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The Nature of Christ

The nature of Christ is not really that hard to understand. It is a very simple Bible fact. It has been made difficult by some theologians who just can't seem to find plain and simple words. In John 1:14, Jesus is called "the Word" and this is what is said about Him: " and the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." No Bible believer will deny this. The question is over what type of flesh did He have. Did He have sinless or sinful flesh?

It has always been our understanding that when Jesus came to live as a human being, He cane as a real human. He wasn't acting in a play. He took man's nature. Jesus was to be our example. He had to be tempted just as we are. Therefore, He was born in fallen humanity. Just like Hebrews 2:14 says: "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same. . ." It was as if the author of Hebrews saw down the corridors of time, and recognized there would be controversies over the nature of Christ. So, he tried to make it clear by using the words, "also" and likewise." Then, for added measure, he threw in "the same." Just to make sure it was all understandable, the Hebrew author went on to add: "For verily (or ‘truly,' or ‘indeed'), He took not on Him the nature of angels: but He took on Him the seed of Abraham." That's pretty clear, isn't it? Jesus didn't inherit the nature of angels, but the nature of man.

Why did this Bible writer say that Jesus didn't take the nature of angels? Two-thirds of the angels had already proven that beings with unfallen natures can obey. The vast host of created beings on other worlds have also proved it, too. Then he goes on to elaborate even further: "Wherefor in all things it behoved him to be made like unto His brethren...." We have already covered what it is to be his brethren. "In all things." This was no masquerade party where He dressed up as a man. No, He became man.

In the February 24, 1874 edition of the Review and Herald, Ellen White made a clear and concise explanation in these words: "The great work of redemption could be carried out only by the Redeemer taking the place of fallen Adam." Over and over again, you find the Spirit of Prophecy stating the facts in this manner: "He would take man's fallen nature." EW, p. 150 "It was in the order of God that Christ should take upon Him the form and nature of fallen man." 4 SG, 115

You see, when a human thinks about having to be victorious just like Christ, it usually causes tension... He just can't believe he can live above sin, so he comes up with a form of rationalization that eases the stress. He tries to prove that Jesus did not take the nature of fallen man. He claims that Jesus took the unfallen nature of Adam. That way, Jesus had something going for Him that you and I don't! Therefore, Jesus could live on earth without sinning. But more than that, it proves that you and I can't live without sin. so, why try?

Look at this:

"Letters have been coming in to me, affirming that Christ could not have had the same nature as man. For if He had, He would have fallen under similar temptations." 1SM, p. 408. Way back then, that same rationalization was alive and well. People wrote to Ellen White and told her that Christ did not have a fallen nature or He would have sinned. Look at her reply:

"If He did not have man's nature, He could not be our example. If He was not a partaker of our nature, He could not have been tempted as man had been." ibid.

It is sometimes difficult to read something when many, many quotations are given. But there is almost no other way to establish the truth without some. Please look at this rather long, yet super clear, explanation taken from Desire of Ages, page 117:

"But when Adam was assailed by the tempter, none of the effects of sin were upon Him. He stood in the strength of perfect manhood, possessing the full vigor of mind and body. He was surrounded with the glories of Eden, and was in daily communion with heavenly beings." Notice now this was Adam. She goes on: "It was not thus with Jesus when He entered the wilderness to cope with Satan."

Please notice this very, very carefully:

"For four thousand years the race had been decreasing in physical strength, in mental power, and in moral worth; And Christ took upon Him the infirmities of degenerate humanity. Only thus could He rescue man from the lowest depths of degradation." Jesus did not come and take Adam's nature before the fall. Jesus took human nature after it had been weakened by 4,000 years of sin. And by doing this... by taking a nature exactly like yours and mine, He proved that we can keep God's law.

Satan has tried to convince the whole world, as well as the universe, that no one can keep God's law. He has had almost total success, hasn't he?

Jesus proved that obedience was possible after the fall of man, because He took on the nature of fallen man and by the power of the Holy Spirit "did no sin."

The Bible tells us "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; But God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (be victorious).

Jude closes with this assurance, "Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy..."

So, let's establish this very crucial point:

Jesus Christ took the sinful nature of fallen man, and by the power of the Holy Spirit did not sin.

The power of the Holy Spirit is available to us in the same manner so that you and I can also not sin.