Matthew 1:18 (KJV)
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
I read this account of the birth of Christ (Matthew 1:18-25) and was struck by how varied people's opinions are when reading this passage.
I view this as absolute, unquestioned history.
These are simply the facts. This is what happened. I suppose most of those who would have occasion to read this passage would feel the same way. Some might not apply the facts of the passage in the same way that I do, but we would agree that we do not question the events themselves.
Some view this as classic literature.
Certain secular colleges offer courses on the Bible such as The Bible as Literature. They acknowledge the influence and significance of the Bible, not because they believe the events to be historical, but because they recognize the tremendous impact this Book has had on human history. They appreciate the Bible for its literary importance.
Others view this as a malicious fabrication.
This seems to be a more recent view of the Bible, or at least one that I have only become familiar with in more recent years. Some now insinuate that the Bible (or at least the New Testament—and similar accusations are made concerning portions of the Old Testament) was not written until 400 to 500 years after the first century and that it was fabricated to deceive and control people.
What is interesting is that neither of the latter views seems to have been seriously considered until modern times. As recently as 250 years ago, men who were certainly not Christians, such as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, would have read this passage and accepted it as historical.
The modern views, then, I believe, are inventions of evil designed to draw souls away from Christ.
#Matthew1 #VirginBirth #JesusChrist #BibleTruth #FaithInGodsWord
The Virgin Birth: History, Literature, or Malicious Fabrication?
Have you always viewed Matthew 1 as historical fact, or has your perspective changed over the years? Share your thoughts in the comments—I would love to hear how you approach this important passage.
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