Therefore also, that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35 KJV or, “That which is begotten Holy, the Son of God (Newberry)

For that reason, the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35 NASB

The wonder of incarnation is beyond our speculation; but it is not beyond our appreciation and adoration. The words of the Angel to Mary, following her question as to “How?” reveal the absolute holiness of the One Who was to be born.

Adam was ‘born’ in innocence. He was not a sinner by birth. But he had the capacity to sin, which tragically he did. The Lord Jesus was not born innocent. He was born holy. His assumed nature, while human in every other way, was without the possibility of sinning. Men may speculate and quibble about His temptation and its meaning if He could not sin. But the Spirit of God imprints on the inspired Word at an early stage in His life, this great truth: He is holy.

Our Authorized Version refers to Him as “that holy thing” suggesting inherent nature and essence. The Newberry margin adds to it the thought of the holy process of His incarnation. Or, as Mr. Darby’s translation says, “And the angel answering said to her, [The] Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and power of [the] Highest overshadow thee, wherefore the holy thing also which shall be born shall be called Son of God.”

In every case, what is being stressed is the inherent holiness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Little wonder that Elizabeth could speak of Him, while in the womb of Mary, as “My Lord” (Luke 1:43).

Some may think it a minor point to stress the fact that He could not sin; but it is a major truth which must be jealously guarded. If He could have sinned while here but did not, we are faced with an eternity marked by insecurity; for He has not changed. He is the Same, yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 13:8). If sin was possible while here on earth, then it would be possible for Him to sin in heaven. That would mean the total collapse of all God’s eternal program for the human family and the world. No! His impeccable nature is the foundation for the efficacy of His work. He is holy, harmless, and undefiled both in his life and on the throne. All is secure in His hands.

Consider

  • Follow the subject of the holiness of Christ through Luke’s Gospel as demons and men confess to His purity.
  • What is greater, a man who could sin but manages not to sin, or a man so perfect that it is impossible for him to sin?
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