THE AGGRANDIZEMENT OF MARY  BY STEVE FINNELL

Should the Virgin Mary be aggrandized above all  who have ever lived? Many believe she should be, however, it is not a Scriptural reality. The aggrandizement of Mary was contrived my men, not by God.

WAS MARY BLESSED? YES, HOWEVER.

Luke 11:27-28 While Jesus was saying these things , one women in the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, "Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breasts at which You nursed." 28 But He said, "On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of of God and observe it."

Jesus did not elevated Mary above all others.

Luke 1:45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord."

Mary was blessed because of what she believed.

Luke 8:20-21 And it was reported to Him, "You mother and Your brothers are standing outside, wishing to see You." 21 But He answered and said to them, "My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it."

Jesus had the opportunity to exalt Mary above all others, but He did just the opposite.

Mary was not, nor is she the only one blessed.

Proverbs 8:32 "Now therefore, O sons, listen to me, For blessed are they who keep my ways.

Men were being blessed long before the Virgin Mary arrived on the scene.

Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it: for the time is near.

The readers of Revelation can be blessed, however, they, nor Mary are to be worshiped.

Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is the one who has part in the first resurrection...

Blessed are those of the first resurrection. They are blessed. They not to idolized. They not to be prayed to.

James 1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres

 under trail; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

All men have the chance to be blessed by the Lord. Being blessed is not restricted to the Virgin Mary.

The Virgin Mary was not supposed to be aggrandized above all others, she was not be worshiped, nor idolized, nor elevated higher than all mankind. Mary was blessed but she was not, nor is she divine.

Mary cannot answer prayers nor can she act a mediator between men and God nor as a mediator between men and Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:5...one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.)

MARY'S AGGRANDIZEMENT WAS CONTRIVED BY MEN, NOT GOD.