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Study 08 of 18

Chapter 7: The Law of Heredity

Christ subjected Himself to inherited human weakness to triumph over it for every soul

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

A. T. Jones explains that for Christ to be a complete Savior, He had to subject Himself to the 'Law of Heredity.' He argues that Christ did not merely take our committed sins upon Himself by imputation; He inherited the same flesh and blood with its liabilities and tendencies toward sin that all humans face. By examining Christ's genealogy—filled with both the righteous and the wicked like Manasseh and Rahab—Jones shows that Christ reached the very depths of human heredity. He met and conquered the 'enmity' in the flesh, condemning sin where it lives. This victory allows His righteousness to be both imputed for past sins and imparted for daily living. Because Christ triumphed over the law of heredity at an 'immense disadvantage,' He provides the power for every believer to be lifted above their inherited weaknesses through His indwelling presence and divine nature.

Key points

  • Christ subjected Himself to the law of heredity to reach sin in its full measure.
  • His genealogy includes both 'the worst equally with the best,' showing His identification with all humanity.
  • Christ condemned sin in the flesh, triumphing over the liability to sin that we inherit.
  • He saves from both the guilt of past sins (imputation) and the power of future sins (impartation).

Key texts

  • Isaiah 53:6
  • Romans 8:3-4
  • Ephesians 2:14-15

From the book

Chapter 7 · Romans 8:3-4 · Read this chapter

  • “Only by His subjecting Himself to the law of heredity could He reach sin in full and true measure as sin truly is.” (ch. 7)
  • “In that genealogy there are Jehoiakim... Manasseh... Ahaz... the worst equally with the best.” (ch. 7)
  • “By condemning sin in the flesh... He delivers from the power of the law of heredity.” (ch. 7)

Put it into practice

  • Study Christ's genealogy to see His identification with the worst of sinners.
  • Claim Christ's victory over your inherited liabilities and tendencies.
  • Thank God for both the imputation and impartation of Christ's righteousness.
  1. Doctrinal Clarity

    1. What is the difference between 'sin in the act' and 'sin as it is hereditary'?

  2. Comprehension

    2. Why was Christ's genealogy essential to His work as a Savior?

  3. Scripture

    3. According to Romans 8:3-4, what did God do by sending His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh?

  4. Contrast

    4. How does Jones contrast the first pair's failure with Christ's victory?

  5. Doctrinal Clarity

    5. What does it mean that Christ's righteousness is 'imparted' to us?

  6. Scripture

    6. Which text says 'the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all'?

  7. Comprehension

    7. What is the 'enmity' that Christ abolished in His flesh according to Ephesians 2?

  8. Application

    8. In what way can you rely on Christ's victory over heredity when facing a family tendency toward a specific sin?