Is Jesus the Only Sinless Person According to the Bible?

by 

Bassam Zawadi

Christians usually preach that Jesus was the only sinless and perfect person to have walked upon the face of this earth. They claim that he was the only blameless man. However, when we read the Old Testament, we can see that others were expected and even considered to be blameless:

Genesis 17:1

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless (tamiym).

Deuteronomy 18:13

You must be blameless (tamiym) before the LORD your God.

Psalm 18:23

I have been blameless (tamiym) before him and have kept myself from sin.

Psalms 119:1 

Blessed are they whose ways are blameless (tamiym), who walk according to the law of the LORD.

Proverbs 2:21

 For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless (tamiym) will remain in it;

Proverbs 11:5

The righteousness of the blameless (tamiym) makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.

Ezekiel 28:15

You were blameless (tamiym) in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you.

The word tamiym could mean: 

1) complete, whole, entire, sound

a) complete, whole, entire

b) whole, sound, healthful

c) complete, entire (of time)

d) sound, wholesome, unimpaired, innocent, having integrity

e) what is complete or entirely in accord with truth and fact (neuter adj/subst)

Source: http://www.blueletterbible.org/tmp_dir/words/8/1145210220-9425.html 

We can see that there were people who were considered perfect. We can also see that this word describes the perfection of God's works:

Deuteronomy 32:4

He is the Rock, his works are perfect (tamiym), and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong,  upright and just is he.

There are more verses:

Job 2:3

Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless (tam) and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason."

Job 8:20

 "Surely God does not reject a blameless (tam) man or strengthen the hands of evildoers.

Psalms 37:37

37 Consider the blameless (tam), observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.

The word tam could mean...

1) perfect, complete

a) complete, perfect

1) one who lacks nothing in physical strength, beauty, etc

b) sound, wholesome

1) an ordinary, quiet sort of person

c) complete, morally innocent, having integrity

1) one who is morally and ethically pure 

Source: http://www.blueletterbible.org/tmp_dir/words/8/1145210668-6583.html

So, as we see, even according to the Bible itself, Jesus was not the only sinless person; therefore, he is not unique in this sense.

Some Christians might argue that Job was blameless in the sight of God by believing in Christ. However, this is just a desperate response unless backed up by evidence. Nowhere in the Bible do we see people believing in Jesus Christ's coming to die for our sins and, therefore, making them righteous and perfect before God.

Return to General Articles on Christianity

Return to Homepage

HomeWhat's new?ChristianityRefutations Contact Me