Literal virgin birth of Jesus from Mary; affirmed as essential doctrine
The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel affirms the literal virgin birth of Jesus Christ — that Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary without a human father. This is understood as a supernatural historical event, not merely symbolic, and is affirmed as essential to understanding Jesus as the unique God-man and sinless Savior.
The virgin birth underscores Jesus's uniqueness and his complete dependence on divine action for his existence and nature. It is connected to Jesus's sinlessness — he was not born under the curse of Adam's sin in the ordinary way. The doctrine is affirmed in the Church's Declaration of Faith and teaching, and it is essential to Foursquare understanding of who Jesus is.
Key Distinctions
- Affirmed literally:
- affirmed in Apostles' Creed and Nicene Creed as orthodox doctrine
- Theological significance:
- virgin birth ensures Jesus's sinlessness and unique divine identity
Scripture References
Sources
- International Church of the Foursquare Gospel Declaration of Faith
- Foursquare Church official teaching on the incarnation and virgin birth