Immaculate Conception of Mary
— A Biblical Examination Romans 3:23 (KJV)
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
Scripture declares that all humanity has sinned. This includes every person born of man and woman, with the sole exception of Jesus Christ. The Immaculate Conception — the belief that Mary was conceived without original sin — is not found in Scripture and contradicts the plain teaching of the Word of God.
Definition of the Immaculate Conception
The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception teaches that Mary, from the moment of her conception, was preserved from original sin and remained sinless throughout her life. This belief is based on church tradition, not on biblical text. Scripture gives no indication that Mary was exempt from the universal condition of sin.
All Have Sinned
Romans 3:9–10 (KJV)
“What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.”
Romans 5:12 (KJV)
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”
The testimony of Scripture is consistent: all are under sin. Mary, being born of Adam’s race, would fall under this declaration. No exception is made for her in the inspired text.
Christ Alone Is Sinless
2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Hebrews 4:15 (KJV)
“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
Only Jesus Christ is described in Scripture as sinless. No other human being is spoken of in this way. Mary herself acknowledged her need for a Savior.
Mary's Own Words
Luke 1:46–47 (KJV)
“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.”
Mary called God her Saviour, which implies the presence of sin and the need for redemption. A sinless person does not need a savior.
No Scriptural Basis for the Doctrine
There is no verse in the Bible that teaches or implies Mary was conceived without sin. The doctrine is a later development of religious tradition, not a teaching derived from the Word of God.
Summary of Key Passages
| Topic | Scripture Reference | Biblical Teaching |
|---|---|---|
| All have sinned | Romans 3:23; 5:12; 3:10 | All humanity is under sin, no exception for Mary |
| Only Christ is sinless | 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15 | Jesus alone is without sin |
| Mary needed a Savior | Luke 1:46–47 | Mary rejoiced in God her Saviour |
Conclusion
Scripture plainly teaches that all have sinned, and there is none righteous apart from Christ. Mary, as part of the human race, was not exempt from the condition of sin. She recognized her need for salvation, and the Bible attributes sinlessness only to Jesus Christ. The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception has no foundation in the Bible.