They being the root of all mankind, the guilt of this sin was imputed; and the same death in sin, and corrupted nature, conveyed to all their posterity descending from them by ordinary generation.
From Adam and Eve sprang all subsequent mankind. Furthermore, Adam was mankind's representative head, chosen by God to stand for all men in his probation. Adam's decision to obey or disobey God was made not just for himself or for himself and Eve but for his entire posterity. If one objects that he had no say in the matter, that he does not believe himself properly represented by Adam, he should consider that it was God who appointed Adam to the task. Who better than God to know the perfect man to represent humanity?
Our inheritance from Adam is the imputed guilt of his sin--we all share in it, just as we share in its consequences, death and a corrupted nature. And all our descendants likewise will participate in the common lot of fallen humanity. This is original sin. The term refers not to Adam's first sin but the inborn corruption of our natures. "As in Adam all die..." The rest of that story awaits chapter VIII.
Tomorrow: The consequences of corruption.
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