This addresses how an individual can benefit from Jesus' work. Answer: Salvation (forgiveness of sins and eternal life) comes through faith in Jesus Christ.   Biblical Explanation: Faith and Grace: Jesus' apostles consistently taught: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one...

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...

Jesus often used simple stories that sometimes confused His listeners. Answer: Jesus used parables to reveal the truth to those whose hearts were open to hear and to conceal the truth from those who were willfully hostile or spiritually dull. Biblical Explanation: The Purpose of Concealment and Revelation: When the disciples asked why He spoke in parables, Jesus answered, "The knowledge...

Yes, the Gospels mention Jesus having brothers (James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas) and sisters (Mark 6:3, Matthew 13:55-56). Interpretations vary on whether these were biological children of Mary and Joseph, step-siblings, or cousins.