[boatbums]

But the fact remains that “all have sinned” is in the context of “venom on the lips” and “feet quick to shed blood”, so unless you are prepared to advance the idea that Mary hastily murdered someone, you need to take the entire passage as a poetic exaggeration, including the “all” in it.

Tell me, have YOU murdered anyone? Yet, wouldn't you admit that you HAVE sinned? The FACT is that we ALL have sinned and FALL SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD. That is the message of Romans 3. It isn't saying we are only sinners if we've killed someone. It is God telling us we can NEVER be as perfect and sinless as He is. That can only come from Christ's imputed righteousness given to us by the grace of God through faith. Mary admitted she needed a Savior, so should we.

[annalex]

I did not murder anyone and I did sin, but I did so due to my nature and not because St. Paul quoted the exaggerated poetry of King David to the Roman converts. If you want to take that passage literally, take the whole of it literally.

The Penitent St Jerome

Filippino Lippi

c. 1485
Szépmûvészeti Múzeum, Budapest

St. Jerome, doctor of the Holy Church, thee who gave us the Latin Bible, pray for us.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, amen.