Imputation of Adam’s Sin (John Murray)

Imputation of Adam’s Sin 

This work of Professor John Murray of Westminster Theological Seminary is the classic treatment on the subject of the imputation of Adam’s sin. In it, Dr. Murray covers and compares key major views: the Pelagian View, the Roman Catholic view, Calvin’s interpretation, and the Classic Protestant Interpretation. Then, comparing the Realist view of our Union with Adam (were we really “in” Adam?) or the Representative view (was he only standing in our place?).

An immensely helpful book for those seeking an understanding of how sin has infected our race from the beginning.

About the Author 

Born in Sutherland, Scotland, in 1898, John Murray distinguished himself as a theologian of the first rank during his years of service at Westminster Theological Seminary, where he taught systematic theology from 1930 until his retirement in 1966.

Contents

Part 1: Syntactical Construction

Part 2: The Sin Contemplated

• The Pelagian View
• The Roman Catholic View
• Calvin’s Interpretation
• The Classic Protestant Interpretation

Part 3: The Union Involved

• The Realistic View
• The Representative View

Part 4: The Nature of the Imputation

• Mediate Imputation
• Immediate Imputation

Part 5: The Sin Imputed

A Reader Review

Professor John Murray (Systematic Theology professor first at Princeton, then at Westminster Theological Seminary) is one of my favorite theologians. This is not because he is easy to read; he is not. Rather it is because Murray always provides insightful Biblical analysis while being succinct – no small feat. This small book on The Imputation of Adam’s Sin (original sin) is no exception to either Murray’s thoroughness or brevity.

He carefully analyzes the Pelagian, Roman Catholic, Realistic, and Representative viewpoints on this doctrine. He is careful to dissect viewpoints between those points in which all can agree, and those which distinguish the various viewpoints. For example, when discussing Realism, Murray writes, “Hence the crux of the question is not whether the representative view discounts seminal union or natural headship . . . but simply and solely whether the necessary plus which both views posit is to be interpreted in terms of an entity which existed in its totality in Adam and is individualized in the members of the race or in terms of representation which was established by divine ordination.”

Comparison of Key Passages: Romans 5 and 1 Corinthians 15

However, the major challenge for Murray (and all theologians) is how to reconcile the Romans 5 and 1 Corinthians 15 passages regarding the imputation of Adam’s first sin, specifically regarding the concept of an alien guilt (peccatum alienum). How can Adam’s future progeny be held responsible for the sin of their first father (Ezekiel 18)?

Combining these issues (realism and alien guilt), Murray posits the following: “The members of posterity cannot be conceived of as existing when Adam trespassed . . . Yet all the members of the race were contemplated by God as destined to exist; they were foreordained to be and the certainty of their existence was thus guaranteed . . . thus contemplated by God they were contemplated no otherwise than as member of the race in solidaric union with Adam and therefore as having sinned in him.”  This profound statement is typical of Professor Murray’s insightful analysis. I highly recommend this work! — Scott Cox