Heidelberbg 6-8 Sin's Entrance

12Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned— 18Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. 19For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. (Romans 5:12,18-19)

Thoughts: The misery of this life was not always there nor will it be there in the end.  Therefore there is hope to be set free from the misery, guilt, and shame in life.  Sin came into the world as poison comes to good drink- it corrupted everything- making it unfit and unsafe to drink without getting sick.  Originally we were made to relate to God. We were made to be approved and accepted by God- like Him in holiness and righteousness. That relationship was broken and is broken and blocked by the poison of sin.  The good news is that we can start again- be born again by God Himself.  We can escape the poison of sin by the grace of God. 

Prayer: Lord, the powerful poison of the world cannot stand against you.  Help me to rely on your grace.  

Q & A 6

Q. Did God create people
so wicked and perverse?

A. No.
God created them good1 and in his own image,2

that is, in true righteousness and holiness,3

so that they might

truly know God their creator,4
love him with all their heart,
and live with God in eternal happiness,

to praise and glorify him.5

1 Gen. 1:31
2 Gen. 1:26-27
3 Eph. 4:24
4 Col. 3:10
5 Ps. 8

Q & A 7

Q. Then where does this corrupt human nature come from?

A. The fall and disobedience of our first parents,

Adam and Eve, in Paradise.1

This fall has so poisoned our nature2

that we are all conceived and born
in a sinful condition.3

1 Gen. 3
2 Rom. 5:12, 18-19
3 Ps. 51:5

Q & A 8

Q. But are we so corrupt
that we are totally unable to do any good
and inclined toward all evil?

A. Yes,1 unless we are born again
by the Spirit of God.2

1 Gen. 6:5; 8:21; Job 14:4; Isa. 53:6
2 John 3:3-5