One of the most thought‑provoking questions in Bible study is:
When the Word became flesh, did He take that flesh from Mary, or did God create it in a completely unique way?
At first, it might sound like a fine point of theology, but it is more than a biological curiosity. It is connected to a much deeper subject — the doctrine of original sin and the nature of salvation itself.
Why This Question Comes Up
The central issue is not simply about Mary — it is about the nature of sin and how it touches every person.
If Original Sin Exists
This view teaches that all people inherit a sinful condition from Adam at the moment of conception.
This would mean even newborn infants — though innocent in actions — are born under the shadow of sin and in need of redemption.
Example: Imagine a poisoned spring. Every drop of water from it carries the poison, no matter how clear it looks. If human nature is like that poisoned spring, then everyone born from it inherits the poison — unless God works a miracle to purify it.
Therefore, if Jesus received His flesh directly from Mary and if she shared in Adam’s corrupted nature, some argue that He would have inherited the same condition unless His flesh was created in a separate and holy way.
If Original Sin Does Not Exist
This view teaches that sin is not inherited but chosen.
Infants are born innocent; they only become sinners when they personally choose to disobey God.
Example: Think of a blank notebook. Nothing is written in it at birth. Sin is like writing wrong stories in that notebook — it happens later, by personal choice.
In this understanding, Jesus could receive His flesh from Mary without any problem, because birth itself does not transmit sin. His perfect holiness came from the fact that He never sinned.
What the Bible Clearly Says
The Bible does not give a biological explanation of how Jesus’ flesh was formed, but it makes three truths crystal clear:
- The Word became flesh – “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).
He did not merely appear to be human. He truly entered our world in flesh and blood, yet in a manner unique and holy.
- His conception was supernatural – “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Luke 1:35).
His entrance into the world was by divine action, not by the will of man.
- He was entirely without sin – “…yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).
However His flesh was given, it was pure, holy, and free from sin.
Why It Matters
If original sin is real:
We must explain how Jesus could truly be in the flesh and yet remain sinless.
The question reaches beyond Jesus to include infants, the meaning of redemption, and the very heart of salvation.
If original sin is not real:
The urgency of this debate fades, but it still inspires awe at the mystery of the Incarnation.
It reminds us that Jesus’ sinlessness flows from His perfect obedience and divine nature, not simply from the source of His flesh.
Two Illustrations to Help Us Picture This
- The Royal Bloodline Illustration
Imagine a royal family with a hereditary disease. Every child born into the family will carry the disease unless the chain is broken.
If sin is inherited like that disease, then Jesus’ flesh must have been formed in a way that completely broke the chain.
- The Garden Soil Illustration
Plant a seed in contaminated soil, and the plant will carry the effects of that soil. But plant it in clean soil, and it will grow pure.
If birth itself does not pass on sin, then Jesus could take His flesh from Mary and still be holy.
The Unshakable Truth
Whether one believes His flesh came directly from Mary or was uniquely created apart from her, one truth stands firm:
Jesus Christ became flesh — truly and fully — yet remained perfectly holy.
His flesh was the very vessel prepared for the cross, through which salvation came to the world.
The mystery of His flesh is not meant to stir endless quarrels, but to lead us into deeper worship of the One who “took part of the same” so that through His death He could destroy the one who holds the power of death (Hebrews 2:14).
📦 Original Sin in Brief
Definition: The belief that all humans inherit a sinful condition from Adam as part of their nature.
Key Verse Used: “Through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men” (Romans 5:12).
Implication: Even infants are considered under the curse of sin, needing God’s redemption.
Alternative View: Sin is not inherited but chosen; infants are born innocent and only become sinners when they knowingly choose wrong.
💡 Why This Discussion Still Matters Today
- It Shapes How We View Infants and Childhood
If original sin exists, even the smallest child is in need of redemption from birth. If it doesn’t, children are innocent until they choose wrong. - It Affects How We Understand Salvation
Is salvation simply about forgiving individual acts, or also about cleansing a condition we were born with? - It Deepens Our Wonder at the Incarnation
Whether His flesh was from Mary or specially created, Jesus stands as the only One who entered our world in flesh yet without sin — a mystery that should fill us with awe. - It Reminds Us of the Holiness of Christ
The method of His flesh’s creation matters less than the result: a perfectly pure Savior who could bear the sins of the world.