Could Christ Sin?

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Could Christ Sin?
By Jason Busa

A biblical analysis to determine whether Christ
could have sinned while in human form.

Preface

This study was prompted by a controversy which arose in my church group in 2007, in which some believed that Christ could have sinned, while others believed he could not. It forced me to have an informed opinion. At the time, I didn’t have the slightest idea it would take so many hours to fully exhaust this subject. Many years ago, when I first heard, “Christ could have sinned, but didn’t,” I accepted it without proving it.

The principle scriptures used to support that statement were Hebrews 2:17-18 and Hebrews 4:15, which state that Christ “suffered, being tempted” and that He was “in all points tempted as we are.” On the surface, it seemed pretty conclusive. I’d been tempted and I knew what it was like. I’d been tempted by food. I’d been tempted by beautiful cars. I’d been tempted by beautiful women. I knew what it felt like and Christ must have as well, since it says He was “tempted.”

Before beginning my study, I recognized that there was one factor that seemed to be in conflict with the potentiality that Christ could have sinned: the Old Testament scriptures. They testify that God has preordained the outcome, through many prophetic statements that, in the end, Christ would prevail and reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. There was no if, and or but. There was no uncertainty. But, if Christ could have sinned, as I was told, it had to mean at some point in time there was uncertainty. It seemed to me that it had to be one or the other. Certainty and uncertainty could not co-exist.

I knew that I needed to exhaust this subject. As I began my research, more questions came up, which propelled me into deeper study and sucked more of my time. It reminded me of a magician’s handkerchief, which seems to never end. Along the way, I discovered that this subject has been the focus of controversy for centuries, without respect to denomination. Biblical scholars even assigned terms to it. Those who believed it was impossible for Christ to have sinned while in human form called it “impeccability.” Those who believed it was possible for Christ to have sinned while in human form called it “peccability.” I was about to join an age-old debate, which has persisted for generations, with vehement defenders on either side.

In my search for the truth, I consulted church brethren and ministers alike. I studied the original Greek texts. I read the commentaries. I studied all the arguments for and against. The writers on both sides were emphatic, many going so far as to accuse the other side of heresy.

With such passionate advocates on either side of the argument, including those who wrote entire books on the subject, I found myself teeter-tottering. I’d finish reading a particular position that was very convincing and then I’d read an opposing position, which seemed equally convincing. I consulted two ministers with differing beliefs on the subject, again, each initially convincing. It was beginning to be a source of stress. Then, I received comfort one day, from a sudden realization: there can be only one truth. Furthermore, I recognized that there is only one source of truth. The best thing I could do was try to put everyone’s arguments to the test of scripture and use their research (when provided) to enhance my own understanding.

Along the way, I had to ask myself a lot of questions and try to answer them completely. I created tables for and against. I created formulas to bring acquired knowledge to a visual form. I armed myself with multiple bible translations, a concordance, and a Greek New Testament Word Study.

Most importantly, I importuned God in prayer and fasting, never forgetting that, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5). And also remembering it is written, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

I’ll state right here, that my studies have brought me to the conclusion that it was impossible for Christ to have sinned. I am firmly convinced of this and I believe biblical evidence alone proves it. Although it’s unnecessary to look outside the bible for answers, it can help us gain clearer understanding of various interpretations of the evidence. So, various writings on this subject were consulted, with careful attention paid to dividing fact from supposition.

While consulting other writings, special weight was given to the writings of Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong, for I am persuaded that Mr. Armstrong was used by God to restore doctrinal truths that had been lost for centuries. With that said, it is my firm belief that God continues to reveal knowledge in this present day. We find no biblical evidence that knowledge would cease at any time before Christ’s return.

The intent of this paper is to consider the evidence thoroughly, leaving no stone unturned, in hopes of conducting an objective, not subjective, analysis. The reader is encouraged to read everything, even if he or she is already convicted one way or the other. This will be especially helpful to those who are convinced that it was possible for Christ to have sinned while in human form, so they will consider the evidence presented and prove whether it is truly objective or not.

Introduction

The truth of the matter is that there are no biblical scriptures that explicitly state, in the strictest literal sense, Christ could have or could not have sinned as a human being.

Like many doctrinal subjects, we must put together the pieces of the puzzle to give us a complete picture. Here a little and there a little (Isa 28:10). In some cases, the puzzle is put together completely. In other places, enough of the puzzle is put together to see most of the picture and reach a firm conclusion. This can be demonstrated in the picture below.

SFskylineinfog

In this picture we can see very identifiable characteristics, which can lead us to only one conclusion. We see a reddish suspension bridge, the top of a pyramid-like skyscraper and a distinctive cylindrical tower. Alone, these objects would be familiar, but could not lead us to name the city with total certainty because there is a possibility of mistaken identity. But combined, we know for certain that we are seeing the Golden Gate Bridge, the Transamerica building and Coit Tower. The city can only be San Francisco. No other city would have these three characteristics and, therefore, we can be confident in our conclusion. This is one method by which we can avoid supposition. We’ll call it, letting the Bible interpret itself.

The other method by which we can avoid supposition is to inspect the biblical text in its originally written language, whether in Greek, Hebrew or Aramaic. The English language is said to be the most difficult language to learn. Most would agree, it’s the most convoluted language on the planet and has been the source of much confusion and frustration by those traveling from other countries. It can lead to misunderstanding even by those who are highly literate.

It’s important to note that consulting the original text is helpful, but it must done with some restraint. You can go overboard when studying the Greek, because you have majority interpretations and minority interpretations and they often come into conflict with each other. This leads to over-analyzing. And, in some cases, contention can arise, in what amounts to “my Greek is better than your Greek” arguments. So caution is advised.

Similarly, many Bible students have multiple translations in order to grasp the full meaning of any given scripture. But some translations have a literal meaning of a word, some a figurative meaning and some the assumed intended meaning. Combine this with our contemporary usage of a given word and it can grossly distort our understanding of a biblical statement. Sadly, this fact has been exploited by some who have twisted and distorted the Bible for personal gain. So caution is advised here as well.

So it is with great reverence for the Word of God, with fear and trembling (Isa 66:2), with humility and reverence for the precious truth of God (1 Pet 5:5), that this study is conducted. We shall be very careful to stay clear of assumptions and stick close to God’s Word, thoroughly seeking to understand, lest we be found guilty of scriptural manipulation. And we shall use the Greek or Hebrew only from time to time, knowing that the Bible interprets itself and that context is the best means of understanding it.

CHAPTER ONE:
It was impossible for Christ to sin because of His dual nature.

Jesus Christ came to earth in human form but was no ordinary man. He had no human father (Luke 1:35). Very little is documented about Jesus’ childhood, but from available texts it is clear that He was quite unique. When Jesus was twelve years old, He was found in the temple astonishing the teachers with His knowledge (Luke 2:46-49). When his worried parents found him, He said He must be about His “Father’s business.”

How many twelve year-olds would have the mental capacity to converse on an adult level, astonishing others with biblical knowledge? Upon occasion we’ve read of young genius children, or perhaps those with autism, that have an amazing ability to memorize facts or solve mathematical equations. But the Bible says that Jesus astonished them with His “understanding.” Even though young Jewish boys are taught to memorize the first five books of the Bible, memorizing texts is vastly different from a cognitive ability to converse on an adult level of scriptural understanding. That requires time and study with the aid of the Holy Spirit, something no twelve year-old could likely achieve.

Since Christ had a dual nature—fully God in the Spirit, fully man in the flesh—He cannot be compared to the rest of us. We know full well that He was without sin (Heb 4:15; 1 Pet 2:21-22), something no other human being can say (Rom 3:23; 5:12). It is interesting to note that He was without sin, even from His youth. A perfect, obedient child, never in need of correction, always following orders. That means that even as a teenager, He never allowed hormones to control Him. Never had an emotional outburst. Never argued with other kids over possessions. Never dishonored his parents. This kind of perfect conduct is incomprehensible to our minds. He can relate to us (Heb 2:17-18), but we cannot relate to Him, because He took on the form of our fleshly bodies (Rom 8:3; Php 2:7), but retained His Godly mind (John 10:30).

What are the attributes of God’s mind?

The scriptures testify that Christ was nothing less than omnipotent, which is defined as “possessing complete, unlimited, or universal power and authority.” (Matt 11:27; 26:53; John 17:2; Psa 147:5). It is difficult to reconcile an all-powerful being with possibility for mental weakness. No doubt Christ could become physically exhausted, experience physical hunger pains, feel extreme temperatures, etc., because His body was skin and blood, with bones, organs, nerves, muscles, and so on. These things are material substance. We share these attributes with Christ and we understand them. But omnipotence has to do with the spirit-powered mind. The two aspects—physical and spiritual—are distinct and separate.

The scriptures demonstrate that Christ was omniscient, which means, “knowing or seeming to know everything.” He read the thoughts of others (Matt 9:4; Mark 2:8; Luke 11:17; John 1:48-51). He knew the secrets of others (John 4:17-19). He knew the future (Matt 24; Luke 21: Mark 13). So knowing that Satan uses deception to tempt us (1 Tim 2:14; Titus 3:3), it’s impossible to reconcile that an all-knowing Christ could be deceived. It’s also interesting to consider that “all-knowing” is an absolute term, which means that God cannot learn because He knows everything already. If He knows everything already, could He have been caught off guard?

The scriptures demonstrate that the mind, focus and intent of Christ could not be changed. This is summed up by the word immutable. It means, “not changing” or “not able to be changed.” He never had a beginning (Psa 90:2; John 1:1-3; John 17:5 Heb 7:3). He never has, nor ever will change (Mal 3:6; Heb 1:12; 13:8). Also, since the written word of God is immutable (John 10:35) and Jesus Christ was the Word of God in the flesh (one in the same), it reinforces Christ’s immutability. Christ was Holy and perfect since eternity and will be Holy and perfect for eternity.

There are those who contend that Christ overcame temptation as a man and that, somehow, it was the human part of His dual nature that did the resisting. But there is an obvious flaw in this thinking, because Christ was not two persons. He was one person with two natures, human and divine. And it seems rather preposterous to imply that His divine nature was somehow subordinate to His human nature. Would not His divine nature, which is omnipotent, omniscient and immutable, be in control?

Some might say that since Christ claimed He “could do nothing of Himself” (John 5:19,30), He was not omnipotent, omniscient and immutable. However, it is clear from the preceding scriptures that He had infinite power at His disposal from the Father. Even though He came to Earth in human, physical form (nature), He was all-knowing, all-powerful and unchangeable.

To be accurate, it would be an error to state that Christ had “human nature.” Human nature, as we commonly refer to it, in the spiritual sense, is really Satan’s nature. Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong points out that,

“…this evil spiritual nature in humans has been acquired, individually by each person, from Satan” and “…Lucifer was created by God, ‘perfect in all his ways, until iniquity was found in him.’ He acquired the nature of rebellion and evil by false reasoning. Adam acquired it from Satan. The Ephesians (Eph 2:1) acquired it from Satan—as has all humanity, except Jesus Christ…” (Human Nature – Did God Create It? Good News magazine, June 1976, pages 22 and 25).

There are two “natures” in every human being—the physical and the spiritual (1 Cor 15:44). The human mind is empowered by the human spirit (Job 32:8). So when we speak of the human mind, we’re really speaking about the human spirit.

Today, scientists still do not know what powers the human mind. It is a mystery to them. They don’t understand what separates men from animals. Why men have intellect and even the smartest animals have only the most basic cognitive skills. But the bible plainly tells us that there is a spirit in man (Job 32:8). The scientists have rejected God and, therefore, they have rejected spiritual knowledge. Acceptance of a spiritual realm is anathema to scientists, who accept only material substance.

What is the human spirit in relation to the human brain? Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong explains it like this on page 87 of his book, Mystery Of The Ages:

“This ‘human’ spirit imparts the power of intellect to the human physical brain. The spirit cannot see, hear, taste, smell or feel. The brain sees through the eye, hears through the ear, etc. The ‘human’ spirit cannot of itself think. The physical brain thinks.

“What, then, is the function of this ‘human’ spirit? It is NOT of ‘soul.’ But, 1) It imparts the power of intellect—of thinking, and of MIND power, to the human brain; and 2) it is the very means God has instilled, making possible a personal relationship between human MAN and divine GOD.”

More specifically, we experience physical sensations through the nervous system and chemicals released in the brain. Our brains process the information and we experience a feeling or emotion. How we process this feeling or emotion is determined by our human spirit, which powers our brain.

When the average human brain processes something, it does so with, what is commonly called, “human nature.” Lets pause for a moment to further clarify the term “human nature.”

There are two kinds of human nature: the literal (physical) and the figurative (spiritual).

Human nature in the literal sense means your material composition, the bones, muscles, skin, etc., of your human physical body. An example of this would be natural human proclivities such as attraction to the opposite sex or attraction to a plate of warm, fudge brownies. These are physiological reactions by our material “nature,” our physical make-up.

Human nature in the figurative sense means mental predisposition. Examples would be natural human proclivities such as competitiveness, vanity or difficulty in admitting error. These are psychological reactions.

To briefly recap, we have identified two kinds of “human nature.” The literal and the figurative. (1) Our physical nature or material substance, and (2) our mental predisposition, which has become warped by Satan’s way of get.

It is this human nature—our mental predisposition—that has been affected by Satan, the Devil. This is a fact that has been largely overlooked by professing Christians the world over. It’s worth taking the time here to make the reader aware, as plainly stated in scripture, how profoundly influenced the world is by this powerful “fallen angel.”

In order to understand who and what Satan is, we must go to the beginning. Not in Genesis, but in Ezekiel and Isaiah. Here we are given a glimpse of a time before the creation of man, when Satan rebelled, before his name was changed from Lucifer (which means, “light bringer” or “shining star”).

At that time, he was, apparently, the epitome of God’s creation. We read of it in the book of Ezekiel. Before we look at it, notice that the context in these verses is a bit misleading. Ezekiel here is recording God’s words of a proclamation against the king of Tyre, who was a rich and pompous king. However, the context clearly shows that God is not speaking about the literal king of Tyre, but about Lucifer, a type or parallel character.

“Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyre, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” (Ezek 28:11-15)

Let’s pause and analyze what we’ve read so far. Firstly, notice that this individual was “full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty,” which could not be said of any human. Secondly, the literal King of Tyre could not have been “in Eden, the Garden of God,” nor have “walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire,” for obvious reasons. Thirdly, God says this individual was the “anointed cherub that covereth.” A cherub is an angel, which is described in Ezekiel chapter 1, and later in chapter 10, as a being with the body of a man, but with four wings, four faces and can move like lightning. Definitely, not human. Notice that this cherub is “anointed” which means he was special. Also, that he “covereth.” What does “covereth” mean? If we turn to Exodus 25:19-21, we find a clue in the ark of the covenant, which was carved to resemble heaven, where God resides.

“And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof. And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be. And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.” (Exodus 25:19-21)

By this description, we see that “covereth” in Ezekiel 28:14 must refer to a special position, where the cherub has his wings stretched out over the very throne of God. Keep in mind that this individual, Lucifer, has since fallen and his name changed to Satan. So this snapshot in history must have been before his fall, when he was a special cherub in a special position, at the very throne of the Creator of the universe.

Look again at verse 15 in Ezekiel 28. Notice here that Lucifer was “perfect” until “iniquity” was found in him. Iniquity is sin. So he was perfect and then sinned. What is sin? 1 John 3:4 defines sin as “the transgression of the law.”

Let’s review what we’ve learned so far. (1) The “King of Tyre” here is actually a non-human, heavenly being (Lucifer), who once had a position next to the throne of God, (2) who walked among the fiery stones, (3) who was perfect, but then (4) sinned by breaking God’s law. Now continue reading in Ezekiel 28, for more of the story.

“By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.” (Ezek 28:16-18)

The first part of the above, in verse 16, where it reads, “multitude of thy merchandise” is better rendered in the New King James version, where it reads, “abundance of your trading.” Trading can be translated as “trafficking.” In modern times, we most often hear the word “trafficking” refer to illegal drug dealers. It’s basically someone who is a salesman, who moves merchandise. What exactly does this mean? The picture painted here is of Lucifer trafficking or trading something. We’ll come back to answer this question shortly.

Continuing in verse 16, God says that Lucifer became “filled with violence” and that God “cast” him “out of the mountain of God.” Throughout the Bible, a mountain is often used symbolically to mean a high place or seat of government. In this verse it can be understood to mean heaven, where God governs the universe.

In verse 17, we learn the reason why Lucifer sinned and was cast out of heaven: “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.” Note this verse! Ezekiel 28:17 gives us the very reason for all the chaos in the universe and all the human suffering on earth since creation. This often overlooked verse is describing the birth of the very first sin. Why did Lucifer sin and get ejected from heaven? Because of vanity and self-centeredness! Because he was the epitome of God’s creation at that time, absolutely perfect in wisdom and beautiful in appearance. And he began to develop a superiority complex. Whether this spawn of evil happened instantaneously or gradually over millennia, we don’t know, but what is for sure is that an adversary in the universe was born.

In verse 18, God says Lucifer “defiled” his “sanctuaries” by his sins. We’re not exactly sure where all his “sanctuaries” were, but we do know from the preceding verses that Lucifer was definitely on earth, in the Garden of Eden (v. 13). Also that he “walked back and forth in the midst of the fiery stones” (v. 14), most assuredly speaking of earth. So, we can deduce that earth was “defiled” by Lucifer, whether literally or figuratively, or both.

Turn now to Isaiah 14:12-15 and notice another insight to this rebellion in the heavens by a wise and beautiful cherub named Lucifer. As in Ezekiel, Isaiah is recording here the words of God.

“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” (Isa 14:12-15)

Pay special attention to God revealing Lucifer’s own thoughts, saying, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Notice firstly, that Lucifer had a throne. A throne is a seat of government or position of authority or rulership. Notice next that he wanted to “ascend into heaven.” So clearly, at that time, he was not in heaven but on a throne below heaven. The only other place that we know him to be is on earth.

The picture that is painted is of Lucifer on a throne with dominion over the earth and, at some point in history, he became dissatisfied with his position, became consumed with vanity and jealousy, and it culminated in a desire to ascend to heaven, depose God and take control of the universe. By this one action, Lucifer invented 'the way of get' and became know as Satan, which means adversary.

This is further substantiated by two other insightful scriptures. The first one is found in Revelation 12:7, where we read another account of Satan ascending to heaven to take control.

“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels...” (Rev 12:7)

Notice here that the “dragon” (who is Satan) has “his angels.” This possessive phrase shows his authority over angels, who follow him.

Now look at the second insightful scripture, in the same chapter, verses 3 and 4.

“And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.” (Rev 12:3-4)

These verses are full of symbolism, which can be interpreted by reading other scriptures. We will avoid interpreting here the symbolism of the “seven heads and ten horns” and “seven crowns,” which would require many pages to explain. Rather, we will pay attention specifically to the “great red dragon” which is Satan, and the “third part of the stars of heaven” which are angels. We know these “stars” are angels because stars are often used to refer to angels throughout scripture. For instance, in Job 38:7, we read about the “morning stars” or “sons of God” singing for joy at creation. The symbolism behind the “tail” of the “red dragon” drawing a “third part of the stars of heaven” shows that a third of the angels followed Satan in the rebellion and become known as demons.

There are other scriptures that attest to this fact and the experienced bible student will already know this. Those who are unconvinced are encouraged to study it for themselves. Suffice it to say, it’s a fact that most theologians take for granted, so for the sake of brevity, we’ll move on.

Let’s return now to our earlier question about the term “trading” or “trafficking,” which Satan was said to have done, recorded in Ezekiel 28:16. What exactly is meant by this? Let’s put all the puzzle pieces (scriptures) together and complete the picture. We’ve learned the following facts.

1. A cherub called Lucifer existed.

2. He was perfect in wisdom and beautiful appearance.

3. Lucifer was a special, anointed cherub who stood next to God’s throne.

4. Lucifer was apparently given a throne of his own, on the earth.

5. At some point, he became dissatisfied with his position and became consumed with vanity and jealousy.

6. He decided to ascend to heaven and attempt a hostile takeover of God’s throne.

7. This decision constituted “iniquity” (sin), which is the breaking of God’s law.

8. By an abundance of trading or trafficking, he became filled with violence.

Let’s pause here now and analyze the term “trading” or “trafficking.” What exactly was he trafficking? We know that a third of the angels (demons) followed him in the war in heaven, recorded in Revelation 12:7. How exactly did he get a third of the angels to follow him? Did they automatically follow him because they were already under his command? This is plausible because he must have had dominion over them, since a throne or position of rulership is worthless unless there are subordinates to govern. But are angels robots, blindly following their immediate leader? Some insight into the nature of angels can be gained through the many encounters that Christ had with demons during His earthly ministry. These interactions teach us that the demons were individual in nature, as humans are individuals, with distinct and different personalities. Some were silly, some were violent and some were stronger than others, for example. It seems rational to conclude, therefore, that the “trading” or “trafficking” in Ezekiel 28:16 must mean that Lucifer was lobbying or convincing his angels to follow him in a hostile takeover. After all, he could attempt his coup d'état much more easily with an army behind him. This is not dissimilar from generals throughout history convincing the troops under their command to rebel and follow them in a rebellion against a ruler or emperor. No doubt some troops declined. Likewise, it’s probable that many angels declined to follow Satan. But most assuredly, he had an army behind him and must have used his extreme powers of reason to convince them to follow him. Now we can complete our list.

9. Satan rebelled and attempted a hostile takeover, a third of the angels following him.

10. Their takeover was unsuccessful and they were cast back down to earth. [Note: Christ said, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven” (Luke 10:18).]

We can see clearly now that a wise, beautiful, powerful created being named Lucifer was in high position in the government of God, became evil and is now called Satan the devil. This Satan is an adversary and the true cause of chaos in the universe and human suffering on earth.

The next logical question is, why would God allow Satan to maintain his evil influence on earth? Clearly, Satan has, indeed, retained his position of authority on earth, as demonstrated by the deception of Eve in the Garden of Eden. Also, this fact is reinforced by a statement made in a confrontation with Christ. We read in Luke that he was given dominion over the earth.

“Then the devil, taking Him (Christ) up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment in time. And the devil said to Him, ‘All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give to whomever I wish.’” (Luke 4:5-6; NKJV)

Notice that Christ never disputes this statement, but responds with a general rebuke (v.8). Furthermore, we know Satan still has dominion on the earth because it is corroborated by other scriptures. Satan is called the “god of this world” (2 Cor 4:4), the “prince of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30), the “prince of the power of the air” (Eph 2:2), who “deceiveth the nations” (Rev 20:3), who “deceiveth the whole world” (Rev 12:9), who “walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet 5:8), who “worketh in the children of disobedience” (Eph 2:2).

Again, why would God allow Satan to maintain his evil influence on earth? We know that God cannot lie (Titus 1:2) nor go back on a promise (Isa 45:23; 55:11), therefore, the only logical conclusion is that Satan must have been promised an allotment of time of dominion on the earth. This must have been promised before creation—before he became corrupt. And yet, God has apparently used the earth and Satan’s powerful influence as a training ground for his spirit begotten children. To test them before they receive everlasting life and birth into his family. This is another subject entirely, which would require many hours to explore, so we will avoid it here in order to stay on track.

Back to our original point.

There are two kinds of “human nature.” (1) The literal (our physical human composition) and (2) the figurative (our mental pre-disposition). The “human nature” that we are concerned with here is our mental pre-disposition. From birth we are gradually sculpted by our environment. Our parenting, our education, our experiences, the world around us in general. These aspects of our environment are under the influence of Satan, the ruler of the world (2 Cor 4:4). It’s quite obvious now that Satan’s vanity, jealousy and self-centeredness—in other words, the way of get—has permeated the minds of every human being ever born, except Jesus Christ. So our human nature is really a product of Satan’s nature. But Christ could not have had this human nature, because He was perfect in every way and His Godly mind was impenetrable.

So, from here on, keep firmly in mind that when we say human nature, we are essentially referring to Satan’s nature, which Christ never had.

Most of mankind does not understand that every human being has a spirit. It is the brain-powering “spirit in man” (Job 32:8) that has really absorbed Satan’s way of get and been transformed. Hopefully, the following diagram will make it clear.

manvschristchart

It is clear that everyone, except Christ, has absorbed Satan’s way of get. It is impossible for mere man to avoid. Even if we had the Spirit of God from birth, it could not be avoided. This is demonstrated by John the Baptist, who had God’s Holy Spirit from the womb, yet he was not excluded by Paul’s inspired writing, when he said that, “all have sinned” (Rom 3:23; 5:12). Satan is the ruler of this world (2 Cor 4:4) and the “prince of the power of the air,” (Eph 2:2) who has deceived the whole world (Rev 12:9) and infected humanity with his evil nature (Jer 17:9).

No person would dispute that the Son of God was different. However, there seems to be disagreement about where the dividing line is—where He was “made like” us and where He was not. Clearly, the dividing line must have been the division of physical from the spiritual. We have overwhelming scriptural evidence to support that Christ was like us, physically. Likewise, we have overwhelming evidence that Christ was unlike us, spiritually.

Jesus Christ processed every experience, both physiological and psychological, with His Holy, perfect, righteous, Godly mind. For example, a physiological (chemical) reaction in the brain upon seeing an attractive woman could never trigger a lustful thought, because that can only happen when a person “is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” (James 1:14). Christ had no lust to draw Him away. Likewise, a psychological feeling of vanity could never enter into His mind because vanity is of Satan’s nature (human nature). Any suggestion that Christ wavered, even for a split second, denies His Godly nature.

It cannot be overstated that He could relate to us, but we cannot relate to Him.

Those who contend that there must have been susceptibility in Christ in order for Him to sympathize with man should consider this: the ability to sympathize does not require susceptibility. A person uninvolved in a sin can give aid and have sympathy for another person guilty of that sin. In fact, he can do so more skillfully than a sinner, because successful avoidance of sin proves greater capability. If a person is lured into sin, he is less qualified to aid and support. Therefore, it can be said that Christ is the only one who can effectively and totally aid His followers against Satan.

It’s important to state that Christ was indeed a flesh and blood human being with emotions and physical appetites, who could experience fatigue, hunger, thirst, joy, grief, etc., typical of every human. We know because we are told that He was made like us (Heb 2:17; Rom 8:3; Php 2:7). However, some things such as sickness, fear, lust, etc., He did not experience. We experience them because of our warped nature. Christ experienced none of these—not because He wasn't a real man but because He wasn't a carnal man with a warped, Satan-influenced nature. One cannot interpret “in all things…made like unto His brethren” to be all encompassing, in Hebrews 2:17, because other scriptures make it plain that Christ was different.

The fact is, He was not exactly like us in every way. This can be understood by reading the Greek words for “likeness” and “made like.” The Greek word translated “likeness” is homoioma (Php 2:7; Rom 8:3), meaning likeness or resemblance. The Greek word translated “made like” is homoioo (Heb 2:17), meaning to make like, cause to be like; passively, to be made like, to become like, or resemble.

Who was “made like” us? The only begotten Son (John 1:18), who was in the beginning (John 1:2), through Whom all things were made (John 1:3). The Word [Logos] that was God [Theos] (John 1:1). Jesus Christ shared the same flesh and blood nature as man, but did not share man’s deceitful, wicked “human nature” (Jer 17:9), which is absorbed from Satan. Christ shared man’s flesh so that He could be “put to death in the flesh” (1 Pet 3:18; Heb 2:9). He shared man’s blood in order to redeem mankind (Rom 3:24-26; 5:9; Heb 2:17; 9:22; 10:10-14; Rev 1:5).

There is a significant difference between men coming into the world in sinful flesh and the Son of God coming into the world in the likeness of sinful flesh. It’s important to know the difference between the Greek prefixes of homo (same) and homoi (like).

Our savior could, indeed, identify with fleshly sensations, feelings and experiences, yet never succumb to any of them because His defenses were impenetrable, while ours are paper-thin. He could relate to us, but we cannot relate to Him.

The two natures in human beings are explained in scripture as “…the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary to one another: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (Gal 5:17; Rom 7:14-25). Christians have an internal conflict. They have two laws warring in their bodies (Rom 7:22-23). But there is only one law in Jesus Christ: the law of God (John 6:38; 15:10; Eph 4:4-6).

The fact that Christ did not have “human nature,” in the spiritual/mental sense, is reinforced in John 14:30, which reads, “Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me.” The Greek text reads, kai en emoi ouk echei ouden — “And in me he has nothing.” All humans have acquired Satan’s nature and have something in them to which Satan may attach his suggestions or hinge his evil influence. But in Christ there was nothing to which Satan’s influence could be fastened. Therefore Christ could never receive a solicitation to think a wrong thought. Rather, Christ saw every Satanic attack for what it was and instantly rejected it (Matt 4; Luke 4).

To review, it was impossible for Christ to sin because of His dual nature—fully human in the flesh, fully God in the Spirit. The human part consisted of bones, muscles, skin, blood, organs, brain, etc. The God part was the perfect, holy, righteous character—His Spirit—which was His true essence, that which powered the brain.

We’ve learned Christ’s dual nature means He was omnipotent, omniscient and immutable. We’ve learned He never acquired Satan’s nature—the way of get—which all other humans have acquired, commonly referred to as “human nature.” We’ve learned that Christ could experience human emotions such as joy, grief and anger, that He could experience hunger and fatigue, could experience chemical reactions to seeing a beautiful woman, yet could never allow a wrong thought to develop in His mind, because every physiological experience was processed by a spiritual mind so far higher than ours, it’s beyond comparison. And we’ve learned that Christ had nothing within Him that Satan could seize and exploit.

Lastly, one additional proof that the mind of Christ was so far higher than ours, and not susceptible to Satanic attack, is found in Hebrews 1:3, “Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…”

The Moffatt translation renders, “express image of His person” as “stamped with the character” of God the Father. A stamp is a mirror reflection or exact duplicate. Could this Godly character be susceptible to “temptation” for one millisecond? After what we’ve learned, it’s preposterous to suggest it.

Those with the inclination to reduce Christ to their human level can only succeed where scripture allows: His material substance—His flesh and blood for the suffering of death (Heb 2:9; 1 Pet 3:18). But His perfect mind could never be reduced to a human level (Isa 55:9).

CHAPTER TWO:
It was impossible for Christ to sin because He was perfect.

Christ’s perfection is without dispute, even by those who hold that He could have sinned. Obviously, if He wasn’t perfect, His blood could hardly have paid the penalty for our infractions. But how many have explored the implications of this admission? It must be few in number, for when this fact is explored, there is only one conclusion to be reached.

There are numerous terms used to describe perfection. (1) Perfect, the literal word. (2) Holy, which is only attributable to God and equates to perfection. (3) Righteous, which is flawless obedience to God’s law. (4) Without spot or without blemish, which is a metaphor for perfection.

Here is just a sampling of scriptures, which affirm His perfection:

“He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” (Deut 32:4)

“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.” (2 Sam 22:31)

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matt 5:48)

“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” (Psa 22:3)

“Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.” (Psa 99:5)

“But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.” (Isa 5:16)

“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” (Isa 57:15)

“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Pet 1:16)

“Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.” (Rev 15:4)

“Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.” (Dan 9:14)

“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Heb 9:14)

“But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot...” (1 Pet 1:19)

The definition of perfect is, “Lacking nothing essential to the whole; complete of its nature or kind; Being without defect or blemish: a perfect specimen.

There is an inescapable fact about perfection, in that it’s an absolute statement, with no room for variance. You can’t improve on perfection. When you apply this truth to Jesus Christ, who was Holy, perfect and without spot, you realize that there is no room for improvement in Christ, because He was already perfect. How does one advance beyond perfection? It’s ridiculous to ask, isn’t it? As ridiculous as asking how one can go beyond eternity? It’s impossible.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that perfection means perfection. That there are no degrees of perfection. The realization of this simple, inexorable fact leads one to a box canyon. And no amount of intellectual reasoning can get you out of it. I’m compelled to stop here on the point and say, “End of story!” But for the sake of the doubters, we’ll continue.

Could Christ be lured or enticed to sin? A person can only be lured or enticed if there is some mental (spiritual) weakness within. Sure, Satan is an expert enticer, but to imply that Christ could have been enticed or lured is to imply that Christ was less than perfect and less than holy. Many attempt to use a reverse rationale, saying, “Why then did Satan bother trying, if Christ could not be tempted?” After a thorough consideration, the answer is quite obvious. This will be addressed later, in chapter 9.

Because of Christ’s absolute holiness, every enticement to sin hurled by Satan would have been so revolting, He could never have contemplated it. An outward enticement or “temptation” could not infiltrate His perfect, holy mind. If it could have, His mind could not have been perfect and holy. Since He was perfect, without qualification or disclaimer, it’s safe to say that He was perfect in faith. And if He was perfect in faith, then it was impossible to fail. For Christ Himself tells us that, “…for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you” (Matt 17:20). The word “nothing” is another absolute term. It means nothing, zero. The simple conclusion is that Christ had total faith that the Father would uphold Him.

Remember, man is tempted (enticed) when he is drawn away of his own lust (James 1:14). To imply that Christ somehow struggled within Himself against these temptations, the way sinful man struggles with temptations, is totally alien to the scriptures, despite the fierce objections of those who maintain that He did struggle, citing Hebrews 2:17-18 and 4:15 in their defense.

Some have said that since the scripture says He had to be “made perfect” (Heb 5:9), it means He was less than perfect, therefore, He was susceptible to sin before attaining perfection. But a closer inspection of the scripture in its originally written language will reveal the true meaning of the verse. In the original Greek, the term, “being made perfect” is teleioo, which means, “to make perfect, complete, accomplish, finish, bring to an end.” (Thayer’s and Smith’s Bible Dictionary)

Therefore, Christ completed His mission and became the author of eternal salvation. He didn’t need to be “made perfect” as if He had to be refined or improved. It simply means He completed the tasks given Him. Any attempt to force a different meaning is reckless negligence.

In conclusion, we have observed that the scriptures unanimously agree that Christ was always perfect, with no room for improvement. So we are left wondering, why is it that Christ’s perfection has been so widely disputed? Perhaps the better question is, who stands to benefit from this seed of doubt in people’s minds? Who would like us to believe that Christ was, or is, less than perfect?

CHAPTER THREE:
It was impossible for Christ to sin
because He had the Holy Spirit without measure.

Through the process of conversion, those called are given the gift of the Holy Spirit from God (Acts 2:38). Yet every Christian does not have the same amount of God’s Holy Spirit. Some were “filled” with the Holy Spirit, whether for brief periods of time or permanently (Luke 1:12,41,67; Luke 1:15; Acts 2:4; 4:8; 4:31). But, it is clear that the word “filled” cannot mean that any human was given the Holy Spirit equal to the measure given to Christ. The Bible speaks of Christ having the Holy Spirit without measure (John 3:34), therefore, we can deduce that humans have been given the Holy Spirit with measure.

We know that the Holy Spirit is from God the Father. We know that Christ could do nothing without the Father (John 5:19,30; 14:10), implying that He had no power of His own. We know that the power of God is by His Holy Spirit and that it is limitless (Gen 1:1; Job 38-41; Mark 10:27; 14:36). Therefore, Jesus Christ evoked the full, limitless power of God and we have no evidence to suggest it was rationed at any time whatsoever.

Another gift that converted Christians are given is a measure of faith (Rom 12:3). The definition of faith is found in Hebrews 11:1, which states, “…faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

In other words, faith is trust in God—who is invisible—and belief that He will fulfill His promises. Abraham, called the father of the faithful, believed God (Rom 4:16; Gal 3:6), in other words he had faith. So the measure of faith we receive when our eyes are opened at conversion is like a foundation, upon which we can build, over a lifetime of overcoming and growing.

But is faith something that we ourselves can manufacture? Let’s find out what the Bible says. Turn to and read Galatians 2:16 and Philippians 3:9. Notice it says, faith of Christ. This phrasing brings us to the simple conclusion that it’s Christ’s faith working in us. Like everything in the life of a true Christian, we are striving to imitate Christ. To be like Him. To “put on Christ” (Gal 3:27). He set a perfect example of human conduct and our goal is to live our lives like He did, because He set the example (Eph 4:13). The point is, Christ had perfect faith that His Father would uphold Him. He had perfect faith (faith without measure) even as He had the Holy Spirit without measure. In fact, we read of no attribute of Christ that was less than full, perfect or complete. And how could He possibly lack faith in the Father, with whom He has always existed? It’s absurd to imply otherwise. Indeed, we know that, without faith, it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6) and God the Father said He was “well pleased” with His Son (Matt 3:17; 17:5).

Christ Himself tells us that if we have faith as a grain of mustard seed (the smallest of seeds, Mark 4:31), then nothing will be impossible for us (Matt 17:20). Even moving mountains. But, is it we who move the mountains? Absolutely not. With Christ, all things are possible (Matt 19:26; Mark 9:23).

From what you’ve read so far, do you still believe Christ could have sinned? Consider this: every statement that refers to the will and/or power of God, is phrased in absolute terms. You won’t find “maybe” or “sort of” or “sometimes.” There’s never a variance. It’s all or nothing. It’s black or white. With God, “all things” are possible (Matt 19:26). His ways are “unsearchable” (Rom 11:33). He “cannot” lie (Titus 1:2). He “does not” change (Mal 3:6; Heb 13:8). In Him there is “no variation” (James 1:17). He is perfect in every way and we must keep it in mind as we proceed further. We read of no variance or gray area with God the Father or Jesus Christ, only absolutism. He existed from eternity and will exist into eternity (Isa 57:15; Mic 5:2). If there was a possibility for variance, it would be impossible to have full confidence in God fulfilling His promises. The future would be uncertain and, therefore, we could not fully trust Him.

We have already demonstrated that English words often connote a meaning in our minds, which is far different from the literal meaning. With this in mind, let’s look at Hebrews 2:18 and 4:15. These are the principle scriptures cited by those who maintain that Christ could have sinned.

Let’s first observe this simple fact: our use of the word “tempted” in our daily vocabulary implies a meaning in our minds that is different from the original Greek word used in both verses. We most often use the word “tempted” to connote enticement or susceptibility. We use the word to imply that there is a seduction happening in our minds. A diabetic might be “tempted” by a plate of hot fudge brownies. His or her mouth might water and they might contemplate eating a brownie, against the advice of their doctor. They might weigh the risks in their mind. They might go back and forth, as if in conversation with their own self. It’s the classic analogy of the devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other, we’ve seen in a newspaper comic strip. It is a process of human reasoning happening in our minds. It might last for a few seconds or it might last an hour, but it’s definitely a moment of enticement. That person is being enticed, not by the brownies, but by his or her own human craving and it takes every bit of mental strength to resist the urge to eat one.

But is that what the writer of Hebrews is telling us in Hebrews 2:18 and 4:15? That Christ was enticed? That He was weak or susceptible?

The Greek word for “tempted” in Hebrews 2:18 and 4:15 is peirazo, which means: to try, test, or tempt. This is the literal definition. However, most people are not aware that they are misapplying the word “tempted.” We most often use the word “tempted” to imply an inward reaction, but the true meaning is an outward solicitation. Unfortunately, the word “tempted” has a literal meaning (outward solicitation) and figurative meaning (inward reaction) and we are in error if we apply the figurative meaning.

The translators could have given more clarity to these scriptures had they correctly translated these words as “tested” from the original Greek. The word “tested” more accurately reflects the meaning in Hebrews 2:18 and 4:15.

How could we possibly take the English translation “tempted” at face value, using a figurative interpretation? When we read that Christ is “the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” (Rom 10:4), we know that the Greek word telos, translated “end,” does not mean termination but rather goal or achievement. When we read that Christ came to “fulfill” the law (Matt 5:17), we know that the Greek word pleroo, translated “fulfill,” doesn’t mean finish but rather perform or perfect. When we read that we are “dead to the law” (Rom 7:4), we know that we are dead to the penalty of the law, which Christ paid, but the law is still upheld as a moral code of conduct (Rom 7:12). We know these things because we have many other scriptures which help us understand the true meaning.

The bible rarely reveals a whole truth in only one verse but, most often, through a combination of verses, like pieces of a puzzle. We let the bible interpret itself by searching the scriptures to paint a complete picture (Isa 28:10). This is evidenced by the above scriptures, which appear to abrogate God’s law. But, in the context of many other scriptures, which uphold the law, we can understand the true meaning.

So why should we read the word “tempted” and take it to mean there was susceptibility, weakness or seduction, and ignore other scriptures which appear to contradict it? How could there be susceptibility or weakness, if Christ had the Holy Spirit without measure, as we have read (John 3:34)? Physical weakness, yes. After all, He had a human body. But spiritual weakness, absolutely not. “Without measure” means the full power of God the Father.

It is clear that Christ experienced physical human suffering and weakness (Matt 4:2), but to suggest that those physical limitations also apply to a spiritual level lacks scriptural support.

What about our battle against sin and warfare against Satan? Are we on our own or do we rely on the power of the Holy Spirit and Christ working in us? Indeed, we are helpless on our own. We are mere mortals and no match for Satan and his demons, all of whom exercise powers far greater than we humans possess. And yet, that is where our true battles exist.

In Ephesians 6:12 we read that, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” So, as we rely on the faith of Christ, we rely on His promises. And what He has promised, He will fulfill. Only then can we resist Satan, by the Holy Spirit and Christ in us.

In the same way, Christ relied on God the Father to resist Satan. The fundamental difference is we can succumb, whereas Christ could not. Because, whatever amount of spiritual support that Christ needed from God the Father, He could receive. John 3:34 tells us that. There was no limit of spiritual power that Christ could draw upon (more on this fact later). And whatever physical weaknesses Christ experienced during 40 days and 40 nights of fasting could be easily compensated by true strength and power—the everlasting strength and power of the Holy Spirit of God the Father.

Christ was simply so much more powerful than we can comprehend. Even in physical weakness, it is impossible to conclude that Christ could have wavered or come close to entertaining a sinful thought. Physical power is nothing. Spiritual power is everything. Especially when that Spiritual power has no limit.

CHAPTER FOUR:
It was impossible for Christ to sin because He doesn’t change.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.” This scripture is corroborated by Malachi 3:6, which says, “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” These emphatic statements are reinforced by Numbers 23:19, where we read, “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” They are further reinforced by Ezekiel 12:25, where God says, “For I am the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD.” These statements are incredibly reassuring, because it means that you can take God at His word.

Despite these proofs of our unchangeable Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ, some will resist it. These naysayers generally defend their position with flawed reasoning. Let’s look at the two main arguments and see if they hold water.

Naysayer 1: “Moses changed God’s mind.”

This claim is derived from Exodus 32:9-14. God threatened to destroy the “stiffnecked” Israelites that He brought out of Egypt, because of their rebellion and unbelief. But Moses pleaded with God to relent. And God relented.

Now, did Moses really change God’s mind? Really think about this one. We’ve just finished reading that God is always the same, that He doesn’t change and that He doesn’t repent (Mal 3:5; Heb 13:8; Num 23:19). But, the naysayer, will insist, “It says God ‘repented’ in Exodus 32:14! So there, He can repent!” So the scriptures must contradict, because Exodus 32:14 says God repented and Numbers 23:19 says He doesn’t repent, right? Not so fast. Whenever there is an apparent contradiction, a closer look is required. Indeed, Exodus 32:14 is translated “repented,” but a thorough inspection reveals that it could more accurately be read as “relented.” The fact is, God could not change His mind, because He is not a man that He should repent (Num 23:19).

The thing is, you have to understand this first: God was not working with Israel on a spiritual level. The people of Israel were never offered spiritual salvation. But Moses was! Remember, God was working with only a few individuals in the Old Testament, whereas He is working with many more today and has since the day of Pentecost, after Christ’s resurrection and ascension (Acts 2). God was working with Moses, because we know he will be in God’s Kingdom (Matt 17:2-3; Heb 11). Therefore, knowing that (1) God doesn’t change, (2) he works with His “called” individuals the same as He always has and (3) we must through many trials enter the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22), it seems rather obvious that God was testing Moses. Notice in Exodus 32:10 that God threatened to destroy the Israelites and start over using Moses. Very clearly, God was testing to see what, if any, ego existed in Moses, by offering to create a great nation using him alone. But Moses rejected it, because he was a humble man (Num 12:3). And humility is what God is looking for in a person. We can be confident in our conclusion, because it’s logical, it fits with other scriptures that reveal the character and intent of God, and to attribute to God human characteristics such as impatient irrationality is a gross distortion of the scriptures.

Furthermore, in The Complete Word Study Old Testament, we read an apt commentary on this very subject, related to the Hebrew word nacham. It says:

“The difficulty is resolved when it is understood how nacham, when translated ‘repent,’ is applied to God. The Bible frequently employs anthropomorphisms (metaphorically ascribing to God human features [such as a hand, etc,]) and anthropopathisms (metaphorically ascribing to God human emotions [such as anger, etc.]). It is in this way that nacham is used in Genesis 6:6-7 to describe God’s reaction upon observing the corruption of His creation. The statement “God repented” sometimes designated a change of His purported course of action based on man’s change of heart (Ex 32:14; Jonah 3:10). This does not mean that the exercise of God’s soveriegn reign will is contingent upon man’s behavior. [God] is not whimsical or fickle (1 Sam 15:29). God is consistent (Psa 110:4; James 1:17). He is morally bound not to change His stance if man continues to travel on an evil path. Yet if man turns from his wicked ways, God, in His graciousness, exercises mercy in withholding judgement (Ezek 18:21-22). Though it might appear that God’s purpose had changed, according to God’s perspective, nothing had changed.”**

Naysayer 2: “If Christ does not change, how is it He could be born in the flesh?”

The answer to this argument can be found in the previous section, where we explored the difference between the physical and spiritual. It is the mind of God that cannot change. The focus, the intent, the laws and the plan of God do not change. It was necessary that Christ be born in the flesh. Why? “…for the suffering of death...that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man” (Heb 2:9). It was necessary to be born in the flesh in order to redeem mankind. But, by no means was there a change in His character.

The scriptures paint a picture of Christ as someone whose mind was unchangeable, as He was before He came in human form. He and his Father were of the same mind (John 10:30; 17:22) and we have no evidence to the contrary.

The mind and character of Christ, during his time on earth in human form, was no different than before His birth. We have no evidence to the contrary. The only difference was the chemical reactions in His body, which must have been a unique experience for Him. But, in no way could those chemical experiences affect the unchangeability of His mind.

CHAPTER FIVE:
It was impossible for Christ to sin
because success was a foregone conclusion.

Beyond the analyzing, beyond the Greek renderings, beyond all contextual exhaustion, there is another aspect to this subject that reinforces that Christ could not have sinned: prophecy.

Our individual futures, in the short term, are uncertain. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow and so we can only predict. “Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that” (James 4:13-15).

We can see the past by what is recorded. We can see the present because we are in the moment. But we cannot see our individual future, because it hasn’t happened yet. This is a basic truth and the wise know, by James’ instruction, that we shouldn’t be presumptive.

Uncertainty is a fact of life and something that is always present in our minds. It is an inescapable reality. And perhaps it is through this veil of uncertainty that we view our Savior, and by which we wrongly interpret the meaning of Hebrews 2:18 and 4:15.

However, we have no need to apply this experiential reasoning to these scriptures because, unlike man, God does know the future. And we know, if we believe what God has said, that His plan will not fail. Success was and is a foregone conclusion.

There are two categories of scriptures that prove that success was a foregone conclusion.

The first category consists of the definitive statements of the total success of God’s plan. In other words, the coming government of God to be established on earth. These statements are made without any disclaimers that it was dependent upon the success of Jesus Christ in human form.

The second category is a profound definitive statement of the total success of Jesus Christ’s redemptive mission with support from God the Father.

These scriptures are printed here for the benefit of the reader. Specific emphasis is provided in underlined text.

Category 1: Definitive statements of the total success of God’s plan.

Isa 2:2 “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.”

Isa 25:8 “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.”

Isa 40:1-5 “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD’S hand double for all her sins.

3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:

5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.”

Isa 45:20-25 “Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.

21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.

22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

24 Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.

25 In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.”

Isa 55:8-13 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”

Micah 4:1-4 “But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.

2 And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

3 And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

4 But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.”

Zeph 3:5 "The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, He faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame."

Acts 3:20-21 "And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began."

Matt 24:35 "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."

Heb 6:13-18 “For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,

14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.

15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

16 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.

17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:

18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:”

It is important to point out that terms and phrases in the above scriptures, such as, “Shall come to pass,” “the LORD hath spoken it,” “He faileth not” and “He sware” are all absolute statements. They are all foregone conclusions without “if” or “but.” And we have 100 percent assurance of their fulfillment.

Category 2: Definitive statements of the total success of Jesus Christ.

Isa 42:1-9 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.

3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

5 Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:

6 I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

Luke 1:3-33 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Isaiah 42:1-9 is particularly compelling, because it is God the Father speaking about Jesus Christ, the Son. Notice the phrases, “whom I uphold,” “[I] will hold thine hand” and “[I] will keep thee.” This supports the fact that Christ had the Holy Spirit without measure from God the Father, so He could not succumb while in human form. How could there be any mental/spiritual weakness for Satan to exploit in Christ if God the Father was upholding and supporting Him? Is there any limit to God’s power? Additionally, notice the phrase in verse 4: “He shall not fail.” Why does Isaiah say, “He shall not fail”? Clearly because God, through His Spirit, would “uphold” Him (v.1) and “hold His hand” (v.6). It can be inferred from this text that God the Father would never have allowed Christ to sin. That God the Father was the fire line against sin.

The Bible is strikingly devoid of any scriptures that say, “Christ could have sinned,” “Christ almost sinned,” “Christ came close to sinning,” “Christ risked it all,” or anything remotely similar. However, we do have two scriptures that tell us He shall not fail. And many scriptures that say God’s pronouncements shall come to pass.

These scriptures testify of the guaranteed success of God’s plan, from which we can only conclude that it is (and was) impossible for God’s plan to fail. Therefore, we can only conclude that it was impossible for Christ to have sinned.

Furthermore, to those who maintain that Christ could have sinned, please answer this: how can you fit “He could have” into “He shall not”? You can’t, because “could have” and “shall not” are the exact opposites.

Despite this overwhelming proof of Christ’s infallibility, some still insist He could have sinned. One longtime minister, who will remain unnamed, stated, “While He could have sinned, it was certain He would not.” It is impossible to ignore the contradiction in this statement. “Could have” and “certain” are the exact opposite. Which is it? It cannot be both. “Could have” implies it could have gone either way. It implies UNcertainty.

Before we conclude this chapter, let’s observe an additional text which—combined with all the above texts—ensures total confidence that Christ could not have sinned. Turn to and read 1 Peter 1:11 and 19-21.

“Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow...But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God” (1 Peter 1:11 and 19-21).

Note that Christ was “foreordained” to be a blood sacrifice “before the foundation of the world.” And that sacrifice had to be “without blemish or spot.” It can only mean that there was never any doubt that Christ would be a perfect “lamb,” without spot. If the future is foreordained, there is only one outcome: complete success without possibility of failure. This very simply means success was a “foregone conclusion.” There is no reasoning around it.

Such profound prophecies provide great comfort that God cannot and will not fail. The future is assured and will happen the way God has proclaimed.

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