Mary’s Immaculate Conception

Mary’s Immaculate Conception
By David Cox

See my tracts on Catholicism here

• cat02 Should we worship the Virgin Mary? No.
• cat01 Is the Pope the Vicar of Christ?
• cat05 Why we don’t use images in worship

Introduction

Contrary to what many people understand, the term “immaculate conception” doesn’t refer to Jesus’ being born without sin, but rather it refers to the Catholic misunderstanding that Mary had to have been born without sin also, because otherwise she would have transferred her sinful nature to Christ.

“When we say that Mary was conceived without sin we mean that from the very first moment of her existence she was free from original sin, she was full of grace” (Mary—Doctrine for Everyman, page 17).

On December 8, 1854, Pope Pius IX declared Mary had been born without sin. Thus, they explained Jesus’ sinless nature and held on to the doctrine of inherited sin. AllanTurner.com

This doctrine is involved with the Catholic doctrine of inherited sin, which is not biblical. They believe that every human being inherits the sin of Adam through their parents. A few salient points from Scripture is needed here.

Inherited Sin in Scripture

Jesus had no sin.

1Pet 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:2Cor 5:21 For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.1John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

Mary had sin.

Luke 1:47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

Babies are without sin.

Rom 9:11 (For [the children] being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

On the basis of clear Scripture, Mary had sin and looked to God as her Saviour, babies don’t have sin, so Jesus’ mother did not have to be without sin, and Jesus was obviously without any sin on his part either.

• The Perpetual Virginity of Mary
• The Assumption of Mary into Heaven
• Mary’s Immaculate Conception
• “Mary, Mother of God”