"What does the Bible say about the Virgin Mary?"
Mary, the mother of Jesus was a woman who was described by God as "highly favored" (Luke 1:28). The phrase "highly favored" comes from a Greek word that essentially means "a lot of grace." Mary received God's grace. Grace is "unmerited favor", meaning it is something we receive despite the fact that we do not deserve. Mary needed the grace of God, like the rest of us. Mary herself understood this fact, stating in Luke 1:47, "And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." Mary admitted that she needed be saved, that she needed God as their Savior. The Bible never says that Mary was anything other than an ordinary human, whom God chose to use it in an extraordinary way. Yes, Mary was a righteous woman and favored (with grace) of God (Luke 1:27-28). At the same time Mary also was a sinful human being like everyone else, I needed Jesus Christ as their Savior, like all others (Ecclesiastes 7:20, Romans 3:23, 6:23, 1 John 1:8 .)
Mary did not have an "immaculate conception" - there is no biblical reason to believe that Mary's birth was anything but normal human birth. Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus (Luke 1:34-38), but the idea of \u200b\u200ba perpetual virginity of Mary is unbiblical. Matthew 1:25, speaking of Joseph, says, "knew her not till she brought forth her firstborn son: and called his name Jesus." The word "to" clearly indicates that Joseph and Mary had a sexual union after the birth of Jesus. Joseph and Mary had several children together after Jesus was born. Jesus had four half-brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas (Matthew 13:55). Jesus had half-sisters, but do not mention their names or numbered (Matthew 13:55-56). God blessed and favored giving several children Mary, which in that culture was a clear indication of God's blessing for a woman.
One time when Jesus was speaking, a woman in the crowd cried, "Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breasts that nursed" (Luke 11:27). There was never a better opportunity for Jesus to declare that Mary was indeed worthy of praise and worship. What was Jesus' response? "And he said, Yea rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it." (Luke 11:28). To Jesus, obedience to the Word of God was more important than being the woman she was born. Nowhere in Scripture does Jesus, or someone else, directs any praise, glory and worship of Mary. Elizabeth, Mary's relative praised Mary in Luke 1:42-44, but his praise was based on the fact that Mary would give birth to Jesus. It was not based on any inherent glory in Mary.
Mary was there at the cross when Jesus died (John 19:25). Mary was with the apostles at Pentecost (Acts 1:14). However, Mary never mentioned again after chapter one the book of Acts. 1). At no time did the apostles was awarded to Mary a prominent role. Mary's death is not recorded in the Bible. Nothing is said about Mary about his ascension to heaven, or somehow being exalted in heaven. Mary should be respected as the earthly mother of Jesus, but not worthy of worship. Nowhere does the Bible indicate that Mary can hear our prayers, or that may be mediating for us before God. Only Jesus is our advocate and mediator in heaven (1 Timothy 2:5) If you had offered praise, worship, or prayers, Mary had said what the angels: "Praise God!" (Revelation 19:10, 22:9) Mary herself sets the example for us, directing his praise, worship and glorification to God alone, "My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. He has regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden: for behold, from henceforth shall call me blessed all generations, because he has done great things the Almighty, holy is his name "(Luke 1:46-49).
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