Hamartiology (Doctrine of Sin): Sin’s Imputation
Hamartiology, the doctrine of sin, addresses humanity’s fallen condition, tracing its nature, origin, and consequences. Sin is not merely breaking arbitrary rules but rebellion against God and deviation from his appointed way. Scripture explains, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6).
One of the most profound aspects of hamartiology is the imputation of sin—the reality that Adam’s sin is reckoned to all humanity. This doctrine explains why all people stand guilty before God and why redemption through Christ is necessary. Paul summarizes the principle: “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned” (Romans 5:12).
Understanding imputation is vital for grasping the gospel, for it shows both the depth of human depravity and the glory of Christ’s saving work.
1. The Origin and Universality of Sin
The Bible presents Adam as the federal head of humanity. His disobedience in the garden brought sin into the world. Genesis 3 describes the tragic moment: “When the woman saw that the tree was good for food… she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate” (Genesis 3:6).
From this act, sin and death entered creation. The result was not only personal guilt for Adam and Eve but corruption for the entire human race. As Paul teaches, “In Adam all die” (1 Corinthians 15:22).
Three aspects highlight the universality of sin:
Inherited Corruption – Human nature is bent away from God. “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 51:5).
Universal Guilt – Every person is accountable before God. “There is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:22–23).
Consequences of Death – Physical and spiritual death are the wages of sin (Romans 6:23).
Hamartiology emphasizes that sin is not isolated behavior but a universal condition, rooted in humanity’s solidarity with Adam.
2. The Imputation of Adam’s Sin
Imputation means that Adam’s sin is reckoned to his descendants. Just as a king’s decision affects his nation, Adam’s choice as humanity’s head affects all people.
Paul explains in Romans 5:18–19: “Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.”
Imputation carries two dimensions:
Legal Guilt: Humanity shares in Adam’s guilt, making all people liable before God.
Corrupted Nature: Along with guilt, humanity inherits a fallen nature prone to sin.
This truth is sobering: sin is not merely imitation of Adam but participation in his rebellion. In this sense, humanity does not become sinners by committing sin; rather, humanity sins because it is already sinful in Adam.
3. The Consequences of Imputation
The imputation of sin leads to devastating consequences for all humanity.
Spiritual Consequences
Alienation from God: “Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God” (Isaiah 59:2).
Bondage to sin: “Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin” (John 8:34).
Death in trespasses: “You were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked” (Ephesians 2:1–2).
Social Consequences
Broken relationships: Adam and Eve immediately hid from one another (Genesis 3:7).
Violence and injustice: Cain murdered Abel, showing sin’s spread in the human family (Genesis 4:8).
Corrupted societies: Nations fall into idolatry and oppression because of sin.
Cosmic Consequences
Creation subjected to futility: “The creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it” (Romans 8:20).
Groaning of creation: “The whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now” (Romans 8:22).
The imputation of sin explains why the world is marked by brokenness on every level—spiritual, social, and cosmic.
4. The Connection to Christ’s Righteousness
The doctrine of sin’s imputation prepares the way for understanding the gospel. If Adam’s guilt is imputed to all humanity, then Christ’s righteousness can be imputed to all who believe. Paul places these truths side by side in 2 Corinthians 5:21: “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
This great exchange shows the symmetry of the gospel:
Adam’s sin imputed to humanity → condemnation.
Human sin imputed to Christ → atonement.
Christ’s righteousness imputed to believers → justification.
Just as humanity shares in Adam’s guilt, believers share in Christ’s righteousness. This union with Christ transforms condemnation into justification, death into life, and slavery into freedom.
5. The Eschatological Hope of Redemption
The doctrine of sin’s imputation also points to the final hope of redemption. Though all humanity inherits Adam’s sin, Christ’s victory brings restoration.
Paul contrasts Adam and Christ in 1 Corinthians 15:21–22: “For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.”
This eschatological hope includes:
Final Resurrection – The body corrupted by Adam’s sin will be raised incorruptible (1 Corinthians 15:42).
New Creation – The world subjected to futility will be renewed (Revelation 21:1).
Perfect Fellowship – Sin and death will be no more; God will dwell with his people (Revelation 21:3–4).
Thus, hamartiology does not end with despair but with anticipation. The imputation of Adam’s sin is overcome by the imputation of Christ’s righteousness, culminating in the eternal reign of God.
Conclusion
Sin’s imputation reveals the seriousness of humanity’s condition before God. In Adam, all are guilty; all are corrupted; all are condemned. This truth humbles human pride and eliminates self-reliance.
Yet the doctrine also magnifies the gospel. The gospel is not only that Jesus forgives individual sins but that he overturns Adam’s curse. Through union with Christ, believers are declared righteous, transformed by the Spirit, and prepared for eternal life.
Hamartiology reminds us that the problem is deeper than personal failure—it is imputed guilt. But the solution is greater than human effort—it is imputed righteousness. In Christ, sin and death give way to life and glory.
Bible Verses on Sin’s Imputation
Genesis 3:6 — “She took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.”
Psalm 51:5 — “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.”
Romans 3:23 — “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 5:12 — “Just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.”
Romans 5:18–19 — “As one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.”
1 Corinthians 15:22 — “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 — “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
John 8:34 — “Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.”
Ephesians 2:1 — “You were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked.”
Romans 8:22 — “The whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.”
