Christ’s Human Nature and Temptations
By Editor
WE are sorry to know that some of our readers have misunderstood the teaching of this paper relative to the human nature of Christ and the strength of his temptations. Some not having a proper understanding of terms have thought that we held that Christ had the carnal mind; but we have not so much as intimated such a thing. The testimony of the apostle is that "the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be" (Rom. 8:7); but Christ delighted to do the will of his Father, and the divine law was within his heart. Ps. 40:7, 8; Heb. 10:5-7. The Scriptures teach that Christ took upon him human nature so fully and perfectly that he was "tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin." This we believe, and this we teach. We ask our friends to read again the principal article upon this subject which has appeared in our columns, and which we republish on page 630 for their convenience. We would not detract one whit from the dignity of our Saviour, neither would we close our eyes to the precious truth that, as anciently the high priest was taken from among men that he might have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that were out of the way, for that he himself also was compassed with infirmity (Heb. 5:2), so Christ, "though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect [as a priest], he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him." Verses 8, 9.