On Original Sin in Vol I of the Works - Edwards - IV - Chapter 2 of Part I

Required reading
The great Christian doctrine of original sin defended in Volume I of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 2 of Part I.

My summary.

Today Edwards demonstrates that man is totally depraved because all humans die.

We hear primarily hear that:

(i) the Scriptures repeatedly tell us that death is due to sin;

(ii) although death does have some benefits for humanity, it is not simply a favour to mankind;

(iii) the death of all infants of all nations demonstrates the sinfulness of all humans.

What grabbed me

I appreciated Edwards' affirmation of link death of sin together: 'And the Scripture every where speaks of all great afflictions and calamities, which God in his providence brings on mankind, as testimonies of his displeasure for sin, in the subjects of those calamities; excepting those sufferings which are to atone for the sins of others. He ever taught his people to look on such calamities as his rod, the rod of his anger, his frown, the hidings of his face in displeasure. Hence such calamities are in Scripture so often called by the name of judgments, being what God brings on men as a judge, executing a righteous sentence for transgression. Yea, they are often called by the name of wrath, especially calamities consisting or issuing in death.'

Without sin, there is no death.  So if there is death, there is sin.

Next week's reading

Read Chapter 1 of Part II.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.