Conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

Conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

Conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary is Section XIX of The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction, Michael Ferrebee Sadler's 1872 expansion of the Church Catechism in question-and-answer form.

Summary

This section expounds the incarnation and virginal conception. Sadler stresses the full reality of Christ's divine and human natures and the work of the Holy Ghost in the mystery of the incarnation.

Sadler's Text

Sadler's catechetical treatment of this topic is anchored in the statement, "That God's only Son, our Lord, was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary." He further explains the section by saying, "No, not for a moment. It means that He laid aside for a time His Divine glory, and having assumed the nature of man, He was born and grew up, and spoke, and acted, and suffered as other men."

Theological Themes

• Incarnation
• Virgin birth
• Two natures of Christ
• Work of the Holy Ghost

Scripture References

The following references are representative biblical texts used or implied in this section of Sadler's catechetical exposition:

• Matthew 1:20-23
• Luke 1:35
• John 1:1-14
• Hebrews 1:6
• John 8:58

Anglican Context

This section belongs to Sadler's exposition of the baptismal promise to believe the articles of the Christian faith. It is especially connected with the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the use of the creeds in Anglican public worship. Sadler's treatment reflects nineteenth-century Church of England catechesis and should be read as a historical Anglican source alongside current provincial formularies and catechetical resources.

See Also

• The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction
• Apostles' Creed
• Nicene Creed
• Church Catechism
• Anglican Doctrine