Why affirm the virgin birth? To many modern secular individuals, the concept of a virgin birth may seem like an ancient myth from pre-scientific times. How could a rational person believe Mary miraculously conceived Jesus while she was still a virgin? However, the truth of the virgin birth is affirmed by the Gospel writers. It is also critical to foundational Christian doctrine. Let’s explore why the virgin birth is significant.

Prophetic Fulfilment

The virgin birth did not occur randomly; it fulfilled specific Hebrew prophecies. One of the most famous prophecies is found in Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Written centuries before Christ, this prophecy foretells the birth of the coming Messiah would be no every-day event—but rather, the first and last time a virgin would deliver a baby. What’s more, elsewhere in Scripture (Micah 5:2), we’re told with pinpoint precision—and centuries before its fulfilment—where this extraordinary event was to occur: in Bethlehem, which was then an insignificant village. Matthew’s gospel directly quotes these texts, emphasizing how the miraculous event fulfilled these messianic prophecies.

Eyewitness Testimony

The accounts of the virgin birth come from apostolic eyewitness testimonies, primarily recorded by Matthew and Luke. While their exact details may differ—Matthew traces the genealogy of Jesus from Joseph’s side, while Luke narrates Mary’s—both authors agree on the virgin birth. The fact that two independent sources corroborate this extraordinary event lends significant weight to its authenticity.

Theological Necessity

The Apostle Paul’s writings do not directly allude to the virgin birth, but indirectly affirm it. Consider how: he establishes Jesus’ pre-existent spiritual form (Philippians 2:5-8), and His dual nature as fully God and fully human (Galatians 4:4). Only through the virgin birth could Jesus be fully human without inheriting a sin nature; this qualified Him to be the perfect sacrifice for humanity’s sins.

A Sinless Sacrifice

The virgin birth was essential for Jesus to be the blameless, sinless sacrifice to atone for humanity’s sins. Had He been born through normal human conception, He would have inherited the same sin nature He came to redeem mankind from. Only by being supernaturally conceived in Mary’s womb through the Holy Spirit could Jesus take on true humanity while remaining unstained by the innate sins passed down from Adam. The virgin birth was critical for Jesus to be the unblemished “lamb of God,” the perfect, spotless offering for our sin.

Affirmation of Jesus’ Claims

Most pivotally, the doctrine of the virgin birth validates who Jesus Himself claimed to be. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus clearly asserted His divinity as the eternal One, and as the Son of God who miraculously took on human form. If His birth were not of a virgin, it would imply He fabricated His identity, and undermine our trust in His words. Accounts of His miracles would become mere folktales, and His sacrifice would be rendered meaningless.

Addressing Alternative Theories

Naturalistic explanations for the virgin birth face serious challenges. The theory that Jesus was an illegitimate child is unconvincing. It would require believing Mary and Joseph engaged in deception, which contradicts their portrayed character and ethics.

Conclusion

The virgin birth, then, is more than a historical detail; it’s a core tenet of our faith and has profound theological implications. It affirms Jesus’ unique identity as both God and human, the sinless sacrifice for humanity’s redemption.

Related Reads:

• Why do We Affirm Jesus is Fully God and Fully Man?
• Exploring the Historicity of Jesus: Facts and Evidence
• Is Jesus the Jewish Messiah? Seven Arguments You Can’t Ignore
• Why do We Affirm Jesus is Fully God and Fully Man?
• Five Eyewitnesses of the Resurrection: Their Compelling Testimony
• Types of Christ and His Cross in the Old Testament