Mary as the Holy Mother of God and Jesus as True God: A Scriptural, Historical, and Theological Explanation

by AE JMJ

The role of Mary as the Mother of God (Theotokos) and the divinity of Jesus Christ are central to Christian theology. While Catholics hold these beliefs firmly, they often encounter challenges from non-Catholics. This article aims to present a reasoned case, grounded in Scripture, history, and logic, to explain and defend these truths.

Scriptural Basis

1. Jesus is True God

John 1:1-3, 14: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and THE WORD WAS GOD... The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us."

These verses affirm that Jesus (the Word made flesh) is God who took on human form.

John 10:30: "I and the Father are one."

Jesus explicitly claims unity with the Father, asserting His divinity.

Colossians 2:9: "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form."

St. Paul affirms that Jesus embodies the fullness of God.

2. Mary is the Mother of God

Luke 1:43: Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, calls Mary "the mother of my Lord."

In a Jewish context, "Lord" (Kyrios in Greek) refers to God. Elizabeth recognizes Mary as the mother of the divine Messiah.

Luke 1:35: 

The angel Gabriel tells Mary, "The holy one to be born will be called the Son of God."

Mary is the mother of Jesus, who is both fully God and fully man.

Galatians 4:4: 

"But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman."

This verse highlights that God’s Son was born through Mary, confirming her role as the Mother of God.

Historical Support

The Council of Ephesus (AD 431)

The title Theotokos (God-bearer) was affirmed by the Church at the Council of Ephesus in response to the Nestorian heresy, which separated Jesus' divinity and humanity. The council declared:

Jesus is one Person with two natures (divine and human), not two separate persons.

Mary is rightly called the Mother of God because she gave birth to Jesus, who is God.

Early Church Fathers

St. Ignatius of Antioch (AD 110): 

“Our God, Jesus Christ, was conceived by Mary.”

St. Irenaeus (AD 180): 

Described Mary as the "new Eve" whose obedience brought salvation through Jesus.

Logical Explanation

Who is Jesus?

 If Jesus is truly God and Mary gave birth to Him, it logically follows that Mary is the Mother of God. This does not mean Mary is the origin of God’s divinity, but she is the mother of the Person of Jesus, who is fully God and fully man.

Denying Mary as Mother of God Undermines Jesus’ Divinity

 If Mary is not the Mother of God, it implies Jesus is not God during His earthly life, which contradicts Scripture and Church teaching.

Addressing Common Objections

1. "Mary is only the mother of Jesus’ human nature, not His divine nature."

A mother gives birth to a person, not a nature. Mary bore Jesus, who is one Person with two natures. Denying her role undermines the unity of Christ’s divinity and humanity.

2. "The Bible never uses the term 'Mother of God.'"

The term Theotokos is a theological clarification based on Scripture, similar to how "Trinity" is not explicitly mentioned but accurately describes the Godhead.

3. "Worshiping Mary is idolatry."

Catholics do not worship Mary; we honor her as the mother of Jesus. This honor reflects her unique role in God’s plan of salvation.

Why It Matters

Understanding Mary as the Mother of God safeguards the truth about Jesus’ identity as God and man. This belief strengthens Christian unity and deepens appreciation for God’s incarnation.

Conclusion

Mary’s role as the Mother of God and Jesus’ divinity are deeply rooted in Scripture, affirmed by history, and supported by logic. Recognizing Mary’s unique role not only honors her but also magnifies the glory of Jesus Christ, true God and true man.

Ave Maria!