The Testimony to the Sinlessness of Christ

Jesus Christ is holy, unquestionably holy. He is called the Holy One. There are three chief categories of testimonies for the sinlessness of Jesus. The witness of:

1. The Father and the Holy Spirit

2. Scripture

3. Jesus Christ Himself; and

4. Friends and foes

1.1 The Witness of the Father and the Holy Spirit

But to His Son He says, Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. Your royal power is expressed in righteousness. You love what is right and hate what is wrong...(Heb.1:8-9) . The Holy Spirit convicts that world of sin, righteousness and judgment. The Holy Spirit convicts of sin because people do not believe in Jesus (Jn.16:8) . Herein lies the testimony of the Holy Spirit: people are convicted of their sin because Jesus Himself was without sin.

1.2 The Witness of Scriptures

New Testament writers make numerous, unequivocal declarations that Jesus was undefiled by sin. Peter describes Jesus as a "Lamb without blemish and without spot (1Pet.1:19) and directly testifies that "He did not sin". (1Pet. 2:22) Paul clarifies that "Jesus was tempted...yet without sin" (2 Cor. 5:21) The author of the book of Hebrews states that Jesus was "tempted...yet without sin". (Heb. 4:15) and that the reason He is "apart from sin" is "for salvation" (Heb. 9:28) . Furthermore, the author makes it clear that Jesus offered Himself through the Spirit unto the Father without blemish (Heb. 9:14) In what is arguably the strongest single written text on the subject by a New Testament writer-witness, the same author writes of Jesus that He is "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners" (Heb. 7:26)

1.3 The Witness of Jesus Christ Himself

The moral perfection of Jesus was so uncontestable a fact, that He confidently asked, "Which of you convicts Me of sin?" (Jn. 8:46) There is no record of a successful conviction based on the charge of the Challenger. Jesus emphatically stated that "the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me" (Jn. 14:30)

The testimony of Jesus, when speaking to the thief on the cross, was more concerned about the salvation of the thief than about His own salvation. He prayed, "Father, forgive them," but never, Father forgive me." It is an arresting fact the Scriptures, that so faithfully record the sins and failures of their most notable heroes, such as Abraham and Moses and David, have no record of His sins or failures.

1.4 The Witness of Friends and Foes

That Jesus was sinless appears to be the conviction of His contemporaries, whether friends or foes, including:

(a) His disciples - The disciples of Jesus observed Jesus daily: His actions, reactions, public relations and private associations. These followers would have noted an irregularity between His talk and His walk. Peter preached that Jesus, despite being holy and good, was rejected by the very people He came to save (Acts 3:14)

(b) Judas - The evidence of Judas is of particular importance. After he had betrayed his best friend, he could not retain the shameful price of blood. Guilt compelled him to fling the silver at the feet of the chief priests and elders, saying, "I have betrayed the innocent blood"          (Matt. 27:4)

(c) The criminal - Jesus made an indelible impression upon the criminal while hanging on the cross. This was arguably Jesus at His most physically weakest and was yet no less public. Jesus withstood the public scrutiny on the cross, the true moment of His testing. Under these conditions the thief declares, "This man has done nothing wrong". (Lk. 23:41)

(d) The centurion

The centurion similarly impressed, could find no explanation for such composure and victory over sin in the hour of suffering and death, except in the conviction that "Truly, this was the Son of God". (Matt. 27:54) "Certainly this was a righteous Man!" (Lk. 23:47)

(e) Pilate and his wife

Both Pilate and his wife united to proclaim Him a man who was just, impartial, honourable and truthful. (Matt. 27:19,24) Pilate declared the holiness of Jesus three times: I find no crime in him (Jn. 18:38) ; I have not found him guilty (Jn. 19:4) ; i don't find him guilty of anything        (Jn. 19:4)

(f) The demons

Even the demons add to the testimony by stating that Jesus was, "The Holy One of God".    (Mk. 1:24)