Over the recent years there have been quite a few manifestations of Mary in various forms such as, bleeding palms, weeping statutes of Mary, and photo-like images of Mary.  Can Bible believing Christians accept these things and follow their counsels?

Dear Reader,

        Before writing anything about Mary, let me first say that Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus, was a very privileged person to be selected to be the mother of Jesus Christ.  We are all happy for her and thank God for choosing her to be the mother of Jesus Christ.

        Now having said this about Mary, let us consider some other facts about her.  While Mary was very privileged to be the mother of Jesus, it must be borne in mind that she was, and so remained until her death, a human being like any other Jewish woman, or like any other godly woman living today.  She is now in the grave awaiting the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

        All the Marian apparitions we have been hearing and reading about are none other than unbiblical information.  Sincere Christians will have to weigh all the facts they read about Marian apparitions against what the Bible says.  If the Bible says that when we die we sleep in the grave, and that at the resurrection Jesus will raise our dead bodies, then these apparitions are misleading and are to be set aside.

        For example, here is what the Bible says about death and the resurrection: (John 6:40 KJV) And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.  Jesus says that all that believe in him will be raised up when he returns on that great resurrection morning.  This means Mary, who is dead, will also be raised up on that day.  Here is another statement from Jesus: (John 6:54 KJV) Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

        Again, in this text Jesus promises to resurrect all those individuals that believe in him and obey his voice.  This means that Mary, who was a believer in Jesus will also be resurrected at the end of time.  Nowhere in the Bible does it say that Mary was resurrected and that she is in heaven.  We know that Moses, Elijah, and Enoch are there because the Bible tells us so. At the transfiguration of Jesus the disciples saw Moses, and Elijah: (Mat 17:1, 2 KJV) And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart. And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.  (Mat 17:3 KJV) And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

        And concerning Enoch, the Bible says, (Gen 5:24 KJV) And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.  We know that others have been resurrected at the resurrection of Jesus, for the Bible says, (Mat 27:52, 53 KJV) And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose: And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.  But who these persons are we have no clue.  The Bible does not give their names.  It would be folly and unwise for us to start speculating about who these resurrected individuals might be. 

        Finally, if these Marian apparitions are not actually Mary, since she is dead and buried, and since we have no information that she was resurrected, who then are they?  Christians must always remember that their foundation of truth must ever be founded on the Bible.  The Bible must always be our only rule of faith. 

        Concerning these apparitions this is what I say, (Isa 8:20 KJV) To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.  These apparitions are bound to be false since they are not according to the Word of God.  Here is what the Bible says further on this, (2 Cor 11:14 KJV) And no marvel; for satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

        Yes, the Devil is out to deceive all that do not put their trust in God’s Word.  He will do all sorts of miraculous things as we approach the last days.  He knows that his end is near, and he is trying to deceive as many as he can.  Let us not be hoodwinked by him.  Yes, friends, let us not be fooled by miracles and apparitions today.  Let us test all these miraculous things by the Word of God.  If they contradict the Word then we are to throw them out lest we be deceived.  May God bless you and give you courage to trust His Word.  God bless.

         Pastor Ron is a retired Adventist pastor. Reach him at ron.hende@gmail.com. with your comments.