Did all mankind fall in Adam's first transgression?

The assertion that all mankind fell in Adam's first transgression is grounded in the Reformed theological understanding of Original Sin and the concept of federal headship. In this view, Adam is seen as the representative head of humanity. When he disobeyed God's command in the Garden of Eden, the consequences of that act—sin and death—are applied to all of humanity, not just to Adam himself.

The covenant made with Adam is crucial to this understanding. It establishes a theological framework where Adam's obedience or disobedience affects not only himself but also all his descendants. This doctrine emphasizes the connection between Adam's fall and the sinful state of all human beings, which implies that every person inherits a sinful nature due to this original act of disobedience.

In contrast, the other choices present views that diverge from this core theological interpretation. For instance, suggesting that only certain individuals or those who directly disobeyed fell into sin would undermine the belief in Original Sin and the inclusive impact of Adam's transgression. Similarly, proposing that only those living in Adam's era were affected also fails to align with the belief that humanity as a whole is represented in Adam, impacting all generations thereafter. Thus, the understanding that the covenant being