Romans 5:17-21
Preached Sunday Evening, June 21, 2004
Introduction:
It is commonly taught in many circles that there is a little Jesus in every human, that we are essentially good. If evil is found in us it is caused by our surroundings and lack of opportunity.
The Biblical view of man is not so optimistic. We will see that fallen man a sin nature bent on self-destruction. As our society continues to plum to the depths of sin and depravity, it is essential that we search the scriptures when it comes to the doctrine of the fall of man
STATEMENT OF FAITH OF THE EVANGELICAL BAPTIST CHURCH
SECTION VII – THE FALL OF MAN
WE BELIEVE (a) that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker but (b) by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state, (c) in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but of choice, and (d) therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse.
a) Genesis 3:1-6,24
b) Romans 5:12,19
c) Ephesians 2:1,3; Romans 1:18; 3: 9,10; Ezekiel 18:19,20
I. Man was created innocent
A. In the image of God
Genesis 1:26-27
26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
B. Warned not to sin
Genesis 2:15-17
15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
II. Man sinned voluntarily
A. Seduced by the Devil
Genesis 3:1-6
Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
1. Subtil
2. Cast doubt on God’s word
3. Called God a liar
4. Offered the opportunity to be like God
5. Appealed to the flesh
B. Separated from God
Genesis 3:24
24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
C. Death passed upon all
Romans 5:12,19
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
III. Man is a sinner by nature
A. Dead in sin
Ephesians 2:1,3
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
B. Truth suppressors
Romans 1:18
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
C. All are sinners
Romans 3:9,10,23
9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
IV. Man is condemned without excuse
A. Enough information to condemn him
Romans 1:20
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
B. Enough sin to condemn him
Romans 1:28,32
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
C. Faith is the only remedy
John 3:16-20
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
Galatians 3:22
22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.