Westminster Shorter Catechism – Lord’s Day 10
Q & A 17
Q Into what estate did the fall bring mankind?
A The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery.*1
Q & A 18
Q 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,2 the want of original righteousness,3 and the corruption of his whole nature,4 which is commonly called original sin; together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it.5
Q & A 19
Q What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell?
A All mankind by their fall lost communion with God,6 are under his wrath7 and curse,8 and so made liable to all the miseries of this life,9 to death10 itself, and to the pains of hell forever.11
*1 Genesis 3:16-19, 23; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:1.
*2 Romans 5:12, 19.
*3 Romans 3:10; Ephesians 4:24.
*4 Psalm 51:5; John 3:6; Romans 3:18; Romans 8:7-8; Ephesians 2:3.
*5 Genesis 6:5; Psalm 53:1-3; Matthew 15:19; Romans 3:10-18, 23; Galatians 5:19-21; James 1:14-15.
*6 Genesis 3:8, 24; John 8:34, 42, 44; Ephesians 2:12; Ephesians 4:18.
*7 John 3:36; Romans 1:18; Ephesians 2:3; Ephesians 5:6.
*8 Galatians 3:10; Revelation 22:3.
*9 Genesis 3:16-19; Job 5:7; Ecclesiastes 2:22-23; Romans 8:18-23.
*10 Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 5:12; Romans 6:23.
*11 Matthew 25:41, 46; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 14:9-11.
