| Faiths Opposed to the Christian Gospel |
| Contents: Tulipism, Judaism, Islam (excerpts from the Qur’an), Mormonism (excerpts from the Doctrine and Covenants), Buddhism.
We can infer the key Scriptures for the following dogmas: papalism – Matt. 16:18-19 tulipism – Rom. 9:11-18 sabbatarianism – Exo. 20:8-11 glossolaliaism – Acts 2:4 water-baptismism – Mark 16:16 evangelism/Gospelism – Matt. 28:19-20, John 3:16, Acts 17:30, Rom. 3:22-26, 1Tim. 2:3-4, 2Pet. 3:9, Tit. 2:11, Col. 1:23, Ezek. 18:23, etc.
Tulipism (aka the TULIP Doctrine) The issue of apostasy has been debated ever since Augustine of Hippo developed his doctrine of predestination about A.D. 400. Rom. 8:38-39 seems to say that it is impossible for a Christian to fail to persevere. Paul writes: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” We also read in John 10:27-29 that Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice… no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” (Also, see Rom. 8:38-39, 14:4&10, 1Cor. 1:8, 10:12 & 15:5, 2Cor. 1:20-24, Eph. 1:11-14, 1John 2:19, Psa. 135:6 & Pro. 21:1.) However, there are numerous verses in the NT which indicate that it is possible for a believer intentionally or willfully to separate him/herself from Christ (cf. Gal. 5:1 & Rev. 12:9). The classic passage that teaches the possibility of apostasy is Heb. 6:4-6: “It is impossible for those who have… shared in the Holy Spirit… if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again.” Another verse in this vein is Gal. 5:4: “You who are trying to be justified by law… have fallen away from grace.” (The reader should also see Rom. 11:22, 1Cor. 15:2, Col. 1:22-23, 2Thes. 1:4-5, 2Tim. 2:12, Heb. 3:6&14, 10:35-36, Jam. 1:12, 2Pet. 1:10-11, 2:20, 1John 2:24-25 and Rev. 2:10. These Scriptures are quoted at the end of this part.) Some Christians say that the biblical exhortations to persevere do not imply the possibility of apostasy but this interpretation is problematic for three reasons: First, the plain sense of many verses of Scripture including those listed in the preceding parentheses suggests that it is possible for a believer to commit apostasy, and saying that this understanding is false seems to make God tricky. Second, God’s plan of salvation from the miserable consequences of choosing to reject Him makes sense only if people are morally accountable or free, and free will is meaningful only if a person can choose between essentially opposite options, as in Deut. 30:19: “I set before you today life and death, blessings and curses.” This is the same choice that was set before Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 2:16-17) and before that to Satan in heaven (Luke 10:18). I see no reason to think that this choice is not eternal, because it is this choice which creates: free will (faith in Christ or antichrist), moral responsibility (love the Lord or hate Him) and meaningful life (taste of heaven now and hope for eternal joy rather than misery now and ultimately hell). And 1 Cor. 13:13 says “these three remain”. Third, Jesus said “The truth will set you free” (John 8:32), and “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36) As a disciple of Christ I feel free, and I find every day fraught with significance as I fight on God’s side against evil in a war that has ultimate consequences for the destiny of my soul. Spiritual freedom is in Christ. If Christians retain the same freedom they had as non-Christians to accept or reject Christ’s Lordship, then the second most important truth to learn in life after the Gospel/kerygma is the “necessity” of persevering in accepting Christ as Lord and in learning God’s Word (LGW) until we die in order to achieve our God-given purpose in life: the fullness of Christ or spiritual maturity. [LGW signifies this truth.]
A major blind spot or heresy is known as the doctrine of TULIP (tulipism), which may be described as follows: T – total depravity, meaning souls are unable to exercise sufficient MFW to seek salvation. U – unconditional election, meaning that souls need not satisfy a divine requirement such as faith or repentance, but God chooses to save some while damning the rest to hell. L – limited atonement, meaning that Christ died to pay the penalty of sin only for elect souls. I – irresistible grace, meaning that elect souls cannot resist or refuse God’s will for them to be saved. P – perseverance of the saints, meaning that the elect cannot repudiate their salvation and commit apostasy, because God perseveres in keeping them saved. The orthodox viewpoint opposed to TULIP may be termed Moral Free Will (MFW) and described as follows: M – God’s requirement for salvation (GRFS) is a Moral condition called faith, which is manifested as seeking God’s righteousness or salvation, which in turn presumes sufficient human volition even for sinners to make them morally accountable. F – God enables all morally accountable souls sufficient Freedom to satisfy GRFS—or not, because His grace is not irresistible, which means sinners are accountable and justly condemned when they do not repent and accept Christ’s atonement for their sins W – Faith is almost synonymous with Will, but volition focuses on faith as cooperation with God (or not), and cooperating with God by accepting His grace is NOT meritorious or working to earn heaven or salvation by obeying moral laws. A systematic study of tulipism might begin well by interpreting Paul’s explanation of the Gospel in his epistle to the Romans, because the context for a proof-text tulipists typically cite regarding salvation/ election (s/e), namely Romans 9:10-24, is the rest of Romans, especially Romans 1-11. Here is relevant teaching in the first five chapters: 1. Rom. 1:16 says the Gospel reveals that s/e is for “everyone who believes”, both Jew and Gentile. 2. Rom. 1:17 describes s/e as “righteousness from God” that is by faith “from first to last” or from creation until the end. 3. Rom. 2:4 teaches that God’s kindness or patience with sinners is meant to lead them toward repentance (s/e), which implies that sinners are able to repent because of God’s leading. 4. Rom. 2:5 warns that those who do not repent but instead stubbornly resist God’s leading are storing up wrath against themselves for the day when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed, which implies that God enables sinners to repent–or not (cf. Deut. 30:19). 5. Rom. 2:6 affirms what is called karma by saying that “God will give to each person according to what he has done”, which (in Gal. 6:7-9) is called reaping what a person sows. 6. Rom. 2:7 speaks of the need for “persistence in doing good” and seeking glory, honor and immortality in order to receive s/e or eternal life, which echoes what Jesus commanded (in Matt. 7:7) and connects with the doctrine of perseverance (cf. Heb. 10:36 & Jam. 1:3-4). 7. Rom. 2:11 teaches that “God does not show favoritism” (cf. Eph. 6:9, Col. 3:25, 1Pet. 1:17), which is how God judges people justly, so the fact that some sinners ignore God’s Gospel indicates that His will or leading is resistible because of MFW. 8. Rom. 2:15 teaches that sinful souls have a conscience or awareness of “the requirements of the law”, which may be combined with Romans 1:20 to teach that God’s power and moral nature or will may be perceived via creation and conscience (called natural revelation), thus those unfamiliar with God’s Word in Scripture have no good reason for resisting divine leading and choosing atheism/evil. 9. Rom. 3:20-21 states the law makes souls conscious of sin and that “the Law and Prophets testify” or prepare the way for the new revelation of righteousness from God apart from the Law, which takes up where Romans 1:17 left off. 10. Rom. 3:22a says that “righteousness from God” or s/e comes through faith “in Jesus Christ” (cf. Eph. 2:8), a phrase Paul used eleven times in Ephesians 1:3-14 to indicate s/e. 11. Rom. 3:22b says that God’s righteousness is given “to all who believe—there is no difference”” signifying that all sinners may believe or be s/e (cf. 1Tim. 2:3-4, John 3:16, Tit. 2:11), because there is no favoritism (#7). 12. Rom. 3:23 teaches that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”, meaning that no one can be good enough to earn salvation because of their own merit. 13. Rom. 3:24 says sinners “are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (via faith per v.22, cf. 3:27-28); s/e is free because Christ paid the price/cost. 14. Rom. 3:25a explains redemption as being “a sacrifice of atonement” for those who have faith in Christ’s work of dying in their place. 15. Rom. 3:25b further explains that God demonstrated his just patience (#3) or forbearance in leaving unpunished those sins committed before the revealing of the Gospel (foreshadowed in Gen. 22:8 & 13), implying that sinners had/have the opportunity to believe and be s/e thereby demonstrating God’s justice/not showing favoritism (#11). 16. Rom. 3:26 continues to emphasize divine justice by declaring it three ways (“justice…, just…, justifies”), which justness is synonymous with righteousness (2Thes. 1:5-6, Heb. 6:10). 17. Rom. 4:1-25 presents Abraham as a Gentile who became the physical father of the Jews and the spiritual father of all who choose to have faith in God/Christ. 18. Rom. 5:1 echoes Eph. 2:8 by describing s/e as justification through faith, Eph. 1:5 & 7 by using the phrase “through Jesus Christ”, and Eph. 2:14 by describing s/e as having peace with God. The rest of the systematic study of Romans is included in the Lesson titled “Systematic Scripture Study”. The survey of Romans 1-11 (R#1-42) will now be applied to the TULIP and MFW doctrines in order to see which parts of these interpretations are supported by that Scripture. This application will continue the enumeration begun by the survey. 43. Regarding Total depravity, R#1-6 teach that all normal adult humans are sinners and that God’s intent (will/desire) is to lead them to repent, so they will not condemn themselves to suffer righteous wrath—which implies that sinners are enabled by God’s leading to repent, so their depravity does not totally nullify MFW. 44. Regarding Unconditional election, R#10, 11, 14 & 15 specifically cite faith/belief as the condition for receiving s/e. R#17 illustrates this truth with the example of Abraham leading to the conclusion that faith is the condition for justification or s/e in R#18. R#34 laments that Jews as a whole failed to satisfy the condition of faith, and R#35 celebrates that everyone may satisfy that condition. 45. Regarding Limited atonement, R#20&21 indicate that Christ died to pay the penalty for all sins of all sinners, and R#29 laments that most Jews reject Christ’s atonement, although R#37 finds consolation because there remains a remnant who have not stumbled over the stumbling-stone, who is Christ (R#34). 46. Regarding Irresistible grace, R#3&4 refer to wicked souls who spurn God’s kindness and do not repent. References to “all who believe” (R#11) and to “the man who has faith” (R#15) imply there are some who resist saving faith. R#32 cites pharaoh as an example of a sinner who hardened his heart against God’s will. 47. Regarding Perseverance, R#6 implies the need for those who do not resist God’s leading to persist in doing that. R#40 mentions God’s kindness to believers provided that they continue to believe, because if not they “also will be cut off”. 48. Regarding Moral volition, R#9 teaches that the purpose of the law is to make souls conscious of sin, and R#10-11 teach how to attain righteousness from God. R#22 urges Christians not to continue sinning, and R#26&27 contrast the sinful nature with the new way of cooperating with the Spirit until Christians attain the likeness of Christ. 49. Regarding Freedom to choose, faith connotes a lack of proof or coercion, thereby making the chooser responsible for resisting God’s kind leading per R#3&4, which onus for evil is sensed by one’s conscience (R#8) or consciousness of sin (R#9). Even the reference to slavery in R#23 speaks of obedience being offered. 50. Regarding Will or volition, it is signified in R#32&38 by the heart, and the sinful will is described as hardened (cf. obstinate in Rom. 10:21). In R#39 Israel’s corporate will to sin is called transgression. Now let us consider other Scriptures sometimes cited in descriptions of the TULIP and MFW interpretations in light of Romans 1-11. T – Mark 7:21-23 lists some evil thoughts in sinful hearts, but it does not teach that evil people cannot repent. Rather, Jesus states this truth in order to prick sinners’ hearts and lead them to repent of ignoring the commands of God in order to preserve the traditions of men (Mark 7:6-13, R#3&4). U – The only Scripture cited as specifically supporting this point is R#21, but only if universal salvation is also accepted as being taught by the reference to all/many, but Rom. 5:17 limits the many to those who receive God’s grace, and Rom. 4:16 & 5:1 teach that grace is received through faith, making it the condition for reception (s/e). L – In Matt. 20:28 Jesus said that his life is given as a ransom for many (stated also in Heb. 9:28), but this does not preclude anyone who has faith being included, and Scriptures such as 1Tim. 2:3-4 indicate God’s desire for all to become “many” (John 3:16, Acts 2:21, 1John 2:2), indicating that although Christ’s death atoned for the sins of all humanity only for those who accept Jesus as Messiah does it result in forgiveness (s/e, R#14&18). I – Phil. 2:13 says that God works in believers to will and act according to His good purpose, but this does not mean that believers do not willingly cooperate (R#23). P – John 10:27-29 states that Jesus gives his sheep eternal life, and no one can snatch them, which is stated by Paul in Romans 8:35-39 as being separated from the love of God in Christ. However, there are numerous Scriptures indicating that a believer may not persevere (including John 8:31, Matt. 10:22& Heb. 10:36), so although God gives endurance per Rom. 15:4-5, it too must be received through continued faith (2Cor. 5:7) “from first to last” (Rom. 1:17). M – Gen. 2:17 begins the biblical revelation of God’s moral nature and requirement and is followed up by Gen. 6:5-6 revealing that God is grieved by sin, which truth Paul noted in Eph. 4:30. A main point of the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7) per Jesus in Matt. 5:20 is that souls should be righteous, and main point of the Sermon on Salvation (Rom. 1-11) per Paul in Rom. 3:21-22 is that righteousness is attained through faith in Jesus as Lord (cf. Acts 16:30-31). F – Deut. 30:19 is one of the clearest statements of the condition of volition in Scripture, and Jesus lamented the sinful misuse of this divine gift in Matt. 23:37. Jesus commanded the correct application of volition in Matt. 7:7 (cf. Heb. 11:6). Paul indicates that God enables sinners to seek salvation in Rom. 2:4, where he says that God’s kindness toward sinners leads them toward repentance. In 1Tim. 2:3-4 Paul taught that God wants all souls to be saved, but he lamented that many resisted God’s will in Acts 28:26-27, like Jesus did in Matt. 13:14-15. W – The short version of Paul’s Sermon on Salvation in Romans is found in Eph. 2:8-10, which states that God’s grace is received through faith, not works, implying that the condition of cooperating (called partnership in Phil. 1:4-5, cf. 2:12-13) with God both by professing Christ at conversion (from first/first day) and by producing the fruit of the Spirit during sanctification (to last/the day of Christ Jesus) is NOT meritorious or a reason to think salvation is earned (Rom. 1:17). However, choosing to disbelieve God or resist His kindness does manifest spiritual separation from His blessings and warrant eventual experiencing of divine wrath per Rom. 2:4-6 (cf. Matt. 23:37). Sinful humanity retains the image of God or MFW, so every normal adult soul is able by faith to choose between the two options in Deut. 30:19. That is why Paul went “every Sabbath to the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks” (Acts 18:4). “He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus.” (Acts 28:23b) “Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. (Acts 28:24) They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul made this final statement: The HS spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving, for this people’s heart has become calloused.” (Acts 28:25-27a) Other Scriptures cited by tulipists include: 1 Corinthians 2:14, “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” In order to understand Scripture correctly, one must consider both the immediate context and NT teaching. Here is relevant immediate context for that verse: 1Cor. 1:21b, “God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.” Using Mag’s favorite terminology, God’s method of saving sinners or natural men is via revealing the Gospel, and we know from 1Tim. 2:3-4 that God desires all to believe. 1Cor. 1:23-24, “We preach Christ crucified… to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” Again, “We preach to all natural men”, and “to those natural men God has called”. This prompts the question: Is “desire” in 1Tim. 2:3-4 synonymous with God’s “calling” in 1Cor. 1:24–and we might add with God’s “drawing” in John 12:32 and with God’s “invitation” in Matt. 22:14? The last verse and John 13:18 indicate that although God loves and wants to save every natural man, some ignore/reject/resist His desire/calling/drawing/invitation and are therefore not chosen or saved, while some do NOT resist God’s calling but rather believe the Gospel, realizing its wisdom and power to save, at which point they become chosen/elect. 1Cor. 1:26, “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called… Not many were influential.” They were natural men in the lower social class, but yet they believed or cooperated with God’s calling. 1Cor. 1:27-28, “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise… the lowly… and the despised”. God’s saving of despised natural men was intended to humble all natural men, so that “no one may boast before him” (1Cor. 1:29). 1Cor. 2:1-2, “When I came to you, brothers… I proclaimed to you… Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Paul reiterated that God saved some natural men via them accepting Paul’s preaching of the Gospel. 1Cor. 2:10, “God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.” God’s HS enables natural men to believe the Gospel and be saved (or not). Jeremiah 17:9a,”The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.” The immediate context includes: Jer. 17:5, “Cursed is the one who trusts in man… and whose heart turns away from the Lord.” Jer. 12:1, 3, 14, 16, “You are always righteous, O Lord… you see me and test my thoughts about you… Jer. 14:10, “This is what the Lord says about the people of Judah, They greatly love to wander… Jer. 18:8-11, “If that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned… Deuteronomy 29:4, “To this day the Lord has not given you a mind that understands or eyes that see or ears that hear.” The pertinent pericope seems to begin with Deut. 28:1 & 15, “If you fully obey the Lord your God… God will set you high above all the nations on earth… However, if you do not obey the Lord your God… all these curses will come upon you.” This verse implies that the Israelites are free to obey or disobey. Then we have the verse cited, which sounds like God prevented the Israelites from obeying Him. But then we come to Deut. 29:9, “Carefully follow the terms of this covenant, so that you may prosper in everything you do.” This seems to indicate that the Israelites can follow or not follow the terms. And finally we arrive at the clearest statement of what Moses meant in Deut. 30:19b-20a, “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children might live and that you may love the Lord your God.” This obviously teaches that the Israelites are deemed to have MFW.
Ephesians 1:3-14, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will, to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” In the EPH passage we can see that what the all-loving God predestined was NOT that some souls would be damned, but rather the plan of salvation to elect potentially all humanity, whom He loves and atoned for (1Tim. 2:3-5), if they exercise their God-given grace of volition to accept His offer of grace IN Christ (2Thes. 2:10). Again, the short version of Paul’s Sermon on Salvation in Romans 1-11 is found in Eph. 2:8-10, which states that God’s grace is received through faith, not works. Not until heaven will perfection and certainty be attained, so until then believers operate with confident faith—even popes. Confusion may occur because of claims that science (GW via creation) and Scripture conflicted before one learns that physical science is fallible and not the concern of Scripture.
The doctrine of perseverance or LGW serves as a bridge from the kerygma (creed) to the didache (lifelong spiritual growth) or from spiritual birth to maturity, so it is logical to harmonize various/diverse biblical statements on this issue before proceeding to other didachaic topics. The passages cited previously that seem to support predestination may be harmonized with those supporting free will or perseverance as follows: 1. John 10:27-29 – being “unsnatchable” does not disallow a person from choosing to jump out of the “Father’s hand”. Also, in John 6:37 “never drive away” does not mean a person cannot go away, and in John 6:39 “I shall lose none” may refer to those who persevere or do not stray, who stand firm, who endure, who hold firmly, etc. 2. Rom. 8:38-39 – “anything else” may refer to powers other than one’s own will. 3. Rom. 14:4&10, Paul says not to judge a servant of Jesus, who is able to make them stand before God’s judgment. The verb “make” may mean “provide a way”. 4. 1Cor. 1:8, 10:12 & 15:58, Paul says that Jesus will keep the Corinthian believers firm to the end, warns them that if they think they are standing firm to be careful that they don’t fall and therefore, stand firm, letting nothing move them from the work of the Lord. These verses indicate that standing firm involves a believer cooperating with the way Jesus provides. 5. 2Cor. 1:20-24, Paul says that God makes us stand firm in Christ and anointed our hearts with the HS as a seal and deposit; it is by faith that we stand firm. This indicates that the way God provides for standing firm is for believers to persevere in cooperating with the HS. 6. Eph. 1:11-14 – what is “predestined” is God’s plan to choose or elect anyone who desires to be “in him” or to satisfy GRFS. Thus, being “marked in him with a seal” does not abrogate moral free will (cf. 2Pet. 1:10f). 7. 1 John 2:19 – when synthesized with verse 24 must mean that those who repudiate their Faith do not eternally “belong”. 8. Psa. 135:6 – in light of “volitional verses” (such as Deut. 30:19 & Matt. 23:37) means that God “pleases” to permit limited free will. 9. Pro. 21:1 – in order not to make God responsible for the sins cited in the rest of the chapter must mean that the “king’s heart” or will is choosing to cooperate with the Lord’s “hand” or directions. Scriptures that teach the possibility of apostasy include the following: Matt. 10:22, “All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Rom. 11:22, “Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.” 1Cor. 15:2, “By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.” Gal. 5:4, “You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.” Col. 1:22-23, “But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.” 2Thes. 1:4-5, “Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.” 2Tim. 2:12, “If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;” Heb. 3:6&14, “But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast… We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.” Heb. 6:4-6, “It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.” This passage indicates that apostasy may be viewed as total depravity or blasphemy against the HS (MT 12:31). Heb. 10:26-36, “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God… So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Jam. 1:12, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” 2Pet. 1:10-11, “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2Pet. 2:20, “If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.” 1John 2:24-25, “See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us—even eternal life.” Jude 21, “Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” Rev. 2:10, “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Tulipists typically cite the following Biblical passages regarding the T in TULIP for total depravity: Rom. 3:10-12/Psa. 14:1-3 = 53:1-3,
The next Scripture is 1 Cor. 2:14, “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” The next Scripture is 2Cor. 4:3-4, “Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” Judaizers, Sabbatarians and Actsists Another major heresy infecting Christian churches is called Judaizing, which includes the doctrines of Sabbatarianism and Actsism. Sabbatarianism views the Sabbath law as mandatory for Christians despite the teaching of Paul in Col. 2:16-17 that it merely foreshadowed God’s rest of salvation as indicated in Heb. 3:7-4:11 and thus is part of the Levitical laws that were superseded by the Gospel (Heb. 7:11-10:1) and by the indwelling of Christ’s HS (Rom. 5:5, 8:1-15). (Those who were raised by loving Christian parents may find it easier to understand how cooperation with the Holy Spirit supersedes obeying because of fear. All believers are people of God who should witness for Christ—parents by loving and teaching their children. What is taught and inspired insights should agree with the GW, especially the Gospel.) Actsists believe that the history of the early church in Acts 1-10 (and Mark 16:16-17) make water baptism (WB) and speaking in tongues (SIT) mandatory for Christians. Folks need to stop worshipping the physical symbols and focus on what they represent. Like physical circumcision (PC) and water baptism, the seventh day or Sabbath Law (SL) indicates saving faith in the righteousness of Christ. The outward works or cessation of work are appropriate, but optional. It is the faith by which we receive the Holy Spirit that is required and manifested by loving fruit. God’s Word enters His people’s hearts when they repent of sins including legalism and accept Jesus as Messiah and Lord incarnate. He indwells believers as the Holy Spirit. Moral law describes what “living in the spirit” looks like. The correct direction for understanding Scripture is forward: interpret the OT in light of the NT, not the reverse. A reverse hermeneutic is perverse. This is indicated by the analogies (cited in Matt. 9:16-17) of sewing a new patch onto old material and of pouring new wine into old wineskins, which do not work. Interpretation of GW is true when done in the forward direction, not contradicting the Gospel with OT laws, which is the way/ direction Jesus and the Apostles went/commented/interpreted. Christ alluded to the OT in order to show how it should be interpreted in light of His new revelation/NT. The astute note that in Matt. 4:7 Jesus said “It is also written”, interpreting what Satan had quoted in light of another passage, which is called harmonizing Scripture and is what we should do, but some Judaizers want to require PC, while others want to require the SL. God could have chosen anyone other than Abraham to be the father of believers, and/or God could have chosen Ishmael instead of Isaac, or He could have chosen Reuben instead of Judah, etcetera. IOW, Jesus could have been an African aborigine instead of a Jew, so let us not fixate on the physical. The NT indicates that OT folks were offered salvation (in Rom. 1:20, 2:6-16, 4:1-8, 9:4-8, 10:5-18, 11:1-7), Paul warned Christians to beware of Judaizers, who revert to teaching justification by observing the law (Gal. 4:8-5:12). In Phil. 3:1-9 Paul said, “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord!… Watch out for those… mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision [cf. Rom. 2:29]… If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more:… in regard to the law, a Pharisee… as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ… I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ–that comes from God and is by faith.” Jesus taught that his righteousness (Matt. 5:10&20) surpassed and superseded that of those who obeyed and taught the law (cf. Matt. 12:5-12, 19:3-9, Heb. 7:18-10:1). The law is represented by John the Baptist in Matt. 3:11a, “I baptize you with water [WB] for repentance” [forgiveness of sins indicated in the Torah, cf. Rom. 7:4-8:17], and Spirit baptism (SB) is indicated in Matt. 3:11b, “but after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” However, some people (“Actsists”) focus on events in Acts such as WB and glossolalia rather than on teachings in the epistles about faith/SB being what is essential (“Faithists”). The book of Acts does not teach foundational Christian doctrine but merely records what occurred during the early days of the church era as the revelation of GRFS transitioned from OT beliefs to the NT doctrine that is taught in the epistles, which never command WB or tongues as signs of SB or as essential for salvation. The transition can be seen as occurring in Acts 16:31-34, where Paul told the jailer to believe in the Lord Jesus in order to be saved, NOT to believe and be WB in order to be saved. However, the jailer and others in his family who believed in God were WB. Then in Acts 17:30-34 Paul told the Athenians to repent, which some did, but whether they were WB is not mentioned. Then in Acts 19:1-6 Paul encountered some disciples of John who had been WB but had not been taught about SB, so they received SB when Paul placed his hands on them. Then in Acts 26:16-18, when Paul recounted his calling to King Agrippa, he quoted Jesus as saying, “I am sending you to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” WB was not mentioned, which continued to be the case in Paul’s epistles. The foundation cited in 1Corinthisans 3:11 is Christ, referring to faith in Christ’s atonement (Rom. 3:12-5:1). Instructions about baptisms are mentioned in Hebrews 6:2, which logically, semantically, and mathematically had to be that WB is a sign or rite portraying a soul has been SB (Col. 2:12), since there is only one baptism (Eph. 4:5) into one body (Eph. 4:4, 1Cor. 12:13). This understanding was held by Christians generally until RC perverted it by practicing infant sprinkling, which was corrected by the Anabaptists during the Protestant Reformation. By the last of Paul’s epistles, WB came to be understood as a good but non-essential work or rite, like physical circumcision, and the basis for believing folks are filled with the HS is reflecting God’s love for everyone (Matt. 22:37-40, 1John 4:7-21, John 13:35, Rom. 5:5, Gal. 5:6 & 22, etc.). Then, like now, the rite is performed as an apt way of portraying saving faith in the atonement of Christ, even though the work is not required, just as physical circumcision was not required for salvation either per Paul in Romans 3:21-5:1. Regarding speaking in tongues (SIT), the original occurrence of SIT at Pentecost (in Acts 2:4-11) and for awhile longer was earthly languages given as a sign that fulfilled Joel 2:28-32 (cf. Isa. 28:11-12 cited in 1Cor.14:21), which reversed Babel and evangelized 3,000 people, thereby ensuring the planting of the first Christian church. However, by the time of its occurrence in the church at Corinth apparently it had morphed into mere pagan-like babbling (cf. Matt. 6:9), which Paul neither quashed completely nor commanded, writing that the gift would cease (1Cor. 13:8-13) as love continued forever but also that he exercised it more than anyone (1Cor. 14:18), thereby causing confusion. This confusion and apparent contradiction can be resolved by noting that if SIT were important it would be mentioned and even commanded in other epistles, so the absence of affirming SIT in other Pauline epistles speaks volumes. Thus, whenever SIT is claimed, it is right to test whether it is genuine or pagan (1Thes. 5:21). Certainly, if someone suddenly is enabled to speak an unlearned earthly language, that can be verified and considered miraculous, but interpretation of babbling is impossible to verify. Thus, disagreement can continue regarding the occurrence of SIT in private prayer, although there is no Scriptural warrant for viewing it as signifying Spirit filling rather than love (John 13:35, 1John 4:7-21). Jesus taught that his righteousness (Matt. 5:10&20) surpassed and superseded that of those who obeyed and taught the law (cf. Matt. 12:5-12, 19:3-9, Heb. 7:18-10:1). The law is represented by John the Baptist in Matt. 3:11a, “I baptize you with water [WB] for repentance” [forgiveness of sins indicated in the Torah, cf. Rom. 7:4-8:17], and Spirit baptism (SB) is indicated in Matt. 3:11b, “but after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Paul warned Christians to beware of Judaizers, who revert to teaching justification by observing the law (Gal. 4:8-5:12). In Phil. 3:1-9 Paul said, “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord!… Watch out for those… mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision [cf. Rom. 2:29]… If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more:… in regard to the law, a Pharisee… as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ… I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ–that comes from God and is by faith”, NOT via WB nor SIT.
THE STATUS OF JEWS Per Jesus MT 7:21: Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. MT 8:11: I say to you that many will come from the east and the west and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. MT 10:32: Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven, but whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. MT 11:6&13-14: Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me… For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. MT 13:14-15: This people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and I would heal them. MT 21:43: I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. MT 23:37: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you! How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. MT 28:18-19a: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations… JN 6:40: My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. JN 8:42, 44&56: If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own, but he sent me… You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him… Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad. JN 10:16: I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. JN 12:48a & 49b: There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words… for the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. JN 16:1-2: All this I have told you so that you will not go astray. They will put you out of the synagogue. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. Per Paul RM 1:1-5: Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus… Through him we received apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. (All passages may be condensed.) RM 2:1-11, 23-29: God will give to each person according to what he has done… There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile, but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism. RM 2:23-29: You (Jews) who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? As it is written, “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”… A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart. RM 3:1-9: What advantage then is there in being a Jew?… First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God… What shall we conclude then? Are we (Jews) any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. RM 3:20-30: Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his (God’s) sight by observing the law; rather through the law we become conscious of sin… Where then is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. Is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. RM 4:16-18: Therefore the promise (salvation) comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all of Abraham’s offspring–not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations.” RM 9:1-16: I speak the truth in Christ… I could wish myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel… From them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen. It is not as though God’s word had failed, for not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children… It is not the natural children who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. RM 9:23-24 & 30-33: What if he (God) did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory–even us whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?… What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the “stumbling stone”. As it is written, “See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, but the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” RM 10:1&12-13: Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved… For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile–the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” RM 11:1&7-8: …Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham… What then? What Israel sought so earnestly it did not obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened. RM 11:11-32: Because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious. But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring! I am talking to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles. I make much of my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them… You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I may be grafted in.” Granted, but they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant… Otherwise, you also will be cut off. And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in again… Israel has experienced hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved… For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. RM 15:15-16: God gave me (grace) to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 1CR 1:22-24: Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks (Gentiles) look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified–a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ (is) the power of God and the wisdom of God. EPH 2:11-22: Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (that done in the body by the hands of men)–remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood (death) of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross… Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. EPH 3:1-11: For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles–Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation… that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus… This grace was given to me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. TIT 1:10-14: There are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group (Jews). They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach… Therefore, rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth. HB 3:3-6: Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself… Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be said in the future, but Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. (See HB 7:18-19,22&27; 8:6-8,13; 9:1,10,15,26b-28; 10:1&9b.) GOD’S PEACE PLAN: How to Harmonize Monotheism Christianity is God’s bridge uniting monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, etc.) rather than a wall separating them. This truth is derived from a statement by the apostle Paul (in 1TM 2:3-4) indicating that Yahweh/God/Allah loves all people and wants everyone to love each other as one happy spiritual family or fellowship, and He is grieved when people who claim to believe in Him quarrel (Ephesians 4:30-31). When Judaism was reformed by Jesus and his apostles, Paul taught (in RM 2:28-29, 4:16-17 & GL 3:29) that what matters is not the religion of our parents, but whether each of us has faith like Abraham in the one true God. A spiritual Jew loves God (DT 6:4-5), a true Christian loves God and humanity (MT 22:37-40), and a genuine Muslim serves God by cooperating with His plan of salvation (MT 24:45 & 25:21). Theists can be Jewish, Christian and Muslim, because Christianity is God’s solution/plan for peace in the world (EPH 2:11-22). The purpose of Judaism was to provide the heritage for Messiah for the benefit of all people (RM 3:21-31, 9:4-5a, IS 42:1-6, GN 22:18, DT 9:5-6), and the intent of Islam (stated by the Qur’an in Surah 2:89) was “confirming” God’s previous revelations to the Jews and Christians (the OT & NT). When Jews became Messianic, Paul and Peter agreed that they could follow the old Jewish customs that did not contradict faith in Jesus as Lord (ACTS 15:5-29 & GL 2:15-16). Because everything good and true is from God (JM 1:27), accepting Jesus as Messiah does not mean rejecting what is good and true in one’s pre-Christian experience or culture. However, the relationship between Jesus, Moses and Mohammed needs to be harmonized. Paul wrote (in 1TM 2:5): “For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ [Messiah] Jesus.” This verse clearly indicates that the Christian concept known as the Trinity should not be understood as contradicting faith in one God. Similarly, calling Messiah “God’s Son” should not be understood as contradicting the humanity of Jesus (HB 2:17), the one God ordained to die unjustly as payment of the penalty for the sins of humanity. God relates to humanity in three primary ways: as the Creator or Father over all, as the Holy Spirit (cf. Surah 2:87) within believers, and as the human Messiah/Jesus with humanity (Immanuel in MT 1:23). Thus, Muslims–like Jews–may accept Jesus as Messiah with the understanding that the Mosaic laws Islamic five pillars do not contradict the Christian gospel of salvation. In the OT God established a covenant with Abraham (GN 15:18, 17:2) by which “all nations on earth will be blessed” (GN 8:18), Jeremiah revealed that the Mosaic covenant would be superseded by a new covenant (JR31:31, cf. HB 7:18-10:1), and Isaiah associated the new covenant with Messiah, “my chosen one”, who would also be “a light for the Gentiles” (IS 42:1,6&9, 49:5-6&8, 59:20-60:3, 61:1 & 62:2&11). God’s “chosen people” potentially includes everyone in the world who satisfies His requirement for salvation by seeking truth and finding Messiah (EPH 2:11-3:6, RM 10:1-11:32). [Whether or not the physical nation of Israel will play some political role before the end/eschaton is another issue.] In EPH 3:1-6, note that world peace through the gospel of Christ was a “mystery” until Paul received a divine revelation. As Paul wrote in 1CR 2:7-8, “We speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” Thus, although with hindsight we can see how Old Testament scriptures foreshadowed Christ, we should not expect that they specifically prophesied the gospel (although Isaiah 53 is quite impressive). In summary, the evidence of accepting God’s will and cooperating with Him is manifesting love for everyone including enemies, which is the opposite of that held by those claiming to believe in God/Allah who are grieving Him by terrorizing humanity. EXCERPTS FROM THE QUR’AN Significant teachings in the Quran are compared with the Bible, especially the New Testament. Often only the first instance of a teaching in the Quran is noted. The Surah and verse are placed within parentheses; biblical references within brackets. (Surah 1) [introduction] God/Allah is praiseworthy, merciful and Judge. [2CR 1:3, LK 6:36, RM 2:16] (2:2) This book contains sure guidance for those who believe. [2:89&136, 2TM 3:16-17] (2:8) Some people say they believe, but they do not. [MT 7:21, JN 13:35] (2:29) God created all things on earth. [GN 1, RM 1:25] (2:34) We said to the angels… [“majestic plural” also in GN 3:22] (2:36) Satan made Adam & Eve slip from the Garden. [GN 3:1-15] (2:40) Children of Israel, fulfill God’s covenant. [with Abraham (GN 17:1-7) for the salvation of all people (per IS 42:1&6, 49:6)] (2:49) We delivered you from Pharaoh [EX 14:23-31] and (v.53:) gave Moses the Scripture and Criterion. [Cf. S.3, v.3-4. Criterion seems to mean miracles (DT 34:9-12)] (2:61) They slew Allah’s messengers. [MT 23:37] (2:62) Those who believe in the Quran and follow the Jewish scriptures and the Christians shall have their reward. [RM 2:28-29, 3:29-30, 4:9-12&16-17, GL 3:6-14, EPH 2:11-22] (2:77) Allah knows what we think. [ACTS 1:24, 1CR 4:5, 14:25] (2:83) Worship Allah, treat with kindness your parents, orphans and the poor. [EPH 4:32, 6:1-3, JM 1:27, GL 2:10, 1CR 13:3] (2:87) We gave Jesus the Holy Spirit. [See also S.2:253, JN 14:16-17] (2:89) There comes to them a book from Allah, confirming what is with them. [See f.94, v.136, S.6:92 & S.10:37] (2:111f) They say: “None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.” Nay, whoever submits His whole self to Allah [Muslim] and is a doer of good—he will get his reward with his Lord. [God’s will is for us to be all three: a spiritual Jew (RM 2:29) = a genuine Christian (JM 2:17) = a true Muslim (MT 22:37-40). (2:113) The Jews and Christians quarrel, yet they profess to study the same Book, but Allah will judge. [M also quarrel with J & C, who profess to serve the one God, but Paul taught that God’s servants (Muslims) must not quarrel (2TM 2:24, 1CR 1:10).] (2:125) We covenanted with Abraham and Ismail. [and with Isaac! (GN 17:18-21)] (2:133) We shall worship the God of Abraham…—the one true God. [Cf. JN 17:3.] (2:135) Christians joined gods [Jesus and HS] with Allah. [One God relates to humanity in three normative ways; see S.2:87 & 1TM 2:5.] (2:136) We believe in the revelation given to Moses and Jesus and to all Prophets; we make no difference between them. [See S.2:89, S.3:3&84; Jesus is unique and exalted as Messiah. (PHP 2:9-11)] (2:137) You are on the right path; if they turn back, it is they who are in schism. [Schism is caused by those who deny the truth in both the NT and Quran. Paul wrote about how to bridge this schism in GL 3:1-29. See note for v.111.] (2:140) Were the descendants of Abraham Jews or Christians? [Yes by faith, and also genuine Muslims as explained in the note on v.111.] (2:143) Allah is kind and merciful to all people. [LK 6:35-36] *(2:144 & 18:149f) Thy Qiblah [direction for prayer per f.141] is to turn your face toward the Sacred Mosque [in Makkah per f.148, cf. 1CR 3:16-17]. (2:153) Allah is with those who patiently persevere. [HB 10:36] (2:161) Those who die rejecting Faith are cursed. [HB 9:27] (2:168) Eat good things. [1TM 4:3-4] (2:173) Do not eat animals that die of sickness, blood or swine unless forced by necessity. [also S.5:3 & S.16:115; cf. 1TM 4:4] (2:178-179) The law of equality [just compensation?] is prescribed to you…that ye may restrain yourselves [from vengeance, MT 5:38f] *(2:183&185) Fasting is prescribed to you that ye may learn self-restraint… during the month of Ramadan. [Such practices are permissible but not salvific per the NT (GL 2:14-16 & 3:21-25).] (2:190) Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you… (and v.193:) those who practice oppression [in self-defense per f.204, but cf. v.244. C also believe in just defense (based on RM 13:1-5), but stress spiritual warfare per EPH 6:12, 2CR 10:3-5, 2TM 4:7, MT 5:44. Compare terrorists with MT 5:9 & RM 12:18]. (2:195) Allah loves those who do good. [MT 5:44, RM 5:8-10, RM 13:1-4] *(2:196) Complete the Hajj or Umrah if you can afford it. [pilgrimage to Makkah, also S.3:97, cf. note on fasting; RM 12:1, JN 6:29] (2:207) The man who gives his life earns the pleasure of Allah. [Martyrdom, if necessary, is praised in Christianity, too (cf. MT 10:16-28), but not murder-suicides.] (2:219) The sin of wine and gambling is greater than the benefit. [also 5:90; The NT bans drunkenness explicitly in EPH 5:18 and excessive gambling implicitly in 1TM 5:8, EPH 4:28, 2CR 8:12 & 9:6-11] (2:221) Do not marry unbelieving women. [cf. 2CR 6:14] (2:225) Allah will not condemn you for thoughtlessness but for evil intent. [1CR 4:5] (2:228) Divorced women shall wait for three months [before remarriage]. Men have a degree of rights over women. [Cf. GL 3:28 vs. 1TM 2:11-15.] (2:229) A divorce is permissible only twice. [Cf. MT 19:8-12, 1CR 7:10-16] *(2:238) Guard strictly your habit of prayers. [Cf. EPH 6:18, 1THS 5:17] (2:256) Let there be no compulsion in religion. [cf. 9:29; Murderers and persecutors are pseudo-theists (MT 7:21).] (2:262&264) Give without “reminders or [wanting] to be seen of men. [Cf. MT 6:2-4] *(2:272) Whatever good you give shall be rendered back to you. [Cf. ML3:10, 2CR9:6] (2:284) Allah forgives and punishes as He wills. [Cf. RM 9:14-18, God as Potter] (2:286) Allah does not burden a soul greater than it can bear. [Cf. 1CR 10:13 in terms of temptation] (3:3-4) Allah sent down the Book, confirming what went before it, the Law and the Gospel. Before this He set down the Criterion (of judgment between right and wrong). [S.2:89 & RM 2:14-15] (3:12) Those who reject Faith will be gathered together in hell. [MT 23:33] (3:19) The religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His will). [JM 4:7] (3:32) Allah does not love those who reject Faith. [RM 5:6-10, God loves enemies] (3:45-49) Allah will give the virgin Mary a Word from him, whose name will be Christ Jesus, who will be appointed a messenger to the children of Israel. [JN 1:14; Note the lack of mention of Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles (ACTS 13:46-47) for Christ.] (3:59) Jesus was created like Adam: Allah said “Be”, and he was. [1CR 15:45f., the first and last Adam] (3:67) Abraham was not a Jew or a Christian, but true in Faith and joined not gods with Allah. [RM 4, salvation by faith; 1TM 1:17 with CL 1:15] (3:90-91) Those who reject Faith after accepting it and who die rejecting will never be accepted. [HB 6:4-6 and many passages teach the possibility of apostasy] (3:103) Hold fast to the Rope, and be not divided among yourselves. [JN 13:35 & 17:23, EPH 4:3, 1CR 3:3, etc. command unity] (3:110) Most People of the Book are perverted transgressors, who rejected the Signs of Allah and slew the prophets. [MT 23:34-37] (3:118) Do not be intimate with those outside your ranks or they will corrupt you. [2CR 6:14f] (3:132) Obey Allah and the Messenger, that ye may obtain mercy. [Also 4:80; cf. JN 17:6-8&24-26, ACTS 4:19 & JN 13:16&34 (messages must not contradict the Gospel)] (3:135) Who can forgive sins except Allah? [LK 5:21] (3:140) Allah takes martyrs and purges believers. [This and many following verses refer to the disastrous defeat in the battle at Uhud.] (3:144) Muhammed is no more than a messenger. [Whereas Jesus is more than a prophet per MT 11:10-15] (3:145) No one dies without Allah’s permission. [But God does not desire our death per 1CR 15:26.] (3:185f.) Every soul shall die and on the Day of Judgment believers (who persevere, v.200) will be saved from the Fire and admitted to the Garden. [HB 9:27, RV 20:15, 22:1-3] (4:3) Marry 1-4 (orphaned) women [whose fathers and husbands were killed at Uhud per a footnote], treated justly (equally). [Cf. MT 19:4-6, 1TM 3:2] (4:9) Dispose of orphans’ estates justly [as though you were the deceased; other rules for inheritance follow]. (4:15-16) If women or men are guilty of lewdness, punish them until they repent and amend. [no NT verse] (4:23) Do not marry close relatives. [cf. LV 18] (4:34) Husbands protect their wives; wives obey their husbands. [cf. EPH 5:21-33] (4:40) Allah is never unjust. [RM 9:14, 2THS 1:6] (4:43) Pray only after washing with water or clean sand. [S.5,v.6; cf. HB 10:22] (4:46) Allah has cursed the Jews for their unbelief, but few believe. [cf. RM 9:3-8] (4:57) Those who believe and do good deeds will be admitted to gardens with rivers flowing beneath, to shades and coolness. [also v.122; JM 2:17&22, GL 5:1-6, 1JN 2:29] (4:74) Fight in the cause of Allah. [cf. 2TM 4:7, EPH 6:10-12] (4:79) Whatever good happens is from Allah. [JM 1:17] (4:92) Never should a believer kill another believer intentionally. [MT 5:22] (4:95) Those who fight are rewarded more than those who sit at home. [cf. v.74 note] (4:120) Satan creates false desires and deceives. [GN 3:1-6, ACTS 13:10] (4:136) Believe in Allah, his angels, his books, his messengers, and the Day of Judgment. [ACTS 16:31, JN 5:39-40&46, ACTS 26:22-27] (4:137-138) God will not forgive apostates and hypocrites. [MT 23, HB 6:4-6] (4:144) Do not befriend unbelievers. [2CR 6:14-18] (4:153-159) The People of the Book killed Christ Jesus, but Allah raised him up, and they must believe in him. [ACTS 2:22-39] (4:171) The Messiah Jesus was a messenger of Allah, so say not “Trinity”, for Allah is one God. [1TM 2:5, GL 3:20, 1CR 8:6] (5:3) Forbidden foods include dead meat, blood, swine and that dedicated to idols. [ACTS 15:20, 1CR 10:25-29, MT 15:11, CL 2:16, 1TM 4:4] (5:13-15) To the Israelites who broke their covenant and to the Christians who forgot much of the message and became estranged with enmity between them, our Messenger has come with a new book, whereby Allah guides all who seek Him out of darkness unto the light. [GL 1:6-12] (5:17-18) It is blasphemy to say that Allah is Christ. Those who say they are sons of Allah are but men He created. [cf. JN 1:12, 10:35, PHP 2:15, RM 8:14-17, 1JN 3:1-2] (5:38) Cut off the hands of a thief. [cf. EPH 4:28] (5:45) We ordained “life for life” for the Jews, but if anyone remits the retaliation by way of charity, it is an act of atonement for himself. [MT 5:38-39] (5:46) We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law with the Gospel. [MT 5:17] (5:48) Allah could have made you a single people, but His plan is to test you and to show you the truth regarding what you dispute. [EPH 4:3-5] (5:66&68) If only they had stood by the Law and the Gospel, but many of them follow an evil course of rebellion and blasphemy. [MT 7:21] (5:69) Those who believe the Qur’an, who follow the Jewish Scriptures, Christians and who believe in Allah and the Last Day and work righteousness, they shall not grieve. [GL 6:7-10] (5:72-75) They blaspheme who say Allah is Christ, who taught worship of Allah, who is one God. Christ is no more than a messenger. [cf. MT 11:10-15, JN 10:33-38 and notes on v.17f and S.4:171] (5:110) Allah will say to Jesus, “I strengthened you with the Holy Spirit and enabled you to make a bird out of clay and to bring forth the dead and to heal people.” [MT 3:16, 4:1, 8:3, 9:24-25; Note the reference to an apocryphal NT book.] (5:111-115) Allah inspired Jesus’ disciples, who asked him to send a table with food from heaven, and Allah sent it, saying that if any of you after this miracle resist faith, I will punish you most severely. [This miracle is not canonical.] (5:116-117) Jesus commanded people to worship Allah. [also 43:63-64, MT 4:10] (6:8-9) If we sent an angel down to unbelievers, the matter would be settled at once, and no respite would be granted them. If we had sent the angel as a man, they would have remained in confusion. [cf. JN 10:33, LK 4:22, JN 9:41] (6:19) The Qur’an has been revealed to me by inspiration, so I may warn you that besides Allah there is no other God. [see v.106 and S.5:72-75 & v.116-117] (6:32-34) What is earthly life? Best is the home in the hereafter, but the wicked reject the signs of Allah. [MT 6:25-33 & 12:39/16:4] (6:35) Be not among those who are swayed by ignorance and impatience. [2PT 3] (6:73) Allah’s Word is the Truth. [JN 17:17] (6:96-97) Allah made the sun and moon for the reckoning of time and the stars for the guidance of travelers. [PS 8:3, 74:16, 104:19, GN 1:14-16] (6:109&111) Even if we sent them signs or if the dead spoke, those who demand such would not believe. [cf. v. 124 and LK 16:31] (6:121) Eat no food on which Allah’s name has not been pronounced. [see v.145 & S.5:3, ACTS 15:20] (6:141) Allah does not love those who are wasteful. [LK 16:11] (6:151) Do not kill children because you cannot afford them. Kill only by way of justice and law. [RM 13:3-10] (6:155-157) This book is revealed, lest you say you are unacquainted with the Book sent to two peoples before you or that if the Book had been sent to you, you would have followed its guidance better than they. [2PT 1:19-2:1, 3:15-16, 2TM 3:16f, JN 16:5-15] (6:159 Do not divide into sects. [1CR 3:3-23] (7:11-25) The story of the fall of Adam and Eve. [GN 3] (7:33) Allah forbids sins and trespasses against truth or reason. [MT 5:48, JN 8:44] (7:40) Those who reject our signs will not enter heaven until a camel can pass through the eye of a needle. [MT 19:24] (7:42) We place no burden on any soul greater than what it can bear. [also 23:62, 1CR 10:13] (7:59-64) We sent Noah to warn his people to worship Allah, but they rejected him. [also 10:71-73, 11:25-49; GN 6-8, 2PT 2:5, 1PT 3:20, HB 11:7] (7:65-93) We sent Hud to the Ad people, Salih to the Thamuds, Lut to his people, and Shu’ayb to the Madyans, but their leaders rejected their messages. [also 11:50-95; These are in the Arab tradition rather than in the Jewish tradition, except for Lot (GN 19).] (7:103-154) After them we sent Moses with our signs to Pharaoh, and we ordained laws for him in the tablets. [also 10:75-92, 20:1-97, 43:46-56; EX 5-14 & NM] (20:1-97) (7:157) Those who follow the messenger they find mentioned in their own scriptures (the Law and the Gospel) will prosper. [HB 7:18-10:1, EPH 3:2-6] (7:160-169) We divided the people of Moses into twelve tribes and broke them up into sections on this earth, but they chose the vanities of this world. [post NT] (7:179) We have made many men for hell. They are misguided and heedless of our warnings. [Do they have moral free will or not? Cf. DT 30:19, RM 9:14-21] (7:180) Shun those who use profanity in God’s names. [CL 3:8] (7:187) None but the Lord knows when the final hour will occur. [MT 24:36] (7:200f) If an evil suggestion from Satan assaults your mind, seek refuge with Allah. [JM 4:7-15] (Appendices on Jewish and Christian history; See esp. p.411) EXCERPTS FROM “THE DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS” 1. Containing revelations given to Joseph Smith, the prophet, with some additions by his successors in the Presidency of the Church, Copyright 1921 by Helen J. Grant, Trustee in Trust. [title page] 2. [The first revelation to Joseph Smith] took place in the early spring of 1820… Many revelations followed, in preparation for the re-establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ on earth… On September 24, 1834, at a meeting of the High Council in Kirtland, Ohio, a committee… was constituted to publish the revelations… [explanatory introduction] 3. Section 1. Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, during a special conference of Elders… held at Hiram, Ohio, November 1, 1831… This section constitutes the Lord’s Preface to the doctrines, covenants, and commandments given in this dispensation. [p.1] 4. …my servant Joseph Smith… [to whom was given] power to lay the foundation of this church… the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth. [p.3] 5. For although a man may have many revelations… [if he] sets at naught the counsels of God… he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God. [p.4] 6. And when thou [Smith] deliverdst up that which God had given thee sight and power to translate, thou deliverdst up that which was sacred into the hands of a wicked man. [p.5] 7. As many as repent and are baptized in my name, which is Jesus Christ, and endure to the end, the same shall be saved. [p.25] 8. God… created man [but man became fallen]… wherefore, the Almighty God gave his Only Begotten Son… He was crucified, died, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven.. to reign with almighty power according to the will of the Father. [p.31] 9. Father, Son and Holy Ghost are one God, infinite, and eternal… And we know that justification… [and] sanctification through the grace of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ is just and true… But there is a possibility that we may fall from grace. [p.31] 10. It must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves…[but] power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable. [p.46] 11. The Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures are given of me for your instruction… And there are none that doeth good except those who are ready to receive the fullness of my gospel, which I have sent forth… by the hand of my servant Joseph. [p.50&52] 12. My servants Sidney, and Parley, and Leman… you shall go and preach my gospel… unto the Shakers… [for] whoso forbiddeth to marry is not ordained of God, for… it is lawful that he should have one wife. [p.77-78] 13. Let that which belongeth to this people not be taken and given unto that of another church… let the bishop appoint a storehouse unto this church. [p.82] 14. The land of Missouri… is the land of promise, and the place for the city of Zion… is now called Independence… wherefore, it is wisdom that the land should be purchased. [p.89] 15. He that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land. [p.91] 16. Shake off the dust of thy feet against those who receive thee not, not in their presence, lest though provoke them, but in secret. [9.97] 17. Children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old. [p.112] 18. Section 76. A vision… Prefacing his record of this vision the Prophet wrote: “From sundry revelations which had been received, it was apparent that many important points touching the revelation of man had been taken from the bible, or lost before it was compiled. [p.121] 19. These are they [the church of the Firstborn who have received the fullness of the Father] whose bodies are celestial… These are they who receive of his glory, but not of his fullness… Wherefore, they are bodies terrestrial… these are they [the telestial] who received not the gospel of Christ… who shall not be redeemed form the devil until the last resurrection. [p.125] 20. For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods [Melchizedek and Aaronic]… they become the sons of Moses… and the elect of God. [p.137] 21. The body hath need of every member… that the system may be kept perfect. [p.141] 22. Prophecy on war, given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, December 25, 1832… behold, the southern States shall be divided against the Northern States, and… slaves shall rise up against their masters. [p.144] 23. A Word of Wisdom… strong drinks are not for the belly… tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly… and again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly. [p.154] 24. Thus saith the Lord [to Joseph Smith]… the keys of this kingdom shall never be taken from you, while thou art in the world, neither in the world to come. [p.155] 25. It is not needful that the Apocrypha should be translated. [p.158] 26. Man was also in the beginning with God… for man is spirit. The elements are eternal… the elements are the tabernacle of God. [p.160] 27. I, the Lord, justify you… in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land. [p.167] 28. If men will smite you… if thou rewardest him according to his works thou art justified. [p.168] 29. In case of difficulty respecting doctrine… the president may inquire and obtain the mind of the Lord by revelation. [p.179] 30. Whoso is not willing to lay down his life for my sake is not my disciple. [p. 181] 31. If any man shall… impart not his portion, according to the law of my gospel, unto the poor and the needy, he shall, with the wicked, lift up his eyes in hell. [p.183-184] 32. Talk not of judgment, neither boast of faith nor of mighty works, but carefully gather together, as much in one region as can be, consistently with the feelings of the people… until the army of Israel becomes very great. [p.189] 33. There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely the Melchizedek and Aaronic… called the lesser priesthood. [p.191-192] 34. We therefore ask thee to… cause that the remnants of Jacob… be converted… to the fullness of the everlasting gospel. [p.202] 35. Thus shall my church be called in the last days, even the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. [p.209] 36. All those who gather unto the land of Zion shall be tithed of their surplus properties, and shall observe this law, or they shall not be found worthy to abide among you. [p.212] 37. Build a house to my name… for a baptismal font there is not upon the earth, that they, my saints, may be baptized for those who are dead. [p.221] 38. The Lord ordained and prepared before the foundation of the world the ordinance of baptism for the dead for the salvation of the dead who should die without knowledge of the gospel. [p.232] 39. The idea that the Father and the Son dwell in a man’s heart is an old sectarian notion… the Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s. [p.238] 40. In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees, and in order to obtain the highest, man must enter into… the new and everlasting covenant of marriage. [p.238] 41. All spirit is matter, but it is more fine. [p.239] 42. I reveal unto you a new and an everlasting covenant, and if ye abide not that covenant, then are ye damned… the conditions of this law are these: All covenants… that are not made and entered into and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise… through the medium of mine anointed… my servant Joseph… are of no efficacy, virtue or force in after the resurrection. [p.239-240] 43. Therefore, if a man marry him a wife… not by me nor by my word… when they are out of the world they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are appointed angels… to minster for those who are worthy of a far more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory. [p.240-241] 44. If a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed… then shall they be gods, because they have all power. [p.241] 45. This is eternal lives—to know the only wise and true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. I am he. Receive ye, therefore, my law… and ye shall be saved. [p.242] 46. Abraham received concubines, and they bore him children, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness… David also received many wives and concubines… by the hand of Nathan, my servant. [p.243] 47. If any man espouse a virgin, and desire to espouse another, and the first give her consent… then he is justified, he cannot commit adultery… And if he have ten virgins given unto him by this law, he cannot commit adultery, for they are given unto him to multiply and replenish the earth. [p.245] 48. We do not believe it just to mingle religious influence with civil government, whereby one religious society is fostered… We do not believe that any religious society has authority to try men on the right of property or life. [p.250-251] 49. To seal the testimony of this book and the Book of Mormon, we announce the martyrdom of Joseph Smith the Prophet, and Hyrum Smith the Patriarch. They were shot in Carthage jail, on the 27th of June, 1844, about five o’clock p.m., by an armed mob—painted black—of from 150 to 200 persons… Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man. [p.252] 50. It was needful that he [Joseph Smith] should seal his testimony with his blood, that he might be honored and the wicked might be condemned… Now, however, hearken, O ye people of my church… be diligent in keeping all my commandments… So no more at present. Amen and Amen. [p.256-end] A COMPARISON OF BUDDHISM AND CHRISTIANITY Buddha was born Siddhartha Gautama, of an // Christ was born Jesus, son of Joseph and attained enlightenment and became a Buddha. // of being tempted by the devil. Hinduism had been developed by the priests // Judaism had been developed by the priests For 45 years Buddha travelled in India, // For three years Jesus travelled in Palestine, At first, Buddhism was considered just // At first Christianity was considered just Two schools developed: the Theravada // Two schools developed: the Roman Ultimate reality is beyond our finite conception. // God is beyond complete comprehension, but Morality operates according to cause and effect. // Morality operates according to love and justice. Motive is more important than the deed. // God judges thoughts, which motivate deeds. The day of judgment is at all times for everyone. // Everyone will be resurrected to judgment at the eschaton. Hurt none by word or deed which pains yourself. // Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. |
Love to Learn and Learn to Love!