That is how important this question is. Our hope of forgiveness rests on the perfect Savior who gave Himself for us. Let us look at the witnesses Scripture gives us and then consider what happened when Jesus offered that sacrifice.
What the disciples said about Jesus
Peter tells us that Jesus committed no sin and that no deceit was found in His mouth (1 Peter 2:22). Think about who is saying that. Peter knew what it was to fail. He could not make that statement about himself, but he could make it about Jesus.
John gives us the same answer. Jesus appeared to take away sins, and there is no sin in Him (1 John 3:5). Paul writes that God made the One who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).
These witnesses bring us back to the same truth: Jesus was without sin. He could offer the sacrifice we needed because He was not bringing any sins of His own.
He understands temptation
Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus was tempted as we are, yet without sin. That should encourage you. He understands what it is to face temptation, and He did not yield to it.
When you bring your struggle to Jesus, you are coming to a Savior who understands. His holiness does not mean He is unfamiliar with what you are facing. He was tempted, and He remained sinless.
Even Pilate declared that he found no fault in Him (John 19:4). I submit to you that the biblical testimony is clear. Jesus was truly without sin.
The sacrifice had to be accepted
Only a sinless sacrifice could take away the sins of mankind. That brings us to another question: how do we know the Father accepted what Jesus offered?
I see the supernatural events surrounding His death as witnesses to that acceptance. There were many crucifixions, but look at what happened when Jesus died.
Matthew records darkness over the land during the crucifixion. At His death, the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom, the earth shook, and rocks split. The centurion and those watching with him acknowledged Him as the Son of God (Matthew 27:45–54).
Matthew also records opened tombs and raised saints, who entered the holy city after Jesus’ resurrection. These were extraordinary events surrounding the sacrifice of the sinless Savior.
The torn curtain especially speaks to me about our access to God. Through Jesus, we can come before Him. Hebrews 4:16 invites us to approach the throne of grace with confidence. We can bring our need for forgiveness to the Father because of what Jesus has done.
The testimony continued after the cross
Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead. Acts 1:3–9 describes Him appearing alive to His followers over forty days before ascending to heaven.
Jesus had told His disciples that His departure would be followed by the coming of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7). At Pentecost, there was a sound like a mighty rushing wind, tongues as of fire appeared, and the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. They began speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:1–4).
I believe the resurrection, ascension, and outpouring of the Holy Spirit confirm that the Father accepted Jesus’ sinless sacrifice. The testimony did not end at the cross. The risen Lord returned to the Father, and the Holy Spirit came.
Put your confidence in the sinless Savior
Was Jesus without sin? Yes. Our salvation depends on it. The One who understands our temptation is also the One who offered the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
Let that strengthen your confidence in Him. You can bring your sins before God and trust what Jesus accomplished. He gave Himself for us, rose from the dead, and made our forgiveness possible.
