Virgin Birth questioned: the implications

Timotheist · 05-30-2015, 06:39 PM

The Implications: Part III

Continuing my subjective analysis of the life of Jesus.

The Transfiguration

Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them;
and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them.
Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. (Mar 9:2-4 NAU)

(The transfiguration event is recorded in Mark, repeated in Matthew and Luke, but does not appear in John. However, the event is referenced in 2 Peter, providing strong support.)

The point of this post is to consider the implications of a natural birth vs a virgin birth.

Natural birth – Like the temptation, the transfiguration was a genuine test. Whereas the temptation was a test of the man’s will, the transfiguration was a test of the level of his sanctification, occurring toward the end of his life. Passing this test meant that the old man had become sanctified in spirit, soul, and body. He demonstrated that he was blameless. Only a sanctified body can reflect the glory of God without frying. Jesus the new man proved himself ready to be permanently glorified.

Virgin birth – Like the temptation, this event seems to be primarily for our benefit. Jesus was already the sinless Godman. He had no need to be sanctified: of course he would shine like the sun. So this was not a test. He wanted to provide the witnesses further proof of his status as the Christ.

No surprise: I favor the natural birth.

05-30-2015, 06:39 PM	#11
Timotheist Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 424	Re: Virgin Birth questioned: the implications The Implications: Part III Continuing my subjective analysis of the life of Jesus. The Transfiguration Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them. Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. (Mar 9:2-4 NAU) (The transfiguration event is recorded in Mark, repeated in Matthew and Luke, but does not appear in John. However, the event is referenced in 2 Peter, providing strong support.) The point of this post is to consider the implications of a natural birth vs a virgin birth. Natural birth – Like the temptation, the transfiguration was a genuine test. Whereas the temptation was a test of the man’s will, the transfiguration was a test of the level of his sanctification, occurring toward the end of his life. Passing this test meant that the old man had become sanctified in spirit, soul, and body. He demonstrated that he was blameless. Only a sanctified body can reflect the glory of God without frying. Jesus the new man proved himself ready to be permanently glorified. Virgin birth – Like the temptation, this event seems to be primarily for our benefit. Jesus was already the sinless Godman. He had no need to be sanctified: of course he would shine like the sun. So this was not a test. He wanted to provide the witnesses further proof of his status as the Christ. No surprise: I favor the natural birth.