Could Christ Have Sinned: Understanding temptation

Posted on August 25, 2007 by Charles Churchill

Before we can get into the issue of answering whether Christ could sin or not, we need to do some groundwork. Specifically, we need to talk about temptation.

Let me start out by saying this: I think most Christians would agree with me that being tempted is not a sin in and of itself (if you hold that being tempted is sinful by nature, you need to be asking the question, “Since Christ sinned, what does that mean?”) Outside of that concession, opinions on temptation seem to vary quite a bit, both as to the mechanics of an actual instance of temptation and as to temptation’s overarching purpose.

So, I’d like open a dialogue about temptation. What is the purpose of temptation? What is temptation actually? What does Christ being tempted and never sinning tell us about Him? What does our failure in the face of temptation tell us about ourselves?

Anyone want to take a shot at it?

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  • http://musingsfromthehinterland.blogspot.com R. Sherman

    I’m back from a health related hiatus.

    A couple of things. First, I’m not sure temptation has a “purpose.” If it did, then it would come from God and in the Lord’s Prayer, we ask that He protect us from same. Stated differently, temptation exists because of our sinful nature, obtained via Adam’s sin. Just as Adam’s eyes were opened to his nakedness, our souls become aware of the possibility of sinning. Our free will then determines whether we succumb or not.

    As for Christ’s temptations, I’ve always found it interesting that they came after his baptism and after God had announced He was “well pleased.” First, it is inconceivable that Christ was not tempted before he met John on the Jordan. I conclude that the narrative of Christ’s temptations are directed to us Christians.

    Once we accept him, the world throws road blocks in our path: Material things (bread from stones); power (I’ll give you the World, if you worship me.); and lastly seeking our own will instead of God’s (Jump off the temple because God will save you.) In many respects, these temptations are more insidious to Christians than the desire to sneak a peak at the Playboy centerfold at the local 7-11.

    I look forward to more entries.

    Cheers.

  • http://musingsfromthehinterland.blogspot.com R. Sherman

    I’m back from a health related hiatus.

    A couple of things. First, I’m not sure temptation has a “purpose.” If it did, then it would come from God and in the Lord’s Prayer, we ask that He protect us from same. Stated differently, temptation exists because of our sinful nature, obtained via Adam’s sin. Just as Adam’s eyes were opened to his nakedness, our souls become aware of the possibility of sinning. Our free will then determines whether we succumb or not.

    As for Christ’s temptations, I’ve always found it interesting that they came after his baptism and after God had announced He was “well pleased.” First, it is inconceivable that Christ was not tempted before he met John on the Jordan. I conclude that the narrative of Christ’s temptations are directed to us Christians.

    Once we accept him, the world throws road blocks in our path: Material things (bread from stones); power (I’ll give you the World, if you worship me.); and lastly seeking our own will instead of God’s (Jump off the temple because God will save you.) In many respects, these temptations are more insidious to Christians than the desire to sneak a peak at the Playboy centerfold at the local 7-11.

    I look forward to more entries.

    Cheers.