Inherited sinful tendency; not inherited guilt; entire sanctification cleanses nature
The Church of God (Anderson) teaches that through Adam's transgression, all people have inherited a sinful nature—a bent toward rebellion against God and a proneness to sin. This inheritance is not understood as the imputation of Adam's guilt (a person is not held guilty for Adam's sin) but as the inheritance of a corrupted nature that inclines toward disobedience. This sinful nature is universal; all people are born with this tendency unless regenerated by the Holy Spirit.
Prevenient grace addresses this condition, enabling all people to respond to God's call. Conversion through faith begins the work of grace, but entire sanctification is necessary to fully cleanse the believer from this carnal nature. In entire sanctification, the Holy Spirit purifies the heart from the root of willful sin, enabling the person to walk in love and obedience. The church's anthropology emphasizes both human depravity (all are sinful) and the capacity for grace (all can believe and be changed).
Key Distinctions
- Doctrine type:
- universal tendency toward sin; not total inability; capacity for faith remains
- Free will effect:
- restores capacity to believe; makes faith possible for all
Scripture References
Sources
- Church of God (Anderson) Article II — Human Nature and Depravity
- Daniel S. Warner, Sermons on Sin and Holiness
- Church of God (Anderson) Statement on Original Sin