35. What is the meaning of “conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary?”
That the eternal Son of God, who is[1] and continues true and eternal God,[2] took upon Himself the very nature of man, of the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary,[3] by the operation of the Holy Ghost;[4] so that He might also be the true seed of David,[5] like unto His brethren in all things,[6] except for sin.[7]
[1]Jn. 1:1; Rom. 1:3-4. [2]Rom. 9:5. [3]Gal. 4:4; Jn. 1:14. [4]Mt. 1:18-20; Lk. 1:35. [5]Ps. 132:11. [6]Phil. 2:7. [7]Heb. 4:15; *I Jn. 5:20.
|
36. What benefit do you receive from the holy conception and birth of Christ?
That He is our Mediator,[1] and with His innocence and perfect holiness covers, in the sight of God, my sin, wherein I was conceived.[2]
[1]Heb. 2:16-17. [2]Ps. 32:1; *I Jn. 1:9.
|
