Adam’s fall into sin had disastrous consequences for the entire human race–sin and death, natural disasters, wars and rumors of war. As the biological head of the human race, when Adam sinned against God, he brought about the corruption of human nature and the sting of death not only for himself, but for all of his biological ancestors. But Adam was also the federal head of the human race, acting upon our behalf, so that the guilt of his sin is imputed (or credited) to all of us. Since we are born with Adam’s corrupt nature (what the New Testament describes as “the flesh”) and since we are guilty for Adam’s sin, our confession simply states: Adam’s sin was “enough to condemn the human race.” But Adam’s sin and its consequences for the human race is not the end of the story. In fact, Adam’s sin is only the beginning of the drama of redemption, setting the stage for the glories of the gospel which follow.
Keeping the big picture in mind (i.e,. the box top to the puzzle), the biblical record indicates that as soon as Adam rebelled against God in Eden and brought down the covenant curse upon us all (death), God was immediately present in the garden promising to redeem Adam and Eve and their descendants through the seed of the woman (Eve). While Adam’s act of apostasy has grave consequences for us all, this rebellion did not catch God by surprise, nor did it ruin God’s plan for human history. Even as Adam’s fall into sin was decreed by God–yet in such a way that God is not responsible for Adam’s sin (cf. Article Thirteen of our confession)–so too, God also decreed to save a vast multitude of Adam’s fallen race. This brings us to Article Sixteen of our confession and the article on the doctrine of divine election. As our confession previously pointed out, God decrees whatsoever comes to pass, including the entrance of sin into the human race. But God has also decreed to save such a large number of guilty sinners that they cannot be counted. This is the supreme manifestation of God’s wonderful mercy. God will save countless people who do not deserve to be saved.
To read the rest, click here: Article Sixteen of the Belgic Confession: "Merciful and Just"
Read More