Jackson on Article XV: Of Christ alone without Sin

This should be studied in close connection with the preceding Articles of this group. Article IX., with its profound statement of human sin, has led up to the statement of this Article on the sinless- ness of the Incarnate Christ. Article XI. on Justification finds its explanation in the statement of this Article on the one perfect sacrifice of the sinless Lamb of God; whilst the last clause of the Article re-affirms the doctrine of the abiding sinfulness of our human nature already stated at the end of Article IX.

_ The Article brings into close relation the reality and perfection of our Lord’s Incarnation, and the efficacy of His Atoning Sacrifice. This connec- tion is a vital point in Christian Doctrine. It was because ‘‘ Christ in the truth of our nature was made like unto us in all things, sin only except,’’ that “‘ by sacrifice of himself once made ’’ He could “ take away the sins of the world.’’ Because He stood clear of personal sin (Heb. iv., 15), he was free to suffer for the sins of others (John x., 18). Because He was ‘‘ the Son of Man”’ (Heb. ii., 14), His Sacrifice was accepted as a representative act (Mark x., 45 and 2 Cor. v., 14).

The last paragraph of the Article follows ‘closely the language of James iii., 2, and 1 John i., 8. It emphasises the universality of human sinfulness. This was denied by some Anabaptists. And, although the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception was not formally accepted by the

Roman Church until 1854, certain of the School- men taught that the Mother of our Lord was free from original sin. So that the Article is directed against this error, as well as that of the Anabaptists.

ARTICLE XVI. Or Sin AFTER Baptism.