Another thing I note, which partly refers back to the post about the safety of our Scriptures: As Peter noted of Paul's letters, they were already acknowledged as Christian scriptures. Jesus' best friend (the equivalent of Abu Bakr in closeness), the man John is known by many names. The Apostle John, Saint John-as in the Gospel according to St. John, or as John the son of Zebedee, a Son of Thunder, he had much to say. The latter names are used more by those who want to prove separation from the concepts of sainthood associated with the Catholic and other Orthodox churches. He lived into the second century A.D., staying on the island of Patmos in his later years. So not only did the various apostles and disciples have a chance to interact, they read each other's writings. Might they have helped edit, make suggestions, or remind the other of something left out? Certainly.
As a would-be writer, I know that many versions of every manuscript exist. I might think something is finished, but then something new occurs to me. So I have no problem with something that was not in the earliest manuscripts being actually part of Scripture. Fortunately, I do not need to worry. All of the important theology is included in the earliest manuscripts, so nothing really is left to injure my faith.
And my faith is not in the writings of herders, prophets, kings, or fishermen, or the occasional priest. It is in the power of my Father to protect what He leaves for us. It is in the Holy Spirit to guide men. Men were used, fallible ones. But the All Powerful, Ever present Creator is bigger and stronger. To that I can trust. As you probably do too, but I have signs and proofs of the works in which I believe, not to mention the work of the Holy Spirit in my heart. You can believe whatever you want. I merely note that some objections have answers.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Zany Xina Visits New Hammam
Ladies, our Reporter about town has returned raving about the services available at Zestful Zainab's Hammam. Since they specialize in women only, they are able to offer longer hours being open. Providing the ordinary services, they go farther in trying to make your trip a pleasant one. Offering assorted scents in the oils and creams available, they provide towels and cloths at the nominal price. Assistants for extra scrubbing or massages are extra. Lest you think your cleanliness extravagant, the owner promises that you will be pleased to know your money goes to support women struggling to survive.
She told me that they hire slaves and recent captives. At night the place is cleaned by women missing arms or legs. "They just need one arm to scrub," she explained. "We put them wherever they are needed, all they have to do is be able to reach the floor!"
She finds these captives by having men report when told of women their right hands were tired of possessing. She offers a buyout program for them. Following after the raids, her crew have been able to rescue the others before they bled to death. She provides a home for them, with honest work-massages or cleaning only. We do not discriminate for age or size, or religion, she promised.
She demonstrated a variety of creams, encouraging us to come to refresh our skin or just get clean. It's a fresh water sauna, though they have salt water to soak in too. She wants to meet all our needs. She emphasized, "we have a well you know not of."
She told me that they hire slaves and recent captives. At night the place is cleaned by women missing arms or legs. "They just need one arm to scrub," she explained. "We put them wherever they are needed, all they have to do is be able to reach the floor!"
She finds these captives by having men report when told of women their right hands were tired of possessing. She offers a buyout program for them. Following after the raids, her crew have been able to rescue the others before they bled to death. She provides a home for them, with honest work-massages or cleaning only. We do not discriminate for age or size, or religion, she promised.
She demonstrated a variety of creams, encouraging us to come to refresh our skin or just get clean. It's a fresh water sauna, though they have salt water to soak in too. She wants to meet all our needs. She emphasized, "we have a well you know not of."
Excerpts from the Medina Post
News-PALM TREES DESTROYED, DATE CROPS PREDICTED TO BE DOWN FOR SEVERAL YEARS
The palm trees at Abdullah's Oasis have been decimated. His assistants estimate a third of them have been cut down. Reports from other corners have stated that this is especialy true among the tallest specimens across the Medina area. During the recent raids at least 50 were used for crosses. Hundreds more were carted off by Uthman and his crew. An associate had only this to add-they are necessary for future needs. The owner was unavailable for comment. A servant admitted his employer had not been seen since the day of the last raid. Rumors of his death are unconfirmed.
Questions and Comments
The following questions have been sent to us. As usual we publish them as written. Editorials and such do not constitute endorsement of these opinions by our staff. Readers are welcome to respond.
We're always being told about those who "transgress beyond bounds," as if that were a bit extreme. So I ask, how do you trangress within bounds? STEPPING LIGHTLY
"By the Mount (of Revelation); by a degree Inscribed, In a Scroll Unfolded" says a sura I heard. How do you unfold a scroll? Unroll yes, but do they really fold the scroll? Doesn't that make it hard to smooth it around the sticks that hold it together? Does anyone have a contact to the Alexandrian library or know some other expert?
I am confused. I've been told many times no one can bear the burdens of another. (Sura 53:38) Then I heard something else that seems to contradict it.
O Sons of Adam-For me, I intend to let thee draw on thyself my sin as well as thine, for thou wilt be among the Companions of the Fire, and that is the reward of those who do wrong.
My uncle said all who say Jesus is the Son of God are condemned. Since that includes the Jesus of the Bible, then it would seem that He is able to draw the sins of others upon Himself. And according to the Koran, He can bear my burdens- though other verses deny it. Of course that would mean Jesus was not sinless as the Koran claims. Anyone care to solve this dilemma for me? Kafar
The palm trees at Abdullah's Oasis have been decimated. His assistants estimate a third of them have been cut down. Reports from other corners have stated that this is especialy true among the tallest specimens across the Medina area. During the recent raids at least 50 were used for crosses. Hundreds more were carted off by Uthman and his crew. An associate had only this to add-they are necessary for future needs. The owner was unavailable for comment. A servant admitted his employer had not been seen since the day of the last raid. Rumors of his death are unconfirmed.
Questions and Comments
The following questions have been sent to us. As usual we publish them as written. Editorials and such do not constitute endorsement of these opinions by our staff. Readers are welcome to respond.
We're always being told about those who "transgress beyond bounds," as if that were a bit extreme. So I ask, how do you trangress within bounds? STEPPING LIGHTLY
"By the Mount (of Revelation); by a degree Inscribed, In a Scroll Unfolded" says a sura I heard. How do you unfold a scroll? Unroll yes, but do they really fold the scroll? Doesn't that make it hard to smooth it around the sticks that hold it together? Does anyone have a contact to the Alexandrian library or know some other expert?
I am confused. I've been told many times no one can bear the burdens of another. (Sura 53:38) Then I heard something else that seems to contradict it.
O Sons of Adam-For me, I intend to let thee draw on thyself my sin as well as thine, for thou wilt be among the Companions of the Fire, and that is the reward of those who do wrong.
My uncle said all who say Jesus is the Son of God are condemned. Since that includes the Jesus of the Bible, then it would seem that He is able to draw the sins of others upon Himself. And according to the Koran, He can bear my burdens- though other verses deny it. Of course that would mean Jesus was not sinless as the Koran claims. Anyone care to solve this dilemma for me? Kafar
Monday, November 26, 2007
Post 12 Revisited
Friday, October 19, 2007
Post 12-Forgeries: duplications and imitations
Mohammed was called a forger, and teller of tales of the ancients multiple times throughout the Koran. Instead of coming up with new analogies to illustrate his point, Mo borrows many Biblical terms, although some he uses differently. Here are some comparisons borrowed, but not a comprehensive list of each time used.This time I have included an explanation of why the sura verses are copies of ideas from the Bible, or at least words and expressions. I have listed for some the actual address of where the original verses are. For others, I've given an explanation or paraphrase as I remember it.
Quoting actual verses takes much longer. I've delayed doing this as it takes a lot of time. My concordance doesn't list everything, so I'd have to go to a Strong's Concordance or a Vine's, or some other one of book length that mentions every listing of whatever word you remember is part of the verse you're looking for. My doing this will be shorter since it's not a direct quote most of the time. But should you have a question and cannot locate a Bible, please email me and I will take the time to quote it exactly.
Acquainted with all things, grief S6:103
Isaiah 53:3 is a prophecy of messiah-of Jesus, saying He would be a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.
Ask for forgiveness 70 times-S9:80 (if you do, Allah won't give it)
Jesus was asked how many times one should forgive, even 70 times? Jesus answered even if he sins 70 times 7, or 490 times, one should forgive. Matthew 18:22
Baptism S2:138
John the Baptist (Yahya) came before Jesus, announcing that the kingdom of heaven was at hand, and that everyone should repent, and prepare for the coming king (messiah). He dunked them in the Jordan. Later, in Mt. 28:18-20, Jesus told his disciples "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Scripture mentions the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins and the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Braiding of strands S16:92
A threefold cord is not soon broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12
Brotherhood S49:10 (without a Father?)
We are adopted into the family of God, with Jesus as our older brother, the firstborn. Because our nature is sinful, we also have to be born again, to receive the spirit of God in us. Jesus, being the Son of God, has the same nature as the Father-being sinless. When He forgives us and gives us His Spirit, God becomes our father. Thus all other believers (Christians) are our brothers. One place it's mentioned is I Peter 2:17. How do you have a brotherhood without a father?
Come to thy Lord S89:28
Jesus told a story of those who would be rewarded versus those that wouldn't be. He said the first group would be told, "Well done thou good and faithful servants," come into the presence of thy master. Then the others would be told, "Go away, I never knew you." This was based on how they treated others- "In as much as you did it unto the least of these my brethren, you did it unto me": if you gave them food if they were hungry, drink when they were thirsty, lonely, or in prison, and you visited them, and so on. Mt.25:21,23.
Cupful S78:34
Psalm 23 speaks of the protection of the Lord as Him being the good shepherd. It proceeds from there. "He setteth a table before me in the presence of mine enemies." Also, John-not Yahya, but St. John-the disciple and Jesus' best friend, asked if he and his brother could sit beside him when He came into his kingdom. (Or maybe it was John's mother who asked.) He said it was not his to give. And spoke of what might or might not be required of them, as their cup, drinking of this cup, etc.
Dead raised up (pre-Mohammed) S6:36
Jesus raised several from the dead, including a close friend Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha from Bethany. And he spoke of the end times when all the dead would be raised.
Deafness of hearts, veiled so can't see S6:25, 17:45-46
2 Corinthians 3:15-16 explains why some don't believe the gospel. Jesus also spoke of eyes that see not, ears that hear not, etc.
Dry bones S36:78
Prophecy in Ezekial, where lots of bones will be put back together at the end, some so dry they've become dust. Ezek.37:4
East and west S43:38
Psalm 103:12 and other places. As far as the east is from the west, so far will He remove our sins from us. (So we do not have to carry them around as a burden of leftover sins, but can have them forgiven. He also forgets them.)
Eye of the Needle S7:40
Mt. 19:24 Jesus said it was harder for a camel to go through the eye of the needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. But, He said, all things are possible with God. It is supposed to be a geographic place.
The even way (strayed from...) S5:80
Jesus said, Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Mt. 7:13-14.(So we aren't supposed to follow the crowd, but take the way to God even if it is difficult.
First death S37:59
One of John's five books-Revelation-the last book of the Bible, discusses the first and second resurrections, with the first and second deaths also included or assumed. First death is bodily, second is being thrown into the lake of fire. Rev. 20:4-6,14-15, 21:2.
Good news S22:34, 37 and 39:14
The word "gospel" (injil) means good news. So when we tell someone the gospel of Jesus, we are telling him that we have good news. He doesn't have to wait until he earns God's love to be forgiven or merit Heaven. It is a free gift that God wants us to have. That's pretty good to me-beating the "great news" that Mohammed preached. (You cannot know that you are forgiven, you can only try to earn it to be God's slave, not a son. And you can't really even know God, but only have someone else give you god's message.)
God has purchased the Believers S9:111 (with what?)
When God sent His Son to die for us, His Blood purchased our forgiveness. We were slaves to sin, and destined for hell. He purchased us out of our servitude to Satan, so the devil no longer owns us. God transferred us to His Own Kingdom (and family.) We are told we were purchased by a great price, and do not belong to ourselves, but to God, so we are not to live for ourselves. Heb. 2:11 says He is not ashamed to call us his brethren.
Godhead S43:15. 42:21
The term for the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In this blog I have tried to explain the roles of each. However, I admit it is difficult to understand how the three though different can coexist so that it is true that there is one God, not three.
First Corinthians chapter 13 says we see in a mirror dimly but then shall see face to face. We know in part, but then shall know as we are now fully known. I think it is somewhat like a funnel. God has to explain to finite man in a way that we can understand. He takes a concept too immense-of understanding His Being, His action, and interaction with us, and tries to narrow it down into something we can comprehend.
Great News S78:2
See good news. With the great news, Mohammed could not even provide reassurance for his daughter Fatima, his first wife K., or anyone else.
Great Salvation S85:11
So great a salvation-How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? Judgment will now begin with the church -so He disciplines us. Hebrews 2:3.
Guiding the Blind S10:43, 13:16, 19
Mt.15:14, 23:16 parables of Jesus. One speaks of the blind leading the blind-in reference to religious leaders who do not know what they are talking about, but only tie others up into following rules difficult to follow, some of which they do not even bother with, but put onto other as burdens.
Haman and Pharaoh S28:6,8 and 28:38, 29:39, 40:24,36
See post about this. Haman was about a thousand years difference in time in Susa, not in Egypt with Pharaoh.
Hearts understand not, eyes...,ears... S7:179
Jesus said that the Pharisees and others had hearts that understand not, and ears that hear not, etc. or else they would hear and see, and repent.
Heaven, well done, enter here S39:73
See Come to the Lord explanation.
Holy Spirit S2:87, 5:113, 16:102, other places
Jesus told his disciples it was necessary that He return to His father because then He would send the Holy Spirit, who would lead us into His ways, seal us, instruct us in all things. John 15:26,16:7-14. He gave instructions to his followers that they should not leave Jerusalem until them received it, because it would give them power to accomplish His work. Acts 1:8
The book of Acts (The Acts of the Apostles) gives the account of when and where they received it. (See chapter two.) And they did get to work sharing the good news -as newly empowered men.
The first sermon after that-given by Peter wherein he explained to the crowds what had happened to them, resulted in over 3000 being saved the first day. Then the Lord added to them in the following days and weeks. Also, they had the Old Testament with the testimony of King David and the prophets that the Holy Spirit did not have a bodily form, but came and indwelt those being given power by God to equip them.
They did not sit around for 600 years waiting for Mohammed, twiddling their thumbs as they would have done if Mohammed was the fulfillment of the prophecy. Some of this description of the Holy Spirit is where Mo got his instructions about his functions and calling himself the seal of the prophet, in order to claim that he was the fulfillment of previous messages.
If could return from the dead S6:27-28, 23:99
Jesus told a story of a poor man named Lazarus, (different than the guy who was raised from the dead), who went to heaven. When a rich man died, he saw Lazarus with God, and thinking the man was still deserving to be his servant, he asked to have him sent down to hell to bring him water. But he was told that was not possible, so the man asked if the beggar could be sent to warn his brothers who were still alive. In the story, the rich man was told that if they did not listen to Moses, they would not listen to anyone-even if they returned from the dead.Luke 16:19-31
Justification 77:6
Being declared righteous before God. Romans 3:24,28, 4:25, 5:1,9. And the entire chapter seven of Romans explains the dilemma-how can I be free of sin? Even when I do not want to do evil, I find that I do it. I agree with God that some things are wrong, but I keep doing them. The question is posed, "who shall deliver me from this body of death?" The answer goes into chapter eight. "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,...." With explanations of His solutions on how to stop sinning once you've been forgiven-the Holy Spirit comes and indwells you, guiding you, changing you, and even helping you pray. I John 1:9 adds that even if we sin later, we confess our sins, and he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The Bible says we have an advocate-Jesus Christ the Righteous. (Always good to have a lawyer/intercessor wherever you have to go to court!)
Keys S6:59, 42:12
Mt. 16:19 Jesus said to Peter, "I have given you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and upon this rock it will stand." Catholics believe He was setting up the first pope. But He had asked Peter who he thought Jesus was, and Pete had given the right answer. ("Thou are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." To which Jesus replied, "Blessed are thou, Simon bar Jonas, because God has revealed this unto you."
Protestants believe it is upon this precept that Jesus was building, not the person. Though, of course, Peter was the leader of the church at Jerusalem, along with the Lord's brother James. (Peter was crucified upside down because he refused to be executed the way his Lord was, saying he wasn't worthy of it.)
Lay foundation on sand (cliff) 9:109
Mt.7:21-27.Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your Name, and cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?" And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you: depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!" Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Now everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and dos not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.
Left houses and brethren-Mohammed says that those who have lost homes, and suffered, and fought are not equal to those who have not. Jesus said those who left houses and brethren to go in His Name to (peacefully) tell others about Him, would have benefits too-in this world and in the next. Mt. 19:29, Mark 10:29-30 But He also said "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me...." Mk.8:34
Light S24:35-37,40
John (gospel of, not the letters)1:4,5,7,9, Mt. 5:14,16, I John also
Jesus said I am the Light of the World, Jn 8:12.
Man having two masters S39:29
Jesus said no man could serve two masters, either he would love the love and hate the other, or hate the one, etc. His point was we cannot serve God and mammon (riches, the world.)
Mohammed releases from heavy burdens S7:157, also follow the light in that verse
Jesus said: come to me all you who are weak and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am gentle and lowly of heart, and you shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Mt.11:28-30.
Moses serving for wife yr. S28:27
Moses didn't serve for a wife. When he stumbled through the desert, he was taken in by a shepherd man (a priest of Midian named Jethro) who had several daughters, and no strong sons. He helped defend them from rude men who were taking advantage of the lack of males: forcing the women's sheep away from the wells to let their own flocks drink first, etc. Moses married one of the daughters, Zaporah. They didn't make him wait a long time.
Jacob (Israel) served seven years, thinking it was for Rachel. Then he was tricked, and they gave him Leah, her older sister. So he had to serve another seven years for Rachel. But he deserved this because he had already tricked his brother into giving up his inheritance and birthright, lied to his father while the man lay dying, and lived a life of deception. (The name Jacob means deceiver. That is why God made him change, both his name and his behavior.
New Heavens and a new earth S14:48
Revelations talks of the new heaven and new earth coming down: with a New Jerusalem, where those who are written in the book of Life can enter. They will have no need for light. Rev. 22:5 ...They need no lamp nor light of the sun for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.
New life S16:92
We receive new life when we invite Jesus to come into our hearts, forgive our sins, and fellowship with Him. That is called being born again: when after repentance we find we have experienced contact with God, have the worry and burden of sin removed. And we have peace with Him. See John 3:16 and much of the New Testament
No burden except what it can bear S7:42
Second Corinthians 10:13. God is merciful, with whatever trial or temptation He gives us, He doesn't give us more than we can bear, but with each temptation, provides a way to escape.
Oaths S2:225, making/breaking 2:224-225 (it's ok)
Jesus told His disciples not to make oaths, because it was too serious. If something came up wherein we had to break our oaths to God, it would be bad because God expects us to honor our words. He told them to let their yes's be yes's and no's be no's. Everything more than this, He said, led to sin. The Bible also tells us that an honorable man fulfils his oath or promise, even if it is to his own detriment, rather than breaking his oath.
One day is as a 1000 years S22:47
2Peter 3:8, Ps. 90:4. One day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Peter discusses the mercy of God, and that in His patience He is not willing that any should perish, but desires all to come to repentance (and to know Him.)
Opposite of Psalm 1 is S14:26, and surrounding verses
See post about Psalm One.
Pharaoh worries about them changing their religion S40:26.
Pharoah isn't concerned about their religion. He has his own. He is worried about his slaves leaving. Who will do the work then? Moses' message is "let my people go."
Pharaoh's wife takes baby Moses S28:9
Pharaoh's daughter found him in the bulrushes. Mohammed does have it right that he was placed in a basket and put into the water. He wasn't just floating downstream, his family had his basket in the plants growing near the land. This Pharaoh's wife isn't mentioned. The next one, the brother to the woman who got and raised Moses is the one who has the wife. He's the one to whom Moses said let my people go. Exodus.
Problems of nursing mothers S22:2
Jesus tells people that one day they'll be attacked, and on that day, they should not go back to get anything, and He says woe to those that nurse, etc.
Render back trust to whom it is due S4:58
Owe no man anything but to love one another. Another place says give love to whom love is due, honor to whom honor is due, trust, etc.
Seal our hearts S2:7 (to not believe in Islam), 4:155
2 Cor.1:22, Ephesians 1:13, 2 Tim.2:19
The Holy Spirit is our seal. He not only protects us to make sure we get to heaven safely, His presence is proof of God's promise. He will lead us home safely directing and protecting us. But we must listen as He guides us. Scripture warns us againt searing our consciences and grieving the Holy Spirit. Eph. 4:30. (So yes, if the Spirit is guiding and protecting us, we should have our hearts sealed againt Islam.)
Oh, another example of seals is in Revelation. They have a whole bunch, btw Rev. 5:2 asks who is worthy to break the seals? The answer is Jesus, the Lamb of God.
Spiritual life as running a race S2:148, 79:4
I Cor.9:24, Galatians 2:2, 5:7, Acts 20:4. One of most famous is 2 Tim 4:6,7-8 ...the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
The straight way, path, etc. S4:68, 6:39, 6:87, 7:16, 37:118, 36:61, 5:18, 6:153, 6:160, 22:54, 42:52, way that is straight 3:101, 10:25, 2:142
See the even way.
Trumpet S36:51
They are mentioned several places in Scriptures. Mt.24:31, I Cor. 15:52, I Thessalonians 4:16, Revelations-several places. Most important is when the body of Christ, i.e. the Church, is caught up together with Him in the clouds-when He returns, at the last trumpet.
Truth S10:35
Jesus said He was The Way, The Truth, and The Life. John 14:6
Twinkling of an eye S26:40
I Cor. 15:52. When we are caught up, it will be in a twinkling of an eye,a moment, therefore with no warning, so we should all be ready for it.
Verily, verily S78:5
King James translation says "verily, verily I say unto thee..." many places where Jesus is emphasizing that He is speaking the truth, and they need to take the things seriously. Other versions say "truly, truly," or "I am speaking the truth...."
Virgins with lights S57:13
Mt. 25:1-13. Another parable of Jesus. He speaks of being ready. Telling of virgins who are waiting to go to a marriage supper. The foolish ones have no oil for their lamps. The ones who are prepared wait, while the others leave to go buy oil. While they're gone, the bridegroom comes, taking the ones who are equipped. They leave to go to the reception. When the others return, they find the door closed and they cannot get in.
When you are wronged fight S42:39, approximate eye for eye 42:40, but forgiving ok too S40:43.
Mt.5:38 When your enemy slaps you on one cheek, turn to him the other, if he makes you go one mile, go with him two. If he asks for your coat, give him your cloak as well. v43-46 says "You have heard that it was said, you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?"
Jesus did seriously believe in forgiveness and mercy. He prayed for those who crucified Him, "Father forgive them, they know not what they do." He stopped Peter from fighting the high priest's servants, telling him to put away his sword. And he healed the man who's ear Peter cut off.
Whoso will S73:19, 76:29, 78:39, 80:12, approximate 81:28
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him should have everlasting life. John 3:16
Witnesses to the nations S2:143
Mt. 28:18-20, Jesus told them in Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit is come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Then he is taken up into the clouds.)
Works are as ashes S14:18
I Cor. 3:10-15. Even though Christians will be forgiven their sins, they will have to stand before the Lord to have their deeds judged, to account for every word, etc. If the works are not of quality, they will be burnt up, but the believer will still get into heaven, though without lots of rewards. Others who do not receive the blood of Jesus to forgive their sins, but must stand to account for their own sins, will go to hell. God will judge them. To those with the law, under the law. Without it, as without it, as the law of god is written on our hearts.
Yokes on unbelievers S34:33, yokes 36:8, 40:71
All men have yokes or burdens. It is the Savior's desire to free men of them. See Galatians 5:1. We're to carry each other's burdens, Gal.6:2.
Also, there will be no marrying in Heaven-we will be like angels (asexual), not becoming angels, but we won't have wives, Jesus said. Mt. 22:30, Mk. 12:25.
I am struck with sadness, that someone with so much knowledge of the Bible spoke to Mohammed. Whether an associate such as Abu Bakr, or someone helping him plagiarize, or whether of his family and friends who witnessed to him, arguing. He heard the full gospel, and denied it, directing others away from it too. I know he had heard some from childhood-visiting Christian monks even in his early travels-though I do not know if they were heretics. Yet he had exposure to the Bible, along with his culture. It is argued too thoroughly throughout the Koran, for his opposition to have been only pagan idol worshippers.
I challenge all to read the New Testament, and then reread the Koran. You will understand more fully Mohammed's remarks. And he said you could-if you have any question, ask the People of the Book, or look at our Scriptures.
Post 12-Forgeries: duplications and imitations
Mohammed was called a forger, and teller of tales of the ancients multiple times throughout the Koran. Instead of coming up with new analogies to illustrate his point, Mo borrows many Biblical terms, although some he uses differently. Here are some comparisons borrowed, but not a comprehensive list of each time used.This time I have included an explanation of why the sura verses are copies of ideas from the Bible, or at least words and expressions. I have listed for some the actual address of where the original verses are. For others, I've given an explanation or paraphrase as I remember it.
Quoting actual verses takes much longer. I've delayed doing this as it takes a lot of time. My concordance doesn't list everything, so I'd have to go to a Strong's Concordance or a Vine's, or some other one of book length that mentions every listing of whatever word you remember is part of the verse you're looking for. My doing this will be shorter since it's not a direct quote most of the time. But should you have a question and cannot locate a Bible, please email me and I will take the time to quote it exactly.
Acquainted with all things, grief S6:103
Isaiah 53:3 is a prophecy of messiah-of Jesus, saying He would be a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.
Ask for forgiveness 70 times-S9:80 (if you do, Allah won't give it)
Jesus was asked how many times one should forgive, even 70 times? Jesus answered even if he sins 70 times 7, or 490 times, one should forgive. Matthew 18:22
Baptism S2:138
John the Baptist (Yahya) came before Jesus, announcing that the kingdom of heaven was at hand, and that everyone should repent, and prepare for the coming king (messiah). He dunked them in the Jordan. Later, in Mt. 28:18-20, Jesus told his disciples "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Scripture mentions the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins and the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Braiding of strands S16:92
A threefold cord is not soon broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12
Brotherhood S49:10 (without a Father?)
We are adopted into the family of God, with Jesus as our older brother, the firstborn. Because our nature is sinful, we also have to be born again, to receive the spirit of God in us. Jesus, being the Son of God, has the same nature as the Father-being sinless. When He forgives us and gives us His Spirit, God becomes our father. Thus all other believers (Christians) are our brothers. One place it's mentioned is I Peter 2:17. How do you have a brotherhood without a father?
Come to thy Lord S89:28
Jesus told a story of those who would be rewarded versus those that wouldn't be. He said the first group would be told, "Well done thou good and faithful servants," come into the presence of thy master. Then the others would be told, "Go away, I never knew you." This was based on how they treated others- "In as much as you did it unto the least of these my brethren, you did it unto me": if you gave them food if they were hungry, drink when they were thirsty, lonely, or in prison, and you visited them, and so on. Mt.25:21,23.
Cupful S78:34
Psalm 23 speaks of the protection of the Lord as Him being the good shepherd. It proceeds from there. "He setteth a table before me in the presence of mine enemies." Also, John-not Yahya, but St. John-the disciple and Jesus' best friend, asked if he and his brother could sit beside him when He came into his kingdom. (Or maybe it was John's mother who asked.) He said it was not his to give. And spoke of what might or might not be required of them, as their cup, drinking of this cup, etc.
Dead raised up (pre-Mohammed) S6:36
Jesus raised several from the dead, including a close friend Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha from Bethany. And he spoke of the end times when all the dead would be raised.
Deafness of hearts, veiled so can't see S6:25, 17:45-46
2 Corinthians 3:15-16 explains why some don't believe the gospel. Jesus also spoke of eyes that see not, ears that hear not, etc.
Dry bones S36:78
Prophecy in Ezekial, where lots of bones will be put back together at the end, some so dry they've become dust. Ezek.37:4
East and west S43:38
Psalm 103:12 and other places. As far as the east is from the west, so far will He remove our sins from us. (So we do not have to carry them around as a burden of leftover sins, but can have them forgiven. He also forgets them.)
Eye of the Needle S7:40
Mt. 19:24 Jesus said it was harder for a camel to go through the eye of the needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. But, He said, all things are possible with God. It is supposed to be a geographic place.
The even way (strayed from...) S5:80
Jesus said, Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Mt. 7:13-14.(So we aren't supposed to follow the crowd, but take the way to God even if it is difficult.
First death S37:59
One of John's five books-Revelation-the last book of the Bible, discusses the first and second resurrections, with the first and second deaths also included or assumed. First death is bodily, second is being thrown into the lake of fire. Rev. 20:4-6,14-15, 21:2.
Good news S22:34, 37 and 39:14
The word "gospel" (injil) means good news. So when we tell someone the gospel of Jesus, we are telling him that we have good news. He doesn't have to wait until he earns God's love to be forgiven or merit Heaven. It is a free gift that God wants us to have. That's pretty good to me-beating the "great news" that Mohammed preached. (You cannot know that you are forgiven, you can only try to earn it to be God's slave, not a son. And you can't really even know God, but only have someone else give you god's message.)
God has purchased the Believers S9:111 (with what?)
When God sent His Son to die for us, His Blood purchased our forgiveness. We were slaves to sin, and destined for hell. He purchased us out of our servitude to Satan, so the devil no longer owns us. God transferred us to His Own Kingdom (and family.) We are told we were purchased by a great price, and do not belong to ourselves, but to God, so we are not to live for ourselves. Heb. 2:11 says He is not ashamed to call us his brethren.
Godhead S43:15. 42:21
The term for the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In this blog I have tried to explain the roles of each. However, I admit it is difficult to understand how the three though different can coexist so that it is true that there is one God, not three.
First Corinthians chapter 13 says we see in a mirror dimly but then shall see face to face. We know in part, but then shall know as we are now fully known. I think it is somewhat like a funnel. God has to explain to finite man in a way that we can understand. He takes a concept too immense-of understanding His Being, His action, and interaction with us, and tries to narrow it down into something we can comprehend.
Great News S78:2
See good news. With the great news, Mohammed could not even provide reassurance for his daughter Fatima, his first wife K., or anyone else.
Great Salvation S85:11
So great a salvation-How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? Judgment will now begin with the church -so He disciplines us. Hebrews 2:3.
Guiding the Blind S10:43, 13:16, 19
Mt.15:14, 23:16 parables of Jesus. One speaks of the blind leading the blind-in reference to religious leaders who do not know what they are talking about, but only tie others up into following rules difficult to follow, some of which they do not even bother with, but put onto other as burdens.
Haman and Pharaoh S28:6,8 and 28:38, 29:39, 40:24,36
See post about this. Haman was about a thousand years difference in time in Susa, not in Egypt with Pharaoh.
Hearts understand not, eyes...,ears... S7:179
Jesus said that the Pharisees and others had hearts that understand not, and ears that hear not, etc. or else they would hear and see, and repent.
Heaven, well done, enter here S39:73
See Come to the Lord explanation.
Holy Spirit S2:87, 5:113, 16:102, other places
Jesus told his disciples it was necessary that He return to His father because then He would send the Holy Spirit, who would lead us into His ways, seal us, instruct us in all things. John 15:26,16:7-14. He gave instructions to his followers that they should not leave Jerusalem until them received it, because it would give them power to accomplish His work. Acts 1:8
The book of Acts (The Acts of the Apostles) gives the account of when and where they received it. (See chapter two.) And they did get to work sharing the good news -as newly empowered men.
The first sermon after that-given by Peter wherein he explained to the crowds what had happened to them, resulted in over 3000 being saved the first day. Then the Lord added to them in the following days and weeks. Also, they had the Old Testament with the testimony of King David and the prophets that the Holy Spirit did not have a bodily form, but came and indwelt those being given power by God to equip them.
They did not sit around for 600 years waiting for Mohammed, twiddling their thumbs as they would have done if Mohammed was the fulfillment of the prophecy. Some of this description of the Holy Spirit is where Mo got his instructions about his functions and calling himself the seal of the prophet, in order to claim that he was the fulfillment of previous messages.
If could return from the dead S6:27-28, 23:99
Jesus told a story of a poor man named Lazarus, (different than the guy who was raised from the dead), who went to heaven. When a rich man died, he saw Lazarus with God, and thinking the man was still deserving to be his servant, he asked to have him sent down to hell to bring him water. But he was told that was not possible, so the man asked if the beggar could be sent to warn his brothers who were still alive. In the story, the rich man was told that if they did not listen to Moses, they would not listen to anyone-even if they returned from the dead.Luke 16:19-31
Justification 77:6
Being declared righteous before God. Romans 3:24,28, 4:25, 5:1,9. And the entire chapter seven of Romans explains the dilemma-how can I be free of sin? Even when I do not want to do evil, I find that I do it. I agree with God that some things are wrong, but I keep doing them. The question is posed, "who shall deliver me from this body of death?" The answer goes into chapter eight. "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,...." With explanations of His solutions on how to stop sinning once you've been forgiven-the Holy Spirit comes and indwells you, guiding you, changing you, and even helping you pray. I John 1:9 adds that even if we sin later, we confess our sins, and he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The Bible says we have an advocate-Jesus Christ the Righteous. (Always good to have a lawyer/intercessor wherever you have to go to court!)
Keys S6:59, 42:12
Mt. 16:19 Jesus said to Peter, "I have given you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and upon this rock it will stand." Catholics believe He was setting up the first pope. But He had asked Peter who he thought Jesus was, and Pete had given the right answer. ("Thou are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." To which Jesus replied, "Blessed are thou, Simon bar Jonas, because God has revealed this unto you."
Protestants believe it is upon this precept that Jesus was building, not the person. Though, of course, Peter was the leader of the church at Jerusalem, along with the Lord's brother James. (Peter was crucified upside down because he refused to be executed the way his Lord was, saying he wasn't worthy of it.)
Lay foundation on sand (cliff) 9:109
Mt.7:21-27.Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your Name, and cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?" And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you: depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!" Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Now everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and dos not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.
Left houses and brethren-Mohammed says that those who have lost homes, and suffered, and fought are not equal to those who have not. Jesus said those who left houses and brethren to go in His Name to (peacefully) tell others about Him, would have benefits too-in this world and in the next. Mt. 19:29, Mark 10:29-30 But He also said "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me...." Mk.8:34
Light S24:35-37,40
John (gospel of, not the letters)1:4,5,7,9, Mt. 5:14,16, I John also
Jesus said I am the Light of the World, Jn 8:12.
Man having two masters S39:29
Jesus said no man could serve two masters, either he would love the love and hate the other, or hate the one, etc. His point was we cannot serve God and mammon (riches, the world.)
Mohammed releases from heavy burdens S7:157, also follow the light in that verse
Jesus said: come to me all you who are weak and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am gentle and lowly of heart, and you shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Mt.11:28-30.
Moses serving for wife yr. S28:27
Moses didn't serve for a wife. When he stumbled through the desert, he was taken in by a shepherd man (a priest of Midian named Jethro) who had several daughters, and no strong sons. He helped defend them from rude men who were taking advantage of the lack of males: forcing the women's sheep away from the wells to let their own flocks drink first, etc. Moses married one of the daughters, Zaporah. They didn't make him wait a long time.
Jacob (Israel) served seven years, thinking it was for Rachel. Then he was tricked, and they gave him Leah, her older sister. So he had to serve another seven years for Rachel. But he deserved this because he had already tricked his brother into giving up his inheritance and birthright, lied to his father while the man lay dying, and lived a life of deception. (The name Jacob means deceiver. That is why God made him change, both his name and his behavior.
New Heavens and a new earth S14:48
Revelations talks of the new heaven and new earth coming down: with a New Jerusalem, where those who are written in the book of Life can enter. They will have no need for light. Rev. 22:5 ...They need no lamp nor light of the sun for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.
New life S16:92
We receive new life when we invite Jesus to come into our hearts, forgive our sins, and fellowship with Him. That is called being born again: when after repentance we find we have experienced contact with God, have the worry and burden of sin removed. And we have peace with Him. See John 3:16 and much of the New Testament
No burden except what it can bear S7:42
Second Corinthians 10:13. God is merciful, with whatever trial or temptation He gives us, He doesn't give us more than we can bear, but with each temptation, provides a way to escape.
Oaths S2:225, making/breaking 2:224-225 (it's ok)
Jesus told His disciples not to make oaths, because it was too serious. If something came up wherein we had to break our oaths to God, it would be bad because God expects us to honor our words. He told them to let their yes's be yes's and no's be no's. Everything more than this, He said, led to sin. The Bible also tells us that an honorable man fulfils his oath or promise, even if it is to his own detriment, rather than breaking his oath.
One day is as a 1000 years S22:47
2Peter 3:8, Ps. 90:4. One day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Peter discusses the mercy of God, and that in His patience He is not willing that any should perish, but desires all to come to repentance (and to know Him.)
Opposite of Psalm 1 is S14:26, and surrounding verses
See post about Psalm One.
Pharaoh worries about them changing their religion S40:26.
Pharoah isn't concerned about their religion. He has his own. He is worried about his slaves leaving. Who will do the work then? Moses' message is "let my people go."
Pharaoh's wife takes baby Moses S28:9
Pharaoh's daughter found him in the bulrushes. Mohammed does have it right that he was placed in a basket and put into the water. He wasn't just floating downstream, his family had his basket in the plants growing near the land. This Pharaoh's wife isn't mentioned. The next one, the brother to the woman who got and raised Moses is the one who has the wife. He's the one to whom Moses said let my people go. Exodus.
Problems of nursing mothers S22:2
Jesus tells people that one day they'll be attacked, and on that day, they should not go back to get anything, and He says woe to those that nurse, etc.
Render back trust to whom it is due S4:58
Owe no man anything but to love one another. Another place says give love to whom love is due, honor to whom honor is due, trust, etc.
Seal our hearts S2:7 (to not believe in Islam), 4:155
2 Cor.1:22, Ephesians 1:13, 2 Tim.2:19
The Holy Spirit is our seal. He not only protects us to make sure we get to heaven safely, His presence is proof of God's promise. He will lead us home safely directing and protecting us. But we must listen as He guides us. Scripture warns us againt searing our consciences and grieving the Holy Spirit. Eph. 4:30. (So yes, if the Spirit is guiding and protecting us, we should have our hearts sealed againt Islam.)
Oh, another example of seals is in Revelation. They have a whole bunch, btw Rev. 5:2 asks who is worthy to break the seals? The answer is Jesus, the Lamb of God.
Spiritual life as running a race S2:148, 79:4
I Cor.9:24, Galatians 2:2, 5:7, Acts 20:4. One of most famous is 2 Tim 4:6,7-8 ...the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
The straight way, path, etc. S4:68, 6:39, 6:87, 7:16, 37:118, 36:61, 5:18, 6:153, 6:160, 22:54, 42:52, way that is straight 3:101, 10:25, 2:142
See the even way.
Trumpet S36:51
They are mentioned several places in Scriptures. Mt.24:31, I Cor. 15:52, I Thessalonians 4:16, Revelations-several places. Most important is when the body of Christ, i.e. the Church, is caught up together with Him in the clouds-when He returns, at the last trumpet.
Truth S10:35
Jesus said He was The Way, The Truth, and The Life. John 14:6
Twinkling of an eye S26:40
I Cor. 15:52. When we are caught up, it will be in a twinkling of an eye,a moment, therefore with no warning, so we should all be ready for it.
Verily, verily S78:5
King James translation says "verily, verily I say unto thee..." many places where Jesus is emphasizing that He is speaking the truth, and they need to take the things seriously. Other versions say "truly, truly," or "I am speaking the truth...."
Virgins with lights S57:13
Mt. 25:1-13. Another parable of Jesus. He speaks of being ready. Telling of virgins who are waiting to go to a marriage supper. The foolish ones have no oil for their lamps. The ones who are prepared wait, while the others leave to go buy oil. While they're gone, the bridegroom comes, taking the ones who are equipped. They leave to go to the reception. When the others return, they find the door closed and they cannot get in.
When you are wronged fight S42:39, approximate eye for eye 42:40, but forgiving ok too S40:43.
Mt.5:38 When your enemy slaps you on one cheek, turn to him the other, if he makes you go one mile, go with him two. If he asks for your coat, give him your cloak as well. v43-46 says "You have heard that it was said, you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?"
Jesus did seriously believe in forgiveness and mercy. He prayed for those who crucified Him, "Father forgive them, they know not what they do." He stopped Peter from fighting the high priest's servants, telling him to put away his sword. And he healed the man who's ear Peter cut off.
Whoso will S73:19, 76:29, 78:39, 80:12, approximate 81:28
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him should have everlasting life. John 3:16
Witnesses to the nations S2:143
Mt. 28:18-20, Jesus told them in Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit is come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Then he is taken up into the clouds.)
Works are as ashes S14:18
I Cor. 3:10-15. Even though Christians will be forgiven their sins, they will have to stand before the Lord to have their deeds judged, to account for every word, etc. If the works are not of quality, they will be burnt up, but the believer will still get into heaven, though without lots of rewards. Others who do not receive the blood of Jesus to forgive their sins, but must stand to account for their own sins, will go to hell. God will judge them. To those with the law, under the law. Without it, as without it, as the law of god is written on our hearts.
Yokes on unbelievers S34:33, yokes 36:8, 40:71
All men have yokes or burdens. It is the Savior's desire to free men of them. See Galatians 5:1. We're to carry each other's burdens, Gal.6:2.
Also, there will be no marrying in Heaven-we will be like angels (asexual), not becoming angels, but we won't have wives, Jesus said. Mt. 22:30, Mk. 12:25.
I am struck with sadness, that someone with so much knowledge of the Bible spoke to Mohammed. Whether an associate such as Abu Bakr, or someone helping him plagiarize, or whether of his family and friends who witnessed to him, arguing. He heard the full gospel, and denied it, directing others away from it too. I know he had heard some from childhood-visiting Christian monks even in his early travels-though I do not know if they were heretics. Yet he had exposure to the Bible, along with his culture. It is argued too thoroughly throughout the Koran, for his opposition to have been only pagan idol worshippers.
I challenge all to read the New Testament, and then reread the Koran. You will understand more fully Mohammed's remarks. And he said you could-if you have any question, ask the People of the Book, or look at our Scriptures.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Who is the Messenger and what is his role?
In this I do not say I accept the validity of the reports, but only desire to point out what the Koran claims. Some of the time he is listed as only a warner, a human, and no more than this. The others are not to bother him, or to ask for his help (like when he tells people not to come unless they are summoned, or only to come for dinner but not get there too early or stay too late.) At other times, they are considered rude if they do not appear when he has summoned them. And he is listed as being one who rules, and evaluates their problems and needs, that they should never question. And of course, there are the times that the faithful are told not to disobey whatever Allah and HIS MESSENGER decide. Obeying Allah is one thing. But how do we know that what the man says is what the eternal, invisible deity ordains?
This reminds me of two things. The first is a movie with Matthew Broderick in it, Ladyhawke. This man comes to him and tells him God has told him that he is to help the man in his plot. Broderick says politely, "no offense, but I talk to the Lord every day, and he never mentions you." Which I think is a great reply. Surely sometimes someone may have a prophecy for another. But oftentimes, it is someone using another's credulity to get his own will.
Another is a lesson from my generation. The Beatles were great fans of an old holy man from India-the Maharisi Mahish Yogi. (Or something like like. I was not a great fan of theirs, but nevertheless could not avoid reading about them. I did learn to appreciate some of their music, but my point is that I am not a well studied Beatles' expert.) They had him come to England, hung out with him, and followed him to India a couple of times. At one point, some of them left the yogi's compound and returned home. It turned out that in the name of holiness, the guy who kept others from having sex in order to maintain purity, ended up sleeping with quite a few of the young faithful. Of course, there was a "spiritual" reason involved. But some became suspicious that he was using them to get money and power, as well as fame and sex.
Anyway, this is one reason why any who are called to be faithful and submit to another's will (for all intents and purposes) should examine if there is any proof that the person is sent from God. Thus, asking for signs is a great protection against unfounded faith.
The following is an in-depth study of Mohammed as presented in the Koran. It is a topical study based mostly from the concordance given (although most had been underlined by me as I read the verses themselves in context.) Some others have been added that I picked up by myself.
Mohammed asserts himself that he is merely a man, a messenger. (18:110, 25:7, 41:6, 3:144, 17:94.) He says if others reject his mission, that is their problem, he is merely a warner of men. He says he is not responsible for arranging their affairs.(6:66,107, 10:108, 17:54, 26:216, 39:41, 42:6, 88:21-22.) Yet this man who asks no rewards of others (12:104, 25:57, 34:47, 38:86, 42:23, 52:40, 68:46) changes.
He is a judge. (4:49,65,83,105; 5:48, 24:51, 42:15.) They are to obey him.
(3:32, 4:59, 64,69, 5:92, 8:2-21,46, 9:71, 24:51-54, 33:33,36,71, 47:33, 48:16-17, 49:14, 58:13, 60:12, 64:12.) Below I quote some of these, or paraphrase.
They are to speak to him with respect-not merely politely, but to ask permission to go and come 24:62. In Sura 49:1-5, he adds more details.
V.1 They are not to put themselves forward before A. & H. M.
V.2 They aren't to raise their voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to him as they would to someone else.
V.3 They should lower their voices in the presence of A's M (to show piety.)
V.4 Apparently they've been shouting out to him from outside of his Inner Apartments.
V.5 It would be better for them if they had patience to wait until Mo came out.
V.9 If two parties fight, then everyone of the believers is to fight them until the transgressor complies. (And in v. 11 and following, he explains they shouldn't make fun of each other or call names.)
Some of this is just good sense and governing, but it definitely establishes Mo as more than just a warner (like Jeremiah, or some of the Old Testament prophets-like Elijah, etc.) All that would be fine when it is consensual-after all, even King Arthur had his knights in submission-as does any effectual ruler. If he followed 26:216, I'd be more or less okay with it.
Then if they disobey you, say, "I am free (of responsibility) for what you do. (Allah's instruction to Mohammed.) But in actuality, he did not. After he went to Medina, he got himself appointed as intermediary between two tribes so as to peacefully arbitrate. (Or so they thought!) It was in this role that he started out killing those who opposed him. He had two Jewish tribes slaughtered, obliterated.
This (and having people killed who made up songs and poems about him) starts to make folks be a lot more careful about what they say and do. Or as we would say-this takes it up to a whole 'nother level! (Or notch.)
88:212-222 You give admonition, for you are one to admonish...not one to manage (men's) affairs.
4:59. Obey A. and obey the M, and those charged in authority among you. If you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to A. & H. M. ...that is best and most suitable for final determination. (In v. 60 it says that apparently some were going to those who believe in the prior revelations.)
8:1...spoils of war are at the disposal of Allah and the Messenger...so obey A & H.M.
8:20-21 The believers are told to obey A. & H. M., and not to turn away from him when he speaks, nor to say "we hear," when they don't listen.
24:51-56 tells them not merely to swear oaths they will obey, but to actually obey.
59:7 What A. has bestowed on H.M. (and taken away from the people of the township-belongs to A., -to H.M. and to kindred and orphans, the needy and the wayfarer in order that it may not (merely) make a circuit between the wealthy among you. So take what the M. assigns to you, and deny yourselves that which he withholds from you.
In another place he gives a whole long list of who all are entitled to the alms (and goods from the raids) which did not include those who gave water to the pilgrims or managed the Ka'aba. I got the impression they were only to get half salaries if they had not repented. I may have been reading between the lines, but that is a moot point as later those who did not accept the messenger were removed altogether from their jobs.
I also note he mentions buying and trading out dowries, giving a large payment to women he marries and doesn't have sex with to allow them to leave. He offers to give a benevolent sum in setting some of his wives free in case they want to leave. He also discusses receiving fealty oaths from women. Going further would lead to speculation. But apparently he was very generous with the women. His male followers are told to take what he allows them and not to complain. He praises those who give sacrificially to others, or who receive little without grumbling.
8:41 And know that out of all the booty that you may acquire (in war), a fifth share is assigned to Allah, -and to the M., and to near relatives, orphans, the needy, and the wayfarer.
48:16-17 Talks about being summonded to war. It says "...he that obeys A. and H.M.-(Allah) will admit to Gardens beneath which rivers flow", i.e.-paradise or heaven.
So not only are they to obey him in having matters settled, he has the right to call them to battle (right over life and death.)
33:36 It is not fitting for a Believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by A. & H.M., to have any option about their decision.
That is why Zaid and his wife had no option but to do what Mo said. Though he declares 53:3-4. V.3 (speaking of Mohammed) "Nor does he say (anything) of (his own) Desire." V.4 "It is no less than Inspiration sent down to him."
4:65 So the holy ones "can have no (real) Faith until they make you judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance against your decion, but accept them with the fullest conviction. Verse 64 makes the point, "we did not send a Messenger but to be obeyed." If they failed but came and asked the M. for forgiveness, A. would have been "Most Merciful."
Those coming are also told to spend in charity before they consult with Mohammed in private. 58:12-13.
4:105 asserts A. sent the Book to Mo so he could judge between men. V. 107 he isn't to "contend on behalf of such as betray their own souls..." although v.109 makes it unclear whether he isn't supposed to contend against them.
42:16 But those who dispute concerning A., after He has been accepted-futile is their dispute in the sight of their Lord-on them is Wrath, and for them will be a terrible penalty. V.18 only those wish to hasten it who do not believe in it. (The hour of judgment/destruction/death.)
4:89 explains-if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them wherever you find them.
So we see it moving from those who joyfully hear and obey, to those who reconsider having no rights. And it moves on to those who do not want to be included (warned or summoned, or anything.)
24:48 But when they are summoned to A. and H.M., in order that he may judge between them, behold some of them decline (to come.)
V.50 Is it that they have a disease in their hearts? Or do they doubt, or are they in fear, that A. and H.M. will deal unjustly with them?
V. 63 instructs them, "Deem not the summons of the Messenger among yourselves like the summons of one of you to another." (I think there is another verse that says when summoned, they sometimes pretend not to hear, and don't come.) V. 62 says those who are righteous don't leave without permission. (Throughout the passage it tells what right behavior would be.)
63:5 And when it is said to them, "Come the M. of A. will pray for your forgiveness," they turn aside their heads and you would see them turning away their faces in arrogance. V.6a It is equal to them whether you pray for their forgiveness or not. Allah will not forgive them.
Sura 9
Verse 58-Among them are men who slander you in the manner of (the distribution of) the alms. If they are given part thereof, they are pleased, but if not they are indignant! V.59 If only they had been content with what A. and H.M. gave them, and had said, "sufficient unto us is A! A. and H.M. will soon give us of His bounty: to A. do we turn our hopes!" (that would have been the right course.)
V.60 Alms are for the poor and needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of A. and for the wayfarer....
In the context of this sura, and the smaller passage, they come to prayer without earnestness, offer contributions unwillingly, and if they had a place to flee to, would hide and not go fight. To his face, they swear by A. but they are of the hypocrites-who rejected faith after they had accepted it.
9:17 It is not for such as join gods with A. to visit or maintain mosques of A. while they witness against their own souls to infidelity. The works of such bear no fruit: in Fire shall they dwell. V.18 The mosques of A. shall be visited and maintained by such as believe in A. and the Last Day, establish regular prayers, and practice regular charity and fear none (at all)except A.
He probably should have added "and the Messenger," as surely the priests feared God, prayed, and so on. Their failure was in not accepting the Messenger. V.19 Do you make the giving of drink to pilgrims, or the maintenance of the Sacred Mosque equal to the pious service of those who believe in A. and the Last day, and strive with might and main in the cause of A. ...?
He says after this year, the pagans aren't to approach the Sacred Mosque(9:28). In fact, the believers are to fight them. This includes Jews and Christians. "There are indeed many among the priests and anchorites who ...hinder (them) from the Way of Allah" (and bury gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah: announce to them a grievous penalty. I.e., they'll go to hell, plus the Muslims will fight them here.)
9:29 Fight those who do not believe in A. nor the Last Day. Nor hold that forbidden which has been forbidden by A. and H.M., nor acknowledge the Religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.
This is an absolute dictator, not a mere warner. He controls their finances, their disputes, their eternal salvation, whose funerals they can attend or mourn. (9:84, 113), even down to how loudly they may speak. (Perhaps benevolent despot, but despot nevertheless.) You may say "lord." I would agree. It's comparable to the Samarai's fealty. Given the price, I have to ask if he is worthy. But I also note the complete contradictions of being a warner not to dispose of your affairs and a messenger to be obeyed over every going and coming or speaking.
Supposedly,(46:9), Mohammed brings no new doctrine among the messengers. But having read Jesus' words, these are vastly different. (A man who tells his followers not to fight, and heals an injury to an opponent which his friend inflicted while trying to protect him while he was being arrested, and one who sends people out to fight even if they don't want to, have different standards and priorities. A man who asks his follower, "who made me the one to settle your affairs?" compared to one who tells people what they should do even if they don't want to hear, are not equal.)And of course their theologies of how to get to heaven are also different.
This reminds me of two things. The first is a movie with Matthew Broderick in it, Ladyhawke. This man comes to him and tells him God has told him that he is to help the man in his plot. Broderick says politely, "no offense, but I talk to the Lord every day, and he never mentions you." Which I think is a great reply. Surely sometimes someone may have a prophecy for another. But oftentimes, it is someone using another's credulity to get his own will.
Another is a lesson from my generation. The Beatles were great fans of an old holy man from India-the Maharisi Mahish Yogi. (Or something like like. I was not a great fan of theirs, but nevertheless could not avoid reading about them. I did learn to appreciate some of their music, but my point is that I am not a well studied Beatles' expert.) They had him come to England, hung out with him, and followed him to India a couple of times. At one point, some of them left the yogi's compound and returned home. It turned out that in the name of holiness, the guy who kept others from having sex in order to maintain purity, ended up sleeping with quite a few of the young faithful. Of course, there was a "spiritual" reason involved. But some became suspicious that he was using them to get money and power, as well as fame and sex.
Anyway, this is one reason why any who are called to be faithful and submit to another's will (for all intents and purposes) should examine if there is any proof that the person is sent from God. Thus, asking for signs is a great protection against unfounded faith.
The following is an in-depth study of Mohammed as presented in the Koran. It is a topical study based mostly from the concordance given (although most had been underlined by me as I read the verses themselves in context.) Some others have been added that I picked up by myself.
Mohammed asserts himself that he is merely a man, a messenger. (18:110, 25:7, 41:6, 3:144, 17:94.) He says if others reject his mission, that is their problem, he is merely a warner of men. He says he is not responsible for arranging their affairs.(6:66,107, 10:108, 17:54, 26:216, 39:41, 42:6, 88:21-22.) Yet this man who asks no rewards of others (12:104, 25:57, 34:47, 38:86, 42:23, 52:40, 68:46) changes.
He is a judge. (4:49,65,83,105; 5:48, 24:51, 42:15.) They are to obey him.
(3:32, 4:59, 64,69, 5:92, 8:2-21,46, 9:71, 24:51-54, 33:33,36,71, 47:33, 48:16-17, 49:14, 58:13, 60:12, 64:12.) Below I quote some of these, or paraphrase.
They are to speak to him with respect-not merely politely, but to ask permission to go and come 24:62. In Sura 49:1-5, he adds more details.
V.1 They are not to put themselves forward before A. & H. M.
V.2 They aren't to raise their voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to him as they would to someone else.
V.3 They should lower their voices in the presence of A's M (to show piety.)
V.4 Apparently they've been shouting out to him from outside of his Inner Apartments.
V.5 It would be better for them if they had patience to wait until Mo came out.
V.9 If two parties fight, then everyone of the believers is to fight them until the transgressor complies. (And in v. 11 and following, he explains they shouldn't make fun of each other or call names.)
Some of this is just good sense and governing, but it definitely establishes Mo as more than just a warner (like Jeremiah, or some of the Old Testament prophets-like Elijah, etc.) All that would be fine when it is consensual-after all, even King Arthur had his knights in submission-as does any effectual ruler. If he followed 26:216, I'd be more or less okay with it.
Then if they disobey you, say, "I am free (of responsibility) for what you do. (Allah's instruction to Mohammed.) But in actuality, he did not. After he went to Medina, he got himself appointed as intermediary between two tribes so as to peacefully arbitrate. (Or so they thought!) It was in this role that he started out killing those who opposed him. He had two Jewish tribes slaughtered, obliterated.
This (and having people killed who made up songs and poems about him) starts to make folks be a lot more careful about what they say and do. Or as we would say-this takes it up to a whole 'nother level! (Or notch.)
88:212-222 You give admonition, for you are one to admonish...not one to manage (men's) affairs.
4:59. Obey A. and obey the M, and those charged in authority among you. If you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to A. & H. M. ...that is best and most suitable for final determination. (In v. 60 it says that apparently some were going to those who believe in the prior revelations.)
8:1...spoils of war are at the disposal of Allah and the Messenger...so obey A & H.M.
8:20-21 The believers are told to obey A. & H. M., and not to turn away from him when he speaks, nor to say "we hear," when they don't listen.
24:51-56 tells them not merely to swear oaths they will obey, but to actually obey.
59:7 What A. has bestowed on H.M. (and taken away from the people of the township-belongs to A., -to H.M. and to kindred and orphans, the needy and the wayfarer in order that it may not (merely) make a circuit between the wealthy among you. So take what the M. assigns to you, and deny yourselves that which he withholds from you.
In another place he gives a whole long list of who all are entitled to the alms (and goods from the raids) which did not include those who gave water to the pilgrims or managed the Ka'aba. I got the impression they were only to get half salaries if they had not repented. I may have been reading between the lines, but that is a moot point as later those who did not accept the messenger were removed altogether from their jobs.
I also note he mentions buying and trading out dowries, giving a large payment to women he marries and doesn't have sex with to allow them to leave. He offers to give a benevolent sum in setting some of his wives free in case they want to leave. He also discusses receiving fealty oaths from women. Going further would lead to speculation. But apparently he was very generous with the women. His male followers are told to take what he allows them and not to complain. He praises those who give sacrificially to others, or who receive little without grumbling.
8:41 And know that out of all the booty that you may acquire (in war), a fifth share is assigned to Allah, -and to the M., and to near relatives, orphans, the needy, and the wayfarer.
48:16-17 Talks about being summonded to war. It says "...he that obeys A. and H.M.-(Allah) will admit to Gardens beneath which rivers flow", i.e.-paradise or heaven.
So not only are they to obey him in having matters settled, he has the right to call them to battle (right over life and death.)
33:36 It is not fitting for a Believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by A. & H.M., to have any option about their decision.
That is why Zaid and his wife had no option but to do what Mo said. Though he declares 53:3-4. V.3 (speaking of Mohammed) "Nor does he say (anything) of (his own) Desire." V.4 "It is no less than Inspiration sent down to him."
4:65 So the holy ones "can have no (real) Faith until they make you judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance against your decion, but accept them with the fullest conviction. Verse 64 makes the point, "we did not send a Messenger but to be obeyed." If they failed but came and asked the M. for forgiveness, A. would have been "Most Merciful."
Those coming are also told to spend in charity before they consult with Mohammed in private. 58:12-13.
4:105 asserts A. sent the Book to Mo so he could judge between men. V. 107 he isn't to "contend on behalf of such as betray their own souls..." although v.109 makes it unclear whether he isn't supposed to contend against them.
42:16 But those who dispute concerning A., after He has been accepted-futile is their dispute in the sight of their Lord-on them is Wrath, and for them will be a terrible penalty. V.18 only those wish to hasten it who do not believe in it. (The hour of judgment/destruction/death.)
4:89 explains-if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them wherever you find them.
So we see it moving from those who joyfully hear and obey, to those who reconsider having no rights. And it moves on to those who do not want to be included (warned or summoned, or anything.)
24:48 But when they are summoned to A. and H.M., in order that he may judge between them, behold some of them decline (to come.)
V.50 Is it that they have a disease in their hearts? Or do they doubt, or are they in fear, that A. and H.M. will deal unjustly with them?
V. 63 instructs them, "Deem not the summons of the Messenger among yourselves like the summons of one of you to another." (I think there is another verse that says when summoned, they sometimes pretend not to hear, and don't come.) V. 62 says those who are righteous don't leave without permission. (Throughout the passage it tells what right behavior would be.)
63:5 And when it is said to them, "Come the M. of A. will pray for your forgiveness," they turn aside their heads and you would see them turning away their faces in arrogance. V.6a It is equal to them whether you pray for their forgiveness or not. Allah will not forgive them.
Sura 9
Verse 58-Among them are men who slander you in the manner of (the distribution of) the alms. If they are given part thereof, they are pleased, but if not they are indignant! V.59 If only they had been content with what A. and H.M. gave them, and had said, "sufficient unto us is A! A. and H.M. will soon give us of His bounty: to A. do we turn our hopes!" (that would have been the right course.)
V.60 Alms are for the poor and needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of A. and for the wayfarer....
In the context of this sura, and the smaller passage, they come to prayer without earnestness, offer contributions unwillingly, and if they had a place to flee to, would hide and not go fight. To his face, they swear by A. but they are of the hypocrites-who rejected faith after they had accepted it.
9:17 It is not for such as join gods with A. to visit or maintain mosques of A. while they witness against their own souls to infidelity. The works of such bear no fruit: in Fire shall they dwell. V.18 The mosques of A. shall be visited and maintained by such as believe in A. and the Last Day, establish regular prayers, and practice regular charity and fear none (at all)except A.
He probably should have added "and the Messenger," as surely the priests feared God, prayed, and so on. Their failure was in not accepting the Messenger. V.19 Do you make the giving of drink to pilgrims, or the maintenance of the Sacred Mosque equal to the pious service of those who believe in A. and the Last day, and strive with might and main in the cause of A. ...?
He says after this year, the pagans aren't to approach the Sacred Mosque(9:28). In fact, the believers are to fight them. This includes Jews and Christians. "There are indeed many among the priests and anchorites who ...hinder (them) from the Way of Allah" (and bury gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah: announce to them a grievous penalty. I.e., they'll go to hell, plus the Muslims will fight them here.)
9:29 Fight those who do not believe in A. nor the Last Day. Nor hold that forbidden which has been forbidden by A. and H.M., nor acknowledge the Religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.
This is an absolute dictator, not a mere warner. He controls their finances, their disputes, their eternal salvation, whose funerals they can attend or mourn. (9:84, 113), even down to how loudly they may speak. (Perhaps benevolent despot, but despot nevertheless.) You may say "lord." I would agree. It's comparable to the Samarai's fealty. Given the price, I have to ask if he is worthy. But I also note the complete contradictions of being a warner not to dispose of your affairs and a messenger to be obeyed over every going and coming or speaking.
Supposedly,(46:9), Mohammed brings no new doctrine among the messengers. But having read Jesus' words, these are vastly different. (A man who tells his followers not to fight, and heals an injury to an opponent which his friend inflicted while trying to protect him while he was being arrested, and one who sends people out to fight even if they don't want to, have different standards and priorities. A man who asks his follower, "who made me the one to settle your affairs?" compared to one who tells people what they should do even if they don't want to hear, are not equal.)And of course their theologies of how to get to heaven are also different.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
In Honor of All Saints Day
Sorry for not posting this earlier. I wrote this Oct. 31 while waiting to see if I would be chosen on a jury panel. I was, so my mind has been on other issues even when I came home from jury duty.
In honor of All Saints Day, I again honor those believers, both Christian and Jewish who stood fast by the teachings handed down to them from their fathers, in the face of persecution. Not that I desire to elevate them beyond their level of faithfulness,I want but to respect their deeds.
According to the Bible, a saint is anyone who believes in our God. (The term is recorded in the Psalms as well as the New Testament. And yes, I do distinguish between those who were Christian and those who were Jewish.) It is not that miracles have been done in their name, but that they have remained faithful to His Name that I honor them.
I am sure they had their weaknesses. The Koran mentions arrogance. Mohammed accused them of miserliness. S3:180. Reluctance to donate money to the jihadists may have shown wisdom, but it also may have allowed those who were hungry to suffer. I do not know. That they jested and harassed their enemies may show less than perfect discernment. But who can fault them when their Lord's name is maligned, His identity denied, and His people tortured and killed.
Though their faces showed rage and hatred at times, 3:119 and 22:72, they gave water to the pilgrims at Mecca.9:19. They loved their enemies such that even those had to acknowledge it. 8:63. Their faithfuless to the Bible is recorded- they knew it as they knew their own sons. They invested so abundantly, it is recorded they spent their wealth to hinder the cause. 8:36. So, though they are selective, they are faithful stewards, who are far from miserly. (Especially if it can be said they built false mosques. 9:107) The Koran asserts that they were involved in plots to kill Mohammed. Though this may have been paranoia, certainly some fought. (And if you concoct a plan to fight your enemy who is working to kill you, is it accurate to call it a plot?)
This must have been difficult because some of their opponents were their fathers, brothers, sons, mates, kindred of all sorts-even wives and children. 9:23-24, 64:14. Though at times Mohammed asserts kindred has prior rights, 8:75, he does also draw the line at others. (Don't pray for them or mourn their death. 9:113.) Clearly this was civil war, along with intertribal conflicts. Though at times both parties tried to live at peace with each other-at others, they could bend no farther. They must stand for the truth, no matter the costs.
Lesser luminaries may have chosen easier paths-whether raiding for the sake of greed and not truly supporting Mohammed, or Christians who feigned belief in the Messenger in order to preserve themselves. In the midst of this horror there arose those of whom it was said-they will not believe! (In Islam.)
Since life continues after death eternally, I speak to them. My eyes tear up as I consider your bravery. Thank you. May we be as faithful.
In honor of All Saints Day, I again honor those believers, both Christian and Jewish who stood fast by the teachings handed down to them from their fathers, in the face of persecution. Not that I desire to elevate them beyond their level of faithfulness,I want but to respect their deeds.
According to the Bible, a saint is anyone who believes in our God. (The term is recorded in the Psalms as well as the New Testament. And yes, I do distinguish between those who were Christian and those who were Jewish.) It is not that miracles have been done in their name, but that they have remained faithful to His Name that I honor them.
I am sure they had their weaknesses. The Koran mentions arrogance. Mohammed accused them of miserliness. S3:180. Reluctance to donate money to the jihadists may have shown wisdom, but it also may have allowed those who were hungry to suffer. I do not know. That they jested and harassed their enemies may show less than perfect discernment. But who can fault them when their Lord's name is maligned, His identity denied, and His people tortured and killed.
Though their faces showed rage and hatred at times, 3:119 and 22:72, they gave water to the pilgrims at Mecca.9:19. They loved their enemies such that even those had to acknowledge it. 8:63. Their faithfuless to the Bible is recorded- they knew it as they knew their own sons. They invested so abundantly, it is recorded they spent their wealth to hinder the cause. 8:36. So, though they are selective, they are faithful stewards, who are far from miserly. (Especially if it can be said they built false mosques. 9:107) The Koran asserts that they were involved in plots to kill Mohammed. Though this may have been paranoia, certainly some fought. (And if you concoct a plan to fight your enemy who is working to kill you, is it accurate to call it a plot?)
This must have been difficult because some of their opponents were their fathers, brothers, sons, mates, kindred of all sorts-even wives and children. 9:23-24, 64:14. Though at times Mohammed asserts kindred has prior rights, 8:75, he does also draw the line at others. (Don't pray for them or mourn their death. 9:113.) Clearly this was civil war, along with intertribal conflicts. Though at times both parties tried to live at peace with each other-at others, they could bend no farther. They must stand for the truth, no matter the costs.
Lesser luminaries may have chosen easier paths-whether raiding for the sake of greed and not truly supporting Mohammed, or Christians who feigned belief in the Messenger in order to preserve themselves. In the midst of this horror there arose those of whom it was said-they will not believe! (In Islam.)
Since life continues after death eternally, I speak to them. My eyes tear up as I consider your bravery. Thank you. May we be as faithful.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Sexual Purity of Muslims-Suras 24 and 33
I have resisted posting this for several weeks. But with the boldness of giving copies of the Koran to Oklahoma state officials, I must overcome my hesitancy. They and all should know what the Koran actually teaches. For how can there be honest interaction without clear vision? Hiding from the truth merely allows lies to fester. Though any and all desire purity and faithfulness to their faith, let it be to a true faith, based on true truth (as Francis Schaeffer used to preach.)
Muslims put a lot of emphasis on sexual purity. The Koran says so. Not only should women be chaste, covering themselvs, they should avert their eyes. No one should commit adultery. Should they do so, they should only marry another similarly guilty, or an Unbeliever.
If they do sin, they should be flogged with one hundred stripes, with compassion failing to move the enforcer (who should be monitored by other believers.) Lest these accusations be made recklessly, they should produce four witnesses. If they don't, then the accusers themselves should be flogged with eighty stripes. And the evidence should be rejected. The main person bringing the accusation may earn an even more serious penalty. (V. 11)
If a man brings accusation with only his own testimony, his words can be heard if he bears witness four times with an oath from Allah that he is solemnly telling the truth. Then a fifth oath invokes the curse of Allah if he is telling a lie.
But the woman can avert the punishment if she bears witness four times with an oath to Allah that her husband is telling a lie. Then she makes a fifth oath invoking the wrath of Allah if the accusation is true. (I fear what would happen if she were an Unbeliever who claims innocence, but cannot invoke Allah.)
It charges them not to listen to gossip. Or even to enter someone else's home without permission. V. 27. Personally, I see that as a "Don't ask, don't tell" position.
Men are allowed four wives, not to mention sexual slaves that their right hand possesses. Those who cannot afford wives should keep themselves chaste. They should marry a believer, or a slave who is a believer. (24:26) The next is 24:33. They should not force their maids to prostitution in order that the men might make a gain in the goods of this life, if the women desire chastity. "But if anyone compels them, yet, after such compulsion, is Allah oft-forgiving, most merciful (to them)."
That quote in verse 33 has the "to them" in parenthesis. It should be noted that those words are not in the Arabic. And only the Arabic is the "inspired" version. As Muslims who study the Bible want to consider only the words in red, discounting any passages not spoken by Jesus Himself, and eliminate any verses noted "not in the earliest manuscripts," though included and accepted by church fathers, I think it fair to note their dedication to detail here.
I deduce that their dedication to sexual purity excludes the Unbelievers and slaves, to whom anything can be done without their permission. (And somehow the men's choices to behave this way does not reflect on them morally.) I guess that the slaves might disagree. I also note the verse in the previous paragraph does not condemn them if they do rent out women for prostitution.
The sura moves on to discuss the light of Allah, and of such purity in their homes. It notes that the deeds of the Unbelievers (who are limited to one wife if they are Christian) are like a mirage in sandy deserts that thirsty men mistake for water.
In the first thirty verses of Sura 33, many subjects are treated before he gets to the subject of marriage. One point is made in verses 4-5. Your adopted sons are not your sons, so you should call them by their father's names, or call them a brother in the faith. (I don't know what kind of adopting it is, if they aren't to be considered your son. That's just the definition of adoption to me, but maybe that's just me.) This is a very important point which he returns to later.
He discusses the battles with the Unbelievers, including the People of the Book who aided them. (Another name for Christians, and Jews). "Allah did take them down from their strongholds and cast terror into their hearts so that some ye slew and some ye made prisoners. And He made you heirs of their lands, their houses, and their goods," and extended the area under Islam's control. S.33:26.
After that event, Mohammed tells his consorts if they want a worldly life, he will set them free, "in a handsome manner." Apparently this is after their homes and property are destroyed, and their land is conquered by a bunch of men who consider Unbelievers fair game to capture (for their right hand to possess.) Or they can stay with the head honcho and have some protection. (A couple of his wives were captives taken in raids.)
He moves into what is expected of his women. V.30 If any of you were guilty of evident unseemly conduct, the Punishment would be doubled to her. But if devout in service to Allah, and his Apostle, she'll get a double reward.
Verses 31-35 discuss how his wives, and all Muslim men and women can guard their chastity, being "pure and spotless." This includes their speech and dress, and staying at home. If the men want to speak to unrelated women, they can speak to them separated by screens. And women can cover themselves when they go out.
Next the subject is Mohammed. As Christians, we are taught that teachers are held to a higher standard, James 3:3. The Koran agrees this is the case, in S.33:21, "Ye have indeed in the Apostle of Allah a beautiful pattern of (conduct) for anyone whose hope is in Allah." What higher standard does Allah's Messenger, the Seal of the Prophets," set? Well, Allah out of concern for a lack of example for the men, instructs Mohammed to take his adopted son's wife.
We joined her in service to thee: in order that (in future) there may be no difficulty to the Believers in the matter of marriage with the wives of their adopted sons, when the latter have dissolved with the necessary (formality) (their marriage), and Allah's command must be fulfilled." 33:37.
For all parties, there is no question about obedience. "It is not fitting for a Believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Apostle, to have any option about their decision: if anyone disobeys A. and H. A., he is indeed on a wrong path." V.36. So Zaid, Mohammed's adopted son, divorced his wife. (We don't know how he knew it was Allah's decision, othe than taking the Messenger's word on it.)
Of course, Mo really had no option either, as "Allah's command must be fulfilled." However, Allah chastens him, "Thou didst fear the people, but it is more fitting that thou shouldst fear Allah." V. 37. So He tells the Apostle to retain his wife in wedlock, and fear Him. As another defense, just in case someone think it's just the lust of an old man taking advantage of his followers, Allah confirms that it was an approved practice of old that had passed away. V.38. (I wonder why it passed away, or why I've never heard of it.)
Mohammed encourages the others to worship and pray and live a clean life. When they marry women and divorce them without having sex (right-don't laugh), then the men don't have to wait any period (of three months to see if they're pregnant.) They can just send them away with a nice payment, uh, present. Verse 49.
Verse 53 clarifies what might be expected now and when he is gone. When they are invited to dinner they aren't to stay too long, coming either too early or staying too late. This is where he tells the men if they need to speak to his wives, they can speak through a screen.
Just for future reference, the verse continues. "Nor is it right for you that ye should annoy Allah's Apostle, or that ye should marry his widows after him at any time. Truly such a thing is in Allah's sight an enormity." Since the intro to this Sura says it was written in the fifth year after Hijrah (going to Medina), and v.27 was seven years H., he was in his sixties, and died 10 H. (632 A.D.) Aisha wasn't even 20 when he died.
Again Allah addresses Mohammed, telling him what he may do. He can have the wives whose dowries he's paid, and "those whom they right hand possesses out of the prisoners of war whom Allah has assigned to thee, and daughters of thy paternal uncles and aunts, and daughters of thy maternal uncles and aunts, ...and any believing woman...the prophet wishes to wed...." V.50. (Aisha noted, Allah was very generous to him.)
The other believers have "their wives and the captives whom their right hands possess:-in order that there should be no difficulty for thee. V.50 (*All that and seventy virgins!) They can take turns, and visit any of their wives out of turn, to prevent the women grieving.V.51.
As for Mohammed, he is to restrict himself to all the wives he has (13 females), without replacing any. Except for new sex slaves, I mean-uh, handmaidens, v. 52. With this level of sexual purity, their zeal against the flesh makes Christians appear downright frigid!
Instead of wives being a tilth they can take however they want, Christians are to submit one to another, or abstain for a time of prayer. (And if women aren't treated right, God says the men's prayers won't be heard. I Peter 3:7.) Our elders and deacons must be men with only one wife. (I Timothy 3:2,12) That does not endorse bigomy or polygamy for the others since they are taught that the relationship of a man to his wife is that of Christ to the Church-loving her and giving himself for her. For the rest, the general instruction is that if we remarry, we commit adultery unless our first partner is dead. Matthew 5:27-28. If our mates are not Christians and want out of the marriage, or if they commit adultery, then we may be free. I Corinthians 7:10-16. Then, we are free to remarry, only we are not to marry anyone who is not a Christian. 2 Corinthians 6:14.
Although the existence of slavery was tolerated in the Bible, the Christians were not given permission to molest them, to rent them out to earn money for their pimps, or to run houses of prostitution. I will not says Christians (or nominal ones) never participated in this as the history of the South (U.S.) and of slavery disproves it. But Biblically, that is not the standard. It is not endorsed by our Scriptures.
Jesus' standard is also much different that Mohammed's. Not only do we see a life of celibacy, with Him asking "which of you accuses me of sin." (None could.) He instructs us that whoever looks at a woman to lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart, Matthew 5:27-28. (The sin is not the woman's but the man's.) I can, of course, see why Jesus' instructions needed to be replaced and why Muslims consider Mohammed a senior messenger (and final) to that brought by the Lord! ;)
Paul also and Timothy, and all the apostles maintained Jesus' standards. In Romans ch. 13, Paul admonishes us. "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, ....Rather, ...do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (V.13-14.)
Galatians tells us the flesh wars against the spirit and the natural man cannot please God. (And Romans does too.) Jesus said the entire law is summed up by a single command. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and spirit, and love your neighbor as yourself. I assume that eliminates any possibility that capturing women, raping them, and keeping them enslaved will be considered acceptable spiritual behavior.
Besides fleeing youthful lusts, in II Timothy 2:22, Paul wrote his disciple to cleanse himself in order that he would be a holy vessel, set aside and useful to the Master. Verses 20-21 tell us that this way he will be prepared for any good work. In the context, the verses before and after give much more detail.
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want... The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissentions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you...that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Along with the list of the fruit of the Spirit, he gives further instruction. Those who belong in Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Other sections will explain how to be born of the Spirit-i.e. become a Christian, and how to walk in the Spirit.)
While Jesus had friends and follower who were women, the Bible does not include any mention of wives. The Da Vinci Code not withstanding, the apostles-his constant companions, and the sources of the gospels as well as church history, do not mention anyone. Not only that, but when a man wanted to join the ranks of those who traveled with him, the Lord discouraged him by explaining he didn't have a stable home of dwelling.
Matthew 8:20. "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no where to lay his head." If He discouraged men, more accustomed to hardships, he could hardly be expected to have a wife. (Even Robinhood had a stable place in Sherwood Forest!)
Compare this to Mohammed who had several houses, in which to house his multiple wives, and women. Included in this was his second wife Aisha, whom he married when she was six. They waited until she was all of nine to consummate their marriage-or so we are told. (Most people turn 9 in third grade, think about it.)
All this being said, I have met many Muslims who try to live a very circumspect and sexually pure life. As I also have of Christians (much more in number by virtue of where I live.) Personally, I also remained a virgin until marriage and have never physically committed adultery, though I have faced temptations and lusts. Since sexual immorality is an accusation Muslim's make against the western world, let me address this too.
First, western is not the same as Christian. And most of our believers would agree, it is an evil that shames our cultures. We fight or have fought until we were overruled by courts, but still work to confront our society over this. We tell our daughters to dress more modestly, and encourage (or nag) our children to be chaste.
Second, people bearing the Name of Jesus sometimes sin. For small failures, simple repentance restores our hearts and minds. Usually for the devout found in adultery, the encounter is serious, and sometimes results in divorce and remarriage. They are not playing or trifling. One heart has encountered another, due to weakness in a marriage. I do not condone it, but this would be tolerated in Islam, as an addition of another wife. The first wife would just have to stifle her jealousy. But Christianity does not make so much allowance for lust as does Islam.
Thirdly, and as a private opinion, I believe the issue of the Catholic priests is not merely a matter of people doing without, finally succombing to temptation. I believe it was an invasion of the Church by homosexual opportunists. They found a way to support themselves along with an unending supply of naive victims.
Several decades ago, I met a man who had tried to become a priest. He had been kicked out of a seminary because he would not go along with their agenda. I do not remember his name, or have further contact with him, so I have no proof. (He worked at the University of Houston library in the 70's.)
Many of the mainline denominatins have been taken over by those who do not believe the Bible, the gospel, or have respect for those who do. Their efforts for the last half a century (at least) has been to take control, eliminate the preaching of the truth, and own all property that these denominations have built up over the years. So I do not consider my belief to be far-fetched.
Let me emphasize here, none of us are 100% pure. We live within the parameters of our beliefs, or try to. We all have to repent and pray. Sometimes we have more serious temptations-devastating loneliness, marriages unhappy or old, singleness with unfulfilled physical needs. For some, rape or incest have added problems. Homosexual temptations afflict others. Pornography on the web has added temptation to many men who would never have gone out and purchased it. While I condemn none, and ask for mercy as well, I do not excuse sin or put aside Jesus' holy standard. We can only please God by walking in the Spirit, receiving the forgiveness His blood provides.
I do not mean that we have no blessed marriages. We do.(And some vary in stages, fluctuating.) In fact, the marriage rates for Christians have always been significantly higher than for nonbelievers. In the same way, levels of satisfaction are much increased with the direct variation of those having faith, in contrast to those without. And graduation rates for their children, etc. We would be lying if we said we did not have to face temptations. But the levels at which we are arrested for sin is considerably less. And with less threat, our choice is more truly reflective of how much we feel accountable to God, rather than fear of the society to transgress social mores, and face morals police.
You also have devout men and women. With some hypocrisy in standards. (Something liberals do not seem to understand is that when a hypocrisy exists, it is because the people at least remember the standards and want to appear to obey them.) But keeping women at home, while men are free to carouse in clubs and public places is not the answer. And there is a limit to how much forgiveness should be offered, to extreme levels of hypocrisy.
Oh, and while you deny the deed for sacrifice for sin, I am reminded of another Sura. (I bring this up because while repentance is necessary, meaning not only to be sorry for it, but to turn from it-the issue of God forgiving us is required.) In S.22:34, after discussing the appropriate sacrifices of animals at the "the Ancient House"," it says, "to every people did We appoint rites (of Sacrifice)."
Our sacrifice is of Jesus' blood, offered once and effective infinitely. (The Resurrection of Jesus being proof of the Father's acceptance of payment for our sins. That fact being witnessed by over 500 people who were still alive to be qustioned at the time of the recording of I Corinthians 15:6-7. (See posts about Jesus being the Son of God, for further information.)
Muslim tradition still maintains a holiday at the time of remembrance of Abrahams's son Ishmael. Families sacrifice an animal once a year, for the sake of the sins of the family. This is a pre-Mohammedan custom, though I cannot say pre-Islamic, as the Messenger recorded Abraham, Noah, Jesus and everyone else as saying they were Muslims. (And I read that you also perform this kind of ritual when on the hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.)
I guess in conclusion, I would have to note, though I see certain commitment to standards of godliness amongst present day Muslims, I challenge you to look at your role models. Take a fresher look. See them for the molesters they were-of slaves and children. Not that I would encourage you to pursue immorality. But you deserve a holy example, someone worthy to emulate. Seek Jesus.
Muslims put a lot of emphasis on sexual purity. The Koran says so. Not only should women be chaste, covering themselvs, they should avert their eyes. No one should commit adultery. Should they do so, they should only marry another similarly guilty, or an Unbeliever.
If they do sin, they should be flogged with one hundred stripes, with compassion failing to move the enforcer (who should be monitored by other believers.) Lest these accusations be made recklessly, they should produce four witnesses. If they don't, then the accusers themselves should be flogged with eighty stripes. And the evidence should be rejected. The main person bringing the accusation may earn an even more serious penalty. (V. 11)
If a man brings accusation with only his own testimony, his words can be heard if he bears witness four times with an oath from Allah that he is solemnly telling the truth. Then a fifth oath invokes the curse of Allah if he is telling a lie.
But the woman can avert the punishment if she bears witness four times with an oath to Allah that her husband is telling a lie. Then she makes a fifth oath invoking the wrath of Allah if the accusation is true. (I fear what would happen if she were an Unbeliever who claims innocence, but cannot invoke Allah.)
It charges them not to listen to gossip. Or even to enter someone else's home without permission. V. 27. Personally, I see that as a "Don't ask, don't tell" position.
Men are allowed four wives, not to mention sexual slaves that their right hand possesses. Those who cannot afford wives should keep themselves chaste. They should marry a believer, or a slave who is a believer. (24:26) The next is 24:33. They should not force their maids to prostitution in order that the men might make a gain in the goods of this life, if the women desire chastity. "But if anyone compels them, yet, after such compulsion, is Allah oft-forgiving, most merciful (to them)."
That quote in verse 33 has the "to them" in parenthesis. It should be noted that those words are not in the Arabic. And only the Arabic is the "inspired" version. As Muslims who study the Bible want to consider only the words in red, discounting any passages not spoken by Jesus Himself, and eliminate any verses noted "not in the earliest manuscripts," though included and accepted by church fathers, I think it fair to note their dedication to detail here.
I deduce that their dedication to sexual purity excludes the Unbelievers and slaves, to whom anything can be done without their permission. (And somehow the men's choices to behave this way does not reflect on them morally.) I guess that the slaves might disagree. I also note the verse in the previous paragraph does not condemn them if they do rent out women for prostitution.
The sura moves on to discuss the light of Allah, and of such purity in their homes. It notes that the deeds of the Unbelievers (who are limited to one wife if they are Christian) are like a mirage in sandy deserts that thirsty men mistake for water.
In the first thirty verses of Sura 33, many subjects are treated before he gets to the subject of marriage. One point is made in verses 4-5. Your adopted sons are not your sons, so you should call them by their father's names, or call them a brother in the faith. (I don't know what kind of adopting it is, if they aren't to be considered your son. That's just the definition of adoption to me, but maybe that's just me.) This is a very important point which he returns to later.
He discusses the battles with the Unbelievers, including the People of the Book who aided them. (Another name for Christians, and Jews). "Allah did take them down from their strongholds and cast terror into their hearts so that some ye slew and some ye made prisoners. And He made you heirs of their lands, their houses, and their goods," and extended the area under Islam's control. S.33:26.
After that event, Mohammed tells his consorts if they want a worldly life, he will set them free, "in a handsome manner." Apparently this is after their homes and property are destroyed, and their land is conquered by a bunch of men who consider Unbelievers fair game to capture (for their right hand to possess.) Or they can stay with the head honcho and have some protection. (A couple of his wives were captives taken in raids.)
He moves into what is expected of his women. V.30 If any of you were guilty of evident unseemly conduct, the Punishment would be doubled to her. But if devout in service to Allah, and his Apostle, she'll get a double reward.
Verses 31-35 discuss how his wives, and all Muslim men and women can guard their chastity, being "pure and spotless." This includes their speech and dress, and staying at home. If the men want to speak to unrelated women, they can speak to them separated by screens. And women can cover themselves when they go out.
Next the subject is Mohammed. As Christians, we are taught that teachers are held to a higher standard, James 3:3. The Koran agrees this is the case, in S.33:21, "Ye have indeed in the Apostle of Allah a beautiful pattern of (conduct) for anyone whose hope is in Allah." What higher standard does Allah's Messenger, the Seal of the Prophets," set? Well, Allah out of concern for a lack of example for the men, instructs Mohammed to take his adopted son's wife.
We joined her in service to thee: in order that (in future) there may be no difficulty to the Believers in the matter of marriage with the wives of their adopted sons, when the latter have dissolved with the necessary (formality) (their marriage), and Allah's command must be fulfilled." 33:37.
For all parties, there is no question about obedience. "It is not fitting for a Believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Apostle, to have any option about their decision: if anyone disobeys A. and H. A., he is indeed on a wrong path." V.36. So Zaid, Mohammed's adopted son, divorced his wife. (We don't know how he knew it was Allah's decision, othe than taking the Messenger's word on it.)
Of course, Mo really had no option either, as "Allah's command must be fulfilled." However, Allah chastens him, "Thou didst fear the people, but it is more fitting that thou shouldst fear Allah." V. 37. So He tells the Apostle to retain his wife in wedlock, and fear Him. As another defense, just in case someone think it's just the lust of an old man taking advantage of his followers, Allah confirms that it was an approved practice of old that had passed away. V.38. (I wonder why it passed away, or why I've never heard of it.)
Mohammed encourages the others to worship and pray and live a clean life. When they marry women and divorce them without having sex (right-don't laugh), then the men don't have to wait any period (of three months to see if they're pregnant.) They can just send them away with a nice payment, uh, present. Verse 49.
Verse 53 clarifies what might be expected now and when he is gone. When they are invited to dinner they aren't to stay too long, coming either too early or staying too late. This is where he tells the men if they need to speak to his wives, they can speak through a screen.
Just for future reference, the verse continues. "Nor is it right for you that ye should annoy Allah's Apostle, or that ye should marry his widows after him at any time. Truly such a thing is in Allah's sight an enormity." Since the intro to this Sura says it was written in the fifth year after Hijrah (going to Medina), and v.27 was seven years H., he was in his sixties, and died 10 H. (632 A.D.) Aisha wasn't even 20 when he died.
Again Allah addresses Mohammed, telling him what he may do. He can have the wives whose dowries he's paid, and "those whom they right hand possesses out of the prisoners of war whom Allah has assigned to thee, and daughters of thy paternal uncles and aunts, and daughters of thy maternal uncles and aunts, ...and any believing woman...the prophet wishes to wed...." V.50. (Aisha noted, Allah was very generous to him.)
The other believers have "their wives and the captives whom their right hands possess:-in order that there should be no difficulty for thee. V.50 (*All that and seventy virgins!) They can take turns, and visit any of their wives out of turn, to prevent the women grieving.V.51.
As for Mohammed, he is to restrict himself to all the wives he has (13 females), without replacing any. Except for new sex slaves, I mean-uh, handmaidens, v. 52. With this level of sexual purity, their zeal against the flesh makes Christians appear downright frigid!
Instead of wives being a tilth they can take however they want, Christians are to submit one to another, or abstain for a time of prayer. (And if women aren't treated right, God says the men's prayers won't be heard. I Peter 3:7.) Our elders and deacons must be men with only one wife. (I Timothy 3:2,12) That does not endorse bigomy or polygamy for the others since they are taught that the relationship of a man to his wife is that of Christ to the Church-loving her and giving himself for her. For the rest, the general instruction is that if we remarry, we commit adultery unless our first partner is dead. Matthew 5:27-28. If our mates are not Christians and want out of the marriage, or if they commit adultery, then we may be free. I Corinthians 7:10-16. Then, we are free to remarry, only we are not to marry anyone who is not a Christian. 2 Corinthians 6:14.
Although the existence of slavery was tolerated in the Bible, the Christians were not given permission to molest them, to rent them out to earn money for their pimps, or to run houses of prostitution. I will not says Christians (or nominal ones) never participated in this as the history of the South (U.S.) and of slavery disproves it. But Biblically, that is not the standard. It is not endorsed by our Scriptures.
Jesus' standard is also much different that Mohammed's. Not only do we see a life of celibacy, with Him asking "which of you accuses me of sin." (None could.) He instructs us that whoever looks at a woman to lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart, Matthew 5:27-28. (The sin is not the woman's but the man's.) I can, of course, see why Jesus' instructions needed to be replaced and why Muslims consider Mohammed a senior messenger (and final) to that brought by the Lord! ;)
Paul also and Timothy, and all the apostles maintained Jesus' standards. In Romans ch. 13, Paul admonishes us. "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, ....Rather, ...do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (V.13-14.)
Galatians tells us the flesh wars against the spirit and the natural man cannot please God. (And Romans does too.) Jesus said the entire law is summed up by a single command. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and spirit, and love your neighbor as yourself. I assume that eliminates any possibility that capturing women, raping them, and keeping them enslaved will be considered acceptable spiritual behavior.
Besides fleeing youthful lusts, in II Timothy 2:22, Paul wrote his disciple to cleanse himself in order that he would be a holy vessel, set aside and useful to the Master. Verses 20-21 tell us that this way he will be prepared for any good work. In the context, the verses before and after give much more detail.
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want... The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissentions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you...that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Along with the list of the fruit of the Spirit, he gives further instruction. Those who belong in Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Other sections will explain how to be born of the Spirit-i.e. become a Christian, and how to walk in the Spirit.)
While Jesus had friends and follower who were women, the Bible does not include any mention of wives. The Da Vinci Code not withstanding, the apostles-his constant companions, and the sources of the gospels as well as church history, do not mention anyone. Not only that, but when a man wanted to join the ranks of those who traveled with him, the Lord discouraged him by explaining he didn't have a stable home of dwelling.
Matthew 8:20. "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no where to lay his head." If He discouraged men, more accustomed to hardships, he could hardly be expected to have a wife. (Even Robinhood had a stable place in Sherwood Forest!)
Compare this to Mohammed who had several houses, in which to house his multiple wives, and women. Included in this was his second wife Aisha, whom he married when she was six. They waited until she was all of nine to consummate their marriage-or so we are told. (Most people turn 9 in third grade, think about it.)
All this being said, I have met many Muslims who try to live a very circumspect and sexually pure life. As I also have of Christians (much more in number by virtue of where I live.) Personally, I also remained a virgin until marriage and have never physically committed adultery, though I have faced temptations and lusts. Since sexual immorality is an accusation Muslim's make against the western world, let me address this too.
First, western is not the same as Christian. And most of our believers would agree, it is an evil that shames our cultures. We fight or have fought until we were overruled by courts, but still work to confront our society over this. We tell our daughters to dress more modestly, and encourage (or nag) our children to be chaste.
Second, people bearing the Name of Jesus sometimes sin. For small failures, simple repentance restores our hearts and minds. Usually for the devout found in adultery, the encounter is serious, and sometimes results in divorce and remarriage. They are not playing or trifling. One heart has encountered another, due to weakness in a marriage. I do not condone it, but this would be tolerated in Islam, as an addition of another wife. The first wife would just have to stifle her jealousy. But Christianity does not make so much allowance for lust as does Islam.
Thirdly, and as a private opinion, I believe the issue of the Catholic priests is not merely a matter of people doing without, finally succombing to temptation. I believe it was an invasion of the Church by homosexual opportunists. They found a way to support themselves along with an unending supply of naive victims.
Several decades ago, I met a man who had tried to become a priest. He had been kicked out of a seminary because he would not go along with their agenda. I do not remember his name, or have further contact with him, so I have no proof. (He worked at the University of Houston library in the 70's.)
Many of the mainline denominatins have been taken over by those who do not believe the Bible, the gospel, or have respect for those who do. Their efforts for the last half a century (at least) has been to take control, eliminate the preaching of the truth, and own all property that these denominations have built up over the years. So I do not consider my belief to be far-fetched.
Let me emphasize here, none of us are 100% pure. We live within the parameters of our beliefs, or try to. We all have to repent and pray. Sometimes we have more serious temptations-devastating loneliness, marriages unhappy or old, singleness with unfulfilled physical needs. For some, rape or incest have added problems. Homosexual temptations afflict others. Pornography on the web has added temptation to many men who would never have gone out and purchased it. While I condemn none, and ask for mercy as well, I do not excuse sin or put aside Jesus' holy standard. We can only please God by walking in the Spirit, receiving the forgiveness His blood provides.
I do not mean that we have no blessed marriages. We do.(And some vary in stages, fluctuating.) In fact, the marriage rates for Christians have always been significantly higher than for nonbelievers. In the same way, levels of satisfaction are much increased with the direct variation of those having faith, in contrast to those without. And graduation rates for their children, etc. We would be lying if we said we did not have to face temptations. But the levels at which we are arrested for sin is considerably less. And with less threat, our choice is more truly reflective of how much we feel accountable to God, rather than fear of the society to transgress social mores, and face morals police.
You also have devout men and women. With some hypocrisy in standards. (Something liberals do not seem to understand is that when a hypocrisy exists, it is because the people at least remember the standards and want to appear to obey them.) But keeping women at home, while men are free to carouse in clubs and public places is not the answer. And there is a limit to how much forgiveness should be offered, to extreme levels of hypocrisy.
Oh, and while you deny the deed for sacrifice for sin, I am reminded of another Sura. (I bring this up because while repentance is necessary, meaning not only to be sorry for it, but to turn from it-the issue of God forgiving us is required.) In S.22:34, after discussing the appropriate sacrifices of animals at the "the Ancient House"," it says, "to every people did We appoint rites (of Sacrifice)."
Our sacrifice is of Jesus' blood, offered once and effective infinitely. (The Resurrection of Jesus being proof of the Father's acceptance of payment for our sins. That fact being witnessed by over 500 people who were still alive to be qustioned at the time of the recording of I Corinthians 15:6-7. (See posts about Jesus being the Son of God, for further information.)
Muslim tradition still maintains a holiday at the time of remembrance of Abrahams's son Ishmael. Families sacrifice an animal once a year, for the sake of the sins of the family. This is a pre-Mohammedan custom, though I cannot say pre-Islamic, as the Messenger recorded Abraham, Noah, Jesus and everyone else as saying they were Muslims. (And I read that you also perform this kind of ritual when on the hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.)
I guess in conclusion, I would have to note, though I see certain commitment to standards of godliness amongst present day Muslims, I challenge you to look at your role models. Take a fresher look. See them for the molesters they were-of slaves and children. Not that I would encourage you to pursue immorality. But you deserve a holy example, someone worthy to emulate. Seek Jesus.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
What is faith?
After questioning the rationality of those believing in Mohammed and in the Koran, it occurred to me that I should address this issue. Really, I will get back to reading the book and responding to it. I may even share some verses that encourage me (the way they were meant to, and that we can all be in agreement on.)
The Bible says faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. It points out that one doesn't hope for what he already possesses. So I do grasp that to some degree belief is based on, well, believing in something.
I suppose it is true that "the hour I first believed" it was based on an emotinal response to the message of hope and forgiveness. Hope that I could know God and go to heaven. Forgiveness enabled me to be freed from the burden of guilt and shame. (Though as a sixteen year old I hadn't done a whole lot-my mind was aware of uncleanness, emptiness, and imperfection.)
I have to say, as for as some objectivity, I had had a dream in which God came to me, and told me I was now dead to the world, that He loved me and wanted me to be with Him. Not so much that He wanted me dead, but that His claims on my life left me not free to do whatever I wanted. I had had friends who had told me about Jesus whom I had disregarded.
I only went to the meeting to prove that I was gospel proof, that I was above that sort of thing, to get them off my back. So I was not seeking some emotional release, nor was I trying to lay aside my mind. That night and for the next week, I analyzed what I had done, trying to decide whether I wanted to pursue the commitment made emotionally or whether to disregard it. But the peace of God is hard to disregard, and His love is overwhelming. I could not turn away from that to return to emptiness.
And there is a time when knowing that one knows something is valid. One knows he is in love. Not something easily proven to others, though others can see when a life is transformed. In that manner, I knew that I had encountered God. I wasn't just believing or hoping some Being existed. I had spoken to Him and He had spoken back.
A year or so later, I read discussions about how Chrisitianity is based on historical facts. Neither the Jews nor Romans could find Jesus'body though it was in their interests to do so. The apostles turned from being men of cowardice and expedience to become brave witnesses of something so powerful they could gladly risk their lives, leaving all, to tell the world the gospel. And as repeated before, the 500 witnesses who had seen a resurrected Christ also enlisted in this endeavor, to tell others what they'd seen.
The topping on the cake was the testimony of Paul, that that fact mattered. If the dead were not raised, then, he told us,we are still in our sins-having not been forgiven. And we are of all men most to be pitied.
He does not endorse the modern notion that everybody has to believe in something. (To them it really doesn't matter if it is true, if it makes others feel good and gives them courage to face life.) Several times in his letters Paul discusses all the things he has endured for the ministry. Being beaten and left for dead, whipped, jailed, surviving a shipwreck, and so forth.
He says he has learned "in whatever state I am to be content: I know how to to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things in Christ Jesus. Keep in mind this was a member of the elite. Not merely Roman, but Jewish. He was a disciple of Galaliel. Close associate of the high priests-having been given permission to go into other places to pursue Christians, to put them to death. He was born a Roman citizen. He gave up all that prestige, comfort, and security. In exchange for losing intellectual associates, he received for himself being persecuted, poverty, and a virtual nomadic life. Travelling all over the world, he made tents to support himself.
But he would not be stupid enough to submit to this if it were not true.
He had after all, had the opportunity of interviewing some of those 500 witnesses: Peter, and Jesus' brother James, and many of the church in Jerusalem. (This in addition to the personal vision and appearing of Jesus to him.) His choice would be life is too valuable. If it is not true, make yourself comfortable. "Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die." In another place he states he has the right to have a wife, though he does not. I assume he would not mention this if he did not at times feel the loss of this.
In Philippian chapter 3, he states he has suffered the loss of all things "that I may gain Christ.... That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings...if by any means I may attain to the resurrection of the dead."
Years later, I endured facing life as well as the costs of believing in Jesus. There were definite times when giving up would have been desirable, certainly less costly in many areas. However, I had to say along with Peter, "Lord to whom can I go? Only You have the words to eternal life." And I still say that, even after reading the Koran and hearing the signs of Mohammed. After all, an apostle who tells his own wife-Khadijah, and his daughter Fatima (according to your hadith) that he cannot guarantee them entrance into heaven, has an empty message. He is powerless to help anyone.
It is air. A faith in which one can only say "I hope that I am" is a waste of effort. It may make for a better psychological experience giving one hope that things will work out all right. But a faith based on air is dangerous.
Air can be magnificient. I can get on an airplane and travel across the world, knowing the physics of air travel is based on fact. Or it can be fatal. I can step off a cliff and it will not hold me. The only times one does not fall from a tall building when separated from a physical support is in the cartoons.
Now I suppose a believer could throw a fit should someone tell him the substance of his faith is air. Yelling and screaming, kicking or stomping, he could defend his belief in his security to step out. But the proof of his faith is not in the depth of his emotion. The proof is whether his faith is stronger than gravity.
If it is not based on fact, no matter how deeply he has devoted himself to it, his faith has failed him. Furthermore, those who taught it to him have failed him too, as well as having deceived their own selves. And someone needs to reach the point where they are willing to shout "stop! Stop this endless procession of well-meaning obeyers from throwing their lives away, submitting to error. Please find something true, and strong enough to hold you."
So I beg you, examine your faith. Not the depth of it, the emotion and devotion to the Prophet. I assume you have the emotional intensity or you would not be reading about this subject. But examine the factual basis. Are you walking on air, waiting for the realization that will start your plunge?
Instead of one who tells his family he cannot help, better to believe in One who promises a total stranger-the thief on the cross who asked for His mercy-"today you SHALL be with me in paradise." Believe in someone with the authority to give salvation.
The Bible says faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. It points out that one doesn't hope for what he already possesses. So I do grasp that to some degree belief is based on, well, believing in something.
I suppose it is true that "the hour I first believed" it was based on an emotinal response to the message of hope and forgiveness. Hope that I could know God and go to heaven. Forgiveness enabled me to be freed from the burden of guilt and shame. (Though as a sixteen year old I hadn't done a whole lot-my mind was aware of uncleanness, emptiness, and imperfection.)
I have to say, as for as some objectivity, I had had a dream in which God came to me, and told me I was now dead to the world, that He loved me and wanted me to be with Him. Not so much that He wanted me dead, but that His claims on my life left me not free to do whatever I wanted. I had had friends who had told me about Jesus whom I had disregarded.
I only went to the meeting to prove that I was gospel proof, that I was above that sort of thing, to get them off my back. So I was not seeking some emotional release, nor was I trying to lay aside my mind. That night and for the next week, I analyzed what I had done, trying to decide whether I wanted to pursue the commitment made emotionally or whether to disregard it. But the peace of God is hard to disregard, and His love is overwhelming. I could not turn away from that to return to emptiness.
And there is a time when knowing that one knows something is valid. One knows he is in love. Not something easily proven to others, though others can see when a life is transformed. In that manner, I knew that I had encountered God. I wasn't just believing or hoping some Being existed. I had spoken to Him and He had spoken back.
A year or so later, I read discussions about how Chrisitianity is based on historical facts. Neither the Jews nor Romans could find Jesus'body though it was in their interests to do so. The apostles turned from being men of cowardice and expedience to become brave witnesses of something so powerful they could gladly risk their lives, leaving all, to tell the world the gospel. And as repeated before, the 500 witnesses who had seen a resurrected Christ also enlisted in this endeavor, to tell others what they'd seen.
The topping on the cake was the testimony of Paul, that that fact mattered. If the dead were not raised, then, he told us,we are still in our sins-having not been forgiven. And we are of all men most to be pitied.
He does not endorse the modern notion that everybody has to believe in something. (To them it really doesn't matter if it is true, if it makes others feel good and gives them courage to face life.) Several times in his letters Paul discusses all the things he has endured for the ministry. Being beaten and left for dead, whipped, jailed, surviving a shipwreck, and so forth.
He says he has learned "in whatever state I am to be content: I know how to to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things in Christ Jesus. Keep in mind this was a member of the elite. Not merely Roman, but Jewish. He was a disciple of Galaliel. Close associate of the high priests-having been given permission to go into other places to pursue Christians, to put them to death. He was born a Roman citizen. He gave up all that prestige, comfort, and security. In exchange for losing intellectual associates, he received for himself being persecuted, poverty, and a virtual nomadic life. Travelling all over the world, he made tents to support himself.
But he would not be stupid enough to submit to this if it were not true.
He had after all, had the opportunity of interviewing some of those 500 witnesses: Peter, and Jesus' brother James, and many of the church in Jerusalem. (This in addition to the personal vision and appearing of Jesus to him.) His choice would be life is too valuable. If it is not true, make yourself comfortable. "Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die." In another place he states he has the right to have a wife, though he does not. I assume he would not mention this if he did not at times feel the loss of this.
In Philippian chapter 3, he states he has suffered the loss of all things "that I may gain Christ.... That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings...if by any means I may attain to the resurrection of the dead."
Years later, I endured facing life as well as the costs of believing in Jesus. There were definite times when giving up would have been desirable, certainly less costly in many areas. However, I had to say along with Peter, "Lord to whom can I go? Only You have the words to eternal life." And I still say that, even after reading the Koran and hearing the signs of Mohammed. After all, an apostle who tells his own wife-Khadijah, and his daughter Fatima (according to your hadith) that he cannot guarantee them entrance into heaven, has an empty message. He is powerless to help anyone.
It is air. A faith in which one can only say "I hope that I am" is a waste of effort. It may make for a better psychological experience giving one hope that things will work out all right. But a faith based on air is dangerous.
Air can be magnificient. I can get on an airplane and travel across the world, knowing the physics of air travel is based on fact. Or it can be fatal. I can step off a cliff and it will not hold me. The only times one does not fall from a tall building when separated from a physical support is in the cartoons.
Now I suppose a believer could throw a fit should someone tell him the substance of his faith is air. Yelling and screaming, kicking or stomping, he could defend his belief in his security to step out. But the proof of his faith is not in the depth of his emotion. The proof is whether his faith is stronger than gravity.
If it is not based on fact, no matter how deeply he has devoted himself to it, his faith has failed him. Furthermore, those who taught it to him have failed him too, as well as having deceived their own selves. And someone needs to reach the point where they are willing to shout "stop! Stop this endless procession of well-meaning obeyers from throwing their lives away, submitting to error. Please find something true, and strong enough to hold you."
So I beg you, examine your faith. Not the depth of it, the emotion and devotion to the Prophet. I assume you have the emotional intensity or you would not be reading about this subject. But examine the factual basis. Are you walking on air, waiting for the realization that will start your plunge?
Instead of one who tells his family he cannot help, better to believe in One who promises a total stranger-the thief on the cross who asked for His mercy-"today you SHALL be with me in paradise." Believe in someone with the authority to give salvation.
Is Jesus the Son of God? and other issues
Is Jesus the Son of God? Not according to the Koran. Or should I say definitively not? There is so much repetition of this idea, that I must answer again this issue. Since it is offensive, I will not dignify this with a listing of all the verses. (Hey, it's my blog.) Read some of the books that summarize their beliefs, they will indubitably quote several of these. In short, God has no physical needs, etc. So to Mohammed, it was blasphemous to suggest He would have done some Zeus-like behavior.
Despite the illogic (to quote a friend) of saying God would have to have had sex in order to make a son, the Koran does affirm nothing is too hard for the Almighty. He just has to say something and it is. It explains that is how Jesus was conceived, virgin birth and all. The book also acknowledges that Mary was a good woman. Though it says they both were mere mortals in that they had to eat their daily bread.
Christians are told to "desist" saying trinity, and are told that God can forgive any sin no matter how large, except for this. Those who insist on it are the kafir, who are damned. (Sometimes spelled kafar.) They are charged with being polytheists, for adding partners to God. But just to show that they really do honor Jesus, they admit He was sinless, claim He was the Messiah, and say He was one of the five major prophets.
I don't know how you honor someone when you teach that everything He said or did was a lie. When you say everything He claimed to do, He did not do. When you say everything He claimed He was, He wasn't. And that the authority who declares this is invalid and inaccurate, but in their minds they do.
The Koran even declares that Jesus will return at the last day, and correct all His faithful. He will declare He never claimed to be God, and say He submits Himself to God in Islam (submission). And only those who support the Messenger will be welcomed to the Garden (heaven)as well.
The first time or so you (a Christian) read this garbage, it offends you. Ok, maybe longer. But after awhile, it gets to be kind of a Seinfeld thing,yahdeyadahyadah. (I probably mispelled that, but it means something that just goes on and on that you stop listening to.)
The Koran says He didn't die for our sins, either. God raised Him up, without letting Him die. (The reasoning is that God is faithful to His messengers, so He wouldn't let something like that happen to such a good guy.) Some have conjectured, then who was it on that cross?
Later imams have suggested that perhaps someone was kidnapped and put on the cross, with God changing his face to look like Jesus. Like a holy God wouldn't mind doing that to some innocent person? Because He could play tricks like that and be worthy to be served!
Several problems arise from this besides creating an evil God who abuses people. Jesus told Peter not to fight because He could call down legions of angels to fight if He wanted. He had a purpose in doing it, which could not be accomplished if someone else hung there.
Another theory was that He was on the cross, but God translated Him before He died. I don't know if He just made it appear that He was still there, or put an angel in His place or what. 'Cause for them it's altogether all right for God to trick people. Lying to them is ok too.
A problem with this is it makes Jesus appear like he was their captive. Because if God had no purpose in having Him there, Jesus suffered for no reason? He'd already proven that He could walk through hostile crowds without being captured!
Also I don't know how Jesus managed to speak what is known as the seven last words. Those were the seven things He said before He yielded up His spirit and died. (The last one was "It is finished." He also told his best friend, "Behold your mother," and to His mother Mary, he said "Behold your son." But these aren't mentioned in the Koran. I guess they didn't happen, just as so many things in the Bible are rewritten there. Mohammed doesn't bother to discuss all the witnesses who testified of seeing Him risen, either.
Besides the group of 500 who saw Him rise into the clouds, we have the individual testimony of those to whom Jesus appeared afterwards. Peter, Mary Magdalen, the eleven. Jesus had spoken to two walking down the road to Emmaeus. After He revealed himself to them, they returned late that night, rewalking the entire distance in order to give the others the news. Those others doubted.
Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, "Peace to you." But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have." When He has said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. Luke 24:36-40.
Then He asked them for food, and ate in front of them, to verify. (He also cooked some fish and ate it with Peter at another time.) Thomas-known as "Doubting Thomas," wasn't there when He appeared. He would have none of it. He knew Jesus had been killed, and even with the body gone, he would only take a rational approach. He said, unless he saw Him himself, and put his fingers into the wounds, he would not believe.
Jesus came and said to him, "Reach your finger here, and look at my hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." John 20:27. Verses 28 and 29 record, "and Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and My God!" and Jesus answered him, "Thomas because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
In spite of what the Bible declares about Jesus, Mohammed had his own view. So if you can picture the sinless Jesus, with power over death submitting Himself to "the Messenger," we can continue. Mohammed does say, "If (Allah) Most Gracious had a son, I'd be the first to worship." Sura 43:81.
The Koran also declares that only God can create life. It relates a story of Jesus shaping a bird out of clay, breathing on it, and having it fly away. Apparently this is from a non-Biblical source. But this appears to be creating life to me. It also notes many of the miracles that the Lord did, such as healing the blind, raising the dead, etc. Isn't that giving life too?
I know it is not your fault what the book says. I know you are taught to reverence Jesus, even as He is presented. However, if I write that I honor Mohammed, which I do somewhat, and yet say he was not the Apostle of Allah, or of God anyway, that offends you. Because he claimed to be. If I write that he was not a messenger to warn others, that contradicts what he claimed his accomlishments to be. The same is true if I state that the Koran wasn't given to you from God, but is a man-made tome. Saying this also denigrates the authority you quote.
Yet you expect to say Jesus isn't who He claimed to be, didn't accomplish what He claimed to accomplish, and the authority of the Book that declares this is questioned, and I am supposed to be okay with that?!!! Sorry, since we're all a bit upset here, let's calm down before we continue. Take a few deep breaths. Ok, I'm better. How about you?
Since you (Muslims) are also instructed to ask the People of the Boook if you have any questions, I will again indulge in reporting from the Bible. I will address three levels of testimony. The first is where the Father Himself speaks. The second are Jesus' claims. The third is the testimony of others from the gospels. A fourth, is other parts of our Scriptures, which y'all usually reject, but we do not. I will not include these here, as it is already very long.
I should explain for non-Muslims, that Mohammed taught that all the messengers, including the five prophets got the same message to give to their people. And these are all gotten from the source of the Mother of the Book, which is in heaven. They just believe that all the other messages, like the Jewish law and all Moses' teachings, the "actual" gospel which Jesus taught, and so on, were just kind of lost or corrupted.
I don't know where they get that from, as we have copies of early manuscripts up close to the dates of the early church fathers. (They could have refuted the accuracy, having at the least been taught by those who either knew the Lord or had been taught by someone who had.) That is for the New Testament. For the Old Testament, obviously the scrolls and copies predate that period substantially. And especially many manuscripts exist which were copied earlier than the time of Mohammed. So, if the sources he approved of Muslims referring to were ok then, then you/they are clear. Because the accuracy of our present day Bible is provable to many centuries prior to this. Especially on the basics. This includes the Torah, the Psalms, and the Injil (gospel.)
The account of Jesus' baptism by his cousin John the Baptist (Yahya) describes an example of the first level. God the Father Himself testified of who Jesus is. This occurred early in his ministry.
Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, "You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased. Luke 3:21-22.
The Father Himself testified another time, at what is known as the mount of transfiguration. Jesus, being man who has laid aside the glory of his godhead while on earth, here allows this to be revealed to his three closest followers-Peter, John, and James-John's brother. He radiates glory as He meets with Moses and Elijah who reappear to talk to Him. Moses represents the law, Elijah the prophets, each being a new stage of God's work. The purpose in the Father speaking is to tell Peter not to interrupt.
Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves, and He was transfigured before them. His clothes became shining, exceedingly white like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah-because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid. And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!" Mark 9:2-7.
Of course, the work of the Spirit verified it too, both in the power of the miracles and the holiness of the life. The second level is that Jesus testified of Himself who He was. I have already written what He said about being the Son of God and how the Jews reacted, understanding His meaning. But another story relates how He believed Himself to be God.
Jesus met a paralytic. He could have just said rise and walk, and everyone would have been impressed. Instead He made it controversial. He said, "Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven." Matthew 9:2b (B. means second part of the verse.)
He asked those who protested, what is easier to say, "rise and walk, or your sins are forgiven?" Now logically, any human with faith might say "rise and walk," and the person might be healed. They would have to have the power of God working, but they would not be saying more about themselves than this.
In pretension, they could have said, "your sins are forgiven," and blasphemed if they did not have authority to do it. (And probably wouldn't be able to heal anyone or have any signs since God wouldn't back up a fraud.) But unless God struck them down, they could get away with the claim. For many have made claims of how to receive forgiveness, and until they die, they could falsely believe. (Either the claimant, or the recipient of the statement.)
But in order to prove that He truly had the authority to forgive sins, which all agree belongs to God alone, He said, "Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house." Mt. 9:6b. When the guy got up, the crowd "marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men." Matthew 9:8.
Many times the crowds wer not pleased. They were offended that Jesus-this was their conclusion, being man, made Himself equal to God. (See note about C. S. Lewis.)
The third level of witness is the testimony of others. His followers also presented their viewpoints. Jesus asked the Apostle Peter his opinion of who He was at a time when many were leaving Jesus. He declared, "Thou are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Jesus praised him, saying God had blessed him with this knowledge. Peter also said, when Jesus asked if he too would leave, "Lord to whom else could we go? Only you have the words of eternal life."
If he had been in error, Jesus was more than able to correct him. Just a few lines later, Peter tried to discourage Him from going to Jerusalem. They all knew the danger, and that those there wanted to kill Him. Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Get thee behind me, Satan." This let him know the thoughts were not from God, and that they were from the wrong motivations-of fear and self-protection. Jesus would have rebuked blasphemy.
The gospels were written by or sourced by his disciples. Matthew and John were ones who had been called by Jesus to be of the twelve. Mark, according to church tradition (our hadith) was written down by Mark, but was from the testimony of Peter. As in cultures even today, many have scribes or others better in writing to record someone else's thoughts. Just as Mohammed had men who memorized the Sura's. Then the small parchments, leaves, stones, scrolls, or whatever were later pieced together from when these other men had recorded the words. Whether they remembered correctly, or what was edited by the committee that assembled them, and disposed of those copies they did not approve of, is up to eternity to discern.
As the Apostle Paul noted, Jesus appeared alive to more than 500 after his death, burial and resurrection. And many were still alive at that time, if someone doubted-they could find an actual witness. (Because doubters are almost never questioned or insulted, even if they look for signs. God expects us to use our minds. But that is another issue for another day.)
The gospel of Luke was written by a doctor who attempted to investigate the other witnesses, and interview many to try to provide "an orderly account... that you might know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed." He also claims to have "had perfect understanding of all things from the very first." This includes things only Mary could have told Him.
So what did these witnesses record?
John the Baptist (Yahya) said.... "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Besides instructing the crowds with this, John taught his own disciples more.
A man can receive nothing unless it is given to him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness that I said I am not the Christ but I have been sent before Him. He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all... For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.
Paul had a vision of Jesus, which was good, as he was actively persecuting the church at the time. Being responsible for the martyrdom of many, his transformation was powerful. He went into Arabia to escape persecution himself, and perhaps because the Lord sent him there. Somehow he was taught the gospel, which he later checked with those who had known Jesus to verify its accuracy. They gave their stamp of approval. Neither Peter, nor Jesus' brother James (who were the leaders of the Church in Jerusalem) would have given it if it differed substantially from what they had heard for the three years of Jesus' ministry.
And oddly, there was the testimony of demons. They did not want to be bothered by Him before the last day. So they asked if they could go somewhere else. This is about what they said:
Jesus, thou Son of David, what have we to do with thee? Are you going to punish us before our time?"
They knew who He was, His authority, but that what was to happen was for a later time. So they asked if He would send them into a group of pigs, if He was going to cast them out of the demoniac. He did, and they stampeded that herd over a cliff. Not sure why that solved their problem, as they were almost immediately having to deal with the same problem of needing a new body to inhabit. But the guy whose life had been destroyed, mutilating his body and living within a cemetery, was delivered and healed-free from being possessed by legions of demons.
In one of Jesus last sermons to his disciples before He left them to go into heaven, He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me." And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem...." Luke 24:44-47.
And John records that "truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name."
In fact most of the writings of John are on this subject. So I refer you to the entire gospel of John and his epistles for further study. And I conclude with a quote from I John 5:5,10-13.
Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? ...He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
Despite the illogic (to quote a friend) of saying God would have to have had sex in order to make a son, the Koran does affirm nothing is too hard for the Almighty. He just has to say something and it is. It explains that is how Jesus was conceived, virgin birth and all. The book also acknowledges that Mary was a good woman. Though it says they both were mere mortals in that they had to eat their daily bread.
Christians are told to "desist" saying trinity, and are told that God can forgive any sin no matter how large, except for this. Those who insist on it are the kafir, who are damned. (Sometimes spelled kafar.) They are charged with being polytheists, for adding partners to God. But just to show that they really do honor Jesus, they admit He was sinless, claim He was the Messiah, and say He was one of the five major prophets.
I don't know how you honor someone when you teach that everything He said or did was a lie. When you say everything He claimed to do, He did not do. When you say everything He claimed He was, He wasn't. And that the authority who declares this is invalid and inaccurate, but in their minds they do.
The Koran even declares that Jesus will return at the last day, and correct all His faithful. He will declare He never claimed to be God, and say He submits Himself to God in Islam (submission). And only those who support the Messenger will be welcomed to the Garden (heaven)as well.
The first time or so you (a Christian) read this garbage, it offends you. Ok, maybe longer. But after awhile, it gets to be kind of a Seinfeld thing,yahdeyadahyadah. (I probably mispelled that, but it means something that just goes on and on that you stop listening to.)
The Koran says He didn't die for our sins, either. God raised Him up, without letting Him die. (The reasoning is that God is faithful to His messengers, so He wouldn't let something like that happen to such a good guy.) Some have conjectured, then who was it on that cross?
Later imams have suggested that perhaps someone was kidnapped and put on the cross, with God changing his face to look like Jesus. Like a holy God wouldn't mind doing that to some innocent person? Because He could play tricks like that and be worthy to be served!
Several problems arise from this besides creating an evil God who abuses people. Jesus told Peter not to fight because He could call down legions of angels to fight if He wanted. He had a purpose in doing it, which could not be accomplished if someone else hung there.
Another theory was that He was on the cross, but God translated Him before He died. I don't know if He just made it appear that He was still there, or put an angel in His place or what. 'Cause for them it's altogether all right for God to trick people. Lying to them is ok too.
A problem with this is it makes Jesus appear like he was their captive. Because if God had no purpose in having Him there, Jesus suffered for no reason? He'd already proven that He could walk through hostile crowds without being captured!
Also I don't know how Jesus managed to speak what is known as the seven last words. Those were the seven things He said before He yielded up His spirit and died. (The last one was "It is finished." He also told his best friend, "Behold your mother," and to His mother Mary, he said "Behold your son." But these aren't mentioned in the Koran. I guess they didn't happen, just as so many things in the Bible are rewritten there. Mohammed doesn't bother to discuss all the witnesses who testified of seeing Him risen, either.
Besides the group of 500 who saw Him rise into the clouds, we have the individual testimony of those to whom Jesus appeared afterwards. Peter, Mary Magdalen, the eleven. Jesus had spoken to two walking down the road to Emmaeus. After He revealed himself to them, they returned late that night, rewalking the entire distance in order to give the others the news. Those others doubted.
Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, "Peace to you." But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have." When He has said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. Luke 24:36-40.
Then He asked them for food, and ate in front of them, to verify. (He also cooked some fish and ate it with Peter at another time.) Thomas-known as "Doubting Thomas," wasn't there when He appeared. He would have none of it. He knew Jesus had been killed, and even with the body gone, he would only take a rational approach. He said, unless he saw Him himself, and put his fingers into the wounds, he would not believe.
Jesus came and said to him, "Reach your finger here, and look at my hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." John 20:27. Verses 28 and 29 record, "and Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and My God!" and Jesus answered him, "Thomas because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
In spite of what the Bible declares about Jesus, Mohammed had his own view. So if you can picture the sinless Jesus, with power over death submitting Himself to "the Messenger," we can continue. Mohammed does say, "If (Allah) Most Gracious had a son, I'd be the first to worship." Sura 43:81.
The Koran also declares that only God can create life. It relates a story of Jesus shaping a bird out of clay, breathing on it, and having it fly away. Apparently this is from a non-Biblical source. But this appears to be creating life to me. It also notes many of the miracles that the Lord did, such as healing the blind, raising the dead, etc. Isn't that giving life too?
I know it is not your fault what the book says. I know you are taught to reverence Jesus, even as He is presented. However, if I write that I honor Mohammed, which I do somewhat, and yet say he was not the Apostle of Allah, or of God anyway, that offends you. Because he claimed to be. If I write that he was not a messenger to warn others, that contradicts what he claimed his accomlishments to be. The same is true if I state that the Koran wasn't given to you from God, but is a man-made tome. Saying this also denigrates the authority you quote.
Yet you expect to say Jesus isn't who He claimed to be, didn't accomplish what He claimed to accomplish, and the authority of the Book that declares this is questioned, and I am supposed to be okay with that?!!! Sorry, since we're all a bit upset here, let's calm down before we continue. Take a few deep breaths. Ok, I'm better. How about you?
Since you (Muslims) are also instructed to ask the People of the Boook if you have any questions, I will again indulge in reporting from the Bible. I will address three levels of testimony. The first is where the Father Himself speaks. The second are Jesus' claims. The third is the testimony of others from the gospels. A fourth, is other parts of our Scriptures, which y'all usually reject, but we do not. I will not include these here, as it is already very long.
I should explain for non-Muslims, that Mohammed taught that all the messengers, including the five prophets got the same message to give to their people. And these are all gotten from the source of the Mother of the Book, which is in heaven. They just believe that all the other messages, like the Jewish law and all Moses' teachings, the "actual" gospel which Jesus taught, and so on, were just kind of lost or corrupted.
I don't know where they get that from, as we have copies of early manuscripts up close to the dates of the early church fathers. (They could have refuted the accuracy, having at the least been taught by those who either knew the Lord or had been taught by someone who had.) That is for the New Testament. For the Old Testament, obviously the scrolls and copies predate that period substantially. And especially many manuscripts exist which were copied earlier than the time of Mohammed. So, if the sources he approved of Muslims referring to were ok then, then you/they are clear. Because the accuracy of our present day Bible is provable to many centuries prior to this. Especially on the basics. This includes the Torah, the Psalms, and the Injil (gospel.)
The account of Jesus' baptism by his cousin John the Baptist (Yahya) describes an example of the first level. God the Father Himself testified of who Jesus is. This occurred early in his ministry.
Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, "You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased. Luke 3:21-22.
The Father Himself testified another time, at what is known as the mount of transfiguration. Jesus, being man who has laid aside the glory of his godhead while on earth, here allows this to be revealed to his three closest followers-Peter, John, and James-John's brother. He radiates glory as He meets with Moses and Elijah who reappear to talk to Him. Moses represents the law, Elijah the prophets, each being a new stage of God's work. The purpose in the Father speaking is to tell Peter not to interrupt.
Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves, and He was transfigured before them. His clothes became shining, exceedingly white like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah-because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid. And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!" Mark 9:2-7.
Of course, the work of the Spirit verified it too, both in the power of the miracles and the holiness of the life. The second level is that Jesus testified of Himself who He was. I have already written what He said about being the Son of God and how the Jews reacted, understanding His meaning. But another story relates how He believed Himself to be God.
Jesus met a paralytic. He could have just said rise and walk, and everyone would have been impressed. Instead He made it controversial. He said, "Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven." Matthew 9:2b (B. means second part of the verse.)
He asked those who protested, what is easier to say, "rise and walk, or your sins are forgiven?" Now logically, any human with faith might say "rise and walk," and the person might be healed. They would have to have the power of God working, but they would not be saying more about themselves than this.
In pretension, they could have said, "your sins are forgiven," and blasphemed if they did not have authority to do it. (And probably wouldn't be able to heal anyone or have any signs since God wouldn't back up a fraud.) But unless God struck them down, they could get away with the claim. For many have made claims of how to receive forgiveness, and until they die, they could falsely believe. (Either the claimant, or the recipient of the statement.)
But in order to prove that He truly had the authority to forgive sins, which all agree belongs to God alone, He said, "Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house." Mt. 9:6b. When the guy got up, the crowd "marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men." Matthew 9:8.
Many times the crowds wer not pleased. They were offended that Jesus-this was their conclusion, being man, made Himself equal to God. (See note about C. S. Lewis.)
The third level of witness is the testimony of others. His followers also presented their viewpoints. Jesus asked the Apostle Peter his opinion of who He was at a time when many were leaving Jesus. He declared, "Thou are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Jesus praised him, saying God had blessed him with this knowledge. Peter also said, when Jesus asked if he too would leave, "Lord to whom else could we go? Only you have the words of eternal life."
If he had been in error, Jesus was more than able to correct him. Just a few lines later, Peter tried to discourage Him from going to Jerusalem. They all knew the danger, and that those there wanted to kill Him. Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Get thee behind me, Satan." This let him know the thoughts were not from God, and that they were from the wrong motivations-of fear and self-protection. Jesus would have rebuked blasphemy.
The gospels were written by or sourced by his disciples. Matthew and John were ones who had been called by Jesus to be of the twelve. Mark, according to church tradition (our hadith) was written down by Mark, but was from the testimony of Peter. As in cultures even today, many have scribes or others better in writing to record someone else's thoughts. Just as Mohammed had men who memorized the Sura's. Then the small parchments, leaves, stones, scrolls, or whatever were later pieced together from when these other men had recorded the words. Whether they remembered correctly, or what was edited by the committee that assembled them, and disposed of those copies they did not approve of, is up to eternity to discern.
As the Apostle Paul noted, Jesus appeared alive to more than 500 after his death, burial and resurrection. And many were still alive at that time, if someone doubted-they could find an actual witness. (Because doubters are almost never questioned or insulted, even if they look for signs. God expects us to use our minds. But that is another issue for another day.)
The gospel of Luke was written by a doctor who attempted to investigate the other witnesses, and interview many to try to provide "an orderly account... that you might know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed." He also claims to have "had perfect understanding of all things from the very first." This includes things only Mary could have told Him.
So what did these witnesses record?
John the Baptist (Yahya) said.... "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Besides instructing the crowds with this, John taught his own disciples more.
A man can receive nothing unless it is given to him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness that I said I am not the Christ but I have been sent before Him. He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all... For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.
Paul had a vision of Jesus, which was good, as he was actively persecuting the church at the time. Being responsible for the martyrdom of many, his transformation was powerful. He went into Arabia to escape persecution himself, and perhaps because the Lord sent him there. Somehow he was taught the gospel, which he later checked with those who had known Jesus to verify its accuracy. They gave their stamp of approval. Neither Peter, nor Jesus' brother James (who were the leaders of the Church in Jerusalem) would have given it if it differed substantially from what they had heard for the three years of Jesus' ministry.
And oddly, there was the testimony of demons. They did not want to be bothered by Him before the last day. So they asked if they could go somewhere else. This is about what they said:
Jesus, thou Son of David, what have we to do with thee? Are you going to punish us before our time?"
They knew who He was, His authority, but that what was to happen was for a later time. So they asked if He would send them into a group of pigs, if He was going to cast them out of the demoniac. He did, and they stampeded that herd over a cliff. Not sure why that solved their problem, as they were almost immediately having to deal with the same problem of needing a new body to inhabit. But the guy whose life had been destroyed, mutilating his body and living within a cemetery, was delivered and healed-free from being possessed by legions of demons.
In one of Jesus last sermons to his disciples before He left them to go into heaven, He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me." And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem...." Luke 24:44-47.
And John records that "truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name."
In fact most of the writings of John are on this subject. So I refer you to the entire gospel of John and his epistles for further study. And I conclude with a quote from I John 5:5,10-13.
Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? ...He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Blog 11-The opposite of Psalm 1
Sura 14:26 is another opposite. This time the reverse of Psalm 1.
"The parable of an evil Word is that of an evil tree: it is torn up by the root from the surface of the earth: it has not stability."
The Koran continues. Verse 24 shows the good ones. The word is about who believe and stand strong. Of course, v. 28 explains the reason someone has been witnessing again, apparently successfully this time.
"Hast thou not turned the vision to those who have changed the favor of Allah into blasphemy and caused their people to descend to the House of Perdition." (Remember equating Jesus with God is unforgivable.) For those unfamiliar- a brief review of Psalm 1. I provide this to show the depth in the Bible, compared to the Koran. Note the progression of verbs, as well as that of the nouns.)
"Blessed (happy, fortunate) is the man who
Walks not ---in the counsel of the ungodly
Nor stands------ in the path of sinners
Nor sits ------in the seat of the scornful
But his delight is in the law of the Lord (mediatating on it day and night)
He will be like a tree planted by rivers of water
That brings forth its fruit in its season
Whose leaf also shall not wither,
And whatever he does shall prosper."
Everybody who spends much time in a church where the Bible is taught learns these verses. I had forgotten the rest, but there is another parallel to the three parts from above.
"The ungodly are not so. But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the Lord knows the way of the righteous but the way of the ungodly shall perish."
He doesn't walk--is blown away
He doesn't stand-in the judgment
Nor sit in the congregation of the righteous
In fact, the way (path) of the ungodly shall perish.
"The parable of an evil Word is that of an evil tree: it is torn up by the root from the surface of the earth: it has not stability."
The Koran continues. Verse 24 shows the good ones. The word is about who believe and stand strong. Of course, v. 28 explains the reason someone has been witnessing again, apparently successfully this time.
"Hast thou not turned the vision to those who have changed the favor of Allah into blasphemy and caused their people to descend to the House of Perdition." (Remember equating Jesus with God is unforgivable.) For those unfamiliar- a brief review of Psalm 1. I provide this to show the depth in the Bible, compared to the Koran. Note the progression of verbs, as well as that of the nouns.)
"Blessed (happy, fortunate) is the man who
Walks not ---in the counsel of the ungodly
Nor stands------ in the path of sinners
Nor sits ------in the seat of the scornful
But his delight is in the law of the Lord (mediatating on it day and night)
He will be like a tree planted by rivers of water
That brings forth its fruit in its season
Whose leaf also shall not wither,
And whatever he does shall prosper."
Everybody who spends much time in a church where the Bible is taught learns these verses. I had forgotten the rest, but there is another parallel to the three parts from above.
"The ungodly are not so. But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the Lord knows the way of the righteous but the way of the ungodly shall perish."
He doesn't walk--is blown away
He doesn't stand-in the judgment
Nor sit in the congregation of the righteous
In fact, the way (path) of the ungodly shall perish.
Blog 10-Our Intercessors
Reading of the Koran can be so nebulous that those unfamiliar with the Bible can easily believe much of the complaints are against pagans. Since the names "Jesus," "Christian," or even "People of the Book" is used much less than the generic "Unbeliever," it is easy to ignore what is obvious to those who do know it. While the term "partners" could be passed off as referring to true polytheists, the term"intercessor" cannot be. For this reason, I have chosen to address the teaching about the role of an intercessor in the Bible.
Sometimes it is used in both Old and New Testaments to instruct us to pray for others, interceding at times they may not have the strength or right relationship to do so for themselvs. That is a worthy study in and of itself, but that is not what the Koran is speaking of, nor is it the most important use in the Bible.
The Koran is refuting claims of those who say they will not be condemened to Hell, because they have an intercessor in Heaven who will draw the mercy of the Almighty over them. They will be covered from His wrath, and from the just punishiment of their sins.
Our brothers would have pulled out their Bibles, or scrolls, or repeated from memory the Scripture verses to back them up. The book of Hebrews goes into much detail, chapter after chapter explaining why "He ever liveth to make intercession for us." See Hebrews excerpts about Jesus' role as our High Priest/Intercessor.
After He offered Himself (the offering of His Blood in the true Holy of Holies), the sin offering being accepted once for all, not needing to continue offering a sacrifice for our sins before the Father, since His work was done, He sat down at the right hand of the Father. This is where Jesus is today, where He was 1400 years ago-at the Father's side interceding for us. As a go-between before the Holy God who must punish sin and injustice, and frail humanity much in need of mercy, He defends us. He says to the Father, "yes that is sin, you are right. It is evil. It deserves the completeness of Your justice." He doesn't just wink at it, and say, "Well, men will be men, give them a break." He says, "They have called on My Name, that My Death would substitute for their spiritual death. Having asked for Mercy, I sprinkle my blood over their sins." (In actuality, He died for all mankind, but it only avails if they ask for it. He doesn't force Himself on others.)
Here is what happens. The smell of my sin evaporates. The sin itself is forgiven and forgotten. The Father sees the purity of the Son when He looks at me. That allows for my heavenly salvation. But there is more.
The Father already knows the weakness of men. How could He not? He's observed them since Adam's fall.The Old Testament says He remembers we are but dust. And it was the Father's good pleasure to send Jesus, His own plan-not something Jesus talked Him into.)
But Jesus, having been man, has been tempted as we are. He knows the shininess of things. He knows the betrayal of friends. He knows the harshness of the accusations and plots of enemies. He knows the desire to get even, or to want to defend yourself. He has been tempted-yet He did not fail, did not acquiesce to weakness, to bitterness, to hatred. He was tempted, but lived without ever sinning. Who better could speak to the "Immortal, Invisible, only wise God" to explain our needs? To tell Him what we need in order to overcome, to plead for mercy, for patience?
When He forgives me, a new thing happens. As far as the east is from the west (infinite), so far does the Father remove our sins from us. He sees me clean and spotless, the person He created. And a new life begins in me, to make a new creation of me. Let us not look at me, but at His work as it continues.
He sends the Holy Spirit to live in me. He is to teach me of Jesus' ways, direct me into truth, and equip me-giving me power to obey what is asked. He also prays for me-even in my groanings because the Father knows the mind of the Holy Spirit. When I do not know what to say-for lack of wisdom about what to pray for, or no matter what my need, He will speak to the Father for me.
What Jesus does in the Heavenlies, the Holy Spirit does from inside me, on earth. That is, they intercede for us. This is why we are told not to quench the Holy Spirit. And to keep our bodies holy-knowing they are the temples of the Holy Spirit.(This is very encouraging, as we have a three-fold chain of prayers about our needs-our own, Jesus', and that of the Holy Spirit. Throw that in with the love of the Father who already wants to provide for us, and possibly the prayers of other believers, and we should be afraid of nothing.)
This secondary intercessor is only available as I have already received the work of the first-Jesus. The Holy Spirit is also called the earnest (down payment) of our inheritance-the communication God gives that we may know what we have believed is true. (We don't have to wait until we're dead, and cry "oops," if we're wrong.) Our Scripture says He (Holy Spirit) seals us, closes us up, to protect us. And as in Roman rings with seals of wax, it stamps His Authority and proof of ownership upon us. Just as the Resurrection is God's proof of the efficacy (effectiveness) of Jesus' death for all mankind, receiving the Holy Spirit is our individual proof that God has accepted it for me.
Hopefully, this explains why the Koran says "and no one can take the punishment of another," in addition to denouncing intercessors not approved of by Islam. It is responding to the claims of Christians. The myriad number of times the verses denounce those who claim to have intercessors, is because Mohammed is addressing Christians. They are sure of their salvation and will not be moved. So every time you see arguements against intercessors or partners who intercede, please remember whose theology that reflects.
Sometimes it is used in both Old and New Testaments to instruct us to pray for others, interceding at times they may not have the strength or right relationship to do so for themselvs. That is a worthy study in and of itself, but that is not what the Koran is speaking of, nor is it the most important use in the Bible.
The Koran is refuting claims of those who say they will not be condemened to Hell, because they have an intercessor in Heaven who will draw the mercy of the Almighty over them. They will be covered from His wrath, and from the just punishiment of their sins.
Our brothers would have pulled out their Bibles, or scrolls, or repeated from memory the Scripture verses to back them up. The book of Hebrews goes into much detail, chapter after chapter explaining why "He ever liveth to make intercession for us." See Hebrews excerpts about Jesus' role as our High Priest/Intercessor.
After He offered Himself (the offering of His Blood in the true Holy of Holies), the sin offering being accepted once for all, not needing to continue offering a sacrifice for our sins before the Father, since His work was done, He sat down at the right hand of the Father. This is where Jesus is today, where He was 1400 years ago-at the Father's side interceding for us. As a go-between before the Holy God who must punish sin and injustice, and frail humanity much in need of mercy, He defends us. He says to the Father, "yes that is sin, you are right. It is evil. It deserves the completeness of Your justice." He doesn't just wink at it, and say, "Well, men will be men, give them a break." He says, "They have called on My Name, that My Death would substitute for their spiritual death. Having asked for Mercy, I sprinkle my blood over their sins." (In actuality, He died for all mankind, but it only avails if they ask for it. He doesn't force Himself on others.)
Here is what happens. The smell of my sin evaporates. The sin itself is forgiven and forgotten. The Father sees the purity of the Son when He looks at me. That allows for my heavenly salvation. But there is more.
The Father already knows the weakness of men. How could He not? He's observed them since Adam's fall.The Old Testament says He remembers we are but dust. And it was the Father's good pleasure to send Jesus, His own plan-not something Jesus talked Him into.)
But Jesus, having been man, has been tempted as we are. He knows the shininess of things. He knows the betrayal of friends. He knows the harshness of the accusations and plots of enemies. He knows the desire to get even, or to want to defend yourself. He has been tempted-yet He did not fail, did not acquiesce to weakness, to bitterness, to hatred. He was tempted, but lived without ever sinning. Who better could speak to the "Immortal, Invisible, only wise God" to explain our needs? To tell Him what we need in order to overcome, to plead for mercy, for patience?
When He forgives me, a new thing happens. As far as the east is from the west (infinite), so far does the Father remove our sins from us. He sees me clean and spotless, the person He created. And a new life begins in me, to make a new creation of me. Let us not look at me, but at His work as it continues.
He sends the Holy Spirit to live in me. He is to teach me of Jesus' ways, direct me into truth, and equip me-giving me power to obey what is asked. He also prays for me-even in my groanings because the Father knows the mind of the Holy Spirit. When I do not know what to say-for lack of wisdom about what to pray for, or no matter what my need, He will speak to the Father for me.
What Jesus does in the Heavenlies, the Holy Spirit does from inside me, on earth. That is, they intercede for us. This is why we are told not to quench the Holy Spirit. And to keep our bodies holy-knowing they are the temples of the Holy Spirit.(This is very encouraging, as we have a three-fold chain of prayers about our needs-our own, Jesus', and that of the Holy Spirit. Throw that in with the love of the Father who already wants to provide for us, and possibly the prayers of other believers, and we should be afraid of nothing.)
This secondary intercessor is only available as I have already received the work of the first-Jesus. The Holy Spirit is also called the earnest (down payment) of our inheritance-the communication God gives that we may know what we have believed is true. (We don't have to wait until we're dead, and cry "oops," if we're wrong.) Our Scripture says He (Holy Spirit) seals us, closes us up, to protect us. And as in Roman rings with seals of wax, it stamps His Authority and proof of ownership upon us. Just as the Resurrection is God's proof of the efficacy (effectiveness) of Jesus' death for all mankind, receiving the Holy Spirit is our individual proof that God has accepted it for me.
Hopefully, this explains why the Koran says "and no one can take the punishment of another," in addition to denouncing intercessors not approved of by Islam. It is responding to the claims of Christians. The myriad number of times the verses denounce those who claim to have intercessors, is because Mohammed is addressing Christians. They are sure of their salvation and will not be moved. So every time you see arguements against intercessors or partners who intercede, please remember whose theology that reflects.
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