Universal Sin and Salvation in Romans 5:12-21

Abstract

"One of the more prominent doctrines in systematic theology is the doctrine of “inherited sin.”1 A great deal of speculation has taken place regarding the cause, transmission/imputation and consequences of inherited sin. It is commonplace to cite Rom 5:12–21 as the foundational text for this doctrine.2 The present essay intends to question this standard practice. It is granted that several related issues of systematic theology will surface, which cannot be adequately addressed within the con˜nes of this article. The focus will rather be one important exegetical issue involved in the common reading of Romans 5, namely, what does Paul mean by e√Í pavntaÍ ajnqr∫pouÍ?"