As a descendant of Adam and Eve, every human is involved in this traitorous and rebellious act against the divine sovereignty. In Adam's sin we all sinned, the medieval theologians declared. Because of sin mankind is subject to both guilt and a penalty for injury done to God. Guilt separates man from God. In order to remove God's enmity and placate His wrath, man must pay recompense.
Sin is followed by a penalty.
To obtain forgiveness reparation must be made. As sin is a personal offense against God, it makes man His enemy. Sin can kill the soul and deliver the sinner into satanic slavery. In addition, say Roman Catholic theologians, the sinner incurs indebtedness to God which must be paid off. Judaism in the Old Testament period pointed out several kinds of expiatory acts as means of reconciliation, such as sacrificial offerings, fasting, almsgiving and forms of penance.