Did Jesus Redeem Mankind? — Page 80
? 73 Adam out of the garden of Eden lest by eating of the fruit of the tree, he should live for ever. It is clear, therefore, that death is not the crop of sin, and on the contrary man could live after partaking of the forbidden fruit even though it be a sinful act. VICARIOUS ATONEMENT UNCALLED FOR Yet another question confronts us. It is said about Adam that he sinned though neither his father nor his mother had sinned. If a child can sin, notwithstanding the fact that his parents did not, then a child can likewise do an act of virtue, notwithstanding the fact that his parents did nothing of the sort. And if Adam (peace be on him) could act virtuously what is there to prevent other men from acting in like manner? Evidently the theory of heredity is not a fact in this. God, the Excellent has made man so, that he is capable of making progress and is likewise liable to fall. Adam's father had not sinned. In fact, he had no father. But Adam sinned. This goes to prove virtue and vice are products of given circumstances and unrelated to heredity. Vicarious atonement is clearly, therefore, an uncalled for device. that Another question that arises is: How was the sin of Adam forgiven? If it was forgiven on repentance, in a similar manner the sin of his generation could be written off and