What Are We by Nature?

Do the Scriptures teach original sin? Nearly all Christians recognize that we sin. We daily commit acts of sin against God. But are we born into sin? Are we sinful by nature in addition to committing particular acts of sin?

Jesus may very well be shedding some light on this matter when He says to the Pharisees as they try to shut up the disciples who are hailing Him as the Messiah on Palm Sunday. He says that if they remain quiet even the stones will cry out. We would all agree that it is not in the nature of stones to cry out, let alone do anything, being as they are inanimate objects. But the fact that our Lord could bring an act of life and praise to the rocks that line the way shows us yet again what kind of a God we have—one who brings life to our souls and praise to our lips even though we are by nature children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3).