If we are born in sin, how is it fair for God to judge us for our sin?

Quick answer

Even though we aren’t responsible for receiving our sin nature, we are still accountable for our sinful actions.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

In Genesis 3, we read that Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command concerning the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (Genesis 3:6). Because of this, they acquired a sin nature, which was then passed on to every human being (Romans 5:12). We are all born under the curse of sin, existing as enemies of God from birth (Psalm 51:5). This sin nature, then, compels us to sin. While we did not choose to have this sin nature, God also made a way for us to be forgiven and freed from sin. God has not condemned the world yet (John 3:17) but has judged His own beloved Son so we might see our sinfulness and turn to Him while there’s still time (2 Peter 3:9).

So why are we judged for it if we can’t help it? David exclaims that creation itself declares God’s wonders (Psalm 19:1), and Paul tells the Romans that men have taken that creation and turned it into idolatry, knowingly rejecting God (Romans 1:19-23). He says that God has clearly shown us what can be known about Him, so that we are without excuse.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Sin is rebellion against God, and He warned Adam that disobedience would result in death (Genesis 2:17). Adam’s sin cursed all of mankind (Genesis 3:17-19).
Despite having a sin nature, acting in sin is still a choice we consciously make (Genesis 4:7).
Sin is progressive and enslaves us (Genesis 6:5).
God is just, and His nature demands that He punish sin (Genesis 6:6; Deuteronomy 32:4), but He also offers man chances to repent (2 Chronicles 7:14).
If man sees his sin and does not repent, judgment remains on him (Psalm 7:12).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Romans 5:12 says, "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.” Sin nature is passed on to us, but we also knowingly commit sin.
God is the author of life. Sin is that which is against God and results in death (Romans 3:23; 6:23).
Whatever is in our hearts makes us unclean and sinful (Matthew 12:34).
Sin comes from our innermost desires and passions (James 1:14-15)
When we know what to do and refuse, it is sin (James 4:17)
Mankind is without excuse because God has made Himself known and we are called to respond (Romans 1:19-20). Mankind knew God but chose to walk away (Romans 1:21).
When we learn the truth about the Gospel, we have no excuse (John 5:14; 15:22).
God Himself entered into His creation to provide the means of rescue for His creatures. Jesus lived a sinless life and died to pay the penalty for sin (Hebrews 9:11—10:18).
Paul said, "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Those who trust in Christ will not be judged for their sin.
God is just and true and will punish sin once for all (Revelation 20:12-15).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

We are not responsible for Adam's sin. However, as the representative and progenitor of humanity, Adam's sin did affect all of us. We have no choice in when we are born, who our parents are, our life circumstances, and many other situations in our life. But just because we did not choose to be born in sin, we cannot say it is not fair for God to judge us for our sin. We are individually responsible for our own sin; we each make choices throughout our lives to either obey God or to rebel against Him.

Rather than allow all of humanity to remain condemned and separated from Him, God provided the way of salvation. Jesus took on human flesh, lived a fully human life, died on the cross, and rose back to life. To claim that God is unfair to judge those who are born in sin is to misunderstand the nature of God, the nature of sin, and the nature of salvation. God has provided rescue and freely offered it to all. Those who reject His way of salvation choose to remain in the condemnation wrought by their own sinfulness (John 3:36; Romans 1:18-32). God allows this rejection, but He does not rejoice in it (Ezekiel 18:23

).Having inherited the sinful tendency from Adam does not absolve anyone of personal responsibility for their own sin. Though we are born dead in sin and natural enemies of God, we have no excuse for remaining that way (Ephesians 2:1-10

). God is not unfair (Romans 5:6-11; 1 John 4:9-10). He is just, merciful, and loves us so much that He willingly entered into His own creation and become the way of salvation so we could have life and spend eternity with Him (John 10:10; 14:6; Revelation 20:11—22:5). One thing is for certain: the reality of salvation and that God offers it freely to every human born in sin . This isn’t fair, but it is just and merciful. God is not unfair in judging us for the sins that we commit, and He certainly isn't unloving for providing a substitute to be punished in our place in the person of Jesus Christ.

UNDERSTAND

The Bible tells us that all are born in sin with a sin nature, but it also emphasizes that sinful behavior is a personal choice. People argue that this is unfair because they did not choose to be born in sin.
God has revealed Himself and His standards to humanity, leaving people without excuse for their sins.
God offers a way of salvation through Jesus Christ, who lived a sinless life and died for humanity's sins. This provision demonstrates God's mercy and justice, offering redemption to all who accept it. This is what is truly unfair: God took our place so we could be forgiven of our sins and have eternal life with Him.

REFLECT

How does the fact that we inherit a sin nature but are still accountable for our actions impact your understanding of sin?
How do you perceive the balance between God's justice and mercy in your own life?
How does the provision of salvation through Jesus Christ influence your gratitude and relationship with God despite being born in sin?

ENGAGE

Many people take offense that we are born in sin. They claim that we are born good; however, the Bible is clear that we are both born in sin with a sin nature and that we choose to sin.
How do you reconcile and wrestle with the concept of being born with a sin nature with the idea of being personally accountable for our sins?
The article states that humanity is without excuse because God has made Himself known. In what ways do you see God's revelation in the world around you, and how do you think people typically respond to it? What can we do to help others recognize and respond to God's presence?