecture, H.H. Pope Shenouda III explains the doctrine of the inheritance of original sin, affirming that humanity inherited Adam’s sin itself, not merely the corruption of nature. This teaching connects directly to the necessity of redemption and baptism, since sin brought death and separation from God, and only Christ’s atoning death could remove its penalty.
1. Humanity in Adam’s Loins
All humanity was in Adam and Eve when they sinned; thus, we all shared their sentence of death.
He compares this with Hebrews 7, where Levi was “still in the loins of Abraham” when Melchizedek blessed him — so he participated in the act before being born.
2. Scriptural Proof
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Psalm 51: “In sin my mother conceived me” — meaning not that marriage is sinful, but that every human is born bearing the original sin.
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Romans 5:12: “Through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.”
3. The Need for Baptism
Infants are baptized not for personal sins but for the inherited original sin.
Through baptism, they are cleansed and united with Christ’s redeeming death and resurrection.
4. Corruption vs. Sin
If humanity inherited only corruption, not sin, then only sanctification would be needed — not redemption.
But since sin brings punishment (death), there had to be atonement through Christ’s blood.
5. Answering Objections
Some argue that if sin is inherited, marriage should be avoided to stop its transmission.
The Pope clarifies that marriage is not the cause of sin, but God’s holy means for human life.
God also provided baptism as the way to free newborns from inherited sin.
6. Redemption Is More Than Renewal
Redemption is not merely renewing human nature, but saving humanity from eternal death.
John 3:16 shows that God’s love was expressed through the saving act of the Cross, not sentiment.
7. Divine Justice and Atonement
Sin opposed God’s justice — “the day you eat of it, you shall surely die.”
To satisfy both justice and mercy, the Son of God became man and died for us.
On the Cross, justice was fulfilled and mercy revealed.
8. Love in Action
The Cross is not only a symbol of divine love but the act of forgiveness through sacrifice:
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Christ carried our sins.
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He paid the price with His blood.
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His death brought reconciliation between humanity and God.
“Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.” (Hebrews 9:22)
9. Death Still Exists for Sinners
The victory over death applies to the repentant, not to those who persist in sin.
Christ said: “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
Thus, salvation is offered freely but received only by faith and repentance.
10. The Purpose of Redemption
The inheritance of original sin led to:
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The Incarnation of the Son of God.
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His redemptive death on the Cross.
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The institution of Baptism as rebirth.
Through Christ’s blood, humanity is reconciled, forgiven, and renewed.
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