Gospel as Center: Chapter 5

On "Sin and the Fall."

• The Theory of Evolution (note capitals) and Islam both assume that evil is a natural thing, with the implication that sin need not be dealt with.
• But Christianity contends that angels first sinned (2 Peter 2:4), progressing to Satan tempting Eve, then Adam, then sin being inherited by all his offspring.
• We were created righteous; strangely, God proclaimed evil's entry (no surprise nor mere permission) "so that in it and against it He might bring to light His divine attributes" (Bavnick, Reformed Dogmatics, qtd. in p. 81; compare Colossians 2:15).
• Adam's sin led to lawlessness and judgment, alienation, inability to be holy, and Satanic bondage. It is universal, and its depravity involves the whole person (T of TULIP).