Question: "What does the Bible say about the virgin Mary?"
Answer: Mary the mother of Jesus was described by God as “highly
favored” (Luke 1:28). The phrase “highly favored” comes from a
single Greek word, which essentially means “much grace.” Mary
received God’s grace. Grace is “unmerited favor,” meaning
something we receive despite the fact that we do not deserve it.
Mary needed grace from God just as the rest of us do. Mary
herself understood this fact, as she declared in Luke 1:47, “. .
. and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. . .” Mary recognized
that she needed the Savior. The Bible never says that Mary was
anyone but an ordinary human whom God chose to use in an
extraordinary way. Yes, Mary was a righteous woman and favored
(graced) by God (Luke 1:27-28). At the same time, Mary was a
sinful human being who needed Jesus Christ as her Savior, just
like everyone else (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 1 John
1:8). Mary did not have an “immaculate conception.” The Bible
doesn’t suggest Mary’s birth w