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Does this passage support the Roman Catholic view of the sinlessness of Mary?

Claim:

Upon seeing Mary, the angel Gabriel says, “Mary, full of grace.” (Lk. 1:28; Douay-Rheims). Roman Catholic authorities claim that this supports the notion that Mary was sinless. Is this the case?

Response:

Catholic expert James McCarthy argues, “The angel, however, never said that Mary was ‘full of grace’ (Luke 1:28 Douay-Rheims). This Roman Catholic translation is based on the Latin texts. Translations from the original Greek read ‘Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you’ (Luke 1:28). God favored Mary by choosing her to bear His Son, not by preserving her from Adam’s sin. God blessed Mary ‘among women’ (Luke 1:28 KJV), not above women.”

  1. ^

    McCarthy, James G. The Gospel According to Rome. Eugene, Or.: Harvest House, 1995. 196.

About The Author
James Rochford

James earned a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, graduating magna cum laude. He is the founder of Evidence Unseen and the author of several books. James enjoys serving as a pastor at Dwell Community Church in Columbus, Ohio, where he lives with his wife and their two sons.