The SDB Statement of Belief affirms that humanity was created in God's image but fell into sin through the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. As a result, the entire human race inherited a fallen and sinful nature, separated from God and liable to judgment. Human beings are born with a propensity toward sin and cannot save themselves through their own efforts.

This doctrine of original sin is understood as the foundation for the necessity of salvation through Christ. All people have sinned and fall short of God's glory, requiring God's grace for redemption. The universality of human sin is affirmed, though SDB theology does not typically employ the term 'total depravity' in the strict Calvinist sense.

The SDB tradition emphasizes that while humans are born into sin and corruption, they are not born sinless. Personal sin and accountability are also real. The solution to both original sin and personal sin is the grace of God offered in Christ and received through faith.