The Virgin Birth

The Virgin Birth of Christ
Isaiah 7.10-14
Matthew 1.18-25

Some things are beyond explanation or our finding out. The Virgin Birth is in that category. We are to be in awe and wonder of this miracle. While science continues to uncover mysteries of our universe many of the things of God remain beyond us. We do better to report the scriptures than editorialize them, much better.
We are called to be witnesses, not lawyers.

We can say along with Mary in wonder, "How will this be?" (Luke 1.30-37) but the complete understanding was not for her or us. There comes a point where faith must take over. Herein is so often where we struggle: we want to know how God is going to work. Most of the time He does not satisfy our curiosity. The explanation of Gabriel is still shrouded in mysterious secrecy.

Much of the way God works is mysterious and secret.
We are given enough information to obey Him but not too much so that our faith is hindered. So many of can say with the Apostle Paul that we are "perplexed, but not in despair." (II Corinthians 4.8)

Mary believed, Zechariah questioned God's Word. Mary took the Word of God to her heart. Zechariah stumbled as he mulled it over in his head. That is so often where our problem lies: in our head! Luke 24:38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?" Troubled hearts and doubting minds are fraternal twins. Believe! Faith chases the doubts and troubles away.

Wise parents do not obligate themselves to explain everything to their children. Wise trusting children do not ask for a comprehensive explanation. Obedience is better than knowledge.

A virgin pledged... God saw that His Son would be cared for as He grew in a family. He is a God of incredible details. He takes care of His people.
Here is what we are told by the prophet and what Matthew records as being fulfilled.



1. The Virgin Will Be With Child.
Miracle
God, the Father, moving on Mary so His Son will enter the human race for its Savior.
Miracles suspend the natural order.
It highlights the supernatural. The beginning and the end of Jesus' life on earth.

A Sign
- of God's love for Israel and the whole world.
A distinguishing mark, a remembrance
Human and Divine life combined!

A Wonder.
Magnificent, excellent, splendid

This set apart Christ's birth from its conception. This was extraordinary. It shows that we could not bring about redemption ourselves. It shows God taking the first step. He didn't ask Mary. He told her.



2. She shall give birth to a Son.
The Son of God. John 3.16 The Greatest Gift. Was e'er gift like the Savior given?
The Holy One of God. Matthew 1.20
Firstborn of Mary
First born among many brothers (John 1.12, Romans 8.29)
The Messiah

3. One of the the many Names will be Immanuel.
"That which describes His Attributes.
God with us.
We have beheld His Glory. John 1.14
Jesusi
The Good Shepherd
The Way, the Truth and the Life
The Resurrection and the Life
That Great Shepherd of the Sheep.
Savior
King of Kings

R.A. Torrey:
The Real Christ

Doctrinally, it must be repeated that the belief in the Virgin birth of Christ is of the highest value for the right apprehension of Christ's unique and sinless personality. Here is One, as Paul brings out in Romans 5:12 ff., who, free from sin Himself, and not involved in the Adamic liabilities of the race, reverses the curse of sin and death brought in by the first Adam, and establishes the reign of righteousness and life. Had Christ been naturally born, not one of these things could be affirmed of Him. As one of Adam's race, not an entrant from a higher sphere, He would have shared in Adam's corruption and doom—would Himself have required to be redeemed. Through God's infinite mercy, He came from above, inherited no guilt, needed no regeneration or sanctification, but became Himself the Redeemer, Regenerator, Sanctifier, for all who receive Him. "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift" (2 Corinthians 9:15).