The short answer to this question is: because God is not an individualist. There is a strong push in this world, especially in western culture, to be seen as an individual only responsible for your own life. But this clearly is not how life works. Your skin color and eye color are determined by who your parents are. On a deeper biological level, many issues affecting your health are determined by who your parents are. You have the same influence in the lives of your children. The opportunities you get in life to a large degree are determined by your upbringing and your surroundings. You receive opportunities from actions of the people around you, and by your actions you contribute to the opportunities they get or lack.
One could consider this to be unfortunate. However, in actuality, it is a wonderful aspect of being human. We are not isolated worlds that must achieve success or failure entirely on our own terms. Our identities and actions are profoundly influenced by the families, networks, communities, and countries we belong to. Living in connections is what it is to be human, and these interactions—particularly those with our parents—have a profound impact on who we are.
Adam, the first man, severed his relationship with God after sinning. He evolved. He turned into a sinner. That implied more than simply that his sin had turned him into a sinner. His heart was altered by his disobedience to God. He now had [a inclination to sin in his heart] as a result of severing the link with God. It has ramifications for all those who followed Adam.
Are all humans accountable for Adam’s sin?
The church has debated whether or not God holds everyone, including you and me, responsible for Adam’s transgressions throughout history. Romans 5:12–21 is the verse in the Bible that addresses how Adam’s sin has affected us. Although there is disagreement among Bible instructors, it appears from two statements that God holds everyone responsible for Adam’s transgression. “Thus, death spread to all men because they sinned,” according to Romans 5:12–14. “Since sin existed in the world even before the law was given, but sin is not counted where the law does not exist.” But from Adam until Moses, death ruled, even over people whose sins were not as great as Adam’s. This undoubtedly implies that “all sinned” in Adam. Because of Adam’s sin, we
Even more unambiguous is Romans 5:18, which states, “Therefore, just as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.” The lone good deed illustrates what Jesus accomplished for us. [His righteousness is seen as equal to ours]. The verse’s first half makes the most sense when read this way: Adam’s one transgression is counted as our transgression.
Are Adam’s descendants sinners themselves?
But the most important issue about facing the consequences of Adam’s sin is not whether you are accountable for his sin. More important is that Adam’s sin made you a sinner, because you want to sin. What is the fruit of mango trees? Mangos. What kind of young will monkeys get? Monkeys. And what kind of children will sinners get? Sinners. There is no surprise there. As a sinner, it was impossible for Adam to get children without a sinful nature. Therefore all people are born sinners. There are many things that you got through your parents: your beautiful eyes, your bright mind, your place in the community, all the things you needed to grow up. And you got one more thing as well: sin is deeply rooted in you and you will have to deal with that.
It sounds like a complaint to ask, “Why do I face the consequences of Adam’s sin, when I did not eat the fruit?” The idea that underlies the complaint might be something like this: “Adam made the wrong decision. Why should I receive punishment? I didn’t act improperly. Of course, that’s where you would be wrong. There is no one who can say they have never done anything wrong, save Jesus. It is just theoretical to question whether God will punish you for Adam’s transgression when you have many other sins for which God may punish you. Compared to Adam’s transgression, you have far more reason to be concerned about your own crimes!
Good news
Actually, the fact that you must bear the repercussions of Adam’s sin contains a very valuable lesson. No one else’s acts could condemn you to sin, just as no one else’s actions could [fix your sin problem]. However, that is untrue. Without your conscious choice, you are a sinner because of Adam’s transgression. Similarly, you are freed from sin not by anything you have done but by what Christ has done for you.
That brings us to excellent news: you cannot drive out sin with your own efforts. We are too ingrained with sin. But it’s not necessary. You can obtain eternal life and sin forgiveness simply by placing your faith in Jesus. Adam’s transgression had dire repercussions. However, the grace of Jesus extends beyond that. Death and greater sin were brought about by Adam’s sin. But righteousness and eternal life are the outcome of Jesus’ grace. God does not value independence. You were with Adam while he made mistakes and took his route. Jesus envelops you in His arms and tells His Father, “He/she is included in Me,” when you show Him love. He/she will follow me everywhere I go, all the way to eternal life.
