Today, we will cover another facet of Mary's life. Thus far, according to Scripture, we know that Mary was a Godly, yielded young lady. In every sense of the word, she was devoted to her God. But, she was not without sin. She needed a Savior (Luke 1:46). We also know that Mary and Joseph had a normal marital relationship after Jesus was born (Mark 6:3); she was not a perpetual virgin, as many suppose. What about the teaching that Mary ascended after she died?
According to Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox tradition, between three and fifteen years after Christ's Ascension, in either Jerusalem or Ephesus, Mary died while surrounded by the apostles. Later when the apostles opened her tomb, they found it empty and concluded that she had been bodily assumed into Heaven.
(Religion Facts: http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/beliefs/mary.html)
There is no Scripture indication AT ALL that Mary ascended after her death. Notice the reference states this is taught based on "tradition". Girls, we simply cannot build our Christian doctrine on traditions. We must have Scriptural authority for what doctrines we adhere to and those that we reject.
One common argument for those seeking to elevate Mary to a position of worship is that the angel spoke to Mary saying, "blessed art thou among women." Indeed Mary was blessed; but, the word the angel used was among---not above. A very important reference to consider is Mark 3:32-35.
And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.
And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?
And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.
There can be no doubt that Mary was truly a God-fearing young woman. Her humbleness, her willingness to obey the Lord, and her yielded spirit should lead us to admire her---even strive to have those same characteristics in our own lives. But, to idolize Mary is false worship. Our prayer should be the same as Mary's in Luke 1:46,
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 9
Galatians 3
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