Assumption of Mary
— A Biblical Examination Hebrews 11:5 (KJV)
“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”
Scripture clearly records that Enoch was taken by God without dying. His bodily assumption is mentioned explicitly. In contrast, there is no mention of Mary being bodily assumed into heaven. The doctrine of the Assumption of Mary has no scriptural foundation.
Enoch and Elijah: Scriptural Examples of Bodily Assumption
Genesis 5:24 (KJV)
“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”
2 Kings 2:11 (KJV)
“And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire… and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.”
Enoch and Elijah are the only two individuals in the Bible explicitly described as being taken up bodily into heaven. These events are detailed in the text and affirmed without ambiguity.
No Mention of Mary’s Assumption
Mary is mentioned in the Gospels and in Acts 1:14, where she is found praying with the disciples after Christ’s ascension. After that, Scripture gives no record of her life, death, or any bodily assumption into heaven.
The doctrine of the Assumption of Mary was formally declared centuries after the completion of Scripture and is based on tradition, not revelation.
Scripture Is Sufficient and Complete
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (KJV)
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
Doctrine must be grounded in Scripture. A teaching without any biblical support cannot be considered a valid part of Christian faith.
1 Corinthians 4:6 (KJV)
“...that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written…”
Believers are instructed not to go beyond what is written. Doctrines must remain within the bounds of the revealed Word of God.
Summary of Key Passages
| Topic | Scripture Reference | Biblical Teaching |
|---|---|---|
| Enoch taken bodily | Hebrews 11:5; Genesis 5:24 | Enoch was taken by God, clearly described in Scripture |
| Elijah taken bodily | 2 Kings 2:11 | Elijah went up into heaven by a whirlwind |
| No record of Mary’s assumption | — | Scripture is silent on any assumption of Mary |
| Scripture is complete and sufficient | 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 1 Corinthians 4:6 | All doctrine must be based on what is written in Scripture |
Conclusion
The bodily assumption of Enoch and Elijah is recorded and confirmed in Scripture. No such account exists for Mary. The doctrine of Mary’s assumption is not supported by the Bible and is not mentioned in any inspired text. Biblical doctrine must rest on the authority of God’s Word alone, not on tradition or human declaration.