WLC 26

Q26. How is original sin conveyed from our first parents unto their posterity?

Original sin is conveyed from our first parents unto their posterity by natural generation, so as all that proceed from them in that way are conceived and born in sin.

Proof texts

• Ps. 51:5 — [5] Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
• Job 14:4 — [4] Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? There is not one.
• Job 15:14 — [14] What is man, that he can be pure? Or he who is born of a woman, that he can be righteous?
• John 3:6 — [6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Ps. 51:5 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 4 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q13 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WCF 6.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q13 · WCF 6.1 · HC Q3 · BC 4.1 · BC 4.2 · 1689 6.1 · 1689 6.2 · 1689 6.3 · 1689 6.4 · 1689 6.5