How can I prove that Christ was a virgin?

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This issue came up in another discussion forum, posed by a non-Christian. What answer can I give, and what evidence can I present him?
I think he’ll be satisfied with some specific Buble quotes, or at least proof that the Church teaches the perpetual virginity of Christ.
 
Well, first we show that the Bible claims Christ never sinned, so could not have had pre- or extra-marital relations:

:bible1: “Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators nor idolaters nor adulterers nor boy prostitutes nor sodomites” 1 Corinthians 6:9

:bible1: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15

Then we show that Christ was not married. Consider the following passages:

:bible1: “For I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God, since I betrothed you to one husband to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:2

:bible1: “Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church, he himself the savior of the body. As the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, that he might present to himself the church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. So (also) husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “For this reason a man shall leave (his) father and (his) mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church. In any case, each one of you should love his wife as himself, and the wife should respect her husband.” Eph. 5:21-33

:bible1: “One of the seven angels who held the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come here. I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” He took me in spirit to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God.” Revelation 21:9-10

Throughout scripture it is the Church that is depicted as the Bride of Christ. If Christ had a human wife, this understanding would never have come about.
 
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Reepicheep:
This issue came up in another discussion forum, posed by a non-Christian. What answer can I give, and what evidence can I present him?
I think he’ll be satisfied with some specific Buble quotes, or at least proof that the Church teaches the perpetual virginity of Christ.
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as an apologist you are not required to prove that Jesus Christ was a virgin, that he did not marry Mary Magdelen or anybody else, or to prove any other assertion about him that forms Christian doctrine. Your opponent is obliged to provide proof for any contention he is making. He will be forced to do what Dan Brown did, rely on forged documents or quote the work of spurious historians and scholars with no credibility.
 
Chris Jacobsen:
Jesus is a man, therefore he cannot be a virgin.
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Being a man does not necessarily exclude the possibility that one is a virgin. However, Christians likewise consider Him not merely a man, but God-man.

Gerry 🙂
 
Why should you have to prove anything, let those who claim Jesus wasn’t a virgin provide the proof. They are the ones wetting their knickers over such a silly hypothetical.
 
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yinekka:
Why should you have to prove anything, let those who claim Jesus wasn’t a virgin provide the proof. They are the ones wetting their knickers over such a silly hypothetical.
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Agreed. Let them provide the evidence, then we can discuss it more fully. For now I’ll cease commenting on this topic.

Gerry 🙂
 
Some people want proof for everything. I know it’s an fallacious argument to make an argument on the absence of evidence, but isn’t it strange that in all the Biblical writings about Jesus – THE Messiah, Redeemer of all of mankind – and his 33 years on Earth, not one mentions his wedding, wife or kids?

Jesus’ wedding is prophesized in Revelations. It’s the eternal post-Judgment Day feast. WE are the bride. Christ is without sin, as is his bride, the Church. He washes us pure with his blood, and we will be worthy.
 
Chris Jacobsen:
Jesus is a man, therefore he cannot be a virgin.
Click to expand...
Chris, are you saying that only women can be virgins? Or are you saying it is impossible for a male to be continent?
 
Chris Jacobsen:
Jesus is a man, therefore he cannot be a virgin.
Click to expand...
??? Does this mean that you believe that only women can be virgins? If you do, you are wrong.
 
Thanks to all who posted answers. I have enough to make a stab at it now.

…The Peace of Christ to each of you.
 
I know you have lots of material, but this is such an interesting question that lies at the foundation of the Catholic vocation movement so a few more ideas might help.

We have had over a million (very very conservative estimate) virgin monks, priests and nuns since Christ and they were only human. Most of the apostles we presume were virgins as we have no record of their children. So Mary and the apostles started the monastic orders by their example. We have the two most important people of the 20th century coming out of this Catholic tradition. Also God gives himself a Grand Child when he gives a couple a child so he wouldn’t short circuit the process and be both father and grand father.

See my post on homosexuality being disordered, to understand the spiritual paternity of virginity.
John
 
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Reepicheep:
This issue came up in another discussion forum, posed by a non-Christian. What answer can I give, and what evidence can I present him?
I think he’ll be satisfied with some specific Buble quotes, or at least proof that the Church teaches the perpetual virginity of Christ.
Click to expand...
Nobody has to prove anything. Jesus is the beautiful unblemished lamb of God that was sacrificed for the sins of humanity & that says it all.
Bless you,
Shannin
 
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