“No Uncertain Answerâ€
Matthew 1:18
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
God without embarrassment or excuse gave an explanation of the birth of Jesus which had to sound fantastic and suspect. “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise . . . “
From the very first, faith is required to believe in Jesus. Faith is necessary as the messianic prophesies are read. Faith is necessary as the virgin birth is considered. The requirement of faith follows the life of Jesus step by step past the cross, through the resurrection morn to the mount as He ascends into heaven.
Millard Erickson says, “Next to the resurrection, the most debated and controversial event of Jesus’ life is the virgin birth.†A Newsweek Poll found that 84% of American adults call themselves Christian, 82% see Jesus as the son of God, and 79% believe in the Virgin Birth. (Newsweek 12/13/04) Faith is the issue. Even some who call themselves Christians have difficulty with faith when it comes to the Virgin Birth. And yet, God did not given an uncertain answer to the question about Jesus’ birth. Before Mary and Joseph came together, “ . . . she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.â€
Dr. Gayle Woods
