From Corruption to Action—Original Sin Bears Fruit (Chapter 6, Paragraph 4)

“From this original corruption…”

The previous paragraph declared that all people are born with a sinful nature inherited from Adam. Now we learn the inevitable consequence: this corruption produces fruit. Sin is not only internal but active. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34). The root of sin gives rise to the fruit of sin.

“…whereby we are utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good…”

Three strong words describe our spiritual state:

• Indisposed – We are not inclined toward good. We lack desire.

• Disabled – We are not able to do good. We lack ability.

• Opposite – We are actively resistant to good. We oppose what is righteous.

This is total depravity—not that we are as evil as possible, but that every part of us is affected by sin. Our minds are darkened, our wills are rebellious, and our affections are disordered. We are not spiritually neutral but spiritually hostile to God (Rom. 8:7).

“…and wholly inclined to all evil…”

Left to ourselves, we drift not toward righteousness but toward sin. Like a compass bent away from true north, our hearts point toward self, pride, lust, and rebellion. Genesis 6:5 declares, “every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” This is not hyperbole—it’s the divine diagnosis of fallen man.

This doesn’t mean we cannot do things that appear good outwardly. Unbelievers can show kindness or tell the truth. But without faith, such deeds are not aimed at God’s glory or done in submission to His will—and “whatever does not proceed from faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23).

“…do proceed all actual transgressions.”

This final phrase connects the dots: actual sins flow from original corruption. When we lie, lust, envy, or speak harshly, we are not merely making isolated mistakes—we are acting out of a sinful nature. The evil actions are symptoms of a deeper disease.

This biblical view of sin rejects the modern notion that we are basically good people who occasionally mess up. Rather, we are sinful people who sin because it is our nature to do so. Jeremiah 17:9 tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”

Only the Spirit of God can regenerate the heart and begin to reverse this deep corruption. That is why salvation must be supernatural. You don’t clean a poisoned well by filtering the water—you must change the source. That is what God does in the new birth.

Application for the Believer:

This truth leads us to humility. We sin not just because of external pressures or bad influences, but because of internal corruption. Even our best efforts are tainted apart from grace. Yet God, rich in mercy, loved us when we were dead in sin and made us alive in Christ. Rejoice in your new nature if you are in Christ—and be vigilant. The remnants of the old nature still war within. Let your battle against sin go deeper than behavior; pray for purity of heart, and trust the Spirit’s power to produce real holiness. Your only hope is Christ—who changes the heart.