ROMANS 5:12

ROMANS 5:12
So death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned-

A difficult saying. Not that it is difficult to understand, but a hard pill to swallow, we are born guilty. The ancient heresy of Pelagianism teaches that man has the tendency to commit evil, and this passage means that man simply does commit sin, but has the free will to do good and is able to live without sin or guilt. While it is true that we do have a sinful nature, our state is much worse than a tendency to sin. Our whole being, all of mankind, was thrust into complete and total guilt in Adam. We not only inherited a sinful nature, but we are born guilty sinners. Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation. Modern day evangelist, in so-called churches are closer to Pelagius than they are Arminian, that works are possible, and that you can live without guilt and sin. This passage should forever be the death nail of Pelagianism, and the semi-pelagiansim of giving God a helping hand in salvation, that we have the ability to do something (make decisions etc.). Charles Hodge, in his comentary on Romans says of this passage. "The words “have sinned” does not mean “do sin” or “have sinned” but it is in the historical tense, expressing momentary action in past time. All sinned, i.e., sinned in Adam, sinned through or by one man."

Rom 5:8-11 But God commendeth (He proved, He showed or exhibited) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified (Not simply forgiven, but stand as if innocent) by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.