Original Sin

Waldensians affirm the classical doctrine of original sin as taught in the Reformed tradition. Humanity was created in God's image but fell into sin through the disobedience of Adam and Eve. 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.

The Waldensian Confession teaches that this doctrine of original sin is foundational to understanding the necessity of Christ's redemption. All people have sinned and fall short of God's glory, requiring God's grace for salvation. The reality of original sin underscores both human responsibility (we are guilty before God) and human helplessness (we cannot redeem ourselves).

Waldensian theology articulates original sin in the context of Reformed theology, emphasizing total depravity (the pervasiveness of sin throughout human nature) without speculating extensively on the mechanism of transmission. The solution to original sin is the grace of God in Christ, appropriated through faith by the work of the Holy Spirit.