(S5 E14) Christology (Part 2): The Virgin Birth and Incarnation of Christ

By: Brian G. Chilton and Curtis Evelo | January 19, 2022

This season’s Winter Theology Series engages the theological study known as Christology, which is the study of Christ. This episode examines details concerning the Virgin Birth and the incarnation of Christ. Please note that due to the nature of some of our discussions describing biological reproduction, this episode may not be suitable for younger audiences. Parental discretion is advised.

1. When we speak of the Virgin Birth, we are speaking of the “virgin conception.” So, what do we mean by the “virgin conception?” (Matt. 1:25)

2. What biblical evidence do we have that Jesus was born by virginal conception?

A. Matt. 1:18-25
B. Luke 1:26-38
C. Isa. 7:14, cited in Matt. 1:23
D. Mary remained part of the post-Easter church (Acts 1:14)
E. James also remained a part of the church until the 60s.
F. Reference to Jesus as Mary’s son and not Joseph’s (Mk. 6:3)
G. Allusion to illegitimacy (John 8:41)

3. Do we have evidence from the early church tradition that Jesus was believed to have been conceived by a virgin?

4. Objection #1: Do we have scientific evidence that virgin births are even possible?

5. According to Catholic tradition, Mary remained a virgin–called “perpetual virginity.” Do we have Scriptural evidence that this is true?

6. Objection #2: Is the Virgin Birth of Jesus just a retelling of pagan myths which held that their heroes were born by virgins?

7. Objection #3: Is the Virgin Birth incompatible with the preexistence of Christ?

8. Why is the Virgin Birth important for our understanding of the incarnation of Christ?

Brian Chilton: Founder of Bellator Christi Ministries

Brian G. Chilton is the founder of BellatorChristi.com, the co-host of The Bellator Christi Podcast, and the author of the Layman’s Manual on Christian Apologetics. Brian is a PhD Candidate in the Theology and Apologetics program at Liberty University. He holds an MDiv in Theology from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Science from Gardner-Webb University. He has served in pastoral ministry for 20 years and currently serves as a clinical hospice chaplain.

https://www.amazon.com/Laymans-Manual-Christian-Apologetics-Essentials/dp/1532697104

Curtis Evelo: Co-Host and Producer of the Bellator Christi Podcast

Curtis Evelo is a cattle rancher at the E6 Hereford Ranch in St. Ignatius, Montana. Curtis is the Co-Host and Producer of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He often teaches and speaks at his church Cornerstone Faith Center in St. Ignatius. Curtis provides a common-sense approach to Christianity as he contemplates the wonders of God’s creation in Big Sky Country.

Other Episodes from this Series:

Brian Chilton and Curtis Evelo, “Christology (Part 1): The Union of Christ’s Divine and Human Nature,” BellatorChristi.com (1/13/22), https://bellatorchristi.com/2022/01/14/s5-e13-christology-part-one-the-union-of-christs-divine-and-human-nature/