Some of those who in the past have been reluctant to accept the doctrine of Mary's Immaculate Conception have felt that the doctrine takes away from the biblical affirmations, that all human beings have "sinned in Adam" (Rom 5:12) and that all, without exception are in need of salvation in Jesus (cf. 1Jn 11-12). In defining the doctrine, the Church is careful to show that God created Mary Immaculate precisely through the salvation won for us in Jesus' passion, death and resurrection. She was chosen in Christ and because of Christ and through Christ before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4) holy and spotless.

Quite unfortunately, many people, even Catholics, confuse the doctrine of Mary's Immaculate Conception with her virginal conception of Jesus. Both doctrines are closely linked as one profound mystery of grace but they are two different doctrines, dealing with two different realities, and so must be carefully distinguished for a fuller and correct understanding.