Two Responses to Sin—The Unregenerate and the Regenerate (Chapter 6, Paragraph 6)

“Every sin, both original and actual…”

This phrase includes both the inherited guilt and corruption from Adam (original sin) and the individual sins we commit throughout life (actual sin). Together, they form the totality of our guilt before God. These are not trivial offenses—they are cosmic treason against the holy Creator.

“…being a transgression of the righteous law of God…”

Sin is not measured by human standards but by God’s holy law. It is not just a mistake, or a slip, or a lapse in judgment—it is lawlessness (1 John 3:4). Sin is any failure to conform to or any transgression of the law of God. And that law reflects the character of God Himself. Thus, sin is always personal and moral, and always offensive to God.

“…and contrary thereunto, doth in its own nature, bring guilt upon the sinner…”

Sin brings guilt not only because of its consequences, but because of its nature. It is inherently evil. It defiles the soul, disrupts our fellowship with God, and makes us liable to His judgment. Every sin, great or small, renders us guilty before the righteous Judge.

“…whereby he is bound over to the wrath of God…”

The unregenerate person is not neutral. He is under God’s wrath (John 3:36). This is not a temporary condition—it is a legal status. The law has been broken, the sentence pronounced. Without the covering of Christ’s righteousness, every sinner remains under condemnation.

“…and curse of the law…”

Galatians 3:10 says, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” The curse is the just penalty for disobedience. Only Christ, who became a curse for us (Gal. 3:13), can redeem anyone from it.

“…and so made subject to death, with all miseries spiritual, temporal, and eternal.”

This statement expands the consequences of sin. The unregenerate suffer:

• Spiritual miseries – separation from God, blindness, bondage.

• Temporal miseries – pain, sorrow, conflict, and the curse upon the earth.

• Eternal miseries – the second death, everlasting judgment.

This is the destiny of all outside of Christ. It is not popular to say—but it is biblical. It drives us to cry, “Who can deliver me from this body of death?” (Rom. 7:24).

Yet for the believer, this paragraph also underscores hope.

The regenerate are no longer subject to wrath, though they still battle sin. They have been transferred from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son (Col. 1:13). The curse is lifted. Death has lost its sting. Eternal life has begun.

Application for the Believer:

This doctrine fuels humility and thankfulness. We were once justly condemned, bound under wrath, and unable to save ourselves. But God, being rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ. You are no longer under the curse of the law but under grace. Let that transform how you see sin—it is not just harmful; it is hateful. Don’t toy with what once held you captive. And don’t forget to pray for the lost, who remain under judgment. Only God can give them new hearts. So intercede, witness, and rejoice: you were rescued by sovereign grace—and that grace is still saving.