Overview

This section traces the entrance and effects of sin in fuller detail than the Shorter Catechism: the fall (Q21), the covenant made with Adam for his posterity (Q22), the estate of sin and misery (Q23), the definition and first sin (Q24–25), the conveyance of original sin (Q26), the misery of the fallen estate (Q27), and the punishments of sin in this world (Q28) and the world to come (Q29). It is the dark backdrop against which the covenant of grace will shine.

The Questions & Answers

Q21. Did man continue in that estate wherein God at first created him? A. Our first parents being left to the freedom of their own will, through the temptation of Satan, transgressed the commandment of God in eating the forbidden fruit; and thereby fell from the estate of innocency wherein they were created.

Scripture Proofs (ESV):

“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food… she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.” (Gen. 3:6, ESV)

Further proofs: Gen. 3:13; Eccl. 7:29; 2 Cor. 11:3.

Q22. Did all mankind fall in that first transgression? A. The covenant being made with Adam as a public person, not for himself only, but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him by ordinary generation sinned in him, and fell with him in that first transgression.

Scripture Proofs (ESV):

“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man… so death spread to all men because all sinned.” (Rom. 5:12–20, ESV)

“For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Cor. 15:21–22, ESV)

Q24. What is sin? A. Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, any law of God, given as a rule to the reasonable creature.

Scripture Proofs (ESV):

“Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 3:4, ESV)

Further proofs: Gal. 3:10, 12; James 4:17.

Q25. Wherein consisteth the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell? A. The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consisteth in the guilt of Adam’s first sin, the want of that righteousness wherein he was created, and the corruption of his nature, whereby he is utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite unto all that is spiritually good, and wholly inclined to all evil, and that continually; which is commonly called original sin, and from which do proceed all actual transgressions.

Scripture Proofs (ESV):

“…the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth.” (Gen. 8:21; cf. 6:5, ESV)

“…the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God… it cannot.” (Rom. 8:7, ESV)

Further proofs: Rom. 5:12–19; Ps. 51:5; Eph. 2:1–3; James 1:14–15.

Q27. What misery did the fall bring upon mankind? A. The fall brought upon mankind the loss of communion with God, his displeasure and curse; so as we are by nature children of wrath, bond slaves to Satan, and justly liable to all punishments in this world, and that which is to come.

Scripture Proofs (ESV):

“…and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” (Eph. 2:2–3, ESV)

Further proofs: Gen. 3:8, 24; Gal. 3:10; 2 Tim. 2:26; Lam. 3:39; Matt. 25:41, 46.

Exposition: The Larger Catechism’s account is fuller than the Shorter’s. Q22 calls Adam “a public person” — our covenant representative — so that “all mankind… sinned in him, and fell with him.” Q24’s definition of sin is invaluable and broader than the WSC’s: sin is “any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, any law of God” — embracing both omission (failing to do good) and commission (doing evil). Q25 unfolds original sin in its three parts (guilt, lost righteousness, corrupt nature) and describes total inability with sobering force: we are “utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite unto all that is spiritually good, and wholly inclined to all evil, and that continually.” Q26 (cited in exposition) explains the conveyance of this corruption by natural generation. Q27–29 set out the misery: lost communion with God, His curse, bondage to Satan, and liability to all punishments here and hereafter. (Q28 details temporal punishments — inward miseries, outward calamities, death; Q29, eternal — everlasting separation from God and torments forever.)

Connections

• WSC Q13–19 — the fall; the covenant; sin; original sin; and the misery of the fallen estate.
• WCF 6 (Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof) and WCF 7.2 (the broken covenant of works).
• Loci: Hamartiology (Adam’s federal headship; original sin; total depravity and inability; guilt and misery).

Pastoral & Practical Significance

This section refuses every comforting lie about human nature and tells the truth that makes grace amazing. We are not basically good people who occasionally stumble, but — in Adam our representative — guilty, corrupt, “wholly inclined to all evil,” and justly under God’s wrath. That diagnosis is severe, but it is the doorway to the gospel: only those who feel the weight of their misery rejoice at the height of redemption. Q24’s broad definition of sin searches the conscience deeply — much of our sin is not what we did but the good we failed to do, the love we withheld, the duty we neglected. And Q25’s account of total inability explains why salvation must be entirely of grace: a person “utterly… disabled” toward spiritual good cannot save or even prepare himself; he needs God to act first (effectual calling). Far from breeding despair, this honest reckoning with sin makes the very next section — the covenant of grace — break like dawn. The deeper we feel Q21–29, the sweeter Q30 will sound.

For Memory & Reflection

• Memorize Q24 above all in this section; anchor verse: 1 John 3:4. Q25 and Q27 are also worth committing as a clear account of sin and its misery.
• Q24 includes sins of omission — the good I fail to do. What unrepented neglect does this expose?
• Do I really believe I am “by nature” a child of wrath, unable to save myself? How does that make the covenant of grace (next section) more precious?