The Temptation of Jesus

[consapente89]

Was Jesus, being God in the flesh, tempted with sin? We know that satan came to Jesus for the purpose of tempting him. He was tempted in the 3 areas that man is tempted. However, was he actually tempted internally to sin? I personally don’t believe Jesus had Adam’s sin nature, as he was the second Adam. So was his sinlessness a choice or was it due to his divine nature? Was it even possible for Jesus to chose sin?

[Apostolic1ness]

Originally Posted by consapente89

Was Jesus, being God in the flesh, tempted with sin? We know that satan came to Jesus for the purpose of tempting him. He was tempted in the 3 areas that man is tempted. However, was he actually tempted internally to sin? I personally don’t believe Jesus had Adam’s sin nature, as he was the second Adam. So was his sinlessness a choice or was it due to his divine nature? Was it even possible for Jesus to chose sin?

Impossible for him to sin.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by consapente89

Was Jesus, being God in the flesh, tempted with sin? We know that satan came to Jesus for the purpose of tempting him. He was tempted in the 3 areas that man is tempted. However, was he actually tempted internally to sin? I personally don’t believe Jesus had Adam’s sin nature, as he was the second Adam. So was his sinlessness a choice or was it due to his divine nature? Was it even possible for Jesus to chose sin?

What does "tempted internally to sin" mean?

There is no such thing as "inherited sin nature". Sinlessness is a moral virtue, and therefore is dependent on a choice of the will. Sin is a voluntary act or choice of the will, and so is obedience. If obedience is truly involuntary, then there would be no moral virtue to holiness or righteousness.

Dogs and cats do not sin, but they have no moral virtue, as holiness or righteousness. There is no praise or blame attached to their behavior, in a moral sense. Why? Because they are not subjects of moral law. And why is that? Because they have no ability or capacity to know right from wrong, and to choose good and refuse evil.

Jesus has free will. He is not a robot, cat, or dog. His temptations were not a sham. And His holiness is likewise real.

[consapente89]

Originally Posted by Esaias

What does "tempted internally to sin" mean?

There is no such thing as "inherited sin nature". Sinlessness is a moral virtue, and therefore is dependent on a choice of the will. Sin is a voluntary act or choice of the will, and so is obedience. If obedience is truly involuntary, then there would be no moral virtue to holiness or righteousness.

Dogs and cats do not sin, but they have no moral virtue, as holiness or righteousness. There is no praise or blame attached to their behavior, in a moral sense. Why? Because they are not subjects of moral law. And why is that? Because they have no ability or capacity to know right from wrong, and to choose good and refuse evil.

Jesus has free will. He is not a robot, cat, or dog. His temptations were not a sham. And His holiness is likewise real.

I simply meant that I don’t believe sin appealed to him. I do believe in an inherited sin nature. The Adamic nature of sin.

Thank you Esaias.

[consapente89]

Originally Posted by Apostolic1ness

Impossible for him to sin.

Would you care to elaborate?

[consapente89]

The most important thing is that Jesus did NOT sin.

[1ofthechosen]

I believe Esaias is correct. I believe that Jesus could sin, but chose not to. Or otherwise He could be at all points tempted, but yet without sin. Ive been reflecting over this the last couple days, and I believe that it wasn't just a walk in the park for Him! I don't believe God made it that way. I believe He wanted to experience fully what we go through.

Jesus had a non fallen human nature, and diety combined in One. Adam lived in a non fallen world and had not a sinful nature, the serpent was there but, there was no principalities or powers of evil and he still fell to sin. Now, Jesus is a different case, but I can assure you that He faced a much greater on slot from hell then we could ever dream. He just didn't fall for it, or fall to it. He was a perfect example all the way through out. He didn't use His diety besides for in doing good for others. Besides walking on the water and even then He was coming to assure the disciples in the storm He just sent them into!

He walked as a man, and I don't believe that's a easy task for anyone in this fallen world. We always see Him as being victorious, but I don't think we truthfully appreciate great enough what He experienced as a man. I'm not talking about just the cross, and the beatings. I'm talking about in His trials He had to face, for He was God and He walked this world as a man. While the devil was trying to sell to mankind that they could become a God, God Himself robed Himself in flesh "made of a woman, born under the law" came to this earth to become a man. And He walked as a perfect example of that, with no wavering. But the flesh is the flesh regardless in this fallen world. No He never sinned, and. no I'm not saying it ever crossed His mind, but you can guarantee "He was tempted at all points, yet without sin. That's how He can be touched with our infirmities, therefore we can come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

Hallelujah and thank you Jesus! Because He made a way, and I know He fully understands what I'm up against!

[votivesoul]

Originally Posted by consapente89

Was Jesus, being God in the flesh, tempted with sin?

Yes.

We know that satan came to Jesus for the purpose of tempting him. He was tempted in the 3 areas that man is tempted. However, was he actually tempted internally to sin?

No. The temptation was external. Jesus wasn't drawn away after His own lusts; rather the Adversary was putting Him to the test at the direction of the Holy Spirit.

I personally don’t believe Jesus had Adam’s sin nature, as he was the second Adam. So was his sinlessness a choice or was it due to his divine nature?

A choice, empowered by the Holy Spirit of the Father within Him.

Was it even possible for Jesus to chose sin?

Yes. The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. The devil offered Jesus a choice in each of the three temptations. Jesus refused everything being offered Him, buttressed by the Holy Scriptures to do so.

[Apostolic1ness]

Originally Posted by consapente89

Would you care to elaborate?

The temptation was lagitament but would have never been successful. Think of it this way, if an ant picks up a piece of grass and atemps to destroy a brick house he could never succeed. The ant gave his best shot but he would not be able.
The same with Jesus, he was the lamb slain from the foundation of the world. His sinless life was foreknown, it would bave been absolutely impossible for the Messiah to have committed sin.
Not to mention he was God and in him is no darkness.

[Amanah]

what does this mean?

Hebrews 4:15 15For 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.