R. C. Sproul On Whether Christ Could Sin

R. C. Sproul, Now, That’s a Good Question!

Copyright 1996 by R. C. Sproul. All rights reserved.

ʻCould Jesus have sinned if he had wanted to?

Absolutely.

Of course, he didn't want to.

So if you ask it a different way, could Jesus sin if he didn't want to?

No, he couldn't sin if he didn't want to any more than God could sin because God doesn't want to sin. Wanting to sin is a prerequisite for sinning.

ʻBut then we have to push it one step further:

Could Jesus have wanted to sin?

Theologians are divided on this point.

I would say yes, I think he could have.

I think that's part of being made after the likeness of Adam. When we're in heaven and are totally glorified, then we will no longer have the power and ability to sin. That's what we look forward to; that's what Jesus earned for himself and for us through his perfect obedience. Christ's perfect obedience was not a charade. He actually was victorious over every conceivable temptation that was thrown his way.ʼ

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