Theology Terms Explained: “Virgin Birth”
In this series on the blog, we’re providing sound doctrine for everyday people by providing you with clear and simple definitions that will strengthen your theological foundation. Each article covers 4 categories including:
The Term – We lay out how it’s pronounced or synonymous terms.
The Definition – We provide the Merriam-Webster definition and an everyday version.
The Biblical Connection – We show you where the term connects with Scripture.
Used in an Everyday Conversation – We use it in a basic conversation.
The Term
Virgin Birth
(VUR-jin birth)
The Definition
Merriam-Webster: The conception and birth of Jesus Christ from the Virgin Mary through the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit.
FTG Expanded Explanation: The virgin birth is the biblical doctrine that Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary without a human father. This miraculous event fulfilled Old Testament prophecy and affirmed both Christ's full humanity and full deity. Jesus was born as a true man while remaining the eternal Son of God, free from Adam's inherited sin nature. The virgin birth demonstrates that salvation is entirely God's work from beginning to end.
The Biblical Connection
Isaiah 7:14 – "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel."
Matthew 1:22–23 – "Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which translated means, 'God with us.'"
Luke 1:34–35 – "Mary said to the angel, 'How can this be, since I am a virgin?' The angel answered and said to her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.'"
Used in an Everyday Conversation
“The virgin birth reminds Christians that Jesus is unlike every other person who has ever lived.”
“Because Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit, He entered the world as the perfect God-Man who alone could save sinners. He was not stained by original sin.”
“The virgin birth points us to God's supernatural plan of redemption, showing that salvation begins with His initiative, not ours.”
