Did all of humanity fall as a result of Adam's first transgression?

The assertion that all of humanity fell through Adam's first transgression is rooted in the doctrine of original sin, which is a central tenet of Reformed theology as articulated in the Westminster Shorter Catechism. According to this doctrine, Adam, as the federal head of humanity, acted on behalf of all people when he disobeyed God. This means that the consequences of his sin—namely, the corruption of human nature and the imputation of sin—are passed down to all his descendants.

In the biblical narrative, particularly in Romans 5:12, it is stated that "sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned." This reinforces the understanding that the effects of Adam's transgression are universal and affect every human being. Therefore, the theological interpretation claims that all of humanity shares in the fallen state that resulted from Adam's original sin.

This understanding emphasizes not just the historical event but also its spiritual implications, which highlight the necessity for redemption and reconciliation through Christ, who is considered the second Adam in Christian theology. Thus, the answer stating that all humanity fell through Adam accurately reflects the core beliefs held in the Reformed tradition as articulated in