Do Christians have to believe in the virgin birth?

[Fritzpw_Admin]

Do Christians have to believe in the virgin birth?

Let’s talk about how core the doctrine of the virgin birth really is, and why it’s worth holding onto.
#VirginBirth #ChristianDoctrine #JesusChrist #christianforums #crosswalkforums #forums #crosswalk #faithcommunity #faithforums

For many believers, the virgin birth of Jesus is a central part of the Christmas story—something we’ve heard since childhood. But in recent years, even some who claim the name of Christ have begun to question whether it’s essential to the faith or just symbolic.

This article explores why the virgin birth matters, what Scripture says, and whether belief in it is necessary for truly following Christ:
Must We Believe the Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ? | Crosswalk.com

Can someone still be a Christian without believing in the virgin birth?
What are the theological consequences if we set this doctrine aside?

If Jesus wasn’t born of a virgin, then the Bible’s truthfulness—and His sinless nature—are both on the line.

Must We Believe the Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ?

[Dogmum]

I found this lovely review of a book I’ll probably read. This little review tells us why the virgin birth was necessary and that it’s theology.

THE FITTINGNESS OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH

The Bible teaches that Jesus entered our world through a virgin’s womb. Even in an age when opponents of Christianity are often more exercised about morals than miracles, that’s a tough claim for skeptical outsiders to swallow.

In all likelihood, Christians will always need to invest energy in defending the rational basis for affirming the Virgin Birth. And yet, as Rhyne Putman argues in his latest book, Conceived by the Holy Spirit: The Virgin Birth in Scripture and Theology, we shouldn’t lose sight of the rich theological meaning nested in this doctrine, which testifies in profound ways to God’s work of redemption in Christ.

Theologian Patrick Schreiner reviewed the book for CT.

“My favorite parts of the book concern the significance of the Virgin Birth,” writes Schreiner. "Putman argues that it was fitting for Jesus to come to earth in this way even if it wasn’t absolutely necessary.

"There are three reasons for this. First, the Virgin Birth is fitting because it reveals that Jesus is truly human as well as truly divine. Usually, when we think of the Virgin Birth, we emphasize the improbability of a virgin giving birth while downplaying the birth itself. However, treasures reside in both terms. The Virgin Birth is certainly amazing because Jesus was born of a virgin, but it’s equally amazing that God himself was born.

"Second, the Virgin Birth is fitting because it signals Jesus’ uniqueness. It indicates that Jesus, though fully human, is unlike every other human being. He is naturally the Son of God but adopted a human father for himself in Joseph. The Virgin Birth displays Jesus, in the words of the Nicene Creed, as ‘God from God, Light from Light.’

"Jesus’ existence did not begin when human sperm fertilized a human egg. In fact, Jesus did not ever begin to exist, since he has existed from before the creation of the world (John 1:1–3; Col. 1:15–17). The Virgin Birth bears witness to the fact that Jesus’ life didn’t begin at conception like ours.

“Third, the Virgin Birth is fitting because it signals that we are saved by grace alone. Jesus’ coming was not the result of human ingenuity or the forethought of Israel. Like Mary and Joseph, we are simply recipients of God’s favor and grace. It was God’s action that caused Jesus to be born, not the grand plan of humanity. This reminds us that our salvation is based on God’s initiative. We didn’t orchestrate our salvation; it was wrought by God.”

[Joe]

Hi,
Of course we virgin birth is necessary.
Without it Jesus is just a man.
A man cannot save another person’s soul.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; KJV

Our sin disqualifies any man from being the Savior.
To be an acceptable sacrifice to God, the animals used in Old Testament times, and even in Christ’s time, had to be without spot osh.
So Jesus has to begotten by God to be a qualified sacrifice.

Blessings

[Who-me]

@Fritzpw_Admin

If Jesus wasn’t born of a virgin, then the Bible’s truthfulness—and His sinless nature—are both on the line

Why question the virgin birth?
If one is questioning that then just what miracles found in the bible does one believe?

A 6 day creat, Adams fall, the flood,Abraham, the ten plagues where does the questioning stop, would one believe in a life in heaven, forgiveness of sins, just what would be left of Christianity?

[BrotherDavid]

YES…it is foundational

[Bruce_Leiter]

Why would Christians want to question the virgin birth as historical?

When we question any part of Scripture that presents us with history, we then can question all the miracles God did in Bible history. That’s a very dangerous slope to descend, since we can then question whether or not Jesus rose from the dead, the very basis of our faith.

Can God bring about the virgin birth and Jesus’ resurrection? How big is your God? Of course, he can as the all-powerful Creator.

[zachlineage]

I am new to the forum but this topic caught my eye, I do not believe in the Virgin Birth but believe Jesus is the messiah. It’s clear to me that God created the natural laws and he does not violate or compromise his own laws of creation. He is a lawful God. We live in an age where science and religion must meet in harmony. Scriptures can be interpreted over time to what people want to believe. It does not make it true. There are so many denominations and beliefs that we need to find the absolute, eternal and unchanging truth. I speak for myself and would never expect someone to change their beliefs. I see beliefs become tradition which is why it is so difficult to discuss these Scriptures without getting people defensive. This is with all religious beliefs and not just Christianity. Jesus tried to raise the understanding of truth to a higher level and was crucified for it. The Sanhedrin felt threatened by this higher truth of God which led to his death. I do not believe things are predestined outcomes because God gives us free will and we determine the outcome by our choices in life. God’s will is predestined if we fulfill his will. We want our children to take responsibility for their actions as the wrong choices has consequences. The Sanhedrin made a bad choice and maybe if they had received Jesus, things would be different in the world today. There are critics of the Doctrine of the Virgin Birth like the one mentioned of the New York Times, Nicholas Kristof but his objection is based on his religious bigotry. I believe in Jesus as the messiah but cannot suspend common sense when it comes to conceiving a child. It definitely weakens the traditional understanding as it means he has a biological father and it is not Joseph. The reason the youth have left the faith is because they are required to accept something that makes no sense to them. To me. knowing he has a father aligns with the Jewish faith which is that of the Chosen people. If they had received Jesus, Christianity would not exist and that may be the difficulty in accepting Jesus had a paternal line.