---
title: "Question 18: Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell? | Westminster Shorter Catechism"
description: "Westminster Shorter Catechism, question 18: Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell? The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consists in the guilt of Adam’s first sin, the want of original righteousne"
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-18-wherein-consists-the-sinfulness-of-that-estate-whereinto-man/"
source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=161"
---

# Question 18: Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell? | Westminster Shorter Catechism

The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consists in the guilt of Adam’s first sin, the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of his whole nature, which is commonly called original sin; together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it.

Scripture proofs: Rom. 5:12, 19; Rom. 5:10-20; Eph. 2:1-3; Jas. 1:14-15; Matt. 15:19.

Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=161)

## Related reading

- [Understanding covenant theology](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/covenant-theology/)
- [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 4: Of Creation](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-4-creation/)
- [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 9: What is the work of creation?](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-9-what-is-the-work-of-creation/)
- [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 15: What is the work of creation?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-15-what-is-the-work-of-creation/)
- [Find teaching on sin](https://ctkrp.org/sermons/?q=sin)
- [Question 17](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-17-into-what-estate-did-the-fall-bring-mankind/)
- [Question 19](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-19-what-is-the-misery-of-that-estate-whereinto-man/)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-18-wherein-consists-the-sinfulness-of-that-estate-whereinto-man/