The doctrine of sin unequivocally permeates the Holy Scriptures. Copious declarations about the sin include, "all have sinned and have come short of the glory of God," "your iniquities have separated between you and your God," "whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin." (Romans 3:23, Isaiah 59:2, 1 John 3:9 KJV) However, probably the most notorious of passages in the New Testament must be Romans 5:12 "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." Romans 5:12 has been the center of much debate throughout Christendom. Many including Augustine, Luther, Calvin, and protestants today use Romans 5:12 to defend original sin. With this in mind, this paper will then seek to address the true cause of sin as referred to in Romans 5:12, whether propagated from Adam to all his descendant or individual transgression. First, time will be given to demonstrate the importance of this topic. Then, the Protestant understanding of of sin in connection with this verse. Also the importance of the will of man, either in bondage or free, will be taken into consideration. Lastly, the expression εις πάντας ανθρώπους in Romans 5:12 will be considered. .
Ever since the Protestant Reformation, numerous men have championed the doctrine of justification by faith, i.e. Luther, Calvin, Edwards, Weasley, Jones, Waggoner, etc. During their time, each gave a most solemn message to God's people, and specifically of Jones and Waggoner, it is said, "The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious message to His people through Elders Waggoner and Jones." (White 127). Amazingly enough, this most precious message was none other than "the third angel's message in verity." (White). Nevertheless, one must note that this most precious message has been built upon a foundation.
