The doctrine of original sin is a cornerstone of Christian theology, revealing the profound brokenness of humanity and its desperate need for divine grace. Rooted in Genesis 3 and expounded in Romans 5, original sin teaches that Adam’s disobedience introduced sin and death into the world, imputing guilt and a corrupted nature to all humanity. Yet, this doctrine is not merely a theological concept; it has profound implications for the Christian believer’s role in God’s mission. Missional University emphasizes that every believer is called to participate in God’s redemptive plan, embodying the gospel through words and deeds in a world marked by sin. Let’s explore how original sin relates to God’s divine actions and humanity’s reactions, focusing on the Christian believer’s missional calling to reflect God’s character through proclamation and incarnational presence.

 

Understanding Original Sin

Original sin, as articulated in Genesis 3, describes humanity’s fall through Adam and Eve’s disobedience. God created humanity in His image (Gen. 1:26-27), but their choice to eat the forbidden fruit (Gen. 3:6) fractured their relationship with God, introducing shame, alienation, and death (Gen. 3:7-19). Romans 5:12 clarifies the universal impact: “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” Adam, as humanity’s federal head, represents all people, and his sin imputes guilt and corruption to his descendants (Schreiner, Romans, 283). This inherited sinful nature manifests in human rebellion, affecting every aspect of life and creation. For the individual believer, understanding original sin underscores the need for salvation and the urgency of participating in God’s mission to restore a fallen world.

 

God as Ruler and Human Rebellion

God’s divine action as Ruler establishes His sovereign authority over creation. Psalm 93:1 declares, “The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty.” As Ruler, God sets boundaries and commands obedience, as seen in His instruction to Adam and Eve (Gen. 2:16-17). However, original sin reveals humanity’s reaction of rebellion. Adam’s disobedience was not merely a personal failure but a rejection of God’s rightful rule, a pattern repeated throughout Scripture (e.g., Israel’s idolatry in Ex. 32). This rebellion persists in individuals who prioritize self-rule over God’s authority. Missional believers are called to counter this rebellion by submitting to God’s kingship and proclaiming His sovereign rule through their words, boldly declaring the gospel that calls others to repentance (Acts 17:30). By aligning with God’s rule, individuals reflect His authority in a world prone to rebellion against God.

 

God as Creator and Human Arrogation

As Creator, God fashioned humanity in His image to steward creation (Gen. 1:28). Original sin, however, introduced arrogation—the human tendency to usurp God’s creative authority. Adam and Eve’s choice to act independently of God’s command (Gen. 3:6) reflects a desire to redefine good and evil, a prideful assumption of divine prerogative. Romans 1:25 captures this arrogation: “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator.” Individuals today mirror this sin by pursuing self-glorification or exploiting creation for personal gain. Missional believers counter this by living as stewards, using their creative gifts to honor God and serve others, embodying the gospel through deeds that restore dignity to God’s creation (Col. 3:23-24).

 

God as Relator and Human Defiance

God’s relational nature is evident in His desire for communion with humanity, walking with Adam and Eve in the Garden (Gen. 3:8). Original sin, however, introduced defiance, as humanity hid from God’s presence (Gen. 3:10). This defiance severs relationships, both with God and others, as seen in Cain’s murder of Abel (Gen. 4:8). Jesus highlights the relational consequence of sin in Matthew 22:37-39, where love for God and neighbor is paramount, yet sin fosters self-centeredness. Missional believers are called to embody God’s relational heart through incarnational presence, building authentic relationships that reflect His love. By fostering community and reconciliation, individuals counter defiance with deeds that mirror God’s relational nature (1 John 4:11-12).

 

God as Resurrector and Human Denial

God’s action as Resurrector is central to Christian hope, demonstrated in Christ’s victory over death (1 Cor. 15:21-22). Original sin, however, leads to denial of this transformative power. Humanity’s rejection of God’s promise of life is evident in the Sadducees’ denial of the resurrection (Matt. 22:23-32) and in modern skepticism that dismisses eternal hope. Romans 6:23 contrasts this: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Missional believers proclaim the resurrection’s reality through their words, testifying to Christ’s power to overcome sin and death. By living with resurrection hope, individuals challenge denial, offering a witness to God’s life-giving mission (1 Pet. 3:15).

 

God as Redeemer and Human Enslavement

God’s redemptive action through Christ’s atonement liberates humanity from sin’s bondage (John 3:16). Original sin, however, enslaves individuals to sin, as Paul laments in Romans 7:24: “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?” Humanity’s enslavement is evident in persistent sinfulness, from idolatry to selfishness. Missional believers counter this by proclaiming redemption through Christ, sharing the gospel that frees individuals from sin’s grip (Rom. 8:1-2). Through their words, believers point to the Redeemer who offers freedom, empowering others to break free from enslavement and join God’s mission of liberation.

 

God as Reconciler and Human Estrangement

God’s reconciling action restores broken relationships, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19: “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.” Original sin fosters estrangement, alienating humanity from God and one another (Isa. 59:2). This is evident in fractured families, communities, and nations. Missional believers embody reconciliation through incarnational presence, acting as peacemakers who bridge divides (Matt. 5:9). By living out forgiveness and unity, individuals reflect God’s reconciling heart, countering estrangement with deeds that demonstrate His love and restore relationships in a divided world.

 

God as Restorer and Human Desolation

God’s restorative action renews creation, promising a new heaven and earth (Rev. 21:1). Original sin, however, leads to desolation, as humanity’s sin devastates both personal lives and the environment (Rom. 8:20-21). The curse in Genesis 3:17-19 illustrates this, with creation subjected to futility. Missional believers participate in God’s restoration by stewarding creation and fostering wholeness in their communities. Through deeds like serving the marginalized or caring for the environment, individuals counter desolation, reflecting God’s restorative mission and pointing to His ultimate renewal (Col. 1:20).

 

God as Renewer and Human Destruction

As Renewer, God transforms lives through the Holy Spirit, making all things new (Titus 3:5). Original sin drives humanity toward destruction, as seen in the violence and corruption before the flood (Gen. 6:11-12). This destructive tendency persists in personal and societal brokenness. Missional believers counter this through incarnational presence, living transformed lives that reflect God’s renewing power. By embodying hope and integrity, individuals challenge destruction, demonstrating through their deeds the transformative renewal God offers (2 Cor. 5:17).

 

Missional Believers: Embodying Proclamation Through Words

Missional believers are called to proclaim the gospel, addressing the effects of original sin through their words. Colossians 4:6 urges believers to let their “conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt.” This proclamation counters rebellion, arrogation, defiance, denial, enslavement, estrangement, desolation, and destruction by sharing the truth of God’s actions as Ruler, Creator, Relator, Resurrector, Redeemer, Reconciler, Restorer, and Renewer. Whether through evangelism, teaching, or everyday conversations, believers declare God’s redemptive plan, inviting others to join His mission. Missional University emphasizes that such proclamation is not confined to clergy but is the responsibility of every believer, reflecting God’s heart in a sin-stained world (Hartzer, “Do you hear the music? Understanding the Missio Dei is in, well, everything.”).

 

Missional Believers: Incarnational Presence Through Deeds

Beyond words, missional believers embody God’s mission through incarnational presence—living out the gospel through their actions. John 13:35 states, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Deeds of love, justice, and mercy counter the effects of original sin by demonstrating God’s character in tangible ways. Whether serving the poor, reconciling communities, or caring for creation, believers reflect God’s mission through their lives. The Missional Loft initiative underscores this, encouraging believers to live missionally in their daily contexts, embodying Christ’s presence in a broken world.

 

Conclusion

Original sin reveals humanity’s fallen state, marked by rebellion, arrogation, defiance, denial, enslavement, estrangement, desolation, and destruction. Yet, God’s divine actions as Ruler, Creator, Relator, Resurrector, Redeemer, Reconciler, Restorer, and Renewer offer hope and redemption. Missional believers, empowered by grace, participate in God’s mission by proclaiming His truth through words and embodying His love through deeds. By living out this calling, individuals counter the effects of original sin, reflecting God’s redemptive plan in a world longing for restoration. Through their missional lives, believers become agents of God’s kingdom, inviting others to experience His transformative grace.

 

Sources

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• Hartzer, Eljoh. “Do you hear the music? Understanding the Missio Dei is in, well, everything.” Accessed October 8, 2025. https://loft.missional.university/do-you-hear-the-music-understanding-the-missio-dei-is-in-well-everything/.
• Missional University. “The Loft.” Accessed October 8, 2025. https://loft.missional.university/.
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• Wiley, Tatha. Original Sin: Origins, Developments, Contemporary Meanings. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2002.