The doctrine of the virgin birth of Christ has been under much attack. One example is where, in modern English translations of the Bible, the word “virgin” is translated as “young woman.” Another concerns the identity of this virgin and it is argued that the virgin was Ahaz’s wife. Why is this doctrine important?

Without the doctrine of the virgin birth of Christ, Jesus would be born in sin and we would have no Saviour. It is the virgin birth (and conception) that makes the birth totally different and unique from all other births. Jesus thus qualifies to be the sinless sacrifice to die for our sins. Here in Isaiah 7:14, we see three significances of the virgin birth of Christ.

1) It is a sign given by God

God had asked Ahaz to ask Him for a sign (Isa 7:11) to prove that He would fulfil His promise to deliver Judah from the coalition of Syria and Israel. Ahaz, not trusting God, displayed false humility in not wanting to ask for it. This led to God Himself giving a sign, that Jesus would be born into the house of David (Isa 7:13). This sign implied that Judah would survive and was to prove that God would keep His Word.

2) It leads to the fulfilment of prophecy

After a period of about 700 years, this prophecy was fulfilled, as recorded in Matthew 1. When God fulfils His prophecies, it gives us the comfort and assurance that He will fulfil every of His prophecies and promises recorded in His Word. The “virgin” in Hebrew refers to a very particular virgin, showing that God had appointed a particular virgin more than 700 years before it was fulfilled, even from before the foundation of the world. This is how precise God is.

3) It tells us about “Immanuel” (meaning God with us)

Jesus bridges the gap between God and sinner. Jesus is God, born as a man, lived among man. This tells us that God is near to us. It is a great privilege to be so close to God, and we must not take it for granted. Take time to remind ourselves that when we sing praises to Him or when we pray to Him, God is present to hear them. This is only possible because of the virgin birth of Christ.