National Association of Christian Ministers Summary Series: Theology
The Impeccability of Christ is the Christian doctrine that asserts that Jesus Christ was without sin or the ability to sin, despite being fully human. It is a controversial topic in Christian theology and has been debated among theologians throughout history.
The doctrine of Impeccability teaches that, as the Son of God, Jesus was incapable of committing sin, because his divine nature prevented him from doing so. At the same time, as a fully human being, he was subject to temptation and able to experience human emotions, but he did not succumb to sin.
Proponents of Impeccability argue that it was necessary for Jesus to be sinless in order to serve as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity. They also argue that Jesus’ sinlessness is evidence of his divinity.
Opponents of Impeccability argue that it undermines the reality of Jesus’ humanity and his ability to truly identify with human suffering and temptation. They also point to biblical passages that seem to suggest that Jesus experienced temptation and struggled with the possibility of sinning.
Despite the ongoing debate, Impeccability is a widely held belief among many Christian denominations, particularly in the Protestant tradition. It is often associated with the concept of salvation and with the Christian understanding of Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross.
