The Virgin Birth

Implications of the Doctrine

Few doctrines more despised by the average person.

Even among those claiming Christianity it has a high disapproval rating.

What are the implications for rejecting this doctrine?

We do irreparable harm to all Scripture

•Is the Bible inspired? Or not?

•If the account of the virgin birth is erroneous, we can have no confidence in any of Scripture.

•Four Approaches to the Doctrine

•It is a FACT of History

•This is the Christian view

• Apostle’s Creed: “and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary,    suffered under Pontius Pilate,    was crucified, dead, and buried;”

An Error of Translation

Isaiah 7:14 --

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

•Assertion is made that word translated VIRGIN should be translated YOUNG WOMAN.

A Supernatural Explanation to a normal event

•Mary found herself in trouble and told the “angel story” to cover.

•Or, early church needed to pad the true story for effect and impression.

Complete Mythology

•Modern mythological movement claims the story of Jesus is complete fabrication.

Defending the Historical Fact View

•The gospel record supports the fact of the Virgin Birth.

•Matthew states the doctrine without undue frills.

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 1:18

Evidence From Matthew’s Account

•Joseph believed Mary had been unfaithful to him.•An angel of the Lord convinced him otherwise.•Joseph was convinced and married Mary.

•Matthew records the fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14 in verse 23 as the explanation for the virgin birth.

•Vs. 25 – “But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son.

Evidence from Luke’s account

Luke examined everything very carefully before writing his gospel (Luke 1:3)

Luke retains the Virgin Birth narrative.

Luke 1:31ff •“You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.”

•vs. 34 – How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

•Young woman??????

Luke’s version of the origin:

•Vs. 35 – “…The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you….”

•There is no embellishment of the tale as was common with pagan literature.

•The accounts are straightforward and matter-of-fact.

The Christian doctrine varies drastically from pagan god/mortal birth accounts.

Theirs usually includes detail of the god sleeping with the mortal woman.Usually includes statements of lust and lewdness.

Pre-Christian Jewish expectations did not include a virgin birth.

•The apostles (Jews) had no reason from Scripture to expect Messiah to be born of a virgin.•No early Jewish exegete understood the Isaiah 7:14 account to speak of the Messiah.•That information was delivered by the Holy Spirit through Matthew.

Doctrine Compatible with Rest of the New Testament:

•Jesus as the Second Adam:•1 Corinthians 15:20-22 -- But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive….

1 Corinthians 15:45-49 -- So it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven. As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven.

Romans 1:3-4 -- …regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.

Galatians 4:4-5 -- But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.

Philippians 2:7 -- but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”

In each case, MADE is from GINOMAI – to be formed, be made, come to be.

Usual word for procreated/born: GENNETOS.

Was Paul leaving a clue?

Hebrews 4:15 -- For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.

Accomplishes two great needs: Divinity and also Humanity

Modern doubters have muddied the waters. We have every reason, though, to believe in the virgin birth of Jesus.