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'Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive . . .'

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The virgin birth of Jesus Christ carries both profound significance and inherent challenges. It is marked by the stigma of illegitimacy, as cultures often reject children born out of wedlock, branding them as born in sin and hindering their life prospects. Jesus faced such accusations during His ministry, likely fueled by societal norms and scriptural references that barred illegitimate offspring from certain privileges. Additionally, the concept of a virgin birth lacks believability to the carnal-minded, who might scoff at the idea of divine intervention, suspecting a fabricated tale to cover a compromising situation. Yet, Mary and Joseph, grounded in their encounters with angelic messengers, stood firm in their account, which is ultimately corroborated by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Another complication arises from the similarity to supernatural birth stories in pagan literature, where sons of gods are born to human maidens, though not true virgin births. The accounts in Matthew and Luke, however, stand apart with their grounding in reality, sobriety, and majesty, distinct from the often crass narratives of heathen demi-gods. Furthermore, the virgin birth lacks verifiability, relying solely on the testimonies of God, Mary, and Joseph, leading skeptics to dismiss it as hearsay or fantasy. Despite this, the internal evidence of Scripture emphasizes the miraculous nature of Jesus' origin. In Matthew's account, the virgin birth is presented with clarity and repetition, underscoring Mary's virginity at conception, throughout her pregnancy, and beyond, as a fulfillment of prophecy. It is positioned as the most astounding among early proofs of Jesus' Messiahship, achieved without His active involvement, thus reducing the likelihood of human manipulation. Luke, with precision and dignity, sets the miraculous event in the real world, focusing not on Mary's condition but on the divinity and purpose of her Son. The virgin birth serves as a miraculous means to herald the advent of the Son of God in human form, marking Him for His greater future accomplishments. The angel in Luke acknowledges the human perception of impossibility surrounding the virgin birth, yet affirms that with God, nothing is impossible, prompting Mary's faithful submission to His will. The prophecy of the virgin birth, found in Isaiah, is part of a broader messianic context, serving as a sign of God's assurance in historical crises, with both near and later fulfillments. The term used in the prophecy, understood as referring to a literal virgin, underscores the extraordinary nature of the event, distinguishing it as a significant sign. Ultimately, the virgin birth stands as a testament to Jesus' Messiahship and the transcendental nature of the Son of God, pointing to His wonderful works and ongoing role as High Priest before the Father.

Announcing . . . Christ's Birth!

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The accounts of Christ's birth, as detailed in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, carry profound significance that has often been overshadowed by worldly portrayals. One central element is the virgin birth of Jesus, a miraculous event fulfilling ancient prophecies. In Luke 1, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph of the house of David, that she will conceive and bear a Son named Jesus. Gabriel explains that the Holy Spirit, described as the power of the Highest, will overshadow her, enabling this divine conception without human intervention. This miraculous act underscores that the Child will be called the Son of the Most High, destined to reign over the house of Jacob forever. Mary, though initially perplexed by this announcement, responds with submission, accepting her role as the handmaiden of the Lord. Her acceptance reflects a deep trust in God's plan. Similarly, in Matthew 1, Joseph, upon learning of Mary's pregnancy, contemplates a quiet resolution to avoid shame. An angel, likely Gabriel, appears to him in a dream, confirming that the Child is conceived by the Holy Spirit and will be called Immanuel, meaning God with us. Joseph, demonstrating humility and obedience, complies without hesitation, taking Mary as his wife. This virgin birth, a cornerstone of the narrative, signifies the divine origin of Jesus, fulfilling prophecies and affirming His identity as Savior. The event, marked by angelic announcements and miraculous conception, highlights God's direct intervention in human history to bring forth His Son, offering a foundation for faith and hope in His redemptive purpose.

Why Does Jesus Have Two Different Genealogies (Matthew 1:1-16; Luke 3:23-38)?

Bible Questions & Answers

The genealogy in Matthew 1, tracing Joseph's lineage, emphasizes that Jesus had been born of a virgin. Due to a curse God placed on Joseph's ancestor Jechonias, also called Coniah, Jesus could not sit on the throne of David if Joseph had been His natural father. God cursed Jechonias and his descendants, declaring that none would prosper sitting on David's throne or ruling in Judah. The genealogies in both Matthew and Luke establish Christ's right to rule on David's throne and further prove the virgin birth. The curse on Jechonias' line would have passed to Christ if He were Joseph's natural son, but He was not; He was the Son of God the Father, begotten by the Holy Spirit. Jesus, as Mary's son, descended from Nathan, and through Mary's marriage to Joseph, who inherited the right as Heli's son-in-law, Jesus can claim rule over Judah.

Born of a Woman

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Though the church of God has emphasized His death over His birth, the prophecies of Christ's first advent are vitally important in establishing our faith.

Christ Coming in the Flesh

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

John and other biblical authors emphasize that Jesus Christ came in the flesh as a human being. Jesus had to be fully human to die for human sins.

John (Part Four)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The apostle John has provided at least eight separate forms of witness, establishing the veracity of Jesus Christ's identity as God in the flesh.

Is Mary Worthy of Worship?

Article by David C. Grabbe

The Catholic Church places great importance on Mary, to the point that many Catholics are pushing for Mary to be recognized as 'Co-Redemptrix!

Matthew (Part One)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Matthew wrote his account with the Jews in mind, repeatedly saying, 'This was done to fulfill the prophets,' emphasizing the law and the Kingdom of God.

John (Part Three)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Even many extra-biblical sources such as Tacitus, Seconius, Justin Martyr, Pliny, and Josephus corroborate and validate the biblical accounts of Jesus.

Four Points of Faith

Sermonette by James Beaubelle

At times we exhibit some faithlessness, perhaps because we have viewed faith just in terms of what we do rather than what God does through His gifting to us.