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(5)
That the Messiah should be born of a virgin.
Prophecy.--Isa. vii. 14. Behold a virgin shall conceive and bring forth a Son.
Jer. xxxi. 22. The Lord hath created a new thing on the earth; a woman shall compass a
man. (N.B. The ancient Jews applied this prophecy to the Messiah, whence it follows,
that the later interpretations to the contrary are only to avoid the truth which we profess;
viz., That Jesus was born of a virgin, and therefore is THE CHRIST or Messiah.--
Bishop Pearson on the Creed, Art. III, p.171, edit. 1715, folio).
Fulfilment.--Matt. i. 24, 25. Joseph took his wife, and knew her not, till she had
brought forth her first-born son. Compare Luke i. 26-35. Matt. i. 22, 23. All this was
done, that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Behold a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a son.
(6)
Where the Messiah was to be born.
Prophecy.--Mic. v. 2. Thou Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the
thousands of Judah; yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be the ruler in
Israel.
Fulfilment.--Luke ii. 3-6. All went to be taxed (or enrolled), every one into his own
city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, with Mary his espoused wife, unto
Bethlehem; and while they were there she brought forth her first-born son. Compare
also Luke ii. 10, 11, 16 and Matt. ii. 1, 4-6, 8, 11; John vii. 42.
(7) That a prophet, in the spirit and power of Elias, or Elijah,
should be the Messiah's forerunner, and prepare His way.
Prophecy.--Mal. iii. 1 and iv. 5; Isa. xl. 3; Luke i. 17.
Behold, I will send My
messenger, and he shall prepare My way before Me.
Fulfilment.--Matt. iii. 1. In those days came John the Baptist preaching in the
wilderness of Judæa, saying, Repent ye, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matt. xi. 14;
Luke vii. 27, 28. This is Elias which was for to come.
(8)
That the Messiah was to be a Prophet.
Prophecy.--Deut. xviii. 15, 18.
I will raise them up a Prophet from among their
brethren, like unto thee.
Fulfilment.--John iv. 19. The woman saith unto Him, Sir, I perceive that Thou art a
Prophet. John ix. 17. He is a Prophet. Matt. xxi. 46. They took Him for a Prophet.
Mark vi. 15. It is a Prophet, or as one of the Prophets. Luke vii. 16. A great Prophet is
risen up among us. John vi. 14. This is of a truth that Prophet, which should come into
the world. John vii. 40. Of a truth this is the Prophet. Luke xxiv. 19. Jesus of