Archive | March 2016

Har Jesus GJORTS TILL SYND i vårt ställe? 2 Kor. 5:21

Det grekiska ordet ”hamartia” översätts ofta med SYNDOFFER och inte SYND

Det är synden som skiljer oss från Gud, och det innebär att Jesus Kristus inte bokstavligen kunde ha tagit vår synd på sig eftersom han då skulle ha blivit separerad från Gud Fader.

Ordet synd i 2 Kor. 5:21 är en översättning från det grekiska ordet hamartia (Strong’s 266), och det kan förutom “synd” översättas med “syndoffer”.

2 Kor 5:21.Ty den som inte visste av någon synd (hamartia) har han FÖR (hyper) oss gjort till synd (hamartia), för att vi skulle bli Guds rättfärdighet i honom. (1917)

2 Cor. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. KJV

Ovan vers betyder inte att världens synder bokstavligen lades på Jesus, men däremot så dog Jesus FÖR våra synder. Hebr. 10:8 är ett bra exempel på när samma grekiska ord är översatt till syndoffer och inte synd. Notera nedan att ordet “offer” inte finns med i originalspråket när det gäller översättningen “syndoffer”, men ändå har ordet lagts till för en bättre förståelse.

Hebr. 10:8 Först sade han: Offer (thysias) och gåvor (prosphoras), brännoffer och SYNDOFFER (hamartia) ville du inte ha, och du fann inte heller behag i dem, vilka bärs fram enligt lagen

Även i Hebr. 6 förekommer samma översättning trots avsaknad av ordet “offer” på originalspråket, och det är ett citat från Psalm 40:7 som också talar om syndoffer.

Hebr. 10:6 Brännoffer och syndoffer (hamartia) gladde dig inte.

Ps. 40:7 Slaktoffer och matoffer vill du inte ha – du har öppnat mina öron – brännoffer och syndoffer begär du inte.

Rom. 8:2-3 säger:

Rom. 8: 2-3 Ty livets Andes lag har i Kristus Jesus gjort mig fri från syndens och dödens lag. Ty det som var omöjligt för lagen,i det den var försvagad av köttet, det gjorde Gud, då han sände sin Son i syndigt kötts liknelse och för syndens skull, fördömde synden i köttet

I frasen ”för syndens skull” refererar ordet ”syndens” till syndoffer. Djuret som användes till syndoffret var tvunget att vara helt rent och utan skavanker – precis som Jesus var helt ren och utan tillkortakommanden när han dog på korset. Om Jesus däremot bokstavligen blivit till synd så hade han inte varit ett fullgott offer. Inom det levitiska prästskapet så kan man säga att prästerna ”bar” människornas synd under offerceremonierna men inte heller detta skedde bokstavligt. Både präster och djur var tvungna att vara helt obefläckade, och skulle någon synd bokstavligen ha flyttat över till dem så skulle de inte längre klara offerkraven. Prästerna bar synden på sina axlar, precis som Jesus gjorde för oss vad gäller vår synd. Jesus dog bildligt talat som ett syndoffer med människornas syndabördor på sina axlar.

För att undvika missförstånd är det därför bättre att uttrycka Jesus försoningsoffer på korset handlar om att han dog “som ett syndoffer för oss”. Om han bokstavligen hade blivit till synd skulle det innebära att han blev andligt smutsig. I stället vet vi att Gud Fader ansåg att Jesus offer var välluktande, vilket innebär att det inte fanns någon smuts att klaga på gällande den fullständigt felfria offergåva som Jesus Kristus var. Jesus dog för att TA BORT våra synder, och synderna behövde inte alls cirkulera genom Jesus kropp innan det skedde.

Ef. 5: 2 Och lev i kärlek, så som Kristus har älskat oss och utlämnat sig själv för oss som offergåva, ett välluktande offer åt Gud.

1 Joh. 3:5 Och ni vet att han uppenbarades för att TA BORT synderna, och synd finns inte i honom.

Gamla Testamentet

I Gamla Testamentet kan det hebreiska ordet för synd betyda syndoffer. I exempelvis Andra Mosebok är det hebreiska ordet för synd översatt till syndoffer över 50 gånger trots att det inte heller här finns något ord för “offer” i originalspråket. Septuaginta är en grekisk översättning av den hebreiska bibeltexten och därför mycket intressant vad gäller läsförståelsen. Det hebreiska ordet chata’ah (Strong’s 2401) kan alltså översättas med “synd” eller “syndoffer”, och det gäller även ordet chatta’ath (Strong’s 2403). KJV översätter 2403: sin (182x), sin offering (116x), punishment (3x), purification for sin (2x), purifying (1x), sinful (1x), sinner (1x). Exempel på när ordet översätts till “syndoffer”:

Ex. 29: 36 Varje dag skall du offra en tjur som syndoffer till försoning och rena altaret genom att du bringar försoning för det. Och du skall smörja det för att helga det.

Lev. 5:12 Han skall bära fram det till prästen, och prästen skall ta en handfull av det till påminnelseoffer och bränna det på altaret, ovanpå Herrens eldsoffer. Det är ett syndoffer.

Våra synder TOGS BORT, utan att först behöva drabba Jesu kropp

Att synda är något man gör och det handlar alltså inte om någon substans som man kan se under ett mikroskop. Synder kan inte fara in i andra människor och inte heller bokstavligen finns på människor.

När Jesus TOG BORT sjukdomar och onda andar från människor så är det en bild på hur Jesus TOG BORT vår synd, enligt Matt. 8:17 som hänvisar till Jes. 53:4. I den sistnämnda versen talas det om hur Jesus “bar” vår synd (inte nödvändigtvis bokstavligen), men notera att detta alltså är kopplat till Matt. 8:17 som talar om hur Jesus TAR BORT synder och demoner.

Jesus dog som ett syndoffer på korset för alla människor.
Jesus blev aldrig synd, och han bar aldrig bokstavligen vår synd.
Jesus betalade inte för våra synder, men däremot betalade han ett högt pris för oss eftersom han offrade sitt eget liv för att vi skulle få leva. Det är en viss skillnad. (Jämför med bilden till höger.)

Joh. 1:29 Nästa dag såg han Jesus komma, och han sade: “Se Guds lamm, som TAR BORT världens synd.

Hebr. 9:26 I så fall hade han varit tvungen att lida många gånger alltsedan världens grund blev lagd. Men nu har han trätt fram en gång för alla vid tidernas slut för att genom sitt offer UTPLÅNA synden.

1 Joh. 3:5 Och ni vet att han uppenbarades för att TA BORT synderna, och SYND FINNS INTE I HONOM.

Rom. 11:26 Och det är så hela Israel skall bli frälst, som det står skrivet: Från Sion skall Frälsaren komma och skaffa bort all ogudaktighet från Jakob. 27 Och detta skall vara mitt förbund med dem, när jag TAR BORT deras synder.

Matt. 18:26 Tjänaren föll ner för honom och bad: Ha tålamod med mig, så skall jag betala dig alltsammans. 27 Då förbarmade sig tjänarens herre över honom och gav honom fri och EFTERSKÄNKTE hans skuld.

Mer om hur Jesus inte bar våra skulder bokstavligen på sig i denna bloggartikel.

The NT Bible authors claim that SIN continues to risk spiritual DEATH

Mar20

The Bible authors about our capacity to avoid sinning

Most christians understand that sin does not please God and that born again christians should avoid it. Still, the same christians might also suggest that we can never truly stop sinning. There are many agnostics and even atheists also live pretty good moral lives, so what is the difference between christians and non-christians if the fruit is the same? Are we supposed to believe there are sinning saints who are saved because they believe in God and because they perhaps “do their best” to avoid sinning?

Many believe that we are saved by faith alone (despite that Ja. 2:24 says the opposite), but having a lack of belief in God appears to be one sin among others sins which separate us from him:

Rev. 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

“Unbelieving” is a translation from the Greek adjective apistos (Strong’s 571) which in the KJV is translated: that believe not (6x), unbelieving (5x), faithless (4x), unbeliever (4x), infidel (2x), thing incredible (1x), which believe not (1x).

Sinning does not merely affect our “relationship with God”, but sinning continues to risk our souls. If we want to have a healthy and prosperous relationship with God, we are faithful to him and the same thing applies if we want to have a prosperous relationship with a spouse. Repentance is a requirement for being cleansed from past sins, but combining obedience and disobedience is not true repentance and does not lead to salvation. It is true that we do not only get one single chance and then we are out, but true repentance signifies a completely new mind-set. The idea is to leave the old man behind and this can be achieved with the help of the holy Spirit. We can successfully live in complete victory over sin here and now. Yes, we are saved by grace, which we do not deserve and thanks to God’s kindness, but what does this really mean?

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world

Let us not forget that it was SATAN who introduced the idea that sin will not cause death, but as we all know he LIED because the opposite is true. This means that the following common church teachings are all false: “once saved always saved”, “we can’t stop sinning”, “thanks to Jesus death on the cross we no longer have to risk separation from God”, “Jesus has paid for our sins so now we no longer have to fear any consequences for our sins”, “God has forgiven all our sins – past, present and future sins”, “we have been provided Jesus righteousness, which means that God can no longer see our sins but only the blood of Jesus”, “we are born with a sinful nature which makes us sin”, “God accepts us just as we are”, “as long as we feel bad about our sins, God will forgive us”, “we are saved by faith alone, which means that our deeds won’t affect our salvation”, “we are saved by grace, which means that obedience is not essential for salvation”, etc.

Gen. 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE

Jesus does not say that christians can afford to sin without risking spiritual death

Mark 9:45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

John 3:36 He who believes (Strong’s 4100) in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey (Strong’s 544) the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. (NASB)

John 5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.-—21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.—23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.

John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.—8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.—14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Matt 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Matt. 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Rev. 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Paul does not say that christians can afford to sin without risking spiritual death

Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.-—12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.—15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Rom. 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

1 Cor 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Eph. 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

Gal. 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.—18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Cor 7:9 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

John does not say that christians can afford to sin without risking spiritual death

1 John 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

1 John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

Rev. 21:27 (The new Jerusalem) And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Peter does not say that christians can afford to sin without risking spiritual death

Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

1 Pet. 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

1 Peter. 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

2 Peter. 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.—¹⁰But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.—¹⁰But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.—18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Jude does not say that christians can afford to sin without risking spiritual death

Juda 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

James does not say that christians can afford to sin without risking spiritual death

Ja. 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.—21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.—26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

Ja. 5:19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Ja. 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?—17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

The Hebrew writer does not say that christians can afford to sin without risking spiritual death

Hebr 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Hebr. 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

God does not say that christians can afford to sin without risking spiritual death

Mal 2:17 Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?

Isa. 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

Ezekiel 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.5 But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,— 9 Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord God.—13 Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him.— 18 As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, spoiled his brother by violence, and did that which is not good among his people, lo, even he shall die in his iniquity.19 Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.27 Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.28 Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.29 Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

Gen. 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

The Muslim view of Jesus, a corrupted Bible, and the great dilemma in the Quran

Mar15

When exactly was the Bible corrupted and where is the evidence for this corruption? Who corrupted it?

According to Islamic teachings, Jesus was both a prophet and a messenger of God. It is also an Islamic belief that the Torah and the gospels were handed down as the word of Allah, but that they were later corrupted. It is hard to sort out exactly when this textual change is supposed to have taken place considering that both the gospels and Paul’s letters date back to around 40-60 AD – and they are texts which contain the same gospel as we have in our modern Bibles today. This means that the corruption must have taken place even sooner than that, right after the death of Jesus, which means that Jesus did not succeed to keep the word of Allah very well. What did Jesus really accomplish on this planet if his urgent message to the after world was corrupted as soon as he died, despite that he had chosen faithful disciples to spread his gospel? How come both Jesus and his first disciples failed so miserably?

1 Cor. 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

Muslims sometimes take Bible verses out of context which they claim are revelations about the upcoming prophet Muhammad. The problem is that the very same Bible passages also tell us that Jesus is the son of God, the final judge etc, and it’s not good hermeneutics to selectively keep and discard verses as you please in order to build up certain preferred doctrines. You can get any outcome in the world with that procedure, depending on your personal agenda. If the Bible is not trustworthy due to being corrupted, why does this not include those verses which are selected as an attempt to prove the prophet Muhammad right? How come we can suddenly trust the Bible in those cases?

Did Christ’s true message get distorted and a false message prevailed over it?

Why did it take almost 600 years before Allah decided to send another prophet which could set things straight after Jesus total failure to spread the true gospel through his disciples and followers?

Why are there no traces of such “true” (Islam-supporting) gospel message left to the after world – from the time prior to Muhammad? Why can we only find Bible manuscripts and text variants which confirm the same Bible content which we have today? According to Islam, Jesus preached the same gospel as Moses, Abraham, Noah and Muhammad, so why is there no evidence for this in the manuscripts/variants of the Old Testament (the Hebrew Bible)? We have NO historical support for that Jews converted to become Muslims, and if they did exist they must have been rather insignificant since they left no trace.

Yet, according to the Quran, Jesus was successful to acquire followers who were Muslims, and God promised Jesus that his (Jesus) followers would be superior to other believers until the day of the resurrection. The true disciples of Jesus would be the ones who prevailed according to the Quran! Allah did not say that Jesus followers would be led astray by Paul soon after the death of Jesus.

Behold! Allah said: “O Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to Myself and clear thee (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow thee SUPERIOR to those who reject faith, TO THE DAY OF RESURRECTION: Then shall ye all return unto Me, and I will judge between you of the matters wherein ye dispute.” (S. 3:55)

O ye who believe! Be ye helpers of Allah: as said Jesus the son of Mary to the Disciples, “Who will be my helpers to (the work of) Allah?” Said the Disciples, “We are Allah’s helpers!” then a portion of the Children of Israel believed, and a portion disbelieved: But We gave power to those who believed against their enemies, AND THEY BECAME THE ONES THAT PREVAILED. (S. 61:14)

If the above verses are reliable, Allah must have helped Christians to spread a false gospel, because we know which gospel message that “prevailed” and was superior among Jesus followers and that is the same gospel message that we can find in our Bibles today. According to historical sources, Christianity became the predominant religion of the world ever since the time of Christ – and we know which gospel “variant” that dominated and spread across the world. That is the gospel that we still have today.

The letters of the apostle Paul were also included in the gospel message which prevailed over all other opposing messages. If Paul’s version of Christianity is a distortion, then the Quran must be wrong for claiming that God had caused Christ’s true followers to prevail. This would also mean that Paul was able to thwart Allah’s plans. Either the true followers of Christ were indeed successful to keep the teachings of Jesus (thus falsifying the Quran which has another message), or the Quran is false since it contradicts the true message of Christ’s followers.

The Quran does not say that Christ’s followers would only prevail from the time of Muhammad’s advent, but from the time that Christ was taken to God and unto the Day of Resurrection. So a victory from the very start. Why then is the Bible supposed to have been corrupted? How do Muslims reconcile the idea that the Quran is true when it is a historical fact that the Christianity that has prevailed until this day is what Paul taught and which is recorded in the New Testament?

What was the point with the virgin birth, the many miracles, the talk about being a Messiah, when Jesus failed to spread the gospel? And why is there big Pauline support from for instance Clement of Rome and Polycarp (both disciples of the apostles) if Paul’s teachings were contrary to the apostles? Both must have known the teachings of the apostles and were able to compare with Paul’s teachings. None of them rebuked him but endorsed his teachings. Clement mentions the death and the persecution and death as the most righteous pillars of the church and brings up Paul as a good example. Polycarp wrote that Paul “accurately and reliably taught the word concerning the truth” (See Michael R. Licona, 2006, Baker Books, Grad Rapids, Michigan, Paul meets Muhammad, p. 75.)

Allah causing Christians to believe in Jesus divinity, death on the cross and resurrection?

According to the dominant Muslim view (for instance supported by Ibn Kathir) Allah disguised one of Jesus disciples to make him look like Jesus and this person died on the cross. This would mean that Allah is responsible for starting the idea among Jesus followers that Jesus had died on the cross, and it is therefore Allah who is responsible for corrupting the teachings of Jesus. Where else would the idea of Jesus death on the cross derive from? If Allah sometimes tricks people (people who trust in his prophets) into believing falsehood, how can we be sure that he did not do the same thing with Muhammad?

And because of their (the Jews) saying: We slew the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, Allah’s messenger- they slew him not nor crucified him, but it appeared so unto them; and lo! those who disagree concerning it are in doubt thereof; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture; they slew him not for certain. But Allah took him up unto Himself. Allah was ever Mighty, Wise. ( S. 4:157-158 Pickthall)

No one can change the word of Allah!

If no one can change the word of Allah, then surely Paul – who wrote numerous letters in the New Testament – would not be able to thwart it and even be successful about it? Or was Paul powerful enough to change the word of Allah? Note that it is not only the Quran that is the word of God according to Islam, but also the original versions of the Jewish and Christian scriptures (the gospels and the psalms) – before they allegedly were corrupted.

There is none that can change the Words of Allah. Already hast thou received some account of those Apostles (or: the other Apostles also say so). (S. 6:34)

No change can there be in the Words of Allah. (S. 10:64)

And recite what has been revealed to you of the Book of your Lord, there is none who can alter His words; and you shall not find any refuge besides Him. (S. 18:27)

The Quran is CLEAR – which ought to result in that the text means what it appears to say

If the Quran is clear, and if even the hadiths confirm the clear and obvious meaning of the Quran, then who are we to change the straight forward text which likely mean what it says? It is normally the less popular suras (supporting violence) that people try to “change” into something less drastic, but they really should refrain from doing this since the Quran is clear.

Muslims believe that the Quran cannot be translated satisfactory since the content of the Quran was revealed in Arabic and should be read in this language. Translations can therefore only provide a message rather than a proper translation. The Bible, however, does not have this weakness and can easily be translated into various languages while still maintaining the message.

Shall I seek a judge other than Allah while it is He Who has sent down unto you the Book (The Qur’an), explained in detail… (S. 6:114 Hilali-Khan)

Alif Lam Ra. A Book whose verses are set clear, and then distinguished, from One All-wise, All-aware: (S. 11:1)

And We have sent down on thee the Book making clear everything, and as a guidance and a mercy, and as good tidings to those who surrender. (S. 16:89 Arberry)

A Book whereof the Verses are explained in detail; A Qur’an in Arabic for people who know (S. 41:3 Hilali-Khan)

The Torah and the gospels were apparently trustworthy in the time of Muhammad

The Quran states the Bible tells us about the coming of Muhammad and it never suggests that faithful Christians have corrupted their scripture. Why is it that we can we read in the Quran that Muhammad was asked to go to Jews and Christians to get his message confirmed, if their scriptures were corrupted at this point?

And if thou (Muhammad) art in doubt concerning that which We reveal unto thee, then question those who read the Scripture (that was) before thee. Verily the Truth from thy Lord hath come unto thee. So be not thou of the waverers. And be not thou of those who deny the revelations of Allah, for then wert thou of the losers. (S. 10:94-95 Pickthall)

Muslims are stuck with a dilemma:

1) If the Jewish and Christians scriptures were corrupted at the time of Muhammad, it would result in Allah asking Muhammad to get his message confirmed by false and corrupted scriptures.

2) If the Jewish and Christian scriptures were not corrupted at this time, then Muhammad would be proven wrong since the Bible contradicts the Quran and Jews and Christians would have told him so.

If the Bible was corrupted at the time of Muhammad, then Allah had all the chances in the world to provide a revelation to Muhammad that the scriptures before him should not be trusted for this reason. Instead we can see that the Torah and the gospels were repeatedly endorsed in the Quran which is “clear”.

Children of Israel … believe in that I have sent down, confirming the revelation that is with you and be not the first to disbelieve in it … and do not confound the truth with vanity and do not conceal the truth wittingly (i.e. concealing the truth against better knowledge). (S. 2:40-42).

We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of Apostles. We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear signs and strengthened (or confirmed) him with the Holy Spirit. (S. 2:87).

And when there came to them a Book from Allah verifying that which they have, and aforetime they used to pray for victory against those who disbelieve, but when there came to them (Prophet) that which they did not recognize, they disbelieved in him; so Allah’s curse is on the unbelievers. (S. 2:89)

And when there came to them an Apostle from Allah verifying that which they have, a party of those who were given the Book threw the Book of Allah behind their backs as if they knew nothing. (S. 2:101 Shakir)

He has sent down upon thee the Book with the truth, confirming what was before it and He sent down Torah and the Gospel afore time, as guidance to the People and He sent down salvation. (S. 3:3).

God gave the scripture to the Christians and Jews so that they could make known to the whole world and every nation the true knowledge of God: And remember Allah took a Covenant from the People of the Book, to make it known and clear to mankind, and not to hide it (3:187 AYA).

And when God took compact with the Prophets: ‘That I have given you of Book and Wisdom; then there shall come to you a Messenger confirming what IS with you — you shall believe in him and you shall help him; do you agree?’ He said. ‘And do you take My load on you on that condition?’ They said, ‘We do agree.’ God said, ‘Bear witness so, and I shall be with you among the witnesses.’ (S. 3:81)

We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the Prophets, from their Lord: We make no distinction between one and another among them (3:84 AYA).

Say: ‘Bring you the Torah now and recite (or read) it, if you are men of truth’ (Sura 3:93).

You who have been given the Book, believe in what We have sent down, confirming what IS with you, before We obliterate faces, and turn them upon their backs, or curse them as We cursed the Sabbath-men, and God’s command is done. (S. 4:47)

O ye who believe! Believe in Allah and His Apostle, and the scripture which He hath sent to His Apostle and the scripture which He sent to those before (him). Any who denieth Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Apostles, and the Day of Judgement, hath gone far, far astray (S. 4:136 AYA).

And unto thee (Muslims) have We revealed the Scripture (the Qur’an) with the truth, confirming whatever Scripture was before it, and a watcher over it. So judge between them by that which Allah hath revealed, and follow not their desires away from the truth which hath come unto thee. For each We have appointed a divine law and a traced-out way. Had Allah willed He could have made you one community. But that He may try you by that which He hath given you (He hath made you as ye are). So vie one with another in good works. Unto Allah ye will all return, and He will then inform you of that wherein ye differ. (S. 5:43-48, MP)

Say: “O People of the Book! Ye have no ground to stand upon unless ye stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from your Lord” (S. 5:71 AYA/68 MP).

And this is a Book We have revealed, blessed, verifying that which IS before it, and that you may warn the metropolis and those around her; and those who believe in the hereafter believe in it, and they attend to their prayers constantly. (S. 6:92 Shakir)

Those who follow the Messenger (Mohammed), the Prophet who can neither read nor write, whom they will find described in the Torah and the Gospel (which are) with them (S. 7:157 MP).

This Koran could not have been forged apart from God; but it is a confirmation of what IS before it, and a distinguishing of the Book, wherein is no doubt, from the Lord of all Being. (S. 10:37)

In their stories is surely a lesson to men possessed of minds; it is not a tale forged, but a confirmation of what IS before it, and a distinguishing of every thing, and a guidance, and a mercy to a people who believe. (S. 12:111)

They say: “If only he would bring us a miracle from his Lord!” Hath there not come unto them the proof of what is in the former scriptures? (S. 20:133 MP).

Before thee (i.e. Mohammed), also, the Apostles we sent were but men … If you realise this not, ASK of THOSE WHO POSSESS THE MESSAGE. (S. 21:7).

Dispute not with the People of the Book, save in the fairer manner, except for those of them that do wrong; and say: ‘We believe in what has been sent down to us, and what has been sent down to you; Our God and your God is One and to Him we have surrendered.’ (S. 29:45).

The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah … and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (42:13 AYA).

Yet before it was the Book of Moses for a model and a mercy; and this is a Book confirming, in Arabic tongue, to warn the evildoers, and good tidings to the good-doers. (S. 46:12)

They said: O our people! we have listened to a Book revealed after Musa verifying that which IS before it, guiding to the truth and to a right path: (S. 46:30 Shakir)

According to the Quran, Jesus started to preach Islam as a baby

Sura 19:[19:22] When she bore him, she isolated herself to a faraway place.[19:23] The birth process came to her by the trunk of a palm tree. She said, “(I am so ashamed;) I wish I were dead before this happened, and completely forgotten.”[19:24] (The infant) called her from beneath her, saying, “Do not grieve. Your Lord has provided you with a stream.[19:25] “If you shake the trunk of this palm tree, it will drop ripe dates for you.*[19:26] “Eat and drink, and be happy. When you see anyone, say, ‘I have made a vow of silence; I am not talking today to anyone.'”[19:27] She came to her family, carrying him. They said, “O Mary, you have committed something that is totally unexpected.[19:28] “O descendant of Aaron, your father was not a bad man, nor was your mother unchaste.”[19:29] She pointed to him. They said, “How can we talk with an infant in the crib?”[19:30] (The infant spoke and) said, “I am a servant of GOD. He has given me the scripture, and has appointed me a prophet.[19:31] “He made me blessed wherever I go, and enjoined me to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat) for as long as I live.[19:32] “I am to honor my mother; He did not make me a disobedient rebel.[19:33] “And peace be upon me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I get resurrected.”

2 Pet. 3:15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. (NKJV)

1 Cor. 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

2 Cor. 2:15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish

2 Cor. 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.