Against the Heresies of @Gracetoyou’s John MacArthur on the Blessed Ever-Virgin Mary

Today we will discuss modern day heresies by explaining ways the ancient church fathers combatted the same heresies. To combat gnostic and heretical views in the early church, church fathers such as Saint Irenaeus, Saint Jerome, and Origen wrote books entitled “Against Heresies,” “Against Helvidius,” “Against the Pelagians,” and “Against Celsus.” Numerous church councils further …

Geological, Astronomical, and Historical Reasons for the Date of Jesus’ Crucifixion

Can we estimate the date of Jesus’ crucifixion? Yes, we can. The ancients have left us with multiple historical, geological, and astronomical reasons to support April 3 of 33. Let’s begin with Jewish expectations. 10. In the 6th century B.C., the prophet Daniel predicted the fates of four kingdoms while he was exiled by the …

Our Lady at Lourdes and the Immaculate Conception

Where did the Catholic doctrine of the immaculate conception originate? I once believed the immaculate conception refers to the conception of Jesus. Rather, it refers to Mother Mary’s conception without original sin. This doctrine has ancient roots in the 2nd century when Irenaeus and Justiin Martyr referred to Mary as the “new Eve.” The first …

A Steel Man of Catholic and Protestant Positions on Mother Mary

For centuries, Catholics and Protestants have taken varying positions on the Mother Mary’s role, her perpetual virginity, her sinless nature, and her assumption into heaven. Many Catholics revere Mother Mary as a perpetual and blessed virgin who was immaculately conceived and assumed in spirit and body into heaven. Some Protestants believe she lived a more …

What Does the Bible Say about Mother Mary’s Perpetual Virginity?

Isaiah foretold the virgin birth:[1] “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Immanuel means God is with us. He further foretold the birth of Jesus:[2] “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,and the government will be on his shoulders. And …