Of the Fall, Sin, & Punishment 1689:ch.6 p.1 - Overview

This Sunday School explores the doctrine of the Fall, Sin, and Punishment as articulated in the Confession, emphasizing the profound theological implications of Adam's disobedience. It begins by setting the stage with historical context, tracing the development of the doctrine from the early church through Augustine, the Reformation, and into the 17th-century confessional tradition, highlighting key debates such as Pelagianism and the Arminian-Calvinist controversy. The central message unfolds through a careful examination of the covenant of works, the nature of sin as both a personal and federal transgression, and the universal consequences of Adam's fall—including the loss of righteousness, spiritual and physical death, and total depravity. Pastor Jason underscores the doctrine of federal headship, explaining how Adam's guilt and corrupt nature are imputed to all humanity, yet points to the hope of redemption through Christ, who stands as the new and better Adam. He concludes with a pastoral reflection on remaining sin in the believer, distinguishing between actual transgressions and the 'first motions' of sin—affections that, though not yet acted upon, are still sinful and must be mortified daily, illustrating the ongoing battle against corruption even in the regenerate.