No Ordinary Person

The Fact of the Virgin Birth of Christ

In his well-known book The Normal Christian Faith, Watchman Nee relates a marvelous story in defense of the fact of the virgin birth of Christ:

The natural mentality cannot readily accept this fact. Some years ago, there was a big debate conducted in England. On one side were prominent leaders of the modernistic schools of theology. On the other side was a famous Presbyterian pastor-theologian. Four major topics were raised. For four consecutive days, each side daily delivered a long speech. One of the topics discussed was the virgin birth.

The modernistic theologians asserted that this is a biologically impossible event. It was a hoax because it was impossible.

On the same day, his opponent gave the rebuttal. Let me briefly mention a few of his arguments. He said, “Our friends here denied the possibility of such an event on the ground of biological law. I am here to ascertain the actuality of such an event on the ground of historical fact. He asked, ‘Can this happen?’ He referred you to academic principles. I am asking, ‘Has this happened?’ I point you to an historical occurrence. It is one thing to be academically justified. It is another thing to be historically recorded.”

As he was speaking, he drew out a newspaper from his pocket. On the paper was an article about an accident that happened a few days ago. A man was driving on a winding mountain road. Due to carelessness, the car slid and tumbled down a deep gorge. The car was totally wrecked. Not a square foot of that vehicle was left whole. It was thoroughly damaged. But the man laid on the ground unhurt. Later he rose up and walked away. The theologian read aloud the passage and then said, “This car tumbled down a thousand feet to ruin. You cannot even find a square foot of whole metal, and yet the man was unharmed. My friend here is asking, ‘Can this man live?’ But my question is, ‘Is this man alive?’ He is alive! If you consider the fact, it is there!” (68-69)

[Matthew] [Luke] [Fact]

[God manifested in the flesh] [God-man] [Son of God] [Son of Man]
[Jesus] [Emmanuel] [Second Man] [Last Adam]

Copyright © 2000. Christian Websites. All Rights Reserved