[ Return to Scripture Reference Index ]

Definition: Mary, the immaculate perpetually Virgin Mother of God, after the completion of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heaven. - Pope Pius XI on November 1, 1950

Note: This does not mean Mary ascended into heaven. Jesus did so by his own power. Mary was assumed into heaven by the power of God at the end of her earthly life.

Scripture:

2 Kings 2:11 Elijah is taken into heaven at the end of his earthly life.
Genesis 5:24 Enoch is taken into heaven at the end of his earthly life.
Matthew 27:53 It is the case that the gates of heaven are opened, and if God assumes righteous people like Elijah into heaven, how much more His mother who has the unique role of being Queen Mother in the kingdom of heaven.

Typology of the Queen Mother
Luke 1:32 Jesus sits on the throne of David as a son of David. In the Davidic kingdom which is a type of the kingdom of God, the Queen was not the wife of the king. Instead it was the mother of the king who served as Queen. (1 Kings 2:19-20). This tradition that began with Solomon lasted nearly 400 years. The Queen mother served as the kings confidant and advisor. Her position was official (1 Kings 15:13). She had to be disposed in order to be removed.

Revelations 11-12 describe Mary in her role as Queen Mother. A woman gives birth to a son who will rule the nations. This woman, who is clearly Mary, is also crowned with 12 stars representing the 12 tribes of Israel.

In the wedding at Cana we can see the importance Jesus places on obeying his mother, even though his time had not yet come.

Explanation:
Understanding how others in the Bible were assumed into heaven, how Mary is the Queen Mother, it is not a far cry to understand how Mary would also be assumed into heaven given her unique role in salvation history. The assumption of Mary is not explicitly spelled out in Scripture, but either is the canon of scripture, the doctrine of the Trinity, or other doctrines. The interpretation of revelation sometimes takes time. History though, in the writings of the fathers, as well as non-Christian writings attest to the belief that Mary was assumed into heaven. This early testimony also helps show that Mary was indeed assumed.