Literal virgin birth of Christ; essential doctrine protecting full incarnation
The Wesleyan Church affirms the literal, physical virgin birth of Jesus Christ. Mary, the mother of Jesus, remained a virgin in the conception and birth of Jesus through the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit, while Jesus's earthly lineage through Joseph established His legal position as heir of David. The virgin birth is not merely a symbolic or theological affirmation but a historical event that occurred as recorded in Matthew and Luke.
The church teaches that the virgin birth is essential to Christian faith because it safeguards the full divinity of Christ (He is not merely the biological son of Joseph) and underscores His unique status as the God-man. The virginity of Mary at Jesus's birth is affirmed, though the church follows Protestant tradition in denying the perpetual virginity of Mary or her immaculate conception.
Key Distinctions
- Affirmed literally:
- affirmed as historical fact, not merely theological symbol
- Marian status:
- perpetual virginity denied; later children of Mary affirmed
Scripture References
Sources
- The Wesleyan Church Discipline (2016), §1010
- Wesleyan Articles of Religion, Article II
- Early Church Fathers, Apostles' Creed