Sometimes, Protestants are accused of not according Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, the honor that she is due. This is probably a correct assessment, at least to some extent. Part of the reason for this, is because of the "over honor" that the Roman Catholic church affords her.
But here is an interesting argument (which I have never seen anywhere else): the historical Reformed understanding of Mary, and her place in redemptive history, is far *more* honoring of her, (and more importantly, of her God)--than the pope's position is.
"How can this be?," (to borrow Mary's own words [from Lk. 1:34]). Here's how: the Roman doctrine is that Mary was sinless (and even a perpetual virgin). Sounds pretty honoring, eh? But here's the catch: if Mary was sinless, this means that she did not (and does not) need the Redeemer's blood atonement. She, like the original Adam before her, is standing before God in her *own* "righteousness." But this "righteousness," like that of Adam in the pre-fallen garden, is far *less* glorious than the righteousness of *Christ*--given to guilty sinners who are now accounted as just in God's sight, (through the imputation of Christ's merits, apprehended by faith). Therefore, ordinary redeemed sinners have much more honor than Mary would have, (if the pope's doctrine were true).
Thankfully for Mary, the pope's teaching is incorrect. All the evidence in the Bible points to her being a redeemed sinner, saved by grace through faith. Let us bless God for being so good to her.
The Forum for Ecclesiocentricity is designed to educate Christians and non-Christians alike to understand the Biblical teaching concerning the Church (the "Puritan" church in particular), with regard to its principal role on the earth. When this is achieved, it is hoped that the Church would then be in a better position to convey Christ's redemptive virtues to the civil government (state), and the family. (You may email me at: markjhenninger@gmail.com)
