What is original sin?
Quick answer
Original sin is the Christian teaching that Adam's fall has affected every person — we are born with a nature inclined to sin and need God's grace from the start.
The doctrine comes from passages like Romans 5: "as one trespass led to condemnation for all men…" Adam's sin had consequences that reached us.
It does not mean we are guilty of Adam's personal sin, but that we inherit a fallen nature — what some call "original corruption" — that explains why even babies grow up to sin.
The good news is that as one man brought ruin, the second Adam (Christ) brings life. The doctrine of original sin makes the gospel necessary and beautiful.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06-07. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.