The True Mary

The Roman Catholic Church has it so wrong when it comes to this passage and their view of Mary. They exalt Mary so much that there is Mariology and Mariolatry. They have so venerated Mary that she becomes superior to her son. We must assert that we will have nothing to do with these teachings. There are further errors like the Assumption of Mary and the Immaculate Conception of Mary. They see her as a co-Redemptrix, playing a vital role in the salvation of individuals. Love makes errors known and warns people that if they believe these things, they will be lost for all eternity. These errors are not consistent with the teaching of Luke. Yet we must not overreact to the errors and deny the truth about Mary. She is in glory. She did play an unusual role in God's work of redemption. We admire God's work in her without engaging in Mariology. We want to look at the visitation of Mary from two perspectives

1. a historical event for mankind
   These verses record a historical event that is part of God's eternal plan for mankind
   Luke is acting as a precise historian. This was a unique day for Mary and the history of mankind (1:26). It is part of the unfolding of God's eternal plan of redemption. This scene is the unfolding of Genesis 3:15.

• setting the scene: the messenger comes
• surveying the scene: Mary finds grace
• summary of salvation in the scene: the Messiah will come to rule as King over His people

2. a personal event for Mary
   We all have some role to play a role in God's work of redemption.
   Mary is privileged
   Mary faced perplexity
   Mary is an example of grace
   Mary embraced the gospel