The Birth of Hope: The Virgin Birth Explained

The Birth of Hope: The Virgin Birth Explained

By Neil McBride

 The Virgin Birth refers to the belief that Jesus Christ was conceived in the womb of the Virgin Mary through the power of the Holy Spirit, without the involvement of a human father. This miraculous event, as described in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, is fundamental to the Christian understanding of Jesus’ identity. Christians believe it confirms that Jesus was both fully God and fully human, a divine mystery central to the doctrine of the Incarnation, which teaches that God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ.

It is important to distinguish the Virgin Birth from the Immaculate Conception. While the Virgin Birth refers to the miraculous conception of Jesus in Mary’s womb, the Immaculate Conception is the belief that Mary herself was conceived without original sin. Although these two concepts are often confused, they refer to different doctrines, focusing on Jesus’ birth and Mary’s conception.

Key Bible Passages

Several key passages in the Old and New Testaments support the doctrine of the Virgin Birth. These texts lay the scriptural foundation for understanding the birth of Jesus as a fulfilment of prophecy and as a divine act orchestrated by God.

Old Testament Prophecy

Isaiah 7:14 says,

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

This verse is one of the most important Old Testament references to the Virgin Birth. The word “virgin” is translated from the Hebrew word “almah” (עלמה), which typically means a young woman of marriageable age. However, some scholars argue that this word may not strictly refer to virginity. However, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, known as the Septuagint, uses the word “parthenos” (παρθένος), which unequivocally means virgin. Christians have traditionally understood this prophecy as pointing directly to the miraculous conception of Jesus by Mary, affirming His divinity and humanity. The name “Immanuel” (Ἰμμανουήλ) means “God with us,” a declaration that this child will be divine, present with His people.

New Testament Accounts

Matthew 1:18-25 provides the account of the Virgin Birth from Joseph’s perspective. Upon discovering that Mary was pregnant, Joseph, described as a just man, plans to divorce her quietly to avoid public disgrace. But an angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream and assures him that the Holy Spirit will conceive Mary’s child. The angel instructs him to name the child Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins (v. 21). The angel then connects this event to the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, reinforcing the divine nature of Jesus’ birth.

In Luke 1:26-38, the angel Gabriel visits Mary, announcing that she will conceive a son by the Holy Spirit. Mary’s response is one of humble acceptance: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (v. 38). In this account, we see Mary’s obedience to God’s will, and the Holy Spirit’s role in bringing about the miraculous conception of Jesus. The angel declares that the child will be called the Son of the Most High (v. 32), indicating His divine identity.

Finally, Galatians 4:4 declares,

“But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law…”

Though not a direct account of the Virgin Birth, this passage emphasises Jesus’ humanity by stating He was born of a woman. Paul’s phrase “made of a woman” highlights that Jesus fully participated in human history, and His birth at the appointed time fulfils God’s redemptive plan.

Theological Significance

The Virgin Birth is rich with theological significance and speaks to the very nature and mission of Jesus Christ.

1. Affirms Jesus’ Divinity
2. The Virgin Birth confirms Jesus’ divine origin. Christians believe that Jesus was not born in the usual human way, but was conceived by the Holy Spirit. This act demonstrates that Jesus is God incarnate, uniquely divine, and fully human. His birth from a virgin shows He is the eternal Son of God, not just a human prophet or teacher.
3. Confirms Jesus’s Sinlessness
4. Since Jesus was not conceived through normal human means, He did not inherit original sin, which is passed down through human procreation. Christians believe that because of the Virgin Birth, Jesus was sinless. This sinlessness was crucial for His role as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity. A sinless Saviour was required to redeem humanity, and His birth without sin made this possible.
5. Fulfills Prophecy
6. Christians see the Virgin Birth as fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14. This event marked the fulfilment of the Old Testament promise of a Messiah who would come to save Israel. Jesus’ birth is not an isolated event but is deeply connected to God’s promise to His people. The Virgin Birth thus serves as a sign of God’s faithfulness to His covenant.
7. Supports the Doctrine of the Incarnation
8. The doctrine of the Incarnation is central to the Christian faith. It teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man. The Virgin Birth is essential to this belief because it explains how Jesus could share in our humanity (born of a woman) while also being the Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit. This mystery is crucial for understanding how Jesus can mediate between God and humankind, bridging the gap between the divine and the human.

Historical and Doctrinal Views

The Virgin Birth has been an essential doctrine of Christianity since its inception and has been consistently affirmed by the Church through the centuries.

Early Church Fathers

1. Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35–108 A.D.) strongly affirmed the Virgin Birth as a crucial part of the Christian faith, emphasising Jesus’ humanity and divinity.
2. Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 A.D.) also defended the Virgin Birth in his writings, highlighting its fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy and its theological significance for the identity of Jesus as the Logos (Word) made flesh.
3. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 A.D.) saw the Virgin Birth as part of God’s plan of salvation, drawing a parallel between Eve and Mary, calling Mary the “new Eve” through whom salvation entered the world.

Church Councils

The Council of Chalcedon (451 A.D.) affirmed the doctrine of the Incarnation, declaring that Jesus is one person in two natures, fully God and fully man, and was born of the Virgin Mary. This affirmed the Virgin Birth as a key component of Christ’s nature.

Denominational Perspectives

1. Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches: These traditions strongly affirm the Virgin Birth, as well as the perpetual virginity of Mary. They view Mary as a unique and honoured vessel of God’s plan of salvation.
2. Protestant Traditions: Most Protestant denominations affirm the Virgin Birth as biblically and theologically essential, though they generally do not hold to the perpetual virginity of Mary.
3. Liberal Theologies: Some modern scholars question the literal historical truth of the Virgin Birth, interpreting it instead as symbolic or mythological. However, many traditional Christians hold that the Virgin Birth is a vital part of Jesus’ unique identity and mission.

Common Questions & Challenges

Is the Virgin Birth Biologically Impossible?

From a scientific perspective, the Virgin Birth is biologically impossible. However, Christians view it as a miracle that transcends natural laws, demonstrating God’s divine intervention.

Is the Virgin Birth Necessary for Salvation?

The Virgin Birth is seen as essential for preserving Jesus’ sinlessness and affirming His divine nature. Without it, the core aspects of Christ’s identity and mission, particularly His role as the spotless Lamb for humanity’s salvation, would be compromised.

Why Was Joseph Needed?

Although Joseph was not Jesus’ biological father, his role was crucial for legally placing Jesus within the Davidic lineage, fulfilling messianic prophecies. Joseph’s role as a protector and provider was also significant in Jesus’ early life.

The Birth of Hope: The Virgin Birth Explained

DTA – Neil McBride

(CEO and founder of Downtown Angels)