GRACE NOTES

The Virgin Birth (Part 1)
By John Woodward
December 7, 2006

On December 1st a new movie about the birth of Christ was released in
theaters. This morning a Christian leader mentioned to me that he
viewed the film and prays that it will be an influential Gospel witness
this season.

Anne Graham Lotz of AnGeL Ministries also commented about it: "From
what I have observed, THE NATIVITY STORY is Biblically accurate,
historically authentic and visually stunning. Written with heart,
directed with sensitivity, produced with excellence and performed with
artistic grace, it is destined to become a beloved, cherished
classic."[1]

One of the essential truths of the nativity is the virgin birth of the
Lord Jesus. Is this aspect of the Biblical record important?
Definitely! Consider how Scripture reveals the miraculous nature of
Christ's birth and its significance for salvation and abundant living.

This study will show that the Savior's virgin birth was historical,
supernatural, and doctrinal.

1. The virgin birth was an historical event.

Skeptics have challenged the historical reliability of the Gospels.
However, when liberal scholars' humanistic bias is set aside, the
internal and external evidence for the Gospel's reliability is
indisputable.[2]

Secular voices have questioned the textual transmission of the New
Testament manuscripts. "How can we be sure that the Bible of today
corresponds with the original?" This deserves an informed answer. When
the facts are explored, we discover over 5,000 handwritten copies of
portions or complete books of the Greek New Testament. (This does not
include thousands of copies of translations in other languages and
comprehensive quotations from ancient authors in church history.) When
studied and compared, the manuscripts prove the essential accuracy of
the Gospels and other New Testament books.[3]

Those who assume that the Gospel writers based their record on hearsay
need to take a closer look at the way Scripture correlates with first
century people, places, and events. Listen to Luke's methodology:
"Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of
those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from
the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered
them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding
of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account,
most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those
things in which you were instructed" (Luke 1:1-4).

To document the Messiah's lineage as the Son of Abraham and David (to
whom God made covenant promises of the coming redeemer), Matthew
recorded a genealogy tracing His legal credentials through his
stepfather, Joseph (Matt. 1:1-17). Just as the previous generations
could be historically validated, so the birth of Christ is historically
confirmed.

The scribes knew that the Bible prophesied that the Messiah would be
born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Matt. 2:4-6). The "seventy weeks"
prophecy of Daniel even predicted the year that the Messiah would come
(Dan. 9:23-27).[4]

Matthew recorded the virgin birth as follows: "Now the birth of Jesus
Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,
before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her
a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he
thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to
him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take
to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the
Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His
name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.' So all this
was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord
through the prophet, saying: 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child,
and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is
translated, 'God with us.' Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did
as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and
did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he
called His name JESUS" (Matt. 1:18-25).

Preview Ministries gives further information about the newly released
movie based on these pivotal events: "The studio and filmmakers have
worked hard to ensure that the The Nativity Story is both historically
and biblically accurate: There are many Christians involved with the
film, such as screenwriter Mike Rich and producer Wyck Godfrey, and a
wide spectrum of Christian New Testament scholars and historians has
been involved in the pre-production process... "[5]

Whether you see The Nativity Story, hear the theme in Christmas carols,
or read the Biblical account personally, you can be confident that this
"story" is not myth or legend. The virgin birth is historically
documented as a vital witness to the unique person and work of Christ.

~~~~~~~~~

Part 1 of 3

[1] As quoted from Preview Ministries web site:
http://preview.gospelcom.net/boatwright/nativity.html

[2] For extensive evidence on the reliability of New Testament
Scripture, see The Case for Christ, by Lee Strobel (Zondervan, 1998).

Legal scholar, J. Harold Greenlee stated, "...the number of available
MSS of the New Testament are overwhelmingly greater than those of any
other work of ancient literature....The earliest extant MSS of the N.T.
were written much closer to the date of the original writing than is
the case with almost any other piece of ancient literature." -
Introduction to New Testament Textual Criticism, Eerdmans, 1964, p.19.
(quoted in Josh McDowell's Evidence That Demands a Verdict, vol. 1)

__________________________________________________ __________

The purpose of Grace Notes is to highlight the dynamics of abundant
living as summarized in Galatians 2:20. Back issues are available at


Grace Notes editor - Dr. John Woodward

Printed with permission by the author
JM

__________________________________________________ ____________________

Grace Notebook
Visit us at http://www.gracenotebook.com

This is one movie that I can't wait to see. It's getting rave reviews from even the harshest of critics.

Hi Julie,

Yes I would love to see the movie. Have you had the chance to see it yet?
Since my husband works weird hours now I am probably going to wait until my autistic daughter, Sally, comes home for the long weekend. Then we will all go see it together as I think it is something she would enjoy.

Today I am posting Part 2 of the Article on the Virgin Birth of Christ.

Judy

The Virgin Birth (Part 2)
By John Woodward
December 14, 2006

"On a plaque marking Abraham Lincoln's birthplace near Hodgenville,
Kentucky, is recorded this scrap of conversation: 'Any news down at the
village, Ezry?' 'Well, Squire McLain's gone to Washington to see
Madison swore in, and old Spellman tells me this Bonaparte fella has
captured most of Spain. What's new out here, neighbor?' 'Nothing,
nothing at all, except for a new baby born to Tom Lincoln's. Nothing
ever happens out here.' Some events, whether birthdays in Hodgenville
(or Bethlehem) ... may not create much earthly splash, but those of
lasting importance will eventually get the notice they deserve."[1]

In part 1 we saw that the virgin birth really happened; it was an
historical event. Why is that point challenged by skeptics? This leads
us to the second affirmation.

2. The virgin birth of Christ was supernatural.

Let's take a moment to consider why some folks disbelieve any
supernatural event. When people study history, science, etc., they
interpret the data subjectively according to their own presuppositions.
In other words, learning takes place as they take in new information
which then passes through the grid of their worldview. So, there are at
least two challenges to learning and believing truth: the data may be
flawed, and/or we may misinterpret the data because of a faulty belief
system.

The secular humanist assumes miracles do not happen; therefore,
anything in history that is miraculous is automatically rejected.[2]
Notice how Scripture warns us about this phenomenon: "Beware lest
anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the
tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and
not according to Christ" (Col. 2:8,9).

The vast majority of people, however, believe in God and therefore
would have no problem with the possibility of miracles. God Himself is
the Supernatural One. His existence is continually declared
non-verbally from the universe: "For since the creation of the world
His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the
things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they
are without excuse" (Rom.1:20). God is the all powerful creator Who can
and does intervene in the world He made and sustains. Therefore,
history is "His Story." A Ph.D. with an encyclopedic knowledge of
historical people, places, and events nevertheless misses the true
meaning and significance of the past if he/she is not illumined by
God's revelation in the Bible.

Now we come to the testimony of the supernatural nature Christ's
conception in the womb of Mary. We will look at two lines of evidence
that support this: the virgin birth was predicted and accomplished by
the Holy Spirit. [3]

a. The virgin birth was predicted by the Holy Spirit.

Predictive prophecy is supernatural. As Peter declared, "knowing this
first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,
for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke
as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (2 Pet. 1:20,21). Isaiah 7:14
prophesied the virgin birth seven centuries beforehand! "Therefore the
Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive
and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." The prophet had
confronted unbelieving King Ahaz with this testimony of God's
intervention to preserve the dynasty of David in Jerusalem from the
northern enemies. Although space prevents a detailed analysis of the
passage and nuances of interpretation, it appears that Isaiah's first
wife had died.[4] His betrothed wife, who was a virgin at the time of
this prediction, would conceive a son after her marriage to Isaiah.
This child's life would be a timetable and testimony of God's
deliverance of Judah (Isa. 7:15-8:4).

However, this historical application is incomplete according the the
Author of Scripture. The true "Immanuel"--God with us--would be the
Lord Jesus.

This is the plain meaning of the account in the Gospels. Listen to
Gabriel's announcement: "'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring
forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will
be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the
throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob
forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.' Then Mary said to
the angel, 'How can this be, since I do not know a man?' (Luke
1:30-34). It is clear that Mary was a virgin, being a Godly woman in
her betrothal period (prior to the Jewish wedding feast and
consummation of the relationship with Joseph).

Matthew confirms this as the ultimate fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy:
"So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by
the Lord through the prophet, saying: 'Behold, the virgin shall be with
child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is
translated, 'God with us'" (Matt. 1:22,23).[5]

b. The virgin birth was accomplished by the creative act of the Holy
Spirit.

Mary would actually conceive the Christ-child in her womb by a
supernatural, creative act of the Holy Spirit. This kind of miracle was
not out of character for Him; the Spirit of God was prominent in the
creation narrative (Gen. 1:2) and all life ultimately owes its
existence to the Creator.

Gabriel went on the answer Mary's question as to how this miracle would
happen: "And the angel answered and said to her, 'The Holy Spirit will
come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you;
therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son
of God'" (Luke 1:35).[6]

Twelve years later, Jesus would affirm His true identity when His
mother and step father discovered Him in dialog with religious leaders
in the Jerusalem's temple. He respectfully, yet directly, answered
them: "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My
Father's business?" (Luke 2:49).

To deny the miraculous nature of Christ's birth is to reject the New
Testament record and the true Jesus revealed therein.

By accepting the Biblical testimony of the virgin birth, we are ready
to appreciate the supernatural, incomparable nature of His person and
work. The integrity of the nativity narrative supports the essentials
of our faith as summarized by this early confession: "...great is the
mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the
Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the
world, Received up in glory" (1 Tim. 3:16).

"O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord..."

~~~~~~~

Grace Notes Part 2 (of 3) Dec. 14, 2006

Grace Notebook
Visit us at http://www.gracenotebook.com



Reprinted with permission from the author
JM

Hi Judy, I think we are going Friday afternoon! Can't wait to see it.

If you get the chance to go let me know how you like it!

I am posting Part 3 of Article

Blessed Christmas to You!
Judy

The Virgin Birth (Part 3)
By John Woodward
December 21, 2006

We have seen the historical and supernatural qualities of the Nativity.
Now let's consider its significance for the Christian's salvation and
abundant living.

3. The virgin birth of Christ is doctrinal.

There are many theological and doctrinal implications of Christ's
conception and birth.

a. It confirms Christ's nature as fully divine and fully human.

The Gospel of John begins with a profound declaration of Christ's deity
and human birth: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with
God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things
were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made
... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His
glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace
and truth" (John 1:1-3,14).[1]

The "incarnation" of Christ designates how the eternal Son of God
clothed Himself with human nature. The apostle Paul affirmed, "Let this
mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form
of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made
Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming
in the likeness of men" (Phil. 2:5-7).

The human birth of Jesus through the virgin Mary did not cancel His
deity. He came as Immauel--"God with us." However, Christ temporarily
laid aside the direct use of His divine attributes for the purpose of
achieving perfect human righteousness. This leads us to another
doctrinal truth about the virgin birth.

b. It confirms Christ's role as the Last Adam.

This is one of the lesser known titles of Christ. He came as the One
who fulfilled what our first parent forfeited. As federal head of his
people, Adam foreshadowed the coming of the Redeemer "... Adam, who is
a type of Him who was to come" (Rom. 5:14). If Christ were born
naturally, He would necessarily have been in Adam's line, inheriting
his guilt, spiritual death, and depravity. This is the sad case of
everyone else: "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the
world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because
all sinned" (Rom. 5:12). Because we were naturally born "in Adam," we
need a second, supernatural, spiritual birth. As Jesus instructed the
Jewish leader, Nicodemus, "...Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one
is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3).

Thankfully, Christ's conception by the Holy Spirit bypassed Adam's
failure. Christ was innocent, as the first Adam was when God originally
breathed life into him at the dawn of human history (Cf. Gen.
1:26,27,31;2:7). Unlike Adam, Christ kept the covenant conditions,
living a perfectly righteous life.[2] This attainment qualified Him to
be our perfect substitutionary sacrifice: "For He [God the Father] made
Him [the Son] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become
the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Cor. 5:21).

In his book, The Mystery of Godliness, Ian Thomas points out the
indispensable role of the virgin birth: "Deny the virgin birth of Jesus
Christ, and you have laid the axe to all essential doctrines of the
Bible; the Fall and depravity of man, the deity and sinlessness of
Christ, the atoning efficacy of His death and resurrection, the
necessity of spiritual regeneration as the basis for holiness of life,
and the truth of the Bible itself!..."

Thomas also contrasts our plight with Christ's ministry as the last
Adam: "As descendants of the first Adam, we were born uninhabited by
God--heirs of His absence--and inhabited only by sin. The Lord Jesus,
miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of Mary, was born
uninhabited by sin and wholly inhabited by God! He was the Last
Adam--the second Man..."[3]

The apostle Paul repeatedly contrasted the consequences of Adam's
failure and the last Adam's victory: "For since by man came death, by
Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die,
even so in Christ all shall be made alive" (1 Cor. 15:21,22).[4]

When we were unsaved, we had a spiritual history that went all the way
back to Eden. We were in Adam when he sinned, and we died in him (Rom.
5:12). We inherited separation from God and depraved nature from him
(Eph. 2:1-3). But this "bad news" is the opposite of the "good news" of
what it really means to be in Christ.

If Christ is in you and you are in Him, you no longer are "in Adam."
"But of Him [God the Father] you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us
wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption"
(1 Cor. 1:30). What a difference! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things
have become new" (2 Cor. 5:17).[5] Since you are now one with Christ
spiritually, He is your life! (1 Cor. 6:17; John 15:1-8; Col. 3:4). In
Christ you have a new nature, a new identity, a new freedom, and a new
potential. You not only have a new future; you have a new PAST! What a
Christmas gift.

Not only did Jesus die for you, you died with Him (Rom. 6:6; Gal.
2:20). So, say good bye to the "old you"! The new you has been raised
with Christ and even ascended with Him. "But God, who is rich in mercy,
because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were
dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you
have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together
in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He
might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us
in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:4-7). This means you share His power and
authority to partner with Him in righteous living and royal service.

Conclusion

Friend, are you "in Adam," or "in Christ"? It's not about religion,
denominations, or good works. Rather, having spiritual life here and
now and eternal life in the hereafter boils down to this issue: "And
this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this
life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have
the Son of God does not have life" (1 John 5:11,12).

The Nativity story doesn't end with the famous events of two thousand
years ago; Christ came to rescue you. "Nor is there salvation in any
other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which
we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). The wise men traveled hundreds of miles
to find the newborn King and worship Him. This Savior King traveled
from heaven to earth to reconcile you to God. This King calls you to
bow the knee, repent of living your own way, and receive Him as Savior
by faith.

A stanza of O Holy Night echoes this invitation:

"Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend!
He knows our need--to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!"[6]

~~~~~~~~~~

Reprinted with permission by the author
JM

I wonder if any of these writers deals with the fact that the virgin birth is only mentioned in a couple of places in the New Testament? While it adds an attractive and mystical aspect to the story, it appears only in the last Gospels written and is absent from the earlier writings. Paul, for example, who wrote the earliest parts of the New Testament--never once mentions it.

That makes it look like an idea that was added late in the First Century.

DenVII

Welcome to NeuroTalk Sanctuary. I will be back at another time and perhaps discuss some of the things you have mentioned. Today, however, I am going to post one of those scriptures.

Judy

Luke 2:1-7

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Ceasar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David.

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it ws, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firtborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.