Of man’s fall, sin, and the cause of sin (Second Helvetic Confession, 8b)
This article by Ronald Cammenga examines Chapter 8 of the Second Helvetic Confession, focusing on humanity's fall into sin and its consequences, particularly the doctrine of death (both physical and eternal) as punishment for sin. Through careful exegesis of Genesis and Pauline epistles, Cammenga expounds the Reformed understanding of how Adam's disobedience resulted in the complete corruption of human nature and subjection to death in all its aspects.
Previous article in this series: April 15, 2019, p. 330. Death By death we understand not only bodily death, which all of us must once suffer on account of sins, but also eternal punishment due to our sins and corruption. For the apostle says: "Who were dead in trespasses and sins…and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy…even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ" (Ephesians 2:1ff). Also: "Wherefore, as by one man sin...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org