The Disastrous Effects Of The Doctrine Of "Original Sin"

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< > Chapter Four The glorious victory of Jesus over the world, the flesh, and the Devil All through His life Jesus had conflict with His flesh, and with the Devil, just as we do. We read in Heb.4v15. “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (NKJ) Jesus had a nature like ours, with all the propensities and passions of a man. Jesus was subjected to all the kinds of temptation and trial that come against us; He is, therefore, able to sympathize with us and to aid us. “Being tempted, or tried," in Heb.4v15., is “pepeirasmenon,” the perfect passive participle of “peirazo,” 3985, as in Heb.2v17. It means, to tempt, to test, and to try the nature or character. The perfect tense emphasises the completed state and permanent nature of the tests that Jesus went through, and the compassion and sympathy graced to us by Jesus through the trials and temptations He suffered on our behalf. Jesus is our brother, and He "is not ashamed to call us brethren." “Yet without sin.” See 1Pet.2v22., "Who did no sin;" and Isa.53v9., "He had done no violence, neither was there any deceit in his mouth." See Heb.7v26., "Who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners." Our Great High Priest was "without sin," and is able to assist sinners who put their trust in Him. We read in Heb.2v18., that Jesus having been tempted, (“peirastheis” the first aorist passive participle of “peirazo” 3985), is able to succour those who are now being tempted, (“peirazomenois” the present passive of “peirazo” 3985). As He was tempted and tried in all points, He is able to succour (“run to the cry of,” (“boethesai,” the first aorist active infinitive of the compound verb “boetheo” 997, to run at a cry or call for help). In Mt.15v25., the Syrophenician uses this very same word. The Expositor's Greek Testament gives light on Rom.8v3., “In the likeness of sinful flesh.” It states: “But the emphasis in “homoioma” is on Christ's likeness to us, not His unlikeness; “flesh of sin” is one idea to the Apostle, and what he means by it is that God sent His Son in that nature which in us is identified with sin. This was the “form” (and “form” rather than “likeness” is what “homoioma” signifies) in which Christ appeared amongst men. It does not prejudice Christ's sinlessness, which is a fixed point with the Apostle 'ab initio'; and if anyone says it involves a contradiction to maintain that Christ was sinless, and that He came in a nature which with us is identified with sin, it may be pointed out that this identification does not belong to the essence of our nature, but to its corruption, and that the uniform teaching of the New Testament is that Christ is one with us-short of sin. The likeness and the limitation of it (though the former is the point here urged) are equally essential in the Redeemer.” End of quote. Vincent writes on Rom.8v3. “In the likeness of sinful flesh.” “Literally, "of the flesh of sin." The choice of words is especially noteworthy. Paul does not say simply, "He came in flesh" (1John.4v2; 1Tim.3v16.), for this would not have expressed the bond between Christ's manhood and sin. Not "in the flesh of sin," which would have represented Him as partaking of sin. Not "in the likeness of flesh," since He was really and entirely human; but, "in the likeness of the flesh of sin:" really human, conformed in appearance to the flesh whose characteristic is sin, yet sinless." End of quote. Alford writes on Rom.8v3., "in the likeness of the flesh of sin' (the flesh 'whose attribute and character was sin). The genitive is not 'hamartolou,' but implies far more-[not merely the contamination by, but] the belonging to and being possessed by.”...He had a nature 'like sinful human nature'- but had not Himself 'a sinful nature,' Compare Heb.4v15. ...He was able to be tempted, i.e. subjected to sensuous incitements, e.g. of pain, which in other men break out into sin, but in Him did not.” End of quote. We read in Rom.8v3., that Jesus totally conquered the temptations from His flesh, and so condemned sin in the flesh, “katekrinen” 2632, “ten” 3588, “hamartian” 266, “en” 1722, “te” 3588, “sarki” 4561.” “Katekrinen,” is the aorist active indicative of “katakrino” 2632, to judge against, to condemn. Jesus condemned men’s sins by His victory over the desires of the flesh, “the condemnation took place in the flesh of Jesus.” “Likeness,” in “the likeness of sinful flesh,” is “homoiomati” 3667, “sarkos” 4561, “hamartias” 266.” It means that Jesus was a real man, and not a phantom as the Docetic Gnostics held. For "likeness,” see Phil.2v7., “In the likeness of men, “en homoiomati anthropon.” Jesus conquered the flesh that had corrupted and led all mankind into sin. In Rom.8v1-4., Paul informs us that Christ’s victory over sin, not only condemned sin in the flesh, but also enables us to live in victory over sin, through the law of the spirit and life in Christ. Jesus partook of human flesh, but did not partake of the sins of the flesh; His holy life condemned sin in the flesh and showed that it was possible to live in victory over it. In Heb.2v16-18., we read that Jesus took on Him the seed of Abraham, and that it was a moral duty and obligation, “opheilen,” the imperfect active indicative of “opheilo,” to be obligated, a debt to be paid. Before the foundation of the world, Jesus had obligated Himself to be made in all points like unto His brethren, and experience the same temptations, so that He could be our sympathetic High Priest. The Trinity bound themselves by this selfless obligation, gigantic commitment, and solemn promise, for Jesus to come in flesh and die for us. Titus1v2. Rev.13v8. To be tempted in all points as we are, He had to be made in all points as we are. Heb.2v17. with 4v15. From the level of our humanity, Jesus conquered the world, the flesh, and the Devil. Blessed be His Name! We read in Heb.2v17., "Because" he has suffered being tempted, he is able to sympathize with sufferers. Jesus knows all about our temptations and trials, not only as God, but also as man, through experiencing them Himself. Heb.5v2,8. Jesus has suffered more, infinitely more, than we can ever know, and in all our trials, temptations and sorrows, we shall never reach the ghastly depths of temptation and trial that He endured. There is no trial that we experience, which He has not experienced far worse than we have. Jesus has won the most wonderful deliverance for us. Blessed be His Name! We read in Eph.2v1-10., “v1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, v2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, v3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. v4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, v5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), v6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, v7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. v8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, v9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. v10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (NKJV). See Col.2v11., “In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ.” See 1Pet.4v1-4. 1Jn.2v16. “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.” In the last days, there will be a great eruption of sexual sin. Judev7,8. James learned his doctrine of “sin in the flesh” from Jesus, by living with Him for about 30 years. He writes in James.1v13-16. v13 “Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one. v14 But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). v15 Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death. v16 Do not be misled, my beloved brethren.” (Amplified Version). It is the matured and determined attitude to sin that brings about the spiritual death of the soul. When does this occur in a child? Paul says that it is when they fully comprehend right from wrong, and this may vary in children. Children certainly differ a great deal, you have the godly child Samuel, and in contrast, you have wicked Pharaoh, who was opposed to God for most of his life. We also see this mature and determined attitude to sin demonstrated in the incredible stubbornness of the people that Jesus preached to during His ministry, for only a small percentage repented at His preaching, even though it was confirmed by mighty signs, wonders, and miracles; the like of which had never been seen before. Jesus was broken hearted over this terrible rejection of God’s love and forgiveness; we see Him weeping uncontrollably over Jerusalem and an apostate nation, for He saw in prophetic vision, what was going to happen to them in the not too distant future. We read in Luke.19v41-44., “v41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept, v42 saying, "If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now, they are hidden from your eyes. v43 "For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, v44 "and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” (NKJ). The words “but now they are hid from thine eyes” speak volumes! We see that the end result of the spiritual blindness generated by their unrepentant attitudes, is apostasy, death and destruction. In A.D. 66, the Jews in their blind pride and arrogance rose up in rebellion against the Romans in an attempt to throw off their yoke. The result was that in A.D. 70, Jerusalem was absolutely destroyed, even as the Lord had seen in vision, and 1,100,000 Jews were killed, with many being crucified, or impaled upon stakes, upon the hills surrounding the city, as witnessed and written about by Flavius Josephus. In Lk.19v41.,“wept,” is “eklausen,” the aorist active indicative of “klaio” 2799, to sob, i.e. wail aloud, which Mary did in Jn.11v33. In Jn.11v35., “Jesus wept,” “wept,” is “edakrusen,” the aorist active indicative of “dakruo,” from “dakru,” a tear. The verb “dakruo” 1145, only occurs here in Jn.11v 35. in the New Testament, it never means to wail as “klaio” 2799 does, but rather to shed tears, it can mean to cry silently. Jesus was deeply moved with the grief of Mary and Martha and burst into tears. It was a grief too deep for words. Jesus understood, and still understands our grief. This shortest verse in the Bible, tells us that Jesus really feels for us, and suffers with us in our times of deepest need and inner pain. See Heb.4v15. God really understands and cares. Those who mourn can always come to God for His amazing comfort. Mt.5v4. Mk.16v10. Lk.6v21. 2Cor.1v3-10. (In Acts.20v19., we read that Paul prayed with moving compassion and tears for the Christians at Ephesus, “with tears,” is “dakruon.”) Our Lord’s great inner conflict and pain in Gethsemane is seen in Heb.5v7., where we read that Jesus prayed, "with strong crying and tears," “meta krauges kai dakruon,” as He fought to win our salvation. It was a selfless, and most agonising and painful battle, and He won it for us. Blessed be His Name! How did Jesus overcome temptation from the world, the flesh and the Devil? We read in the Scriptures that Jesus was in all things made like us, Heb.2v17., and “was in all points tempted as we are,” Heb.4v15., in order to be our sympathetic, merciful and faithful great High Priest. We read in Rom.8v3., that Jesus was made “in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.” “Likeness,” is “homoiomati” 3667,” exactly as in Phil.2v7., Jesus had, “a real and exact likeness of our humanity, Jesus was not a Docetic phantom.” Jesus condemned the sin of men by overcoming the temptations from the flesh, which had corrupted the rest of mankind. Jesus had the flesh, which led all the rest of mankind into sin, but His glory is that He overcame it, and was sinless. Paul affirms that Jesus possessed a human nature like that of all mankind; but that He remained sinless, because he never yielded to the impulses of His fleshly nature. Jesus was certainly tempted for we read in Heb.2v18. “For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to succour (“boethesai,” the aorist active infinitive of “boetheo,” to run at a cry or call for help, to those who are tempted. See Matt 15:25.) Again, we read in Heb.4v15,16., “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. v15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. v16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” How did Jesus overcome sin? If we say that He turned on His deity, then He was not tempted in all points as we are. We find the secret in Ps.69v8-12. v8 “I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children. v9 For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me. v10 When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach. v11 I made sackcloth also my garment; and I became a proverb to them. v12 They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards.” This Scripture states that Jesus disciplined His flesh with fasting and prayer, and He was consumed with zeal to save us and do His Father’s will. This brought horrific opposition and terrible inner pain, but communion with His Father brought Him through. If we want to win the battle with the flesh, we have to follow our Lord’s example. Paul certainly did, he writes in 1Cor.9v26,27., Therefore, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air; v27 but I pommel and discipline my body and subdue it and make it my slave, lest after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.” Let us follow the example of our Lord and Paul, and exercise self-discipline through communion with God. In Rom.7v7 to 8v4., Paul teaches that he, like his Lord, was born with, “dead sin in the flesh,” however, unlike his Lord, Paul, like everybody else, yielded to this temptation from the sinful desires of the flesh. As a result, Paul, like everyone else, died spiritually as a result of yielding to this temptation. Whereas the Lord Jesus resisted every temptation and conquered them, and thus He “condemned sin in the flesh.” Rom.8v3. This vital truth of our Lord’s true humanity is also clearly stated by Paul in Heb.2v17,18. and 4v14-16., where he states that Jesus was not only “made like unto His brethren in ALL THINGS,” but that Jesus was also “in ALL points tempted like as we are.” Positive proof of His humanity. < >
The Disastrous Effects Of The Doctrine Of Original Sin \| By His Stripes We Are Healed \| The Book Of Revelation \| The Second Coming Of Christ \| The Baptism And Gifts Of The Holy Spirit \| The Comforter Is Come

Chapter Four

The glorious victory of Jesus over the world, the flesh, and the Devil

All through His life Jesus had conflict with His flesh, and with the Devil, just as we do.
We read in Heb.4v15. “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (NKJ) Jesus had a nature like ours, with all the propensities and passions of a man. Jesus was subjected to all the kinds of temptation and trial that come against us; He is, therefore, able to sympathize with us and to aid us.

“Being tempted, or tried," in Heb.4v15., is “pepeirasmenon,” the perfect passive participle of “peirazo,” 3985, as in Heb.2v17. It means, to tempt, to test, and to try the nature or character. The perfect tense emphasises the completed state and permanent nature of the tests that Jesus went through, and the compassion and sympathy graced to us by Jesus through the trials and temptations He suffered on our behalf. Jesus is our brother, and He "is not ashamed to call us brethren."

“Yet without sin.” See 1Pet.2v22., "Who did no sin;" and Isa.53v9., "He had done no violence, neither was there any deceit in his mouth." See Heb.7v26., "Who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners." Our Great High Priest was "without sin," and is able to assist sinners who put their trust in Him.

We read in Heb.2v18., that Jesus having been tempted, (“peirastheis” the first aorist passive participle of “peirazo” 3985), is able to succour those who are now being tempted, (“peirazomenois” the present passive of “peirazo” 3985). As He was tempted and tried in all points, He is able to succour (“run to the cry of,” (“boethesai,” the first aorist active infinitive of the compound verb “boetheo” 997, to run at a cry or call for help). In Mt.15v25., the Syrophenician uses this very same word.

The Expositor's Greek Testament gives light on Rom.8v3., “In the likeness of sinful flesh.”
It states: “But the emphasis in “homoioma” is on Christ's likeness to us, not His unlikeness; “flesh of sin” is one idea to the Apostle, and what he means by it is that God sent His Son in that nature which in us is identified with sin. This was the “form” (and “form” rather than “likeness” is what “homoioma” signifies) in which Christ appeared amongst men. It does not prejudice Christ's sinlessness, which is a fixed point with the Apostle 'ab initio'; and if anyone says it involves a contradiction to maintain that Christ was sinless, and that He came in a nature which with us is identified with sin, it may be pointed out that this identification does not belong to the essence of our nature, but to its corruption, and that the uniform teaching of the New Testament is that Christ is one with us-short of sin. The likeness and the limitation of it (though the former is the point here urged) are equally essential in the Redeemer.” End of quote.

Vincent writes on Rom.8v3. “In the likeness of sinful flesh.” “Literally, "of the flesh of sin." The choice of words is especially noteworthy. Paul does not say simply, "He came in flesh" (1John.4v2; 1Tim.3v16.), for this would not have expressed the bond between Christ's manhood and sin. Not "in the flesh of sin," which would have represented Him as partaking of sin. Not "in the likeness of flesh," since He was really and entirely human; but, "in the likeness of the flesh of sin:" really human, conformed in appearance to the flesh whose characteristic is sin, yet sinless." End of quote.

Alford writes on Rom.8v3., "in the likeness of the flesh of sin' (the flesh 'whose attribute and character was sin). The genitive is not 'hamartolou,' but implies far more-[not merely the contamination by, but] the belonging to and being possessed by.”...He had a nature 'like sinful human nature'- but had not Himself 'a sinful nature,' Compare Heb.4v15. ...He was able to be tempted, i.e. subjected to sensuous incitements, e.g. of pain, which in other men break out into sin, but in Him did not.” End of quote.

We read in Rom.8v3., that Jesus totally conquered the temptations from His flesh, and so condemned sin in the flesh, “katekrinen” 2632, “ten” 3588, “hamartian” 266, “en” 1722, “te” 3588, “sarki” 4561.” “Katekrinen,” is the aorist active indicative of “katakrino” 2632, to judge against, to condemn. Jesus condemned men’s sins by His victory over the desires of the flesh, “the condemnation took place in the flesh of Jesus.” “Likeness,” in “the likeness of sinful flesh,” is “homoiomati” 3667, “sarkos” 4561, “hamartias” 266.” It means that Jesus was a real man, and not a phantom as the Docetic Gnostics held. For "likeness,” see Phil.2v7., “In the likeness of men, “en homoiomati anthropon.” Jesus conquered the flesh that had corrupted and led all mankind into sin. In Rom.8v1-4., Paul informs us that Christ’s victory over sin, not only condemned sin in the flesh, but also enables us to live in victory over sin, through the law of the spirit and life in Christ. Jesus partook of human flesh, but did not partake of the sins of the flesh; His holy life condemned sin in the flesh and showed that it was possible to live in victory over it.

In Heb.2v16-18., we read that Jesus took on Him the seed of Abraham, and that it was a moral duty and obligation, “opheilen,” the imperfect active indicative of “opheilo,” to be obligated, a debt to be paid. Before the foundation of the world, Jesus had obligated Himself to be made in all points like unto His brethren, and experience the same temptations, so that He could be our sympathetic High Priest. The Trinity bound themselves by this selfless obligation, gigantic commitment, and solemn promise, for Jesus to come in flesh and die for us. Titus1v2. Rev.13v8. To be tempted in all points as we are, He had to be made in all points as we are. Heb.2v17. with 4v15. From the level of our humanity, Jesus conquered the world, the flesh, and the Devil. Blessed be His Name!

We read in Heb.2v17., "Because" he has suffered being tempted, he is able to sympathize with sufferers. Jesus knows all about our temptations and trials, not only as God, but also as man, through experiencing them Himself. Heb.5v2,8. Jesus has suffered more, infinitely more, than we can ever know, and in all our trials, temptations and sorrows, we shall never reach the ghastly depths of temptation and trial that He endured. There is no trial that we experience, which He has not experienced far worse than we have.

Jesus has won the most wonderful deliverance for us. Blessed be His Name!
We read in Eph.2v1-10., “v1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, v2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, v3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. v4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, v5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), v6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, v7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. v8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, v9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. v10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (NKJV).

See Col.2v11., “In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ.” See 1Pet.4v1-4. 1Jn.2v16. “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.” In the last days, there will be a great eruption of sexual sin. Judev7,8.

James learned his doctrine of “sin in the flesh” from Jesus, by living with Him for about 30 years.
He writes in James.1v13-16. v13 “Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one. v14 But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). v15 Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death. v16 Do not be misled, my beloved brethren.” (Amplified Version).

It is the matured and determined attitude to sin that brings about the spiritual death of the soul. When does this occur in a child? Paul says that it is when they fully comprehend right from wrong, and this may vary in children. Children certainly differ a great deal, you have the godly child Samuel, and in contrast, you have wicked Pharaoh, who was opposed to God for most of his life.

We also see this mature and determined attitude to sin demonstrated in the incredible stubbornness of the people that Jesus preached to during His ministry, for only a small percentage repented at His preaching, even though it was confirmed by mighty signs, wonders, and miracles; the like of which had never been seen before. Jesus was broken hearted over this terrible rejection of God’s love and forgiveness; we see Him weeping uncontrollably over Jerusalem and an apostate nation, for He saw in prophetic vision, what was going to happen to them in the not too distant future.

We read in Luke.19v41-44., “v41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept, v42 saying, "If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now, they are hidden from your eyes. v43 "For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, v44 "and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” (NKJ).

The words “but now they are hid from thine eyes” speak volumes! We see that the end result of the spiritual blindness generated by their unrepentant attitudes, is apostasy, death and destruction. In A.D. 66, the Jews in their blind pride and arrogance rose up in rebellion against the Romans in an attempt to throw off their yoke. The result was that in A.D. 70, Jerusalem was absolutely destroyed, even as the Lord had seen in vision, and 1,100,000 Jews were killed, with many being crucified, or impaled upon stakes, upon the hills surrounding the city, as witnessed and written about by Flavius Josephus.

In Lk.19v41.,“wept,” is “eklausen,” the aorist active indicative of “klaio” 2799, to sob, i.e. wail aloud, which Mary did in Jn.11v33. In Jn.11v35., “Jesus wept,” “wept,” is “edakrusen,” the aorist active indicative of “dakruo,” from “dakru,” a tear. The verb “dakruo” 1145, only occurs here in Jn.11v 35. in the New Testament, it never means to wail as “klaio” 2799 does, but rather to shed tears, it can mean to cry silently. Jesus was deeply moved with the grief of Mary and Martha and burst into tears. It was a grief too deep for words. Jesus understood, and still understands our grief. This shortest verse in the Bible, tells us that Jesus really feels for us, and suffers with us in our times of deepest need and inner pain. See Heb.4v15. God really understands and cares. Those who mourn can always come to God for His amazing comfort. Mt.5v4. Mk.16v10. Lk.6v21. 2Cor.1v3-10. (In Acts.20v19., we read that Paul prayed with moving compassion and tears for the Christians at Ephesus, “with tears,” is “dakruon.”)

Our Lord’s great inner conflict and pain in Gethsemane is seen in Heb.5v7., where we read that Jesus prayed, "with strong crying and tears," “meta krauges kai dakruon,” as He fought to win our salvation. It was a selfless, and most agonising and painful battle, and He won it for us. Blessed be His Name!

How did Jesus overcome temptation from the world, the flesh and the Devil?
We read in the Scriptures that Jesus was in all things made like us, Heb.2v17., and “was in all points tempted as we are,” Heb.4v15., in order to be our sympathetic, merciful and faithful great High Priest.

We read in Rom.8v3., that Jesus was made “in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.” “Likeness,” is “homoiomati” 3667,” exactly as in Phil.2v7., Jesus had, “a real and exact likeness of our humanity, Jesus was not a Docetic phantom.” Jesus condemned the sin of men by overcoming the temptations from the flesh, which had corrupted the rest of mankind. Jesus had the flesh, which led all the rest of mankind into sin, but His glory is that He overcame it, and was sinless. Paul affirms that Jesus possessed a human nature like that of all mankind; but that He remained sinless, because he never yielded to the impulses of His fleshly nature.

Jesus was certainly tempted for we read in Heb.2v18. “For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to succour (“boethesai,” the aorist active infinitive of “boetheo,” to run at a cry or call for help, to those who are tempted. See Matt 15:25.) Again, we read in Heb.4v15,16., “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. v15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. v16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

How did Jesus overcome sin? If we say that He turned on His deity, then He was not tempted in all points as we are. We find the secret in Ps.69v8-12. v8 “I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children. v9 For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me. v10 When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach. v11 I made sackcloth also my garment; and I became a proverb to them. v12 They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards.”

This Scripture states that Jesus disciplined His flesh with fasting and prayer, and He was consumed with zeal to save us and do His Father’s will. This brought horrific opposition and terrible inner pain, but communion with His Father brought Him through. If we want to win the battle with the flesh, we have to follow our Lord’s example. Paul certainly did, he writes in 1Cor.9v26,27., Therefore, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air; v27 but I pommel and discipline my body and subdue it and make it my slave, lest after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.” Let us follow the example of our Lord and Paul, and exercise self-discipline through communion with God.

In Rom.7v7 to 8v4., Paul teaches that he, like his Lord, was born with, “dead sin in the flesh,” however, unlike his Lord, Paul, like everybody else, yielded to this temptation from the sinful desires of the flesh. As a result, Paul, like everyone else, died spiritually as a result of yielding to this temptation. Whereas the Lord Jesus resisted every temptation and conquered them, and thus He “condemned sin in the flesh.” Rom.8v3. This vital truth of our Lord’s true humanity is also clearly stated by Paul in Heb.2v17,18. and 4v14-16., where he states that Jesus was not only “made like unto His brethren in ALL THINGS,” but that Jesus was also “in ALL points tempted like as we are.” Positive proof of His humanity.

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