Q.17. Into what estate did the fall bring mankind?

A. The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery.[e]

[e] Rom. 5:12.

We are here taught,

1. That the fall of Adam brought mankind into a state of sin.

2. That the fall of Adam brought mankind into a state of misery.

Q.18. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell?

A. The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consists in the guilt of Adam’s first sin, the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of his whole nature, which is commonly called Original Sin; together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it.[f]

[f] Rom. 5:10-20. Eph. 2:1-3. James 1:14,15. Matt. 15:19.

We are here taught,

1. That the sinfulness of man’s fallen state consists in the guilt of Adam’s first sin.

2. That the sinfulness of man’s fallen state consists in the want of original righteousness.

3. That the sinfulness of man’s fallen state consists in the corruption of our whole nature, or of original sin.

4. That all our actual transgressions, in which the sinfulness of our state also consists, proceed from original sin.

Q.19. What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell?

A. All mankind by their fall lost communion with God,[g] are under his wrath and curse,[h] and so made liable to all miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell for ever.[i]

[g] Gen. 3:8,10,24.

[h] Eph. 2:2,3. Gal. 3:10.

[i] Lam. 3:39. Rom. 6:23. Matt. 25:41,46.

We are here taught,

1. That all men have, by the fall, lost communion with God.

2. That all men by nature are under the wrath and curse of God.

3. That all men are, by the fall, made liable to all the miseries of this life.

4. That all men are, by the fall, made liable to death.

5. That all men are, by the fall, made liable to the pains of hell.

6. That the pains of hell are eternal.