Based on some of the responses both in comments and emails, it is obvious this is a doctrine that is not taught much or is completely absent in evangelical churches today. Yet, it should be taught. If it was, there would be many who leave the false teachers they flock after as they realize the heresy these wolves are attempting to feed the sheep.
In a nutshell, impeccability of Christ means that Jesus Christ did not sin and that He also COULD NOT sin. Unfortunately, there are many who do not bother to consider what is being taught by those who claim to be ministers of the gospel.
The opposite of impeccability is termed the peccability of Christ. Those who hold to this heresy believe that Jesus Christ could have sinned had He wanted or chosen to do so. Those holding to peccability do not consider the logical conclusions that must be arrived at, nor do they consider the ramifications of believing this teaching.
Sadly, it is not just the WOF (Word of Faith) movement who holds to and teaches this. I have met and know even Baptists who believe that it is possible Jesus Christ in His humanity could have succumbed to the temptations of the evil one. They use Hebrews 4:15 to attempt and prove their point. This verse states, “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.”
While it is not my intention to try and exposit Hebrews 4:15, I would highly recommend for further and more detailed study on this vital doctrine, that you visit the following link for FBInstitute. The article was written by Dr. John W. McCormick and is entitled, “The Impeccability of Christ.”
By believing Jesus Christ could have sinned, it is only logical to arrive at the point where people like Copeland, Meyers, Avinzini, Hinn, Crouch, etc. teach that if He COULD have sinned that it was then necessary for Him to descend into hell in order to atone for the possibility of His own potential sins so that He might then be able to save us as well! This compounds the heresy even greater. ALL who associate with these false teachers and false prophets will share in their judgment.
Those who believe this doctrine forget (or choose to overlook) that Jesus Christ was God before He took on human flesh. He never ceased to be God! At no point was it possible for any part of His human nature to override His divine nature!
Another logical conclusion (which again they must overlook or they will look like even greater fools) is that if Jesus Christ had to atone for the potential of a sin nature, He could NEVER have been the Perfect Sacrifice which was spotless and unblemished. 1 Peter 1:19, 20, “But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.”
All since the first Adam have been born with a depraved sin nature with the exception of the God-Man Jesus Christ. If Jesus Christ was not perfect in EVERY way and without the taint of a potential sin nature, then our hope is in vain. Of course, this probably explains why many charlatans preach what they do about health, wealth, and prosperity because their only hope is in the gathering of riches in this life. You cannot base your eternity on the works of one who was just as much capable of murder, lust, adultery, lies, and all manner of vile debauchery as you and I are capable of.
However, I am thankful that Jesus Christ the Lord, the Lamb of glory, the Eternal Son of God was without sin. I am thankful that He COULD NOT HAVE sinned for only in that truth do we have the assurance of victory over sin and of our eternal security. I am thankful that when Jesus Christ cried on the cross that “IT IS FINISHED!” – that is exactly what He meant. No more sacrifices were needed, and He alone made it all possible because HE WAS SPOTLESS IN HIS ENTIRETY!
In conclusion, I again encourage you to read the article The Impeccability of Christ by Dr. John W. McCormick. While it is lengthy, he has covered the ground of this doctrine far more thoroughly than the manner in which I would be capable.
Praising the Spotless IMPECCABLE Lamb,
The Desert Pastor
1 Comment
August 20, 2008 at 3:34 am
Rarely does a mature disciple of the Christ take a single verse of Holy Scripture to validate their understanding. If done in this manner is most likely just that (their understanding).
Revelation knowledge comes through the God Head and can not be refuted.