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| The Theotokos of Vladimir, one of the most venerated of Orthodox Christian icons of the Virgin Mary. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
A. When we first meet Mary in
Scripture, she is a virgin. (Luke 1:27)
B. Virgin defined.
1.One who has never had sexual relations.
2.A pure and chaste person in relation to sexuality.
C. She was a betrothed—espoused,
engaged—virgin.
1.By Jewish law she was already considered a wife for she
had been promised to Joseph.
2.Joseph is called her husband, she his wife. (Matt.
1:19-20)
3.The purity of virginity and the honor of marriage are both
seen in her.(Heb. 13:4)
D.After the birth of Jesus, she became
the wife of Joseph in the complete sense of the term.
1.Contrary to Catholic doctrine, she was not a perpetual
virgin.
2.Joseph “did not know her till she had brought forth her
firstborn son.”
(Matt. 1:25)
his betrothed wife. (Luke 2:5)
b.After the birth of Jesus, the full husband/wife relationship
existed for at least four sons and two daughters were born to them. (Matt.13:55-56)
