Renewing Your Mind

A Virgin Shall Conceive

7 snips
Dec 24, 2025
R.C. Sproul, a revered Reformed theologian and founder of Ligonier Ministries, delves into the crucial doctrine of the virgin birth of Christ. He addresses modern skepticism surrounding this teaching and examines its biblical foundations. Sproul connects Matthew's account to Isaiah's prophecy, discussing concepts of primary and secondary fulfillment. He also clarifies the translation debate of key Hebrew terms related to 'virgin'. This exploration underscores the virgin birth as a vital truth in the Christian faith.
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INSIGHT

Virgin Birth As Core Christian Claim

  • The virgin birth is a central, non-negotiable claim in the New Testament and a test of orthodoxy.
  • R.C. Sproul highlights historical and theological resistance but insists Scripture firmly affirms it.
INSIGHT

Prophecy Can Have Dual Fulfillments

  • Isaiah 7 may have both an immediate and a ultimate fulfillment pointing to Christ.
  • Matthew uses Isaiah's prophecy as fulfilled consummately in Jesus while allowing possible near-term fulfillments.
ADVICE

Weigh Text And Context Carefully

  • Don't ignore historical-critical objections but weigh textual and theological context carefully.
  • Consider both linguistic nuance and the New Testament authors' explicit claims when forming conclusions.
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