U NTO T HE E ND April- June 2015 Volume 9, Issue 2 BUT HE THAT SHALL ENDURE UNTO THE END, THE SAME SHALL BE SAVED (MTH. 24:13) Jesus Could Have Sinned By Bro. Jim Yes, that s right. Read that again. The very title of this article angers many Christians. In fact most Christians will argue against this notion and say that Jesus Christ could not have sinned. To be sure, Jesus Christ DID NOT SIN, not even once. But that is not what we are talking about today. In this edition of Unto the End we will examine the Holy Bible and find out the truth behind this doctrine. We will see why this is true. More importantly we will look at the ramification of this on your Christian walk today. It is my prayer that upon conclusion of this article you will understand that Jesus Christ could have sinned and also understand why holding a correct view of this doctrine is relevant to your Christian walk right now. Let us now turn to the Word of God and see why it truth to say that Jesus Christ COULD have sinned. Amen. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. Ro. 7:18. This passage sums up the situation with our flesh: sin dwells in the flesh. Because we have flesh and blood bodies we have the ability to sin. This is true for EVERY PERSON. This is also why, for those that make it to heaven, you will be given a new body. Sin cannot enter into heaven and the ability to sin lies in the flesh. Therefore those that overcome will be given a NEW body. Let s continue. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we held his glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Jn. 1:14. Gathering of the Saints Fellowship 479.802.0835 www.gatheringofthesaints.com gatheringofthesaints@gmail.com us. God has many glories. These glories all have had and do have different functions and purposes to the will of God. God was a burning bush. God was smoke that filled the Temple, etc. etc. One of the glories of God is when the Word of God was born into a body of a man. That glory of God, the Word made flesh is known as Jesus Christ. That particular glory of God dwelt among His people (the life of Jesus Christ in Israel). Let that sink in for a moment. There is not a Trinity. God has MANY glories, not just three. We can discuss that in totality another time. For the purposes of this article let are sufficed to say that one of the glories of God is The Word Made Flesh, i.e., Jesus Christ. The purpose of this glory is Saviour. Amen. Let this sink in for a moment. The Word of God TOOK ON FLESH. Jesus Christ is a man. He was also God, but He was God in the flesh. Sin nature is in the flesh. The very fact that Jesus Christ had the flesh and blood of man means He COULD have sinned. Most every Christian will agree that Jesus Christ was 100% God and 100% man. But for some reason they just don t want to admit that as a man, He could have sinned. Why? If you truly believe He was 100% man, then that means you agree he had the flesh and blood body of a man. He did. It means you agree that He had all the emotions of men. He did. But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, Ga. 4:4. Jesus Christ, the Word of God made flesh was just that: a man. Consider the following: Jesus Christ was/is the Word of God manifest in the flesh. That is what the above passage tells
Page 2 Unto the End Jesus Christ experienced: -Sorrow (Mth. 26:37) -Natural Growth (Lu. 2:40) -Hunger (Lu. 4:2) -Sleep (Lu. 8:23) -Weariness (Jn. 4:6) -Anger (Jn. 2:15) Jesus Christ experienced all these things and more. But He was without sin. Praise the Lord. One chap argued with me that Jesus Christ had special flesh. In other words, He had man s flesh, but not regular flesh and hence could not have sinned. That is not what the Bible says. Somebody show me ONE SINGLE passage that mentions, implies, or otherwise proves Jesus flesh was special flesh. He was BORN OF A WOMAN. THE WORD BECAME FLESH. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Phil 2:6-8. Emphasis mine. Read again the portion I underlined: He was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man. He had regular flesh of man. Not special flesh. Let s keep driving this point home: For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: Ro. 8:3. Notice Jesus Christ was MADE IN THE LIKENESS OF SINFUL FLESH. He had the same flesh as you and I. It was not special Jesus flesh. Amen. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Ti. 3:16. Again, another passage that clearly states that Jesus Christ came in the FLESH OF MEN. No mention of special flesh. He had the flesh and blood of every man and because of that, could have sinned. Sin lies in the flesh. Amen. Let s take one more along this line: But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. Heb. 2:9. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Heb. 2:14-16. Emphasis mine. Jesus Christ was/is the Word MADE FLESH. He was 100% man (and 100% God). Some can say, Well he was a man with flesh and everything but he was also God and God can t sin, therefore Jesus could not have sinned. First of all, we have already established that Jesus Christ had the flesh and blood body of a man. That basis alone means he COULD HAVE SINNED. But further,
Unto the End Page 3 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: Ja. 1:13. God cannot be tempted with evil. He also doesn t tempt men with evil. The Devil tempts men with evil however. Jesus Christ was tempted: For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Heb. 4:15. Emphasis mine. Jesus Christ was tempted multiple times. In fact He was tempted in ALL POINTS LIKE WE ARE. Satan knows God cannot be tempted. Satan also knows that the spirit is willing but the FLESH IS WEAK (Mth. 26:41). Therefore he TEMPTS THE FLESH. Jesus Christ was made in the likeness of men. He was tempted because he had a flesh and blood body- regular man s flesh. IF he had special flesh as some think and it would have been imposable for Him to sin, why was he tempted IN ALL POINTS? Jesus Christ, the WORD MADE FLESH. Amen and Amen. Let s stay on this temptation line for a bit. Satan knew he was 100% man and COULD HAVE SINNED. Therefore Satan and the host of hell TEMPTED HIM IN ALL POINTS. Amen. How did Jesus get tempted in all points and NOT sin? Here is the answer and also further proof that this doctrine is wholesome and the truth: I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. Jn. 5:30. Emphasis mine. Jesus never sinned because although he had a real human flesh and blood body, He also knew that the flesh is weak (Mth. 26:41). He is the one who taught Paul to say, When I am weak, then I am strong (2 Cor. 12:10) and also, In my flesh is no good thing. (Ro. 7:18). Jesus didn t give into the flesh. Had He tried to do things on his own, in his own power, He would have sinned. Notice that He says plainly, I can of mine own self do nothing. In His flesh He would have failed. He would have sinned. What would have happened if Jesus Christ would have sinned? It would have made God a liar. Satan would have taken the throne. Jesus Christ said that Satan is the Father of all Liars (Jn. 8:44). Had Jesus sinned, God would have lied and then Satan, by GOD s OWN DECREE would have been His Father and taken the throne. Thank God Jesus Christ never sinned! Praise the Lord! Jesus Christ COULD have sinned. We see instances where His flesh was starting to rise up: And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough. Lu. 22:38. Right here we see His flesh rising, but as quickly as it rose up, before sin could have occurred, Jesus Christ puts his flesh in subjection to God and His will and says, It is enough. Later He heals the man s ear that was cut off by Peter and tells them that all who take up the sword will die by the sword, (Mth. 26:51-54). Now that we have established clearly and easily that Jesus Christ, the Word of God made FLESH and proven that it was normal flesh and have established that because of this, He was tempted in all points and COULD HAVE SINNED but because He committed Himself to the Will of God and denied His flesh, he overcame all temptations, let s see the relevancy of this to our Christian walk today. Jesus Christ walked this earth as a man, in the flesh and showed us how to walk with God; how to submit to Him; how to deny the flesh. He did this because this is God s will for all Christians: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of
Page 4 Unto the End the Spirit reap life everlasting. Ga. 6:7-8. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 1Jn. 2:16-17. What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Ro. 6:1-2. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, whish is idolatry: For which things sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience. In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. Col. 3:5-7. These are but a few passages that show the will of God for your Christian walk. God expects us to die to self, to put down the flesh and walk in the Spirit. And after all, God Himself did this when He walked the earth. So just as Jesus Christ can succor us because He knows what it s like to be tempted (He. 2:18), He will also be able to turn to us at judgment and say, Why didn t you overcome? I was but a man, and I overcame. So basically there will be no excuse you can float God at that point. Amen. So in conclusion, Jesus Christ could have sinned, but didn t. God expects you to follow in His steps. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 1 Pe. 2:21-22. And the good news, My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sine not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 Jn. 2:1. Dear man and woman of God, submit to Him to day. It is the only way to walk in the Spirit and to keep your garment unspotted from the Word. Amen and Amen. For further ministration please visit our Blog Talk Radio page at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gatheringofthesaints You can listen live to Bro. Brad on most Wednesdays starting at 8pm Central Standard Time as the brother ministers prayer and preaching. Many messages and prayers are also archived on this site as well. I pray this resource is a blessing for you and encourages and empowers your Christian walk!
Unto the End Page 5 Race Relations I m always amazed at how many Christians today believe that it s wrong for two Christians of different skin color and/or races to mix. There have even been so-called Christian Universities that have taught such utter racist nonsense; and that s just what this boils down to: good old-fashioned racism. Now these Christians will sight Old Testament passages that show God commanding Israel not to mix with other races etc. as the basis for such doctrine today. Yes, it s true in the Old Testament it was wrong for an Israelite to intermarry with people from other races (Gentiles). This wasn t because they were from other races in of its self but rather it was because in that day people of other races did not worship Jehovah. Stated another way, the Gentiles did not follow the God of the Bible. The Gentiles in that day worshipped other gods. Therefore it was wrong for Israel to mix with them. Mixing with them would have brought idol worship into the households of men and woman of God. This race mixing no-no in the Old Testament however cannot be used as a basis to declare races should not mix in the current dispensation of the New Testament Church! If you have a white Christian and a black Christian they most certainly can get married because they WORSHIP THE SAME GOD. This was NOT the case in the Old Testament when God forbid the Israelites to intermarry with the Gentiles. In other words God commanding Israel to avoid interracial marriage in that day is not comparable to two Christians of different races getting married in this current dispensation. Somebody can quote that God never changes and that He is the same yesterday, today, and today (Heb. 13:8). This is a true statement -God does NOT change. God still has a commandment to His people concerning who they should and shouldn t marry. Christians CAN marry other Christians (1Cor. 7:39) but they cannot marry Non-Christians: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 2Cor. 6:14-16. There you have it: Christians are NOT to marry Non-Christians. This has nothing to do with race, but belief - which is the SAME THING IT HAD TO DO WITH IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. In the OT God didn t want His people mixing with unbelievers, and it s the same in the NT. Amen. I mentioned that Christians can marry other Christians and this has NOTHING to do with race, nationality, skin color, etc. All are ONE in Christ. I covered this already in the previous article. Once you come to Christ, Jew, Gentile, black, white, free, slave, it does not matter. All those in Christ are your BROTHERS. You are free to marry in the Lord regardless of skin color. You are supposed to lay down your life for your brother (Jn. 15:13-14), supposed to bear your brother s burdens (Gal. 6:2), supposed to love your brother with unfeigned love (1 Pe. 1:22). You are also free to marry your brother. As I stated in the previous article, it is because of this profound truth that you cannot be a racist and a Christian and hope to make it to heaven (1Jn. 2:9-11). Unbelievably there are Christians today that would prefer their son or daughter marry somebody of the same skin color, race, or ethnicity regardless of belief! Yes this is sad but true. There are people who would prefer their believing son or daughter marry an unbeliever of the same skin color/race rather than marry a believer from another race/skin color. This is NOT the Spirit of Christ. It is racist and wicked and all such have not the love of or doctrine of Christ. How can ye escape the damnation of hell you wicked racist liars?!?! If this describes you then you need to repent! You need to ask God to give you love for the brethren (1Jn. 4:21). You need to be able to see brothers and sisters in Christ and not skin color, nationality, ethnicity, etc. Remember, he that loves not his brother, whom he can see, how can he love God whom he cannot see (1Jn. 4:20)? The answer: it s impossible. He that hates his brother is a murderer and a liar and no murderer or liar has eternal life abiding in him (1Jn.3:14-15, Rev. 22:15). I pray if this describes you that you that you will soften your heart to the truth and ask God to give you love of the brethren (1Jn.4:7-8). Let brotherly love continue. (Heb. 13:1). Thus saith the Lord Amen.
Unto the End Page 6 Gathering of the Saints Fellowship For Prayer, call: Bro. Brad 314.420.6358 We re on the Web! Visit us at: www.gatheringofthesaints.com Bro. Ben 513.474.7021 Bro. Oswald 787.420.6522 Bro. Jay 573.953.1358 Bro Benjamin 513.616.1412 Email: gatheringofthesaints@gmail.com Gathering of the Saints 2308 SW Chinquapin Ave Bentonville, AR 72712 Name Street Address City, ST ZIP Code