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"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our
infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Heb. 4: 15).
How are we to interpret the words "in all points"? How are we to understand the
sequel "yet without sin"? How does this passage influence our understanding concerning
the sinlessness of the Man Christ Jesus?
There have been those who have argued that the presence of the words "in all points",
implies the inclusion of every temptation which besets mankind, and, in consequence,
have been driven by the irresistible force of logic to affirm that He must therefore have
had a "fallen nature" even though He actually "did no sin". The seriousness of the
subject should be felt by all. To most of our readers, the teaching that the Saviour had a
"fallen" nature would come as a shock. Moreover, the believer himself is involved for he
cannot be unmoved by the consequences of the examination of the words "tempted in all
points like as we are". In order therefore to disclose the scope of the argument that
contains these pregnant words, we must repeat the outline of the epistle to the Hebrews
and, following that, an examination of other passages where the words "tempt" and
"temptation" are used, so that, if possible, we may arrive at a Scriptural understanding
both of the range of temptation indicated in Heb. 4: 15, and the meaning, origin and
different forms of temptation as indicated by the usage of the word in Hebrews and in
other parts of the New Testament.
The scope of any passage of Scripture is indicated by its literary structure and we must
anticipate our studies a little here, and lift out from the structure of the epistle as a whole
two corresponding members, because in them are found every occurrence of the words
"tempt" and "temptation" found in the epistle.
B | Heb. 3: - 6: ON TO PERFECTION.
Let us come boldly
"The Profession."
Examples of unbelief
(Homologia) (3: 1; 4: 14).
Perfect 5: babes.
No renewal unto repentance
Senses exercised
Crucify afresh the Son
B | Heb. 10: 19 - 12: 25.
Let us draw near
BACK TO PERDITION.
Examples of faith
"The Profession."
Sons 5: firstborn
(Homologia/eo) (10: 23; 11: 13).
No place for repentance
Discipline exercised
Trod under foot the Son
There can be no question but that these two sections very closely correspond with
one another, and if they contain all the occurrences of "tempt" and "temptation" that are
found in the epistle to the Hebrews, then those temptations must be intimately related to
the ideas of "perfection" and "perdition"; with "going on", or with "drawing back".
When we come to consider the smaller portion of Hebrews that contains the passage
under review, we discover that its historic background is the story of Israel's failure in