The CRC affirms that Isaiah 7:14 foretells the virgin birth of the Messiah. While scholarly debate exists about 'almah' (young woman) versus 'bethulah' (virgin), the CRC follows the ecclesiastical and Septuagintal tradition interpreting the passage as messianic and predictive of Jesus' virgin birth. Matthew 1:22-23 explicitly applies this verse to Jesus' incarnation through Mary. The virgin birth affirms God's direct initiative in the Incarnation and the unique status of Christ as the God-man, central to reformed soteriology.