Are Babies Born in Sin?

It is commonly believed that Adam's sin (the original sin) is transmitted (by inheritance) to all who are born into this world. It is referred to as "original sin" and "hereditary total depravity." Let us study the Scriptures together to see if babies are really born in sin.

First, how does one commit sin? Each individual becomes a sinner when he breaks God's law (1 Jn 3:4). Sin happens when one responds to temptation by giving in to it (Jas 1:13-15). There is a difference between inheriting the "guilt" of Adam's sin and suffering the "consequences" of his sin. We all suffer the consequences of the first sin: pain, sickness, and death. But we do not inherit "guilt" from anyone.

While some passages are misunderstood and misused, the Bible clearly teaches that babies are born free of sin. First, sin is not passed on to others. "The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father…." (Ezek 18:20). Second, Jesus tells sinners to become like little children (Matt. 19:13-14). Little children are innocent because they do not know the difference between good and evil (Isa 7:16). Furthermore, the teaching in Psalm 106:37-38 indicates that those who sacrificed babies to idols shed innocent blood. If babies inherit Adam's sin, they would not be innocent.

Each of us will be judged by what we have done (2 Cor. 5:10). Many verses teach that we are able to choose to obey or disobey God (Josh 24:15; Rev. 22:17).

The most used proof text for original sin is Psalms 51:5. Notice that this verse says nothing that indicates that David inherited the guilt of Adam's sin. The verse describes the guilt of his mother who was guilty of sin and iniquity when she conceived him and brought him forth.

The practice of baptizing infants arose because of the notion that babies have sin that needs to be forgiven. We have shown from the Scriptures that babies are not in sin. But even if they were they are not a proper subject for baptism. A candidate for baptism must be a hearer of the word of God (Rom. 10:17; Acts 2:22, 37, and 15:7). One must be taught and he must learn the will of God (John 6:45). One must believe the gospel before being baptized (Mk 16:16). He must come to repentance (Acts 2:38). A verbal confession of Christ is also necessary before baptism (Rom 10:9; see also Acts 8:37). Since infants can't do any of these things they cannot be proper subjects for baptism. Those who baptize infants today are doing so against God's will, and usually the baby is not very happy about it either.

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