If sin is not imputed without the law, how can some claim that babies and children die because Adam's sin is imputed to them?

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PaulThomson

Well-known member
Oct 29, 2023
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#1
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, on the basis of which (eph' hOi) all have sinned:
Rom 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
Rom 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
Rom 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Rom 5:16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
Rom 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Rom 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
Rom 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Rom 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
Rom 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

If we assume that original sin is a thing, then Romans 5:13-14 would seem to be a lie. Original sin asserts that sin (the sin of Adam) is imputed to all, including those who lived between Adam and Moses. But Rom. 5:13-15 tells us that sin was not being imputed to anyone when there was no law, nevertheless all died when there was no law. So, the cause of their deaths cannot have been imputed sin, whether the sin of Adam or the sin/s of the person dying.
This text says that death for all Adam's progeny was imposed as a consequence of Adam's sin. It does not say Adam's sin was imputed to his progeny.

What does Paul mean by "had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's sin? He means that they had not knowingly broken a law specifically given to them by God. And there were many such sinners before the law: sinners who acted without faith in God, but did not know of the specific divine expectations they were transgressing against.
Adam is a type of Christ, in that the consequence of Adam's sin (death/mortality/limited life spans) was placed upon all his progeny without their being imputed with Adam's own sin; and the consequences of Jesus' righteousness, His resurrection from the dead , is placed on all His progeny (believers), or perhaps all His siblings (mankind) without His own righteousness being imputed to us/them.


So how do others deal with Romans 5:13-15?
 

Jimbone

Senior Member
Aug 22, 2014
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#2
It's a matter of the Spirit. We are born in Adam, or "of the flesh". We are born spiritually dead and disconnected from God. It's not that babies are "born having sinned", but we are born cut off, spiritually disconnected from God. The only man born with this connection in tact since the fall, was Jesus, because He was not born of Adam, but born of the Spirit through the virgin Mary. Very easy to understand when you aren't still of the flesh only and haven't been born again. This is why the things of the Spirit are foolishness to those who are perishing, they can not know what they don't know, you must be born again, or born of the Spirit to see and understand these things in truth.
 

homwardbound

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2012
17,459
723
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#3
What passed on from Adam's Unbelief to God he would die if he ate?
The knowledge of good and evil is what is passed forward, not a sin issue or a righteousness issue
We get the choice to choose to believe, trust God or self, or others we meet and become friends with along our stony paths here on earth first.

I know in me, I do not need to be told to not murder. I know within me. I know within me to not take anyone else's free will away from them. Since I know I want free will to begin with
That is what I see God gives free will choice to everyone. Otherwise, without free to choose, God can not honestly say God loves us all or could he?

How can I get anyone else to love me? Without taking away the other person's free will?

That is what Father shares with us all by Son for us all, at least to me thanks
 

PaulThomson

Well-known member
Oct 29, 2023
4,211
574
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#4
It's a matter of the Spirit. We are born in Adam, or "of the flesh". We are born spiritually dead and disconnected from God. It's not that babies are "born having sinned", but we are born cut off, spiritually disconnected from God. The only man born with this connection in tact since the fall, was Jesus, because He was not born of Adam, but born of the Spirit through the virgin Mary. Very easy to understand when you aren't still of the flesh only and haven't been born again. This is why the things of the Spirit are foolishness to those who are perishing, they can not know what they don't know, you must be born again, or born of the Spirit to see and understand these things in truth.
Why would we be born cut off from God, if sin is not imputed where there is no law? Your sins have separated between you and your God. If your sins are not imputed at birth because you don't have and know the law, what would cause you to be separated from God at birth?
 

PaulThomson

Well-known member
Oct 29, 2023
4,211
574
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#5
What passed on from Adam's Unbelief to God he would die if he ate?
The knowledge of good and evil is what is passed forward, not a sin issue or a righteousness issue
We get the choice to choose to believe, trust God or self, or others we meet and become friends with along our stony paths here on earth first.

I know in me, I do not need to be told to not murder. I know within me. I know within me to not take anyone else's free will away from them. Since I know I want free will to begin with
That is what I see God gives free will choice to everyone. Otherwise, without free to choose, God can not honestly say God loves us all or could he?

How can I get anyone else to love me? Without taking away the other person's free will?

That is what Father shares with us all by Son for us all, at least to me thanks
Can you explain the meaning of -
Rom 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
Rom 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
 

Jimbone

Senior Member
Aug 22, 2014
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#6
Why would we be born cut off from God, if sin is not imputed where there is no law? Your sins have separated between you and your God. If your sins are not imputed at birth because you don't have and know the law, what would cause you to be separated from God at birth?
But you completely discount everything of the spirit in this equation. That's why we can never get on the same page. The truth and power of the Spirit completely alludes you. You don't take it into account at all in these debates. You do know this was the WHOLE POINT right? Jesus came to make a way for us to be spiritually reconciled to God right? Why do you NEVER take Him (God the Spirit) into account?
 

PaulThomson

Well-known member
Oct 29, 2023
4,211
574
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#7
But you completely discount everything of the spirit in this equation. That's why we can never get on the same page. The truth and power of the Spirit completely alludes you. You don't take it into account at all in these debates. You do know this was the WHOLE POINT right? Jesus came to make a way for us to be spiritually reconciled to God right? Why do you NEVER take Him (God the Spirit) into account?
Could you give your explanation of the meaning of the words written to us in Rom. 5:13-44 ? That is the purpose of the thread and OP.
Rom 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
Rom 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
 

wolfwint

Senior Member
Feb 15, 2014
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#8
Could you give your explanation of the meaning of the words written to us in Rom. 5:13-44 ? That is the purpose of the thread and OP.
Rom 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
Rom 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
Maby you should not take this text out of the context. (Special vers 12) Read chapter 5,1 till chapter 9 if you want. It makes clear that we are only free from sin because of that what Jesus Christ did for us.
Romans is written to people who have already the Holy Spirit and are saved.
If you start only from vers 13 you will easy come to a wrong conclusion.
 

PaulThomson

Well-known member
Oct 29, 2023
4,211
574
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#9
Maby you should not take this text out of the context. (Special vers 12) Read chapter 5,1 till chapter 9 if you want. It makes clear that we are only free from sin because of that what Jesus Christ did for us.
Romans is written to people who have already the Holy Spirit and are saved.
If you start only from vers 13 you will easy come to a wrong conclusion.
I'm asking people to explain what they think the verses highlighted in the OP say and mean and how they get the words to mean what they claim it means. There seems to be an aversion to doing that. So far, people have simply sniped at me for asking the question. Or have made some point that they have not tied to the highlighted text and does not seem to be relevant.

Does anyone here want to study the Bible to check that they understand what it is actually saying?
 

bluejean_bible

Well-known member
Feb 15, 2025
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#10
I don't know anyone who thinks babies die because Adams sin is imputed to them.

Such a thing isn't true. I think that falsehood actually makes God look evil.
 
Feb 15, 2014
4,025
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#11
I'm asking people to explain what they think the verses highlighted in the OP say and mean and how they get the words to mean what they claim it means. There seems to be an aversion to doing that. So far, people have simply sniped at me for asking the question. Or have made some point that they have not tied to the highlighted text and does not seem to be relevant.

Does anyone here want to study the Bible to check that they understand what it is actually saying?
You cant take out verses out of the context. And then ask to explain, without consider the context. If you want the truth, then you need the whole cake instead only a small piece.
 
Mar 8, 2025
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#13
I don't know anyone who thinks babies die because Adams sin is imputed to them.

Such a thing isn't true. I think that falsehood actually makes God look evil.
Anyone who consistently follows Augustinian theology believes that the CONSEQUENCES of Adam's sin - physical death, and moral corruption are transmitted (or passed down or imputed) to every decedent of Adam. Augustine taught that the MODE of this transmission is via SEXUAL DESIRE or CONCUPISCENCE. Augustine taught that the mode of transmitting the sin nature was ORGANIC which meant that SOMEHOW the genetic unity that exists between Adam and his progeny caused us all to INHERIT not only Adam's physical properties but also the consequences of Adams moral/spiritual choices (i.e., his sins) as well.

In one of his many books, Augustine wrote that: "....among the many peculiar and blessings of marriage "must NOT be reckoned fleshly concupiscence; (sexual desire) insomuch as this is WHOLLY EVIL, such as does not proceed from the very nature of marriage, but is an accident thereof ARISING FROM ORIGINAL SIN. This evil, notwithstanding, is rightly employed by marriage for the procreation of children. But, as the result of this concupiscence, it comes to pass that, even from the lawful marriage of the children of God, men are not born children of God, but of the world, and are bound with the chain of sin, although their parents have been liberated therefrom by grace; and are led captive by the devil..."
[On Marriage and Concupiscence, In Two Books," by Aurelius Augustin, Bishop of Hippo; Book I.5, (written in between AD 419 and 420)]

According to Augustine, all men are "born children of the world, (already) bound by a chain of sin even if their own parents might be godly people." We can better understand Augustine's obsession with sexual sin when we recall that, through much of his pre-Christian experience, he was a SEXUAL ADDICT.




 
Feb 15, 2025
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#14
Anyone who consistently follows Augustinian theology believes that the CONSEQUENCES of Adam's sin - physical death, and moral corruption are transmitted (or passed down or imputed) to every decedent of Adam. Augustine taught that the MODE of this transmission is via SEXUAL DESIRE or CONCUPISCENCE. Augustine taught that the mode of transmitting the sin nature was ORGANIC which meant that SOMEHOW the genetic unity that exists between Adam and his progeny caused us all to INHERIT not only Adam's physical properties but also the consequences of Adams moral/spiritual choices (i.e., his sins) as well.

In one of his many books, Augustine wrote that: "....among the many peculiar and blessings of marriage "must NOT be reckoned fleshly concupiscence; (sexual desire) insomuch as this is WHOLLY EVIL, such as does not proceed from the very nature of marriage, but is an accident thereof ARISING FROM ORIGINAL SIN. This evil, notwithstanding, is rightly employed by marriage for the procreation of children. But, as the result of this concupiscence, it comes to pass that, even from the lawful marriage of the children of God, men are not born children of God, but of the world, and are bound with the chain of sin, although their parents have been liberated therefrom by grace; and are led captive by the devil..."
[On Marriage and Concupiscence, In Two Books," by Aurelius Augustin, Bishop of Hippo; Book I.5, (written in between AD 419 and 420)]

According to Augustine, all men are "born children of the world, (already) bound by a chain of sin even if their own parents might be godly people." We can better understand Augustine's obsession with sexual sin when we recall that, through much of his pre-Christian experience, he was a SEXUAL ADDICT.
What a relief. Thank you.

I'm even more grateful to be a Christian.

Augustinians sound like they would be very sad miserable people. Especially as parents. :(
 

Bob-Carabbio

Well-known member
Jun 24, 2020
1,654
843
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#15
If sin is not imputed without the law, how can some claim that babies and children die because Adam's sin is imputed to them?


This or that denominational paradigm can claim whatever they please. It's nothing but "THeology" after all. all you need to do is decide what you want to "prove", and find some verses that can be :Adjusted" to mean what you want them to. NO PROBLEM for a "Theologian" skilled in the art!!!
 

sawdust

Well-known member
Feb 12, 2024
1,257
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Australia
#16
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, on the basis of which (eph' hOi) all have sinned:
Rom 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
Rom 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
Rom 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Rom 5:16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
Rom 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Rom 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
Rom 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Rom 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
Rom 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

If we assume that original sin is a thing, then Romans 5:13-14 would seem to be a lie. Original sin asserts that sin (the sin of Adam) is imputed to all, including those who lived between Adam and Moses. But Rom. 5:13-15 tells us that sin was not being imputed to anyone when there was no law, nevertheless all died when there was no law. So, the cause of their deaths cannot have been imputed sin, whether the sin of Adam or the sin/s of the person dying.
This text says that death for all Adam's progeny was imposed as a consequence of Adam's sin. It does not say Adam's sin was imputed to his progeny.

What does Paul mean by "had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's sin? He means that they had not knowingly broken a law specifically given to them by God. And there were many such sinners before the law: sinners who acted without faith in God, but did not know of the specific divine expectations they were transgressing against.
Adam is a type of Christ, in that the consequence of Adam's sin (death/mortality/limited life spans) was placed upon all his progeny without their being imputed with Adam's own sin; and the consequences of Jesus' righteousness, His resurrection from the dead , is placed on all His progeny (believers), or perhaps all His siblings (mankind) without His own righteousness being imputed to us/them.


So how do others deal with Romans 5:13-15?
Because flesh gives birth to flesh and what we call the "sin nature" is a genetically formed corruption in the flesh, inherited down the line from Adam. That corruption cuts us off from God because we cannot be born of God being corrupted as we are and ensures we will commit our own personal sins. This is why Jesus said we must be born from above as we have no capacity to comprehend anything spiritual being born body and soul only and God is Spirit.

Adam condemned us to sin, we weren't condemned on the basis of our personal sins and even now we are not condemned on the basis of our sin but remain condemned on the basis on our rejection of Christ.

John 3:6
What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Romans 7:23
But I see a different law in my members waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that is in my members.

1 Corinthians 2:14
The unbeliever does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

John 3:18
The one who believes in him is not condemned. The one who does not believe has been condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.
 
Sep 14, 2024
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#17
King James Version.
Book of Matthew
{18:2} And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him
in the midst of them,
{18:3} And said, Verily I say unto
you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children,
ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. {18:4}
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little
child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. {18:5}
And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name
receiveth me. {18:6} But whoso shall offend one of these
little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a
millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were
drowned in the depth of the sea.

AND...


book of Matthew
{18:14} Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in
heaven, that one of these little ones should perish

AND....

Matthew....

{19:13} Then were there brought unto him little children,
that he should put [his] hands on them, and pray: and the
disciples rebuked them. {19:14} But Jesus said, Suffer little
children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such
is the kingdom of heaven. {19:15} And he laid [his] hands
on them, and departed thence.



God is not evil. He saves them. They receive salvation, especially the babies.
 
Feb 15, 2025
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#18
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, on the basis of which (eph' hOi) all have sinned:
Rom 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
Rom 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
Rom 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Rom 5:16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
Rom 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Rom 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
Rom 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Rom 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
Rom 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

If we assume that original sin is a thing, then Romans 5:13-14 would seem to be a lie. Original sin asserts that sin (the sin of Adam) is imputed to all, including those who lived between Adam and Moses. But Rom. 5:13-15 tells us that sin was not being imputed to anyone when there was no law, nevertheless all died when there was no law. So, the cause of their deaths cannot have been imputed sin, whether the sin of Adam or the sin/s of the person dying.
This text says that death for all Adam's progeny was imposed as a consequence of Adam's sin. It does not say Adam's sin was imputed to his progeny.

What does Paul mean by "had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's sin? He means that they had not knowingly broken a law specifically given to them by God. And there were many such sinners before the law: sinners who acted without faith in God, but did not know of the specific divine expectations they were transgressing against.
Adam is a type of Christ, in that the consequence of Adam's sin (death/mortality/limited life spans) was placed upon all his progeny without their being imputed with Adam's own sin; and the consequences of Jesus' righteousness, His resurrection from the dead , is placed on all His progeny (believers), or perhaps all His siblings (mankind) without His own righteousness being imputed to us/them.


So how do others deal with Romans 5:13-15?
Who can really say they can untangle false doctrine others choose to live by?

Yes,it is worse when they seek to lead others into their falsehood. However, those grounded in the actual good news of Christ will not be led astray.

There are also people,I've met a few, who insist aborted,miscarried babies and newborns and toddlers, can go to Hell when they die at those tender stages of life.

I don't try to dissuade people who follow that satanic icon they manufacturer for themselves.

Because I can't change them. And unless holy Spirit enters in and leads their dead consciousness into the light of Christ they will stay that way to the day they die.

Though I do admit I pray they are sterile so as to not have children they think of in those ways.
 
Sep 14, 2024
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#19
There are also people,I've met a few, who insist aborted,miscarried babies and newborns and toddlers, can go to Hell when they die at those tender stages of life.
Those who are with the Devil say things like this. It is for spreading thorns/tares. It's for their amusement.
 

Kroogz

Well-known member
Dec 5, 2023
1,487
693
113
#20
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, on the basis of which (eph' hOi) all have sinned:
Rom 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
Rom 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
Rom 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Rom 5:16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
Rom 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Rom 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
Rom 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Rom 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
Rom 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

If we assume that original sin is a thing, then Romans 5:13-14 would seem to be a lie. Original sin asserts that sin (the sin of Adam) is imputed to all, including those who lived between Adam and Moses. But Rom. 5:13-15 tells us that sin was not being imputed to anyone when there was no law, nevertheless all died when there was no law. So, the cause of their deaths cannot have been imputed sin, whether the sin of Adam or the sin/s of the person dying.
This text says that death for all Adam's progeny was imposed as a consequence of Adam's sin. It does not say Adam's sin was imputed to his progeny.

What does Paul mean by "had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's sin? He means that they had not knowingly broken a law specifically given to them by God. And there were many such sinners before the law: sinners who acted without faith in God, but did not know of the specific divine expectations they were transgressing against.
Adam is a type of Christ, in that the consequence of Adam's sin (death/mortality/limited life spans) was placed upon all his progeny without their being imputed with Adam's own sin; and the consequences of Jesus' righteousness, His resurrection from the dead , is placed on all His progeny (believers), or perhaps all His siblings (mankind) without His own righteousness being imputed to us/them.


So how do others deal with Romans 5:13-15?
Blessing in disguise. If death spread to all men through sin (Adam) then salvation can be offered to ALL men.

Those who are not accountable, can be saved without impugning His Justice. And All who are accountable can be offered salvation through His Justice.

If we are condemned at birth( we personally did nothing).....He is free to make all babies, mental challenged, those who never heard the Gospel SAFE. And free to Offer salvation to all men who live and can be held accountable.

Grace, Grace and Grace. No man could devise such a wonderful and fair plan.