Romans 5:12 (ESV)
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man,
and death through sin, and so death spread to all men
because all sinned—
Q: When Adam fell, did all mankind completely fall as well? Was Adam the Federal Head of all mankind?
A: Please note several things God says in this passage:
- “just as” – In the same way sin comes, death comes.
- “through one man” – Adam introduced sin into God’s sinless context.
- “death through sin” – Sin introduced a result into the world called death, literally separation.
- “death spread to all men” – The result of Adam’s sin (death, separation) is what spread.
- “because all sinned” – The vehicle causing the spread is sin.
In other words, the consequence of death comes about when each individual chooses to sin.
Q: But that presents a very important question. If babies do not inherit original sin, why do babies die?
A: We must bear in mind that the topic of this passage is the spiritual condition of man, not the physical. Romans 5 is addressing spiritual death. Read the context before and after. Notice the discussion of reconciliation, trespasses, judgement, and justification. All of these terms indicate spiritual priorities.
The greatest tragedy of the cross was not physical death, but His spiritual separation from the Father. (Matthew 27:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21)
Remember, Jesus aged and was subject to the physical consequences of this fallen realm, but that doesn’t mean Jesus was evil!
Sinless babies suffer under the same fallen world influences as the sinless Son of God. It doesn’t mean that either one of them are inherently evil. It’s only after we choose to sin that we become guilty of sin. (Genesis 4:7; Ezekiel 18:20; Romans 5:12)
Conclusion: Adam’s sin brought both physical death and spiritual death into the world. However, while we cannot avoid physical death, we can avoid spiritual death by choosing a Savior.