Ensign, ‘The Temptations of Christ’, November 1976, p. 19 “Christ was perfect and sinless, not because he had to be, but rather because he clearly and determinedly wanted to be.” — Howard Hunter
Galatians 3:13 “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree”.
Wow, there’s no way to quantify the depth of deception in that man’s statement…
We’re going to cut to the chase with just a few things the Lord has declared in His word as examples of why Mr. Hunter’s words are outright wrong.
Because Jesus is God incarnate it’s impossible for Him to ever sin as it says in John 1:1, 14.
Because men are born with a sin nature we sin, making it necessary for us to have a perfect and unblemished Redeemer as it says in Romans 3:23 and Galatians 3:13.
Because of God’s love He sent His Son to die for us as it says in John 3:16.
Now mind you, this is but a very short explanation showing why Mr. Hunter’s statement is false. In 4 bible verses you can share with a Mormon a basic outline of why we need Jesus, and why it’s necessary to believe Jesus is God and not just another sexually begotten spirit child who just so happened to stay perfect in his lifetime. Also see our post on the Romans Road.
Please, pray for those who are still ensnared in the web of lies!
With Love in Christ –—
Michelle
[…] LDS: Christ was Perfect Because He Wanted to Be – Howard Hunter 1976 […]
As a Mormon, I thought I was taught that Jesus progressed in perfection. I realize the church changes, over the years, what it teaches as truth, depending on what, I have no idea. Does the church still teach eternal progression, even for God? Blasphemy to ever suggest the great I AM was not always I AM. Just because a person cannot wrap his/her mind around that truth, doesn’t make it not so.