In Continuation From... ... Part-1
Having tackled the first myth from three different perspectives, we shall now proceed to examining Myth number TWO in the light of God’s Holy Word to see if it stands tall or falls flat.
ON MYTH NUMBER TWO
This second myth is about Mary, after giving birth to Jesus, remaining a virgin till her death. Going back to the very first scriptural passage in Part One of this series, Act.1:14 given thus: “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.”
Another translation (Bible in Basic English) renders ‘brethren’ as ‘brothers,’ and this cannot be faulted because the said brethren could not be his (eleven) disciples already named one after the other in the preceding verse (13).
Now, let us look at Mrk.6:3, “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.”
What we can gather from the foregoing is this: Jesus had at least four brothers and two sisters, all given birth to after Him. This was common knowledge amongst the people in Jesus’ neighborhood at the time, they knew every member of His earthly household, which is why they could make the statements recorded in verse 3 of Mark Gospel chapter 6.
They were his neighbours! Now tell me how Mary could have remained a virgin after having at least six kids for her husband, Joseph the carpenter?
ON MYTH NUMBER THREE
So far so good, we have look into two myths about Mary, the mother of our Saviour. At this point, we can take on Myth number THREE: “That Mary is qualified to play the role of a mediator or intercessor for Christians on earth, or humanity in general.”
This cannot be but a lie from the pit of Hell. Remember we talked about records of Jesus appearing to His disciples in Part Three of this series, and not once His mother?
Well, Luke the physician opens the Book of Acts, “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen.”
What treatise is he talking about?
None other than the Gospel of Luke. In other words, Luke is saying that the Lord Jesus Christ he was physically present with the disciples to instruct them but after His Ascension, His instructions had to be channeled through the Person of God’s Blessed Holy Spirit.
In the preceding parts of this series, it is mentioned that there is no instance when Jesus instructed that His followers should worship Mary, His mother. As well, I have not read or heard of any instance in Scriptures where Jesus prior to His Ascension informed His disciples that they could look unto Mary as a mediator between God and mankind.
Even after the Ascension, I have not come across any portion of Scripture where believers are encouraged to do otherwise. Instead, the Holy Spirit enlightened us through the Pauline revelation, 1 Tim.2:5 “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
And almost every time Jesus is discussed as a Mediator, reference is made to His Blood (see Heb.8:6; 9:15 & 12:24). It is this connection that makes me say that Mary cannot be a Mediator for me or anyone else for that matter, because her blood is of no value or importance to me.
Permit me to say that no one else but the Father has the right to appoint a High Priest (or Intercessor or Mediator) to serve as a go-between in His dealings with humanity.
Heb.2:5 tells us, “So also Christ glorified not Himself to be made an high priest; but He that said unto Him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten Thee.” The Father also said in another place, “Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”
So you see, not even the God’s Church on earth can decide to appoint a human being, dead or alive, as Mediator or Intermediary. Going through the New Testament, we read of certain instances of Christ appearing to certain individuals after His Ascension; that of the Apostle Paul and John the beloved stands out.
If there is just one place Jesus talked about Mary to any of these persons, please do inform me. I’d like to know.
IN CONCLUSION
Finally we are here: Though much has been said, I am humble to say that not ALL about this matter has been put down in the discussion thus far.
It is my hope however, that as intelligent people and as practicing students of the Scriptures, we engage in rightly dividing the Word of Truth that we may know for ourselves that which God commands. For this the Bible could not but commend the believers of Berea who not only received the word with all readiness of mind, but searched the Scriptures daily to see if what was being taught was true (Act.17:11).
This treatise will not be complete without touching on the report of Jesus’ first miracle of turning water to wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. Apologists of the use of the ‘Virgin Mary’ as a mediator in prayer often resort to using this story as recorded in Jhn.2:1-12 as a scriptural reference in supporting their position and claims. Verses 3 reads, “Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.”
Of this verse 3, Vincent’s Commentary on the Greek says, “Implying no severity or disrespect, and in what was seen in that day to a highly respectful and affectionate mode of address; in a gentle manner, Jesus rejects her interference, intending to supply the demand in His own way.”
B. W. Johnson’s Commentary on the NT goes further to add, “His language, partly a rebuke, to Mary, shows very plainly that the Catholic fiction of Mary being immaculate, the "Queen of Heaven," and "the Mother of God," is all nonsensical.”
So you see, it was a mild exhortation from Jesus to Mary that she dismiss her fears and put her trust in Him. This is the same message from Christ to all who ask anything of Him or His Father: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you (Jhn.16:23).” Also see Jhn.14:13-14. There is only ONE name that can be used to make requests unto God—the Name of Christ Jesus.
In conclusion, permit me to say all the afore-mentioned points and facts should be sufficient to debunk the myths about Mary. First, Mary is not an object of adoration or worship, and nobody, not even God’s Church on earth should make her one.
Secondly, you will agree with me that though Mary was a virgin immediately after the birth of Jesus, she certainly didn’t remain a virgin all her life. She did give Joseph his own children. So the title of “Virgin” used in reference to her arbitrarily is not only absurd but wrong. No woman continues to refer to herself a virgin after sleeping with a man.
Thirdly, I hope you can also agree with me that Mary has never been and will never be an intermediary between God and/or Christ and men. As already mentioned, the role of Mediator and Intercessor belong to Christ Jesus by virtue of His Blood, and Him alone. It is thus clear that Mary is not to be prayed to as she is not God and can never be God; to say the contrary is blasphemy!
You may strongly desire to argue this third aspect of my conclusion, yet no matter how you argue about it, the truth remains the truth; it will not change because the majority is opposed to it.
I say again: Mary has no right to pray for or appear to anyone, neither is she able to because she is dead! The Biblical Mary, mother of Jesus, will never agree to this abomination. Now tell me, “If the dead cannot praise God, how then can the dead pray to God on behalf of the living?” Can God’s word be wrong in Psa.115:17?
Thank you for being patient enough to go through this series with me. I pray I have been successful in nudging you to further study on the issue. Let God be true and everyone else be false. His word should be the last and final conclusion in any issue or argument.
I hope to come your way with other interesting and valuable discussions in future posts. Till then, strengthen your grip on Elohim and His promises.
God bless you!
THE END.
It is my hope however, that as intelligent people and as practicing students of the Scriptures, we engage in rightly dividing the Word of Truth that we may know for ourselves that which God commands. For this the Bible could not but commend the believers of Berea who not only received the word with all readiness of mind, but searched the Scriptures daily to see if what was being taught was true (Act.17:11).
This treatise will not be complete without touching on the report of Jesus’ first miracle of turning water to wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. Apologists of the use of the ‘Virgin Mary’ as a mediator in prayer often resort to using this story as recorded in Jhn.2:1-12 as a scriptural reference in supporting their position and claims. Verses 3 reads, “Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.”
Of this verse 3, Vincent’s Commentary on the Greek says, “Implying no severity or disrespect, and in what was seen in that day to a highly respectful and affectionate mode of address; in a gentle manner, Jesus rejects her interference, intending to supply the demand in His own way.”
B. W. Johnson’s Commentary on the NT goes further to add, “His language, partly a rebuke, to Mary, shows very plainly that the Catholic fiction of Mary being immaculate, the "Queen of Heaven," and "the Mother of God," is all nonsensical.”
So you see, it was a mild exhortation from Jesus to Mary that she dismiss her fears and put her trust in Him. This is the same message from Christ to all who ask anything of Him or His Father: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you (Jhn.16:23).” Also see Jhn.14:13-14. There is only ONE name that can be used to make requests unto God—the Name of Christ Jesus.
In conclusion, permit me to say all the afore-mentioned points and facts should be sufficient to debunk the myths about Mary. First, Mary is not an object of adoration or worship, and nobody, not even God’s Church on earth should make her one.
Secondly, you will agree with me that though Mary was a virgin immediately after the birth of Jesus, she certainly didn’t remain a virgin all her life. She did give Joseph his own children. So the title of “Virgin” used in reference to her arbitrarily is not only absurd but wrong. No woman continues to refer to herself a virgin after sleeping with a man.
Thirdly, I hope you can also agree with me that Mary has never been and will never be an intermediary between God and/or Christ and men. As already mentioned, the role of Mediator and Intercessor belong to Christ Jesus by virtue of His Blood, and Him alone. It is thus clear that Mary is not to be prayed to as she is not God and can never be God; to say the contrary is blasphemy!
You may strongly desire to argue this third aspect of my conclusion, yet no matter how you argue about it, the truth remains the truth; it will not change because the majority is opposed to it.
I say again: Mary has no right to pray for or appear to anyone, neither is she able to because she is dead! The Biblical Mary, mother of Jesus, will never agree to this abomination. Now tell me, “If the dead cannot praise God, how then can the dead pray to God on behalf of the living?” Can God’s word be wrong in Psa.115:17?
Thank you for being patient enough to go through this series with me. I pray I have been successful in nudging you to further study on the issue. Let God be true and everyone else be false. His word should be the last and final conclusion in any issue or argument.
I hope to come your way with other interesting and valuable discussions in future posts. Till then, strengthen your grip on Elohim and His promises.
God bless you!
THE END.
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