Did Jesus Sin?
The question of whether or not Jesus sinned is a topic that has been debated and discussed for ages. While Christians believe Jesus was sinless, others argue that as a human being, He must have faced the same temptations we do and therefore sinned. The skeptics are correct that Jesus was a man and had to deal with similar tests, but the ultimate answer is in the details.
The Bible confirms the skeptics’ point that Jesus was tempted. Hebrews 4:15 says Jesus “understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin.” Jesus was fully human so He experienced all the same emotions, struggles, and temptations we do. His body endured hunger and thirst. He felt pain and sadness.
So often when we go through difficult trials or unbearable moments, we think “no one understands what I’m going through” or wonder aloud “but what they’re going through can’t be as painful as mine.” This is not true of Jesus because He was tested by Satan himself. The Bible describes how Jesus “was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where He was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry” (Luke 4:1-2).
There’s comfort in these words for each of us because it means Jesus knows exactly what we’re going through. He wasn’t immune or above the difficulties of life even though He is fully God.
But why is this important? Why does it matter if Jesus ever sinned? Jesus was perfect, but we are not. The Bible reminds us “everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23). Take a look at your sin. Are there areas in your life where you are falling short of God’s standard?
This is what separates us from God—our sin! But how do we overcome our sin and reach Him? God made a way. The Bible explains, “God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Because Jesus lived a sinless life, He could stand in our place as a worthy sacrifice. By offering up His sinless life as a payment for our sin, He takes care of the sin in our life. God no longer holds our sin against us, so we can be restored to relationship with Him.
God did this because He loves you and wants to save you from your sin. He sent His Son, Jesus, to live a sinless life so He could be your Savior.
Will you turn away from your sin today and trust Jesus as your Savior?
Step 1 – God’s Purpose: Peace and Life
The Bible says:
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:1
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
"I [Jesus] came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Sin Separates Us
The Bible says:
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Remedy: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God."
1 Peter 3:18
"But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me."
Revelation 3:20
"But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 10:9
Here is how you can receive Christ:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner.)
- Be willing to turn from your sins (repent) and ask for God's forgiveness.
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I want to turn from my sins, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life. I want Him to come into my heart and to take control of my life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward. In Jesus' Name, amen."
Did you pray to receive Jesus Christ and begin a relationship with him?
