The Bible emphasizes salvation through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16). It involves repenting of sin and trusting in Jesus' death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins.

Most theologians and scholars affirm that the Bible does not contain genuine contradictions, though it does contain paradoxes and differences in perspective or audience. Apparent conflicts are often resolved through careful study of the context, language, and historical background.

A woman who had given birth to a son was ceremonially "unclean". This meant she was unable to enter the temple for worship for seven days or until the circumcision of the child. Then for 33 more days she was not allowed to come into the sanctuary. After 40 days she needed to come to the temple and be purified by offerings prescribed by Jewish law. And so, according to these commands, Mary and...