The Bahá'í Faith: Teachings, History, and Practices

[Johann]

Indeed you make blasphemy a central concept. Torturing and exile are not claims of divine significance.
That which is blasphemous to God is blasphemous of anyone who speaks falsehoods about God. Jesus spoke the truth and died and was resurrected. There are no other who have done this.

Indeed as non-literalists you can disregard any or all of scripture. There however are things you better accept. If you take what is true and make it just symbolic or assign other meaning, you receive the consequence. There is nothing as proven as Christ as the only Messiah here for the salvation of the world. All others are thieves trying to steal his glory.
Please re-post so Pancho can see this too.

anwers that bahaji faith cannot answer - Google Suche

What is the Baha'i faith?
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Baha'i faith

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The Baha'i faith is one of the newer world religions stemming originally from Shi'ite Islam in Persia (modern-day Iran). However, it has come to achieve a unique status of its own. The Baha'i faith has distinguished itself as a unique world religion because of its size (5 million members), its global scale (236 countries), its practical autonomy from its parent religion of Islam (there is little blurriness between the two), and for its doctrinal uniqueness, being monotheistic yet inclusive.

The Baha'i faith’s earliest forerunner was Sayid Ali Muhammad who on May 23, 1844, declared himself the Bab ("Gate"), the eighth manifestation of God and first since Muhammad. Implicit to that statement was the denial of Muhammad as the last and greatest prophet and a denial together of the unique authority of the Koran. Islam did not take kindly to such thoughts. The Bab and his followers, called Babis, saw heavy persecution and were part of great bloodshed before the Bab was executed as a political prisoner just six years later in Tabríz, Ádhirbáyján, July 9, 1850. But before he died, the Bab spoke of a coming prophet, referred to as "He whom God will Manifest." On April 22, 1863, Mirza Husayn Ali, one of his followers, declared himself the fulfillment of that prophecy and the latest manifestation of God. He donned the title Baha'u'llah ("glory of God"). The Bab was therefore viewed as a "John the Baptist"-type of forerunner leading up to Baha'u'llah who is the more significant manifestation for this age. His followers are called Baha’is. The uniqueness of this budding Baha'i faith, as it has come to be called, becomes clear in the Baha'u'llah’s declarations. Not only did he claim to be the latest prophet foreseen in Shi'ite Islam, and not only did he claim to be a manifestation of God, but he claimed to be the second coming of Christ, the promised Holy Spirit, the Day of God, the Maiytrea (from Buddhism), and the Krishna (from Hinduism). A kind of inclusivism is apparent from the early stages of the Baha'i faith.

No other manifestation is said to have come since Baha'u'llah, but his leadership was passed on by appointment. He designated a successor in his son Abbas Effendi (later, Abdu'l-Baha "slave of Baha"). While the successors could not speak inspired scripture from God, they could interpret scripture infallibly and were viewed as the maintenance of God’s true word on earth. Abdu'l-Baha would appoint his grandson Shoghi Effendi as successor. Shoghi Effendi, however, died before appointing a successor. The gap was filled by an ingeniously organized governing institution called the Universal House of Justice which remains in power today as the governing body for the Baha'i World Faith. Today, the Baha'i faith exists as a world religion with yearly international conferences convening at the Universal House of Justice in Haifa, Israel.

The core doctrines of the Baha'i faith can be attractive in their simplicity:

1) Adoration of one God and the reconciliation of all major religions.
2) Appreciation of the diversity and morality of the human family and the elimination of all prejudice.
3) The establishment of world peace, equality of women and men, and universal education.
4) Cooperation between Science and Religion in the individual’s search for truth.
To these may be added certain implicit beliefs and practices:
5) A Universal Auxillary Language.
6) Universal Weights and Measures.
7) God who is himself unknowable nevertheless reveals himself through manifestations.
8) These manifestations are a kind of progressive revelation.
9) No proselytizing (aggressive witnessing).
10) The study of different Scriptures besides simply Baha'i books.
11) Prayer and worship is obligatory and much of that according to specific instructions.

The Baha'i faith is quite sophisticated, and many of its followers today are educated, eloquent, eclectic, politically liberal, yet socially conservative (i.e., anti-abortion, pro-traditional family, etc.). Moreover, Baha’is are not only expected to understand their own uniquely Baha'i scriptures, but are also expected to study the scriptures of other world religions. Therefore, it is quite possible to encounter a Baha'i who is more educated on Christianity than is the average Christian. Furthermore, the Baha'i faith has a strong emphasis on education combined with certain liberal values such as gender egalitarianism, universal education, and harmony between science and religion.

Nonetheless, the Baha'i faith has many theological gaps and doctrinal inconsistencies. Compared to Christianity, its core teachings are only superficial in their commonality. The differences are deep and fundamental. The Baha'i faith is ornate, and a full critique would be encyclopedic. So, only a few observations are made below.

The Baha'i faith teaches that God is unknowable in His essence. Baha’is have the difficulty of explaining how they can have an elaborate theology about God yet assert that God is "unknowable." And it does not help to say that prophets and manifestations inform mankind about God because, if God is "unknowable," then humanity has no reference point whereby to tell which teacher is telling the truth. Christianity rightly teaches that God can be known, as is naturally known even by non-believers, though they may not have a relational knowledge of God. Romans 1:20 says, "For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead…" God is knowable, not only through the creation, but through His Word and the presence of the Holy Spirit, who leads and guides us and bears witness that we are His children (Romans 8:14-16). Not only can we know Him, but we can know Him intimately as our "Abba, Father" (Galatians 4:6). True, God may not fit His infinity into our finite minds, but man can still have partial knowledge of God which is entirely true and relationally meaningful.

About Jesus, the Baha'i faith teaches that He was a manifestation of God but not an incarnation. The difference sounds slight but is actually enormous. Baha’is believe God is unknowable; therefore, God cannot incarnate Himself to be present among men. If Jesus is God in the most literal sense, and Jesus is knowable, then God is knowable, and that Baha'i doctrine is exploded. So, Baha’is teach that Jesus was a reflection of God. Just as a person can look at a reflection of the sun in a mirror and say, "There is the sun," so one can look at Jesus and say, "There is God," meaning "There is a reflection of God." Here again the problem of teaching that God is "unknowable" surfaces since there would be no way to distinguish between true and false manifestations or prophets. The Christian, however, can argue that Christ has set Himself apart from all other manifestations and has confirmed His self-attested divinity by physically rising from the dead (1 Corinthians 15), a point which Baha’is also deny. While the resurrection would be a miracle, it is nonetheless a historically defensible fact, given the body of evidence. Dr. Gary Habermas, Dr. William Lane Craig, and N.T. Wright have done well in defending the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Baha'i faith also denies the sole sufficiency of Christ and of Scripture. Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, the Bab, and Baha'u'llah were all manifestations of God, and the latest of these would have the highest authority since he’d have the most complete revelation of God, according to the idea of progressive revelation. Here, Christian apologetics can be employed to demonstrate the uniqueness of Christianity’s claims and its doctrinal and practical truthfulness exclusive of contrary religious systems. The Baha'i, however, is concerned for showing that all the world’s major religions are ultimately reconcilable. Any differences would be explained away as:

1) Social Laws—Instead of supra-cultural Spiritual Laws.
2) Early revelation—As opposed to the more "complete" later revelation.
3) Corrupted Teaching or Misinterpretation.

But even granting these qualifications, the world’s religions are too varied and too fundamentally different to be reconciled. Given that the world’s religions obviously teach and practice contrary things, the burden is on the Baha'i to salvage the world’s major religions while dismantling almost everything foundational to those religions. Ironically, the religions which are most inclusive—Buddhism and Hinduism—are classically atheistic and pantheistic (respectively), and neither atheism nor pantheism is allowed within the strictly monotheistic Baha'i faith. Meanwhile, the religions that are least theologically inclusive of the Baha'i faith—Islam, Christianity, Orthodox Judaism—are monotheistic, as Baha'i is.

Also, the Baha'i faith teaches a sort of works-based salvation. The Baha'i faith is not much different from Islam in its core teachings about how to be saved except that, for the Baha'i, little is said about the afterlife. This earthly life is to be filled with good works counterbalancing one’s evil deeds and showing one’s self deserving of ultimate deliverance. Sin is not paid for or dissolved; rather, it is excused by a presumably benevolent God. Man does not have a significant relationship with God. In fact, Baha’is teach that there is no personality in God’s essence, but only in His manifestations. Thus, God does not submit easily to a relationship with man. Accordingly, the Christian doctrine of grace is reinterpreted so that "grace" means "God’s kind allowance for man to have the opportunity to earn deliverance." Built into this doctrine is a denial of Christ’s sacrificial atonement and a minimization of sin.

The Christian view of salvation is very different. Sin is understood as being of eternal and infinite consequence since it is a universal crime against an infinitely perfect God (Romans 3:10, 23). Likewise, sin is so great that it deserves a life (blood) sacrifice and incurs eternal punishment in the afterlife. But Christ pays the price that all owe, dying as an innocent sacrifice for a guilty humanity. Because man cannot do anything to unblemish himself or to deserve eternal reward, he either must die for his own sins or believe that Christ graciously died in his place (Isaiah 53; Romans 5:8). Thus, salvation is either by God’s grace through man’s faith or there is no eternal salvation.

It is no surprise then that Baha'i faith proclaims Baha'u'llah to be the second coming of Christ. Jesus Himself warned us in the Gospel of Matthew concerning the end times: "Then if any one says to you, 'Lo, here is the Christ!' or 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect" (Matthew 24:23-24). Interestingly, Baha’is typically deny or minimize any miracles of Baha'u'llah. His unique spiritual claims are based on self-attested authority, uncanny and uneducated wisdom, prolific writing, pure living, majority consensus, and other subjective tests. The more objective tests such as prophetic fulfillment employ heavily allegorical interpretations of Scripture (see Thief in the Night by William Sears). The belief in Baha'u'llah largely reduces to a point of faith—is one willing to accept him as the manifestation of God, in the absence of objective evidence? Of course, Christianity also calls for faith, but the Christian has strong and demonstrable evidence along with that faith.

The Baha'i faith therefore does not accord with classical Christianity, and it has much to answer for in its own right. How an unknowable God could elicit such an elaborate theology and justify a new world religion is a mystery. The Baha’i faith is weak in addressing sin, treating it as if it were not a big problem and is surmountable by human effort. Christ’s divinity is denied, as is the evidential value and literal nature of Christ’s resurrection. And for the Baha'i faith, one of its biggest problems is its pluralism. That is, how can one reconcile such divergent religious without leaving them theologically gutted? It is easy to argue that the world’s religions have commonalities in their ethical teachings and have some concept of ultimate reality. But it is another beast entirely to try to argue unity in their fundamental teachings about what the ultimate reality is and about how those ethics are grounded.

What is the Baha'i faith? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Baha'i faith / Bahaism? What are the core beliefs of the Baha'i faith?

www.gotquestions.org

J.

 

[Johann]

 

[Johann]

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“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
–Jesus (John 14:6)

Many of us have a friend or family member who is actively involved in a religion other than Christianity. We live in a very religious world. A Pew Research Center survey conducted in 2021 found that only 4% of American adults consider themselves to be atheists.

Most people believe in some sort of god or “higher power.” And, of course, this is not just true of the day and age in which we live. Whenever and wherever people have lived, they have been found giving some recognition to a power or powers beyond themselves. As far back in time as anthropologists have been able to discover, religion has existed in every society. From the most primitive societies to the most culturally advanced, humans have been found to be worshipping creatures.

And so today, on every continent, the world is filled with different religions:

• Christianity
• Hinduism
• Buddhism
• Judaism
• Jehovah’s Witnesses
• Mormonism
• Bahai
• Scientology
• Islam
• etc.

Now, one of the popularly held beliefs today regarding the religions of the world is that all religions basically teach the same thing.

George Lucas, in an interview in Time magazine, said, “I remember when I was ten years old, I asked my mother, ‘If there’s only one God, why are there so many religions?’ I’ve been pondering that question ever since, and the conclusion I’ve come to is that all religions are true.” (Time, April 26, 1999)

Madonna concurs. She said, “I do believe that all paths lead to God. It’s a shame that we end up having religious wars, because so many of the messages are the same.” (Q Magazine, March, 1998)

That is what a lot of people believe today. Yet, when one takes the time to study the religions of the world, you learn that this is not the case. Yes, there are some superficial similarities. But when you look into the foundational, core teachings of the religions, it doesn’t take long to see that many of them are vastly different and that many of them flat out contradict one another regarding . . .

• the nature of God
• humanity
• the problem of evil
• the afterlife
• etc.

Because that is the case, they certainly cannot all be true.

Now, because there are so many disagreements between people of different faiths, many people have suggested that we view all of the religions in light of . . .


THE ANCIENT HINDU STORY OF THE ELEPHANT

Perhaps you’ve heard this story. It’s very popular in college-level philosophy books, comparative religion books, and so on. Here’s how it goes:

Once upon a time, in a faraway land, lived six blind men. One day, the men were told there was an elephant walking through the village. Each of the men was led out to the creature, where they were encouraged to touch the elephant and describe what they thought about the creature.

Well, after feeling the pointy tip of the elephant’s tusk, the first guy concludes elephants are like spears. The second blind man feels out the broad side of the elephant and concludes that elephants are like walls. The third guy tries to grab the elephant’s ear that’s flapping back and forth. And he concludes elephants are more like fans. The fourth guy, grabbing the tail, concludes a rope. The fifth guy, feeling out the trunk, a snake. The sixth guy, the long circular leg, a tree. What happens? A fight breaks out. The six men begin arguing over who’s right. An onlooker to the fight, who is not blind and who sees the whole elephant, ends the fighting by telling the men that each of them is correct and that the elephant is actually like all of those things (a wall, a snake, a tree, a spear, etc.). And that’s the end of the story.

Now, what’s the point of the story? This story is often used today to illustrate the popular belief that adherents to all the different religions are ultimately grabbing hold of or worshipping the same God. In the parable, the elephant is said to be a picture of God. The blind men in the parable are said to be the people of different faiths who are all convinced they are right, but who really don’t know for sure.

Those who share this story usually do so, hoping it will persuade people to believe that humans are like those blind men. In other words, we all think we’re right, but in reality, when it comes to God, all religions are successfully connecting people to the same God. That belief (that we are all worshipping and praying to the same God) has become very popular. Perhaps you read what Pope Francis said in September 2024:

All religions are paths to reach God. They are — to make a comparison — like different languages, different dialects, to get there. But God is God for everyone. If you start to fight, saying, ‘My religion is more important than yours, mine is true, and yours isn’t,’ where will this lead us? There is only one God, and each of us has a language to arrive at God. Some are Sheik, Muslim, Hindu, Christians; they are different ways to God. (Source)

So, the Pope thinks “all religions are paths to reach God.” And surveys have shown this is a wildly popular view in America today. But are there good reasons to believe this view is true? No. As popular as this view is today, there are several . . .



PROBLEMS WITH THE ELEPHANT PARABLE

I’ll briefly highlight three of them.

A. The story doesn’t prove anything.

The story of the elephant is simply a story. It’s a captivating, picturesque parable. But that’s all it is. There are no good reasons or evidence given that it is actually true. So, the story doesn’t prove anything.

B. The story self-destructs.

How so? Well, if humans are blind regarding the truth about God (as the story implies), then that would include the unknown human author of the story. If the author is blind, then why would we believe the story he tells? He’s just another confused soul taking a wild guess at the way things are.

C. God has not left us in the dark regarding who He is.

In the parable, the elephant is totally silent and unable to speak to the men. So, the men are left to guess what’s true about the elephant. But God has spoken. The God who created our mouths and gave humans the ability to communicate is certainly capable of communicating Himself. And He has. He hasn’t left us to wander around like blind men. He’s told us what He’s like and what His will is for our lives.

According to the Bible, God has revealed Himself to humanity in at least four ways . . .

• Through and in Creation (Psalm 19:1–4, Romans 1:20)
• Through man’s Conscience (Romans 2:14–15)
• Through the Canon of Scripture (e.g., John 20:31)
• Through Christ (Hebrews 1:1–2)

And what God has revealed to us has dealt a death blow to the story of the elephant and absolutely demolished this popular notion that all religions are successfully putting people in touch with the same God.

Jesus, who not only claimed to be God but proved He was God by His miracles and resurrection from the dead assured us that . . .

ALL RELIGIONS DO NOT LEAD PEOPLE INTO RIGHT RELATIONSHIPS WITH GOD.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Jesus’ words here make it clear that if a person wants to be reconciled to God, he must have a relationship with Jesus. He is the way—the way to Heaven.

I find it interesting that the word “Christianity” was not the word chosen by the disciples to describe the movement they were a part of. The label “Christian” was given to them by outsiders in the city of Antioch (Acts 11:26), possibly as a term of derision. The disciples referred to faith in Christ as “The Way” (Acts 19:9, 23; 24:14, 22). They did not refer to Christianity as:

• a way
• some way
• my way
• the disciples’ way

The name they used was “the Way.” That was telling of their familiarity with Jesus’ words in John 14 and their belief in the truth of those words. And, of course, this isn’t the only verse that speaks to this issue. There are others. You might write these verse references in the margin of your Bible there at John 14:6. If you get into a conversation with someone who questions whether you’re properly interpreting Jesus’ words here, you can show them that the Bible reiterates this same truth in several other places. For example:

Acts 4:12
“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.”

The name that is being spoken of here is Jesus. When Peter was threatened by the powerful Sanhedrin for saying this, he was unmoved. Peter boldly said in . . .

Acts 4:19–20
“Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

God give us that kind of boldness with God’s Word.

Now, there in the margin of your Bible at John 14, write 1 Timothy 2:5.

1 Timothy 2:5
“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.”

A mediator is a person who is able to intervene between two parties who are involved in a dispute and bring about reconciliation. Well, according to the Bible (Isaiah 59:1–2), humanity has been separated from God because of our sin. The Bible says here in this verse that there is only one person who can help us: Jesus.

All right, now there in the margin of your Bible at John 14, you might write down John 3:36.

John 3:36
“He who believes in the Son has eternal life; and he who does not believe the Son, shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

The Bible is crystal clear on this issue: If you want to have your sins forgiven, if you want to be rescued from spending eternity in Hell, if you want to go to Heaven, you must turn from your sin (Acts 17:30) and put your faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). This is what the Bible teaches.

Now, some critics of the Bible would say, “That’s ridiculous! You quote these verses in the Bible, but I don’t even believe the Bible! It’s an ancient collection of myths and fables.”

People who think this overlook the fact that there is a wealth of evidence for the trustworthiness of the Bible. I have in mind things like:

• hundreds of fulfilled prophecies
• thousands of archaeological discoveries
• its incredible internal harmony
• historical confirmation in the ancient records of the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Romans
• scientific discoveries
• the discovery of the Dead Scrolls
• the writings of Flavius Josephus

Jesus: Humanity's Only Savior | AlwaysBeReady.com

George Lucas once said, “All religions are true.” Could that be? Do all religions put a person in touch with the same God? No. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

alwaysbeready.com

J.

 

[Johann]

So, in light of what the Bible teaches in these passages we just considered (John 14:6; Acts 4:12, etc.), we believe that all other religious systems outside of Biblical Christianity are manmade religions that are not leading people into relationships with the true and living God, nor providing a remedy for people’s sin.


Following the teachings of Buddha, Muhammad, Confucius, Joseph Smith, or some other religious leader, may lead to some changes in a person’s life but it will only lead a person away from the one, true, and living God. And notice where Jesus said these other roads lead . . .

Matthew 7:13–14
“Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it.”

That is where false religions are leading people to: “destruction,” a place the Bible calls “Hell.” (Rev. 20:15).

A lady emailed me a while back after she read an article wherein I quoted Jesus’ words here in Matthew 7. And she said, “I can’t believe you think this! You are just trying to scare people. That’s not very loving.”

I disagree. Being forthright about what awaits people after death is actually very loving. Imagine a blind woman walking toward the edge of a cliff. Would it be unloving to warn her about what’s coming? No. It would be unloving to let her continue unwarned.

There are some beautiful rivers in the world that have signs warning boaters of what will happen if they continue down the river. The signs are usually big bright-colored signs that say: “Pullout canoes here. Danger waterfall ahead!!”

Now, some people might look at those signs and say, “How unloving that someone would put those signs up here . . . they’re ruining the pristine beauty of this place . . . they’re just trying to spoil our fun . . . they’re just trying to scare people.” And if there wasn’t a waterfall, those statements might be true. But what if there really was a waterfall? Well then, the Park Ranger who put up the signs did a very loving thing didn’t he? It was out of concern for unaware boaters that the signs were put up. Because if people continue floating down the river, they are going to have some serious problems.

That’s why Jesus spoke about Hell. Hell actually exists. It’s a real place. And because “The Lord is . . . not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9) and “God our Savior . . . desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3–4), Jesus lovingly spoke of Hell when He shared the gospel with people. And we can follow that example.

SKEPTIC: “But Charlie, though I’m not religious, I’m a good person. Surely, the Bible doesn’t say good people go to Hell.”

Well, actually, the Bible says . . .

• “All have sinned” (Romans 3:23)
• “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way;” (Isaiah 53:6)
• “. . . in Your sight [God’s] no man living is righteous.” (Psalm 143:2)

We have all broken a variety of God’s commandments. Those are the people who deserve to be judged, condemned, and to end up in Hell. Sinners, people like you and me (before we were forgiven). And those are the people, if they continue to reject God’s offer of forgiveness, who will end up there. The choice is up to them.

Now, obviously, this message that Jesus is humanity’s only Savior is often scoffed at outside of Christian circles.

SKEPTIC: “Well, yeah, Charlie! What you Christians believe totally excludes all the other religions! That’s what I don’t like about you Christians; you think you’re the only ones who are right.”

Well, in response to this accusation, there are a couple of things I’d like to point out. Although the gospel message is often labeled by critics as being exclusive, it is actually very inclusive. What do I mean? Well, Jesus told us to take the good news about salvation and God’s offer of forgiveness and share it with the entire world. For example, in Luke 24:47, Jesus said that “repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name [Jesus’ name] to all the nations beginning from Jerusalem.”

So, God’s offer of salvation is very broad. No one—even the guiltiest of sinners—is excluded from the offer. And in the end, people from every nation, tribe, and tongue will be saved.

In the Revelation 7:9, John describes a future scene in Heaven and says he sees people standing there, “which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb . . .”

In Heaven, we are going to meet people from every nation, tribe, and tongue who were recipients of God’s grace. That will be amazing! So, God’s offer of salvation in the Bible is very broad. I think it’s important to point that out to people. Now, having said that, there is another sense in which the gospel is exclusive. How so? Well, the Bible makes it clear that Jesus is the only way of salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). That means that statements to the contrary are wrong. But it would be good to point out to people who are critical of Christianity that . . .


ALL TRUTH CLAIMS ARE EXCLUSIVE.

For example, 1 + 1 = 2 is exclusive. When it comes to right answers, three is excluded. Four is excluded. Five is excluded. There’s only one right answer.

When Richard Dawkins and other atheists say, “There is no God,” they are making an exclusive claim—insisting that everyone who believes in God is wrong. When Muslims say, “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet” they are claiming that everybody who believes otherwise is wrong. And again, the reason why is because all truth claims are exclusive. That’s something critics often overlook when they single out Christians for our exclusive claims.

Apologetics Quotes

SKEPTIC: “I hear what you’re saying, Charlie, and you raise some interesting points, but I still don’t understand why a person must put their faith in Jesus in order to be saved.”

That is a popular question: Why must a person trust in Jesus and not one of these other persons or deities that are admired in some other religion? Well, think this through with me. Let’s suppose you hurt my feelings. In fact, let’s suppose you walk up and kick me. Would you be able to go to any person you’d like and apologize to make our relationship right? No. Why not? Because to make right our relationship, you would need to return directly to me. You can’t go and apologize to my friend James and ask for his forgiveness and think that our relationship has been fixed. They’re dragging me off to the hospital. You could sing songs to James. You could give money to James. You could build a temple for James. You could go door to door and tell everybody what a great guy James is. And it’s not going to do anything to fix our relationship, is it? No. What if we changed James’s name to Buddha or Allah? Nothing changes. If you’re serving the wrong person, if you’re apologizing to the wrong person, it’s not going to do anything to change our relationship. Well, the same is true in our relationship with God. Having sinned against the God of the Bible, we must go back to Him in order to have our relationship restored. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that a person must have a relationship with Jesus in order to receive God’s forgiveness. Why?

Because Jesus is God. (John 1:1, 5:18, 8:58, 20:28; Col. 2:9; Isaiah 9:6). He’s the One you’ve kicked. He’s the One we’ve sinned against. We can’t invent religions and then cry out to man-made deities and hope they will save us. These other gods don’t even exist (1 Cor. 8:4). They are the inventions of men! The figment of people’s imaginations. And imaginary deities can’t do anything on the day of judgment to help anybody.

In Jeremiah 11:12, God spoke of those who worshiped man-made gods . . .

Jeremiah 11:12
“[They] will go and cry out to the gods to whom they offer incense, but they will not save them at all in the time of their trouble.”

They “will not save them at all” because they can’t. They don’t exist. If you want to be saved, you must have a relationship with the God who actually exists—the true and living God, revealed to us in the person of Jesus Christ.

SKEPTIC: “Well hold on here a second, Charlie. What about those who have never heard of Jesus? Are you saying that they are going to be condemned to Hell?”

God will make the final decision on that matter. For those who do end up in Hell, I can assure you of this: it will not be because they never heard of Jesus. People will end up in Hell because they have lived their lives ignoring or even retreating from the truth God has revealed to them.

SKEPTIC: “But some people have never even heard of God.”

Well, in response to this, we believe they will still be without excuse on the Day of Judgment. Why? God has revealed Himself to all people through creation . . .

1. Revelation of Creation

Paul spoke about this in . . .

Romans 1:19–20
“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”

All people from the beginning of time down to this day have had the testimony of creation to point them to their Creator.

This is spoken of in Psalm 19 as well . . .

Psalm 19:1–4
“The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display His marvelous craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known. They speak without a sound or a word; their voice is silent in the skies; yet their message has gone out to all the Earth, and their words to all the world.” (New Living Translation)

Another reason people will be without excuse on the Day of Judgment is because of God’s revelation in and through man’s conscience . . .

2. Revelation of Conscience

The Bible says that . . .

Romans 2:14–15
“Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know His law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right.”

God has inscribed evidence of His existence and His moral laws on the heart (or conscience) of every person. When a person does something sinful, his conscience accuses him; it convicts him. That’s by God’s design. The conscience is there to lead a person to seek out God, the Lawgiver, and ask for His mercy. So every person can know through an examination of creation and their conscience that God exists and that he has failed to live up to God’s laws written in his heart. If a person will respond to the truth God has revealed to him through creation or the convicting work of his conscience, God will give that person additional light about Himself.

If a person who has never heard of Jesus, truly wants to know God, God will let Himself be found. Why do I believe that? Because God said that is the case. Where?

Jeremiah 29:13
“You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

David assured his son Solomon . . .

1 Chronicles 28:9
“If you seek Him, He will let you find Him . . . ”

One of the reasons many people are not finding God today is because they do not want to find Him! They’re looking for God about as much as a thief is looking for a policeman. They realize having a relationship with God will require them to turn their backs on their sin. But, if they will seek to know God, they will find Him.

Hebrews 11:6
“He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”

There are lots of ways God can get the truth about Jesus to a seeker.

God might send them . . .

• a missionary
• a radio signal
• a social media post
• a gospel tract
• an angel
• a dream or vision

He might put a coworker, friend, or family member in their life who will invite them to church or send them a link to check out an article (like this one) so that they might come to learn more about Jesus. Maybe that’s why you’re reading this right now. Someone sent a link to you. God is drawing you to Himself (John 12:32)! He loves you and wants to have a relationship with you now and throughout eternity.

Jesus said . . .

John 3:16–17
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

God loves you! He wants to save you. That’s why Jesus died on that cruel wooden cross. He suffered there in your place to pay the penalty for your sins. He rose from the grave on the third day and today He’s offering forgiveness of sins and everlasting life to all who will repent and place their faith in Him.

If you have never placed your faith in Him, I exhort you to do so today. If you have already placed your faith in Jesus (as I suspect most of my readers have), I encourage you to not be ashamed of the gospel. Brothers and sisters, what God has done for needy sinners is news that is too good to keep to ourselves! Let’s share it with others while we still have time. Amen?

Jesus: Humanity's Only Savior | AlwaysBeReady.com

George Lucas once said, “All religions are true.” Could that be? Do all religions put a person in touch with the same God? No. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

alwaysbeready.com

J.

 

[Johann]

CHARLIE H. CAMPBELL
is an itinerant Christian apologist, the founder of ABR, and the author of several books and videos, some of which include:

• Archaeological Evidence for the Bible
• One-Minute Answers to Skeptics
• Dakota Knox & the Archaeology Thief + Dakota Knox: London, Love, & Terror + Dakota Knox: Nightmare at the Museum
• Scrolls & Stones: Compelling Evidence the Bible Can Be Trusted
• Evidence for God
• The Case for Christianity
• The Bible’s Scientific Accuracy and Foresight
• Nighthawk: The Search for Everly Lark (a pulse-pounding thriller)
• Answering Atheists
• Treachery on Celestia: A Futuristic Young Adults Thriller
• The Case for the Resurrection
• If God is Loving, Why is there Evil and Suffering?
• Apologetics Quotes
• The End Times and Beyond: A Concise, Chronological Overview of End-Time Bible Prophecies
• Dad, Does God Exist? + Dad, Why Do We Believe the Bible?

J.

 

[Johann]

<<
Progressive Revelation

The Bible records some of the history and events associated with the establishment of two of the world’s major religions: Judaism and Christianity. Christians believe that the two religions are linked by the promise of the coming Messiah. The nature of the relationship between Judaism and Christianity can be partially explained by a concept known as Progressive Revelation. This concept is an important part of Baha’i teaching, and while it is not unique to the Baha’i Faith, the Baha’i interpretation of progressive revelation is unique in that it links all major world religion through a cycle of prophecy and fulfillment. It therefore suggests that the Bible contains prophecy concerning the Prophets who would appear after Christ, and religions that would be established after Christianity.

To gain a full understanding of how Bible prophecy includes religions other than Judaism and Christianity we must examine the promises of God to Abraham. The Bible tells of a covenant established by God with Abraham, and extended to the descendants of Abraham's son, Isaac, who became the nation of Israel and followers of Judaism.

...your wife Sarah will bear you a son and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard you; I will surely bless him. I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers and I will make him into a great nation. But my covenant, I will establish with Isaac whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year.

Genesis 17: 19-21



This covenant with the descendants of Isaac, did not exclude other people from the blessings of progressive revelation of God. It simply spelled out terms of the covenant that applied to the descendants of Isaac, stating that as long as they were obedient to God and demonstrated their obedience by circumcising their males, they would inherit and inhabit the land lying between the River of Egypt on the northeast side of the Sinai Peninsula, and the Euphrates River. In a vision, God told Abraham that this would not happen until after the Israelites had served as slaves for 400 years. Prior to the establishment of the covenant however, God calls Abraham and tells him:

I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you... and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

Genesis 12: 2...3

also

As for Me, this is my covenant with you. You shall be the father of many nations.

Genesis 17:3

Years later when Christ appeared and the descendants of Isaac failed to acknowledge Him, Jesus identified himself as a rejected Manifestation with the words of the Psalmist

" 'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone' (corner stone)... therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed".

Mat. 21:42

italics text – Jesus quoting Psalms 118:22



Indeed the descendants of Isaac lost their inheritance as Christ had foretold. Within 50 years of this prophecy Jerusalem was destroyed and the people of Israel scattered. By the second century AD the Christian church was composed almost entirely of Gentiles.

The people of Israel had failed to meet the terms of the covenant established by God with Isaac and were therefore no longer permitted to occupy the holy land. This does not mean that God failed to keep his promise to Abraham. Aside from the covenant established with Isaac, God promised Abraham he would become "the father of many nations", and his spiritual legacy was passed on through three branches of his descendants. Each of these branches produced individuals who embodied or made manifest certain

attributes of God. For example, Christ was the incarnate "Word" of God. Baha'is believe that the founder of their Faith was the incarnate "Glory" of God and he is therefore recognized by the title Baha'u'llah, which means Glory of God.

For this reason Baha'is refer to these Prophets as Manifestations, and acknowledge Their eternal oneness with God by virtue of Their spiritual composition. By applying this concept exclusively to Christ, Christians have developed the theory of the Trinity. By virtue of this concept, Baha'is recognize the divine station of the Manifestations of God. Each of the Manifestations discussed in this compilation became the founder of an independent religion, thereby making Abraham the "Grandfounder" of five religions.



Religion Founder Year Place Descendent of

Judaism Moses 1400 BC Sinai Abraham & Sarah's son Isaac

Christianity Jesus 30 AD Galilee Isaac - King David

Islam Mohammad 622 AD Arabia Abraham & Hagar's son Ishmael

Babi Ali Mohammad 1844 AD Iran Ishmael - Mohammad

Baha'i Husayn Ali 1863 AD Iran Abraham & Ketura

There are three prophetic eras outlined in the Bible that help us understand the timing and reason for the establishment of these religions. These eras span a period of time beginning with a prophecy pertaining to Judaism, Christianity and Islam respectively, and culminating at the beginning of the Baha’i era on May 23rrd, 1844. The duration of each dispensation is foretold with astonishing accuracy. These three eras are known as:

The Grand Gentile Era

The Grand Sanctuary Era

The Gentile Era

Each day a year

Examination of these eras and the prophecies outlining them requires understanding of the day/year theory that states within the language of bible prophecy, 1 day is often used to represent 1 year.

I have appointed thee each day for a year Ezekiel 4:6

The concept is complicated by the fact that a year on some calendars is calculated by the relationship of the earth to the sun resulting in a 365 day "solar" year, but in other cultures a year is determined by the earth's relationship to the moon, resulting in a 360 day "lunar" year. Since Bible prophecy applied to events that would take place in accordance with different calendars, a method of distinguishing had to be implemented.

In Daniel 8 we read the desolation of Israel would last "2300 mornings and evenings". A "morning and evening" is a time unit equal to one day which of course is based on the earth's relationship to the sun, therefore if one day represents one year, this prophecy is referring to 2300 solar years.

In Revelation 11 we are told of a period of time in which the nation of Israel would be "trodden under foot for.... a time, two times and half a time, or as it is later expressed, for 42 months or 1260 days. This indicates that the 42 months referred to are months of 30 days each; therefore the time, two times and half a time represents a year, two years and half a year expressed in time periods that are determined by the earth's relationship to the moon, making them lunar years of 360 days each.

When solar or lunar time periods are specified in a biblical prophecy, it indicates that the prophecy concerns events that occur within the Christian or Islamic dispensations respectively or within geographic areas that are predominantly Christian or Muslim respectively.

It is interesting to note that the prophecy concerning the Grand Gentile Era recorded in Leviticus 25, which was given by Moses and affected the followers of Judaism, was expressed in time units that were based on weeks.

Count off seven Sabbaths of years- seven times seven years so that the seven Sabbaths of years amount to a period of 49 years. (used to determine the year of Jubilee)

Leviticus 25:8

The laws of Judaism are heavily focused on Sabbath observance, and therefore this is appropriate, but we also know that this prophecy covered a period of 2520 solar years even though the calculation used to arrive at 2520 involves lunar years of 360 days each. This is because the duration of the Grand Gentile Era had its starting point during the Judaic dispensation but spanned a time period in which prophecies applicable to both the Christian and Islamic dispensations were presented using numbers derived from the 2520 year Grand Gentile Era prophecy.

For example, we read in Daniel 9 that seventy sevens would be decreed for his people; a 490 year prophecy pointing to the time of Christ. Daniel also speaks of a 1260 year prophecy pointing to the time period in which the Holy land would be under Islamic control; a time period equal to one half of the duration of the Grand Gentile Era. The mathematical relationship between these figures creates a connection between Solar year and Lunar year prophecy. This "numerical cross referencing" is a recurring phenomena when examining important dates of various dispensations.

https://www.bible.ca/creed-bahai-beliefs.htm#:~:text=Baha'i History and the Administrative Order

Take note, readers: I’m not here to attack other religions or cults, as that would violate the rules of this forum. My purpose is to equip the saints to be like the Bereans, offering sound biblical rebuttals to the teachings of the Bahá'í faith.

J.

 

[Johann]

The Baha’i Faith and Salvation
by Jeremy Butler | Mar 25, 2010 | Baha'i, World Religions

A comparison and contrast of the Baha’i’doctrine of salvation with that of biblical Christianity: The Baha’i’Doctrine of Salvation The Baha’i’doctrine of salvation is one of mutual divine…

read more
Heaven and Hell and the Baha’i Faith
by Jeremy Butler | Mar 25, 2010 | Baha'i, World Religions

…in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” References[+] References 1↑ http://info.bahaiorg/article-1-4-0-5.html 2↑ http://info.bahaiorg/article-1-4-5-2.html 3↑ All scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible…

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The basic teachings of the Baha’i faith
by Jeremy Butler | Oct 14, 2016 | Baha'i, World Religions

The following is a basic outline of the beliefs and teachings of the Baha’i’faith. For reference to a particular belief, please reference our articles dealing with specific beliefs within…

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Baha’i Glossary of Terms
by Jeremy Butler | Jul 31, 2010 | Baha'i, World Religions

…are 11 Holy Days within the Baha’i’Faith. House of Justice: This is a group of nine elected officials who have jurisdiction over the Baha’i’Faith in a specific region….

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A Brief History of the Baha’i Faith
by Jeremy Butler | Mar 25, 2010 | Baha'i, World Religions

…Baha’u’llah died in exile in Palestine in 1892.1All of this information came from the Baha’i’website www.bahaiorg. References[+] References 1↑ All of this information came from the Baha’i’website www.bahaiorg….

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Witnessing to Baha’is
by Jeremy Butler | Mar 25, 2010 | Baha'i, World Religions

…they will deal with the issues of why we should share our faith and how we share our faith. That said, when witnessing to Baha’is, here are a few things…

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Baha’i and the Resurrection of Christ
by Jeremy Butler | Mar 25, 2010 | Baha'i, Uncategorized, World Religions

…Their parables, and Their instructions have a spiritual and divine signification, and have no connection with material things.”1Abdul-Baha, Some Answered Questions (BahaiPublishing Society, 1918) 119 The resurrection of Christ…

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Baha’i
by Matt Slick | Jun 16, 2020 |

…and Hell: the Baha’i’view Is Jesus just a Prophet or God? Baha’i’and the Nature of Man The Baha’i’Faith and Salvation Baha’i’and the Resurrection of Christ Witnessing…

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Jeremy Butler
by Matt Slick | May 11, 2010 | CARM

…Baha’i’Faith Heaven and Hell and the Baha’i’Faith Is Jesus just a Prophet or God? Baha’i’and the Nature of Man The Baha’i’Faith and Salvation Baha’i’and the…

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We see here that Jesus invited them to touch his wounds, He spoke to them, and He even ate fish. Jesus even told them that a spirit does not have flesh and bones.
John 20:24-29: “But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore were saying to him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I shall see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.’ And after eight days again His disciples were inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach here your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand, and put it into My side; and be not unbelieving, but believing.’ Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.’”
This shows us that Thomas not only saw and talked to Jesus but also touched His wounds. This shows us that Jesus had a physical body after His resurrection and not a spiritual body.
John 21:12-14: “Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ None of the disciples ventured to question Him, ‘Who are you?’ knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread, and gave them, and the fish likewise. This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after He was raised from the dead.”
The disciples saw and heard Jesus on this occasion and it is implied that Jesus actually ate at this time.
1 Corinthians 15:3-8: “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all apostles; and last of all, as it were to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.”

This passage shows several accounts of Jesus physically appearing to people after He was raised from the dead.
Acts 1:1-11: “The first account I composed Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when He was taken up, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. To these He also presented Himself alive, after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. And gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, ‘Which,’ He said, ‘you heard from Me; for John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’ And so when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, ‘Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.’ And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was departing, behold two men in white clothing stood beside them; and they also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you watched Him go into heaven.’”
This passage shows us that Jesus appeared to people over a period of forty days and then gathered his disciples together and spoke to them and then finally physically ascended to heaven. The ascension is seen as physical and not spiritual.
References
References
1↑ Abdul-Baha, Some Answered Questions (Bahai Publishing Society, 1918) 119

https://carm.org/bahai/bahai-and-the-resurrection-of-christ/#:~:text=We%20see%20here,Society%2C%201918)%20119

J.

 

[Johann]

In the same way that Elijah came thorough the mission of John The Baptist (not as incarnation, but metaphorically, through his mission), we believe that Jesus returned “in the glory of The Father” [Bahá’u’lláh in Arabic] as He had promised…. But all this requires faith.

Some verses in the gospels seem to say that John the Baptist was Elijah, but others say he was not. Is this a contradiction? Let’s take a look:

Yes, he was Elijah: Matthew 11:13-14, “For all the prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 “And if you care to accept it, he himself is Elijah, who was to come.”
No, he was not Elijah: John 1:19-21, “And this is the witness of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 And he confessed, and did not deny, and he confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”

The teaching of reincarnation is against the Old Testament. Therefore, Jesus was not teaching that John the Baptist was Elijah reincarnated. So, what did Jesus mean when He said that John the Baptist was Elijah? We see in Malachi 4:5 this prophecy, “Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord.” Jesus is referring to the prophecy concerning Elijah. We see that the coming of Elijah was in the spirit of Elijah, which is so stated in Luke 1:13-17. The context is when Zecharias, John’s father-to-be, was performing his priestly duties in the temple (Luke 1:8ff). An angel of the Lord appeared to Zacharias and said,

“Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John. 14 “And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 “For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine or liquor; and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, while yet in his mother’s womb. 16 “And he will turn back many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 “And it is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous; so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord,” (Luke 1:13-17).

Luke 1:17: The angel Gabriel tells Zechariah that John "will go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah," indicating a spiritual role, not physical reincarnation.

Matthew 17:10-13: Jesus explains that "Elijah has already come," referring to John the Baptist. This shows that John fulfilled the prophetic role of Elijah without being the same person.

John 1:21: When directly asked if he was Elijah, John the Baptist explicitly denies it, saying, "I am not."

--and no-I reject you saying-- we believe that Jesus returned “in the glory of The Father” [Bahá’u’lláh in Arabic] as He had promised--since you deny the literal second coming of Messiah @Pancho Frijoles
Matthew 16:27
Text: "For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds."

Key Greek Terms:
δόξα (doxa): Translated as "glory," meaning splendor, honor, or majesty, often associated with divine radiance or the visible manifestation of God's presence.

Πατρός (Patros): Translated as "Father," denoting God the Father in this context.

ἔρχεσθαι (erchesthai): Translated as "to come," indicating an arrival or manifestation.
This verse emphasizes Jesus’ return in divine splendor, reflecting the authority and majesty of the Father.

2. Mark 8:38
Text: "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."

Key Greek Terms:
δόξα (doxa): Again, referring to the divine radiance or honor associated with God.
ἅγιοι ἄγγελοι (hagioi angeloi): "Holy angels," signifying celestial beings accompanying Christ in His return.
This verse shows the divine authority and judgment associated with Jesus' second coming.

3. Luke 9:26
Text: "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father, and of the holy angels."

Key Greek Terms:
δόξα (doxa): Appears twice here, first for Jesus' glory and then for the Father's glory, linking the two as inseparable.
ὅταν (hotan): "When," indicating a future event, emphasizing anticipation.

This passage highlights the unity between the glory of Jesus and the Father, reinforcing Christ's divine nature.

4. John 17:5
Text: "Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was."

See @Pancho Frijoles the Scriptures is consistently refuting you--

Key Greek Terms:
δοξάζω (doxazō): "Glorify," meaning to honor, magnify, or make manifest one's glory.
πρὸ τοῦ τὸν κόσμον εἶναι (pro tou ton kosmon einai): "Before the world was," emphasizing Jesus' preexistence and shared glory with the Father.

This verse speaks of Jesus reclaiming the eternal glory He shared with the Father, further establishing their divine relationship.

5. Revelation 1:13-16
Vision of Christ: While not directly mentioning "the glory of the Father," this passage describes Jesus in divine splendor, reflecting the Father's majesty: "His face was like the sun shining in its strength."

Key Greek Imagery:
όμοιος υἱὸς ἀνθρώπου (homoios huios anthrōpou): "Like a Son of Man," emphasizing His Messianic identity.
δόξα (doxa): Implicit in the description of Jesus’ radiant appearance.
Summary of Greek Emphasis:

The consistent use of δόξα (doxa) ties Jesus' return and divine manifestations directly to the radiance, honor, and majesty uniquely associated with God. These verses affirm that Jesus acts and appears with the full authority and presence of the Father, underscoring His divine unity with God.
Regarding the characteristics of personhood, one person interacts with another person. One person speaks to another person, speaks about him, sends him or her, asks of him or her, sits with one another. Persons know each other, love each other, etc. This is how we understand and determine the distinction of persons. All of these characteristics occur between the Father and the Son.

One person speaks another person. The Son speaks to the Father (John 17:1-26).
One person speaks about another person. The Father speaks about the Son (Matt. 3:17; Heb. 1:5).
One person sends another person. The Father sent the son (Matt. 10:40; John 5:23).
One person asks of another person. Jesus asked of the Father (John 14:16; Luke 23:34).
One person sits next to another person. Jesus sits next to the Father’s throne (Rev. 3:21).
One person knows another person. Fhe Father and the Son know each other (Matt. 11:27; Luke 10:22; John 10:15).
One person loves another person. The Father loves Jesus (John 3:35).
The following outline and table are from the extensive research I did on scriptures that deal with the Father and the Son. I dealt with 128 verses and did my best to analyze them by categorizing them. I don’t claim to have done it perfectly, but at least I attempted to let the Scriptures speak and learn from them.



Outline Results from the Table
Action performed by the Father to the Son, Jesus (27 verses)
The Father calls the Son, God (Heb. 1:8)
The Father gave all judgment to the Son (John 5:22)
The Father gave life to the Son (John 5:26)
The Father gives the elect to the Son (John 6:37)
The Father gives the Helper (John 14:16)
The Father glorifies Jesus (John 8:54)
The Father hands all things to Jesus (Matt. 11:27)
The Father has something for Jesus to do (John 18:11)
The Father hears Jesus (John 11:41)
The Father loves Jesus (John 3:35)
The Father raised Jesus from the dead (Gal. 1:1)
The Father sanctifies the Son, Jesus (John 10:36)
The Father sent the Son (Matt. 10:40; John 5:23; 6:38-39; 8:42; 12:44-45, 49; 13:20; 14:24; 17:3; 20:21; Gal. 4:6; 1 John 4:14; Rev. 1:1)
The Father set His seal on Jesus. (John 6:27)
The Father speaks about the Son (Matt. 3:17; Heb. 1:5)
The Father taught Jesus (John 8:28)
The Father tells Jesus what to speak (John 12:50)
The Father’s will is that those who believe in Jesus will have eternal life (John 6:40)
Action performed by the Son to the Father (34 verses)
Jesus alone has seen the Father (John 6:46)
Jesus ascends to the Father (John 20:17)
Jesus asks the Father to give the Helper (John 14:16)
Jesus came from the Father (John 8:42; 16:28)
Jesus came in the Father’s name (John 5:43)
Jesus does works in the Father’s name (John 10:25, 36)
Jesus had glory with the Father before creation (John 17:5)
Jesus honors the Father (John 8:49)
Jesus is the only mediator to God (1 Tim. 2:5)
Jesus is the exact representation of God (Heb. 1:3)
Jesus manifested the Father’s name (John 17:6)
Jesus prays to the Father (Matt. 11:25; Luke 22:42; 23:34; 46; John 12:27–28; 17:1-5)
Jesus praises the Father (Matt. 11:25)
Jesus proceeds from the Father (John 8:42)
Jesus recognizes the identical nature of the Father and Him (John 10:30)
Jesus reveals the Father (Matt. 11:27; Luke 10:22)
Jesus sits with the Father (Rev. 3:21)
Jesus will depart and go to the Father (John 13:1; 14:28)
Jesus will return to the Father (John 13:3)
Jesus’ works are from the Father (John 10:32)
Action performed by God to the Son (6 verses)
God appointed Jesus as heir (Heb. 1:2)
God has spoken in the Son (Heb. 1:2)
God made Jesus both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36)
God raised up Jesus (Acts 5:30; 6:4)
God tells the angels to worship Jesus, the firstborn (Heb. 1:6)
Positional Relationship (9 verses)
Jesus descended from heaven and spoke to the Father who was in heaven (John 6:38; 17:1-5)
Jesus is presently at the right hand of God (Acts 7:56; Heb. 1:3)
Jesus is the begotten from the Father (Heb. 1:5)
Reciprocity between the Father and the Son (5 verses)
The Father and the Son know each other (Matt. 11:27; Luke 10:22; John 10:15)
The Father is in Jesus, and Jesus is in the Father (John 14:10-11)
Showing distinction and relationship (50 verses)
Believe in God and Jesus (John 14:1)
Blessed by the Father and Jesus (2 Cor. 1:3)
Confess Jesus is Lord to the glory of the Father (Phil. 2:11)
Equality of grace between Father and Son (Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:3; Phil. 1:2; Col. 1:2; 2 Thess. 1:2; 2 Thess. 1:2; 1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2, 4; Titus 1:4; Philm 3; 2 John 3)
Equality of peace between Father and Son (Eph. 1:2; Col. 1:2; 2 Thess. 1:2; 1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2, 4; Titus 1:4; Philm 3; 2 John 3)
Giving thanks through Jesus to God (Eph. 5:20)
Glory for God through Jesus (Rom. 16:27)
God and Father of the Lord Jesus (2 Cor. 11:31; 1 Pet. 1:3)
God and the Son (Heb. 1:2)
God the Father and Jesus the Lord (1 Thess. 3:11, 13; 2 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 2:16; Titus 1:4
Jesus came in the Father’s name (John 5:43)
Jesus can only do what He sees the Father do (John 5:19)
Jesus is presently in the presence of the Father (1 Thess. 1:3)
Jesus recognizes the identical nature of the Father and Him (John 10:30)
One God the Father and one Lord Jesus (1 Cor. 8:6)
The Father alone knows the day of Jesus’ return (Matt. 24:36; Mark 13:32)
The Father reveals the truth of Jesus to Simon (Matt. 16:17)
The Father and the Son know each other (Luke 10:22)
The Father is the God of Jesus (Eph. 1:17)
The Father of Jesus (Rom. 6:4; 15:6; Col. 1:3)
To know Jesus is to know the Father (John 14:7)
Relationship of those performing an action (99 verses)
The action of one on another (Matt. 10:40; 11:27; 16:17; John 5:22; 6:32; John 10:15; 10:32, 36; 12:44-45, 49; Gal. 1:1; Heb. 1:2)
The action of one toward another (Matt. 3:17; 11:25; Luke 2:49; 23:46; John 6:27, 37, 46; 12:27–28; 13:3; 14:10-11, 16; 18:11; 17:6; Acts 2:36; 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 1:82 Pet. 1:17)
The action of one from another (John 10:32, 36; 11:41)
The action of one in relation to another (Matt. 24:36; John 5:19; 10:30; 13:1, 3; Heb. 1:3; 5; 1 John 2:1; Rev. 3:21)
The action of one with another (John 14:23)
The action of one through another (Heb. 1:2)
No distinction of action between the Father and the Son (Isaiah 9:6; Matt. 28:19; Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26; John 5:23, 43; 6:40; 10:25; 14:1, 6, 7, 9, 21; Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 1 Cor. 8:6; 2 Cor. 1:2, 3; 2 Cor. 11:31; 13:14; Gal. 1:1, 3; Eph. 1:2, 3; 1:17; 5:20; 6:23; Phil. 1:2; 2:11; Col. 1:2, 3; 3:17; 1 Thess. 1:1, 3; 3:11, 13; 2 Thess. 1:1, 2; 2 Thess. 2:16; 1 Tim. 1:2; 6:16; 2 Tim. 1:2; Titus 1:4; Philm 3; 1 Pet. 1:3; 1 John 1:3; 2:22, 23, 24; 5:1; 2 John 3; 2 John 9; Jude 1)

The second coming of Jesus will be literally. He will return bodily, in the same, resurrected, glorified body in which He ascended to heaven. The Bible teaches that sin was dealt with once and for all in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ 2,000 years ago. The Christian hope, however, is also in eager anticipation of the future return of our Lord. This teaching is known as the second coming of Christ. The Scriptures plainly teach us to expect a literal, bodily return of Jesus Christ. In the book of Acts, for example, reports at the time of Jesus’ ascension into heaven state:

“So Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him” (Hebrews 9:28).

“After He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven'” (Acts 1:11).

This passage is not a symbolic vision. It is a literal, historical narrative. Just as the disciples literally saw Jesus ascend bodily into heaven, the angels tell them that He “will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” We see this hope of a literal, physical return of Jesus from heaven to earth repeated again in the Apostles’ preaching.

“Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time,” (Acts 3:19-21).

I believe this by faith-not YOUR interpretation on MY Bible since you are in denial of the LITERAL second coming of Messiah @Pancho Frijoles.

J.

 

[Johann]

He was locked up.
Yes, tortured, exiled, poisoned, and imprisoned until his death.
What is blasphemous for some, is true for others, like me.
For some, Jesus was blasphemous. For me, He spoke the truth.
For some, Paul was crazy. For me, he was inspired.
But all this requires faith.

In the same way that Elijah came thorough the mission of John The Baptist (not as incarnation, but metaphorically, through his mission), we believe that Jesus returned “in the glory of The Father” [Bahá’u’lláh in Arabic] as He had promised…. But all this requires faith.

Bahá’u’lláh did not claim to be literally Yeshua of Nazareth, nor the Holy Spirit. He was rather embedded by the spirit of Christ, the spirit of God, the Holy Spirit.

Since when is YHVH "unknowable" @Pancho Frijoles?

The onus is on YOU to explain to the readers-not me.

In the Bahá'í Faith, the term "God" refers to the one, unknowable, eternal, and transcendent deity that is the source of all creation. Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, emphasized that God is beyond human comprehension and that no one can fully grasp the essence of God. This concept aligns with the Islamic view of God, where Allah (الله) refers to the same ultimate deity, but Bahá'ís believe that God reveals Himself progressively through various Manifestations (prophets or divine messengers), such as Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, and Bahá'u'lláh himself.

>>>>Bahá'ís hold that God's essence is beyond understanding, but His will and attributes are made known through the teachings of these Manifestations.?!!<<<<

Here is a SCRIPTURAL rebuttal against the above claims--

Hebrews 1:1-2
"God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds."

In many and various drakhim (ways) Hashem in amolike times (olden times) spoke to the Avot by the Nevi'im.
Heb 1:2 At the Ketz HaYamim, Hashem spoke to us by HaBen, whom He appointed Bechor of the Bechorah, Yoresh Kol (Heir of All Things), through whom also Hashem BARAH ES HASHOMAYIM V'ES HA’ARETZ (see Prov 30:4);

This passage is central to the New Testament's teaching about the finality of God's revelation through Jesus. It emphasizes that while God spoke in different ways through the prophets, in the last days, He speaks through His Son, who is the ultimate revelation of God's will.

2. John 14:9-10
"Jesus said to him, 'Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, "Show us the Father"? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.'"

In this passage, Jesus makes it clear that seeing Him is the same as seeing the Father, emphasizing that He is the ultimate representative and mouthpiece of God. He speaks the words of God and performs works that reveal God's will.

3. John 1:14
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."

This verse highlights the incarnation of God's Word (Jesus), revealing that in Jesus, God is fully and finally speaking to humanity. The glory Jesus displays is the glory of the Father, and His presence on earth is the ultimate revelation of God's nature and will.

4. John 5:24
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life."

Jesus’ words are directly linked to eternal life, and belief in Him is linked to salvation, showing that God’s final communication to humanity is through Jesus Christ. This affirms His authority and the importance of responding to His message.

5. 2 Peter 1:16-18
"For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.' And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain."

Peter refers to the voice from heaven during the Transfiguration, where God publicly affirmed Jesus as His Son. This event shows the divine authority of Jesus and the truth of His message as the final word from God.

6. Matthew 17:5
"While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!'"

This declaration from God the Father during the Transfiguration directly affirms that Jesus is the ultimate figure through whom God speaks, indicating that we should listen to Him above all others.

Cross References:
Revelation 1:1-3: "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John..."

Here, Jesus is depicted as the one through whom God reveals future events, again emphasizing His role as the final revealer of God's will.

Colossians 1:15-19: "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation... For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell..."

This passage emphasizes that Jesus fully represents God and contains all of God's fullness, making Him the complete and final revelation of God.

Conclusion:
The idea that God speaks through the Son in the last days is a consistent theme in the New Testament, particularly in Hebrews 1:1-2. The writings of John, the Gospels, and the epistles reinforce that Jesus Christ is the final and complete revelation of God's will to humanity, culminating in His life, death, resurrection, and teachings.

-- Bahá'u'lláh refuted!!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bahá'u'lláh is seen as the most recent of these figures, bringing the final revelation for humanity. The God referred to by Bahá'u'lláh is the same God worshipped in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, although the Bahá'í Faith views all these religions as part of a unified divine plan, with each having a role in the unfolding of God's will for humanity.

For Bahá'ís, God is indivisible and exists above all created things, while the Manifestations reflect His attributes and act as intermediaries between God and humanity. Bahá'u'lláh specifically taught that the revelation of God is continuous and progressive, meaning each Manifestation reveals more of God's will and guidance as humanity is ready to receive it.

In summary, the God in Bahá'u'lláh's teachings is the same God of Abrahamic faiths—the one true God, whose essence is unknowable but whose will is revealed progressively to humanity through His chosen messengers.

And how can you claim that you are NOT a Christian, yet believe in Jesus?

J.

 

[Johann]

And what or who are "the teachings of these manifestations?" @Pancho Frijoles?


In the Bahá'í Faith, the Manifestations of God are considered divine figures chosen by God to bring messages and teachings to humanity. Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, is believed to be the most recent Manifestation, continuing a line of figures like Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, and others, who brought revelations in different eras. According to Bahá'í teachings, each Manifestation reflects God's will and brings the divine message suited to the needs of the time.

Key Teachings of the Manifestations in the Bahá'í Faith:

Unity of God:
Bahá'í teachings emphasize the oneness of God, who is seen as the creator and sustainer of all that exists. God is considered unknowable, but He reveals Himself through His Manifestations, who act as intermediaries to convey His will. This idea is reflected in Bahá'u'lláh’s writings, where he underscores the unity of God and the importance of recognizing that all Manifestations come from the same divine source.

“There is no God but He, the Glory of the All-Glorious.” (Bahá’u’lláh)
Unity of Religion:
Bahá'ís believe that all major world religions are part of a single divine plan. The teachings brought by each Manifestation are seen as progressively revealing God's will for humanity, adapted to the spiritual and social needs of each era. This concept promotes the idea that no religion is superior to another but rather that all are part of the same divine truth revealed progressively.

“The various religions of the world are as different leaves of the same tree.” (Bahá’u’lláh)
Oneness of Humanity:
A central tenet of Bahá'í faith is the belief in the oneness of humanity. Bahá'ís teach that all people are part of one global family, regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality. This teaching calls for the elimination of all forms of prejudice and discrimination, promoting peace, unity, and cooperation among all peoples.

“The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” (Bahá’u’lláh)
The Role of the Manifestations:
Each Manifestation brings teachings that are suitable for the time and place of their appearance. Bahá'u’lláh taught that his role as the latest Manifestation was to bring a message of spiritual renewal and to lay the foundation for global unity. He emphasized that his teachings were meant to guide humanity in the modern age, addressing both spiritual and social needs.

“We have come to unite the hearts of men in the bonds of unity.” (Bahá’u’lláh)

Spiritual and Moral Transformation:
The Manifestations teach that true change comes from the inner transformation of individuals. Bahá'u’lláh's teachings emphasize the importance of developing virtues such as love, justice, humility, and generosity. Spiritual development is seen as essential for the well-being of both individuals and society.

“Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch.” (Bahá’u’lláh)

Progressive Revelation:
Bahá'ís believe in the principle of progressive revelation, meaning that God's guidance to humanity is continuous and ongoing. This concept holds that each Manifestation reveals a part of the truth, with the understanding that future revelations will continue this process. Thus, Bahá'í teachings emphasize the evolution of spiritual knowledge.

“The light of the world is one; it does not vary from age to age.” (Bahá’u’lláh)

Cross-References from Other Manifestations:

Jesus Christ: Jesus’ teachings about love, forgiveness, and unity are seen as foundational principles that continue in Bahá'í teachings.

Muhammad: Muhammad’s teachings about the oneness of God and the importance of social justice resonate with Bahá’í principles.

Moses: The ethical and moral laws given through Moses laid the foundation for later spiritual teachings, including those in the Bahá'í Faith.


In summary, the Manifestations in the Bahá'í Faith are viewed as divinely inspired individuals through whom God communicates His will. The core messages brought by these Manifestations revolve around the unity of God, unity of religion, the oneness of humanity, and the importance of spiritual and moral transformation. Bahá'í teachings uphold that each Manifestation fulfills a specific role in guiding humanity toward greater unity, peace, and justice. These principles are believed to be vital for addressing the challenges of the modern world.

For more detailed information, you may refer to official Bahá'í resources or writings of Bahá’u’lláh such as the Kitáb-i-Aqdas or The Hidden Words.

Search Bahai.org

The website of the worldwide Bahá’í community

www.bahai.org

At the end of these days (ep' eschatou tōn hēmerōn toutōn). In contrast with palai above.

Hath spoken (elalēsen). First aorist indicative of laleō, the same verb as above, “did speak” in a final and full revelation.

In his Son (en huiōi). In sharp contrast to en tois prophētais.

“The Old Testament slopes upward to Christ” (J. R. Sampey). No article or pronoun here with the preposition en, giving the absolute sense of “Son.” Here the idea is not merely what Jesus said, but what he is (Dods), God’s Son who reveals the Father (Joh_1:18). “The revelation was a son-revelation” (Vincent).

Hath appointed (ethēken). First aorist (kappa aorist) active of tithēmi, a timeless aorist.

Heir of all things (klēronomon pantōn). See Mar_12:6 for ho klēronomos in Christ’s parable, perhaps an allusion here to this parable (Moffatt). The idea of sonship easily passes into that of heirship (Gal_4:7; Rom_8:17). See the claim of Christ in Mat_11:27; Mat_28:18 even before the Ascension.

Through whom (di' hou). The Son as Heir is also the Intermediate Agent (dia) in the work of creation as we have it in Col_1:16.; Joh_1:3.

The worlds (tous aiōnas). “The ages” (secula, Vulgate). See Heb_11:3 also where tous aiōnas = ton kosmon (the world) or the universe like ta panta (the all things) in Heb_1:3; Rom_11:36; Col_1:16. The original sense of aiōn (from aei, always) occurs in Heb_6:20, but here “by metonomy of the container for the contained” (Thayer) for “the worlds” (the universe) as in lxx, Philo, Josephus.

Heb 1:1 God’s Full and Final Revelation in the Son
¶ Although [*Here “although ” is supplied as a component of the participle (“spoke”) which is understood as concessive] God spoke long ago in many parts [Or “portions”] and in many ways to the fathers by the prophets,
Heb 1:2 in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things , through whom also he made the world, [Or “the universe”; literally “the ages”]
Heb 1:3 who is the radiance of his glory and the representation of his essence, sustaining all things by the word of power. [Some manuscripts have “by the word of his power. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down”] When he [*Here “when ” is supplied as a component of the participle (“had made”) which is understood as temporal] had made purification for sins through him, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
Heb 1:4 having become by so much better than the angels, by as much as he has inherited a more excellent name than theirs.

Heb 1:5 The Son Superior to the Angels
¶ For to which of the angels did he ever say,
“You are my son,
today I have begotten you,” [A quotation from Ps 2:7]

and again,
“I will be his father [Literally “to him for a father”],
and he will be my son [Literally “to me for a son”]”? [A quotation from 2 Sam 7:14 (cf. 1 Chr 17:13)]

Heb 1:6 ¶ And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,
“And let all the angels of God worship him.” [A quotation from Deut 32:43 and Ps 97:7]

Heb 1:7 ¶ And concerning the angels he says,
“The one who makes his angels winds,
and his servants a flame of fire,” [A quotation from Ps 104:4]

Heb 1:8 ¶ but concerning the Son,
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever [Literally “for the age of the age”],
and the scepter of righteous is the scepter of your kingdom.
Heb 1:9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness;
because of this God, your God, has anointed you
with the olive oil of joy more than your companions. [A quotation from Ps 45:6–7]

Heb 1:10 ¶ And,
“You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
and the heavens are the works of your hands;
Heb 1:11 they will perish, but you continue,
and they will all become old like a garment,
Heb 1:12 and like a robe you will roll them up,
and like a garment they will be changed;
but you are the same, and your years will not run out.” [A quotation from Ps 102:25–27]

Heb 1:13 ¶ But to which of the angels has he ever said,
“Sit down at my right hand,
until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” [A quotation from Ps 110:1]

Heb 1:14 ¶ Are they not all spirits engaged in special service, sent on assignment for the sake of those who are going to inherit salvation?

Refuted.

J.

 

[synergy]

He was locked up.
Yes, tortured, exiled, poisoned, and imprisoned until his death.
What is blasphemous for some, is true for others, like me.
For some, Jesus was blasphemous. For me, He spoke the truth.
For some, Paul was crazy. For me, he was inspired.
But all this requires faith.

In the same way that Elijah came thorough the mission of John The Baptist (not as incarnation, but metaphorically, through his mission), we believe that Jesus returned “in the glory of The Father” [Bahá’u’lláh in Arabic] as He had promised…. But all this requires faith.

Bahá’u’lláh did not claim to be literally Yeshua of Nazareth, nor the Holy Spirit. He was rather embedded by the spirit of Christ, the spirit of God, the Holy Spirit.

If you think that excuses Bahá’u’lláh's attempt to usurp the Divine Entitlement and Offices of

1. the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete for the world and of
2. Christ as the Divine Savior and Judge of the world at his 2nd coming

then you've got another thing coming.

Any attempt to usurp any Divine Office is outrageous, pure and simple.

That proves that Christianity and the Baha'i faith are incompatible just as matter and antimatter is incompatible. The only way that Christianity can be absorbed into the Baha'i collective is if Christianity is gutted from the inside. That will never ever happen. Mark my words.

 

[Pancho Frijoles]

So, in light of what the Bible teaches in these passages we just considered (John 14:6; Acts 4:12, etc.), we believe that all other religious systems outside of Biblical Christianity are manmade religions that are not leading people into relationships with the true and living God, nor providing a remedy for people’s sin.

Following the teachings of Buddha, Muhammad, Confucius, Joseph Smith, or some other religious leader, may lead to some changes in a person’s life but it will only lead a person away from the one, true, and living God. And notice where Jesus said these other roads lead . . .

Reality shows that people from many religions, and even without formal religions, live holy lives. Lives in which these people risk everything to protect and defend the lives of others, and display the fruit of the Spirit.
This is not theory, but reality. To deny that reality is to deny God.
So, when we say that following the teachings of X can lead to “some changes in a person’s life” we must be careful not to minimize or deny the works of the Holy Spirit in such person.

SKEPTIC: “I hear what you’re saying, Charlie, and you raise some interesting points, but I still don’t understand why a person must put their faith in Jesus in order to be saved.”

That is a popular question: Why must a person trust in Jesus and not one of these other persons or deities that are admired in some other religion? Well, think this through with me. Let’s suppose you hurt my feelings. In fact, let’s suppose you walk up and kick me. Would you be able to go to any person you’d like and apologize to make our relationship right? No. Why not? Because to make right our relationship, you would need to return directly to me. You can’t go and apologize to my friend James and ask for his forgiveness and think that our relationship has been fixed. They’re dragging me off to the hospital. You could sing songs to James. You could give money to James. You could build a temple for James. You could go door to door and tell everybody what a great guy James is. And it’s not going to do anything to fix our relationship, is it? No.

This example reveals a profound misunderstanding of the character of God and His Manifestations.
Jesus did not exhibit the jealousy for relationships that is common to the unholy. Jesus truly loved men and was interested in the salvation of men…. Not in getting praise and contracts of exclusivity from people.

In Mark 9 we find that Jesus sent his disciples out, they came back telling the story of a man who was not part of the circle of followers of Christ who was healing people. The disciples had tried to prevent that man from continuing. Why did they do it? Out of jealousy. Christ reproved their attitude and said: “For he who is not against us, is for us”

Even in our imperfect human realm, this is what people who live in God expect.
I want my patients to be healed and my students to learn… no matter if they do it with a different doctor and teacher.
I want my wife to be happy… no matter if she finds that happiness with another man.
So, if a person is transformed thanks through the influence of Muhammed or Buddha, Jesus will be happy.

Because Jesus is God. (John 1:1, 5:18, 8:58, 20:28; Col. 2:9; Isaiah 9:6).

We baha’is don’t believe that Jesus is God, but a Manifestation of God. Jesus explicitly taught that His Father was His God and our God (John 20.:17) The only true God, which had sent Jesus (John 17:1-3). Jesus always claimed to be The One Sent by God in the most explicit terms.

He’s the One you’ve kicked. He’s the One we’ve sinned against. We can’t invent religions and then cry out to man-made deities and hope they will save us. These other gods don’t even exist (1 Cor. 8:4). They are the inventions of men! The figment of people’s imaginations. And imaginary deities can’t do anything on the day of judgment to help anybody.

In Jeremiah 11:12, God spoke of those who worshiped man-made gods . . .

Jeremiah 11:12
“[They] will go and cry out to the gods to whom they offer incense, but they will not save them at all in the time of their trouble.”

They “will not save them at all” because they can’t. They don’t exist. If you want to be saved, you must have a relationship with the God who actually exists—the true and living God, revealed to us in the person of Jesus Christ.

SKEPTIC: “Well hold on here a second, Charlie. What about those who have never heard of Jesus? Are you saying that they are going to be condemned to Hell?”

God will make the final decision on that matter. For those who do end up in Hell, I can assure you of this: it will not be because they never heard of Jesus. People will end up in Hell because they have lived their lives ignoring or even retreating from the truth God has revealed to them.

And for those who will end up in heaven? The article you are posting explains why those who never heard of Jesus may be condemned…But not why those who never heard of Jesus may be saved.
God revealed himself through creation and conscience, the author recognizes.
Those who reject God revealed in creation and conscience will be condemned. And those who accept it? Why doesn’t the author plainly recognize that will be saved?
The author keeps on explaining that such people still need to hear about Jesus. Not about Jesus Message, but about Jesus as a Person.
Sadly, Jesus’ Message is not as important for this kind of Christians. For them, doctrines about Jesus ( his deity, substitutionary blood atonement, physical resurrection) are what matter.

Jesus’ Message of forgiveness and submission to God can be found through Judaism as well as through Zoroastrianism and Islam and Sikhism. However, these evangelical fundamentalist preachers are obsessed not by what Christ taught, but by they teach about Christ.
Avoid those preachers!

 

[Johann]

Reality shows that people from many religions, and even without formal religions, live holy lives. Lives in which these people risk everything to protect and defend the lives of others, and display the fruit of the Spirit.
This is not theory, but reality. To deny that reality is to deny God.
So, when we say that following the teachings of X can lead to “some changes in a person’s life” we must be careful not to minimize or deny the works of the Holy Spirit in such person.

This is error, there's only ONE way, The Way Jesus Christ and NOT through many religions--that's reality!

Your assertion that people from various religions or without formal religion can live holy lives, display the fruit of the Spirit, and even partake in the Holy Spirit’s work raises theological questions that can be addressed biblically.

1. The Fruit of the Spirit Is Evidence of Union with Christ
Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

These qualities are not produced by human effort alone but are the work of the Holy Spirit in those who belong to/IN Christ (Galatians 5:24-25).

While outward behaviors might resemble these fruits, true fruit originates from the Spirit, given only to those who are in Christ (Romans 8:9). Those outside of Christ cannot bear this fruit, as it is not the product of mere moral effort but of a transformed nature through the Spirit.

2. Righteousness Outside of Faith in Christ Is Insufficient

Isaiah 64:6: "And all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our deeds of justice are like a menstrual cloth.”

Even seemingly righteous acts are tainted by sin if they are not done in relationship with God.

Romans 3:10-12 emphasizes the universal sinfulness of humanity: "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away." Apart from God’s intervention through Christ, even the best human efforts fall short of true holiness.

3. The Necessity of Faith in Christ for True Righteousness

John 14:6: Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

While people may act morally, access to God and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit are only available through faith in Christ.

Hebrews 11:6 teaches, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and is a rewarder of those who seek him.” Acts done without faith in God, regardless of their outward appearance, do not please Him.

4. The Holy Spirit Does Not Indwell Unbelievers

John 14:16-17: Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to His followers, stating, "He will be with you forever. The Spirit of truth, whom the world is not able to receive."

The Spirit indwells believers as a seal of their salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14), not those outside the faith.

Romans 8:9 clarifies: “Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this person does not belong to him.” Without the Spirit, a person cannot belong to God or produce genuine spiritual fruit.

5. Apparent Goodness vs. True Holiness

Matthew 7:22-23 warns against being deceived by outward works: "On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and cast out demons in your name and perform many miracles in your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness.'"

Outward morality or acts of goodness cannot replace a saving relationship with Christ.

1 Corinthians 13:3 reminds us that even sacrificial acts, if not motivated by love (which originates in God), are meaningless.

While people of various beliefs or no belief at all may perform acts of kindness or courage, Scripture reveals that true holiness and the fruit of the Spirit are possible only through faith in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Human morality, no matter how noble, cannot substitute for the righteousness of God, which is received by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Any teaching that credits the works of the Holy Spirit to those outside of faith in Christ is inconsistent with the Bible's clear teaching on salvation, sanctification, and the Spirit’s role in believers.

Even in our imperfect human realm, this is what people who live in God expect.
I want my patients to be healed and my students to learn… no matter if they do it with a different doctor and teacher.
I want my wife to be happy… no matter if she finds that happiness with another man.
So, if a person is transformed thanks through the influence of Muhammed or Buddha, Jesus will be happy.

Your assertion reveals a profound misunderstanding of the character of Christ Jesus and His redemptive work!

And your assertion that Jesus will be happy if a person is transformed through the influence of figures like Muhammad or Buddha is problematic from a biblical perspective for several key reasons.

1. Jesus is the Only Way to the Father

John 14:6: Jesus explicitly states, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

This statement makes it clear that salvation, transformation, and access to the Father are possible only through Jesus Christ.

No other religious figure, including Muhammad or Buddha, can offer the same access to God.

Acts 4:12: "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." This reinforces the exclusivity of Christ as the Savior.
If a person is transformed by teachings outside of Christ, that transformation does not lead to the salvation that only Jesus offers.

2. The Danger of False Teachings

2 Corinthians 11:4: Paul warns, “For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.”

This highlights the danger of accepting teachings that are not rooted in the gospel of Christ. Transformation outside of the gospel may be a change, but it is not a biblical, redemptive change.

Galatians 1:8-9: "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed."

The gospel of Christ is unchanging and exclusive. Any gospel that deviates from it, including those taught by other religious leaders, is not true transformation in Christ.

3. Jesus' Call to Follow Him
Matthew 16:24: Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."

This is the call to true discipleship, which requires a conscious decision to follow Jesus, not another religious leader.

Luke 9:23: Jesus makes it clear that discipleship involves a specific commitment to Him, not to the teachings or philosophies of others. A transformation through the influence of Muhammad or Buddha does not meet this criterion.

4. True Transformation Comes Only Through the Holy Spirit

John 3:5-8: Jesus explains that being "born again" is a work of the Holy Spirit. True transformation, according to Scripture, comes from the Spirit of God, who works in those who are united to Christ.

Romans 8:9: “Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.” Transformation in Christ occurs through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which is not possible outside of faith in Christ. Thus, any change that comes through teachings outside of Christ is not the same as the spiritual transformation that comes through the Holy Spirit.

5. Biblical View of Human Relationships and Happiness
While it is noble to desire the best for others, including the well-being of your wife, this desire must align with God’s will as revealed in Scripture.

Matthew 19:4-6 speaks to the sacredness of marriage and the unity between a husband and wife. The idea that your wife could find true happiness with another man contradicts God’s design for marriage, where faithfulness to one’s spouse is a central element.

1 Corinthians 7:10-11 speaks about the sanctity and permanence of marriage: "To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife."

6. Jesus' Desire for Genuine Relationship and Worship

John 4:23-24: Jesus tells the woman at the well, “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.” True worship and transformation are found in relationship with God through Jesus, not through any other religious system.

Matthew 7:21-23: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

True transformation is a result of following Jesus, not simply following moral teachings or achieving some form of self-improvement through other religious systems.

7. The Exclusivity of Christ’s Work

Colossians 1:19-20: "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

Only through Christ’s atoning work on the cross is there reconciliation to God.

Other religious figures, no matter how influential, cannot achieve this reconciliation.

Conclusion of the matter-

While it is commendable to desire goodness, healing, and happiness for others, Scripture clearly teaches that transformation in the biblical sense-spiritual regeneration, salvation, and eternal life-comes exclusively through faith in Jesus Christ.

The works and teachings of figures like Muhammad or Buddha, while they may inspire positive moral behavior, cannot lead to true spiritual transformation. True happiness and peace with God come only through following Jesus, who is the only way, truth, and life (John 14:6). Therefore, to claim that Jesus would be happy with a person’s transformation through another faith system overlooks the essential uniqueness of Christ’s redemptive work.

We baha’is don’t believe that Jesus is God, but a Manifestation of God. Jesus explicitly taught that His Father was His God and our God (John 20.:17) The only true God, which had sent Jesus (John 17:1-3). Jesus always claimed to be The One Sent by God in the most explicit terms.

John 1.1

Bereshis (in the Beginning) was the Dvar Hashem [YESHAYAH 55:11; BERESHIS 1:1], and the Dvar Hashem was agav (along with) Hashem [MISHLE 8:30; 30:4], and the Dvar Hashem was nothing less, by nature, than Elohim! [Psa 56:11(10); Yn 17:5; Rev. 19:13]

And for those who will end up in heaven? The article you are posting explains why those who never heard of Jesus may be condemned…But not why those who never heard of Jesus may be saved.
God revealed himself through creation and conscience, the author recognizes.
Those who reject God revealed in creation and conscience will be condemned. And those who accept it? Why doesn’t the author plainly recognize that will be saved?
The author keeps on explaining that such people still need to hear about Jesus. Not about Jesus Message, but about Jesus as a Person.
Sadly, Jesus’ Message is not as important for this kind of Christians. For them, doctrines about Jesus ( his deity, substitutionary blood atonement, physical resurrection) are what matter.

Jesus’ Message of forgiveness and submission to God can be found through Judaism as well as through Zoroastrianism and Islam and Sikhism. However, these evangelical fundamentalist preachers are obsessed not by what Christ taught, but by they teach about Christ.
Avoid those preachers!

The article is correct-you are in error.

Your assertion that Jesus’ Message of forgiveness and submission to God can be found through other religions such as Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Islam, and Sikhism, and the claim that evangelical fundamentalist preachers are too focused on doctrines about Christ (e.g., His deity, substitutionary atonement, physical resurrection) rather than His teachings, presents several theological misunderstandings.

1. The Necessity of Hearing About Jesus as a Person

Romans 10:14-17: Paul makes it clear that faith comes through hearing, and that hearing comes by the word of Christ. "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?"

This showsthat salvation requires knowledge of the person of Jesus Christ, not just general moral teachings. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are essential to the gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

The Bible does not suggest that mere moral adherence or submission to God, found in other religions, leads to salvation. It’s not just "about God" in some general sense, but about the specific revelation of God through Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and salvation cannot be achieved apart from knowing Him personally.

2. The Exclusivity of Christ and the Gospel

John 14:6: Jesus’ declaration that "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" is unequivocal.

Salvation is through Christ alone, not through other religious systems. This cannot be harmonized with the idea that teachings of forgiveness and submission to God found in other religions can be sufficient for salvation.

Acts 4:12: "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

This further affirms that Jesus alone is the Savior. While other religions may teach moral truths, they do not provide the means of salvation, which is only found in Christ’s redemptive work on the cross.

1 Timothy 2:5-6: "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all." The centrality of Jesus’ atoning work (His death for our sins) is essential to the gospel.

3. Jesus’ Message vs. Doctrine About Jesus

Your claim that "Jesus’ Message of forgiveness and submission to God" is more important than doctrines about Jesus overlooks the fact that Jesus’ Message cannot be divorced from Who He is. The doctrines about Jesus (His deity, His substitutionary atonement, His physical resurrection) are inextricable from the gospel message itself.

Romans 10:9-10: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." This is not merely a call to moral submission, but a confession about who Jesus is and what He has done for us. Without understanding Jesus' nature and work, there is no authentic gospel.

Colossians 2:9: "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily."

Jesus’ deity is not just a theological detail; it is the foundation of salvation. His substitutionary death and resurrection are the means by which forgiveness and reconciliation with God are made possible.
Denying these core doctrines undermines the entire basis of the Christian faith. Without them, the gospel is distorted or lost altogether.

4. Moral Teachings of Other Religions vs. True Salvation in Christ

While it is true that Judaism, Islam, Zoroastrianism, and Sikhism may contain elements of moral teachings or emphasize submission to God, they fundamentally lack the specific revelation of God in Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:20-22: "For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law..."

While other religions may provide moral guidelines, justification-the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God-is not found through moral works but through faith in the completed work of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 7:21-23: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." This emphasizes that mere outward religious observance (even if it includes good moral teachings) cannot save. Only those who recognize Jesus as Lord and follow Him are saved.

5. The Incompatibility of Other Religions with the Christian Gospel

1 John 2:22-23: "Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also." This verse makes it clear that anyone who denies the deity of Jesus or the saving work of Jesus is not in true relationship with God.

Islam, for example, denies that Jesus is the Son of God, and Judaism does not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. These teachings cannot be harmonized with the biblical gospel of Christ's deity and atoning sacrifice. The message of Jesus is not simply moral instruction but the revelation of God's plan of salvation through His Son.

6. The Importance of Doctrine in the Life of the Believer

2 Timothy 3:16-17 teaches that all Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. This includes the doctrines of Jesus' deity, His atoning death, and His resurrection. Without these core truths, the believer cannot fully understand the gospel or live in accordance with God's will.

Doctrine is not a mere intellectual exercise; it is the foundation for how we live out our faith. A distorted understanding of who Jesus is leads to a distorted understanding of how to live for Him.

Thanks.

J.

 

[Pancho Frijoles]

That proves that Christianity and the Baha'i faith are incompatible just as matter and antimatter is incompatible.

If your thesis were true, Christians and Baha'is would live incompatible lives.
The fact that Christians and Baha'is can work, study, have fun together, and like each other so much, speaks that they are not "as matter and antimatter". In Christian countries, they often intermarry and found stable families led by commonly shared values.

 

[Pancho Frijoles]

“He is God! Exalted is He, the Lord of strength and grandeur!

O God, my God!
I give thanks to Thee at all times
and offer Thee praise in every condition.

In prosperity, all praise is for Thee,
O Lord of the worlds,
and in its absence, all gratitude is towards Thee,
O Desire of those who have recognized Thee.

In adversity, all honor is Thine,
O Adored One of all who are in heaven and on earth,
and in affliction, all glory is Thine,
O Enchanter of the hearts of those who yearn for Thee.

In misfortune, all praise is for Thee,
O Thou, Objective of all who seek Thee,
and in well-being, all thanksgiving is for Thee,
O Thou, whose remembrance is treasured by the hearts of those near to Thee.

In wealth, all splendor is Thine,
O Lord of those devoted to Thee,
and in poverty, all command is Thine,
O Thou, Hope of those who acknowledge Thy oneness.

In joy, all glory is for Thee,
O Thou besides Whom there is no other God,
and in sorrow, all beauty is Thine,
O Thou besides Whom there is no other God.

In hunger, all justice is Thine,
O Thou besides Whom there is no other God,
and in satiety, all mercy is Thine,
O Thou besides Whom there is no other God.

In my homeland, all grace is Thine,
O Thou besides Whom there is no other God,
and in exile, all decree is Thine,
O Thou besides Whom there is no other God.

Under the sword, all munificence is Thine,
O Thou besides Whom there is no other God,
and in the security of home, all perfection is Thine,
O Thou besides Whom there is no other God.

In the noble mansion, all generosity is Thine,
O Thou besides Whom there is no other God,
and in the humble dust, all favor is Thine,
O Thou besides Whom there is no other God.

In prison, all faithfulness is towards Thee,
O Bestower of gifts,
and in confinement, all eternity is Thine,
O Thou Who art the Everlasting King.

All generosity is Thine,
O Thou Who art the Lord of generosity
and the Sovereign of generosity and the King of generosity!
I testify that Thou art to be praised for Thy deeds,
O Source of generosity and obeyed in Thy commands,
O Ocean of generosity—He from Whom all generosity proceeds and to Whom all generosity returns.”

Bahá’u’lláh

 

[synergy]

If your thesis were true, Christians and Baha'is would live incompatible lives.
The fact that Christians and Baha'is can work, study, have fun together, and like each other so much, speaks that they are not "as matter and antimatter". In Christian countries, they often intermarry and found stable families led by commonly shared values.

Their spiritual beliefs are like matter and antimatter, totally incompatible as we've all clearly witnessed in pages and pages of comments between ourselves. Since we live in a secular world then they can both socialize and work together harmoniously.

 

[mikesw]

Their spiritual beliefs are like matter and antimatter, totally incompatible as we've all clearly witnessed in pages and pages of comments between ourselves. Since we live in a secular world then they can both socialize and work together harmoniously.

It would be easier to be around Pancho Frijoles if he remained silent about his misconceptions of Christ Jesus and the gospel. Otherwise, he sounds like someone trying to destroy the Christian relationship with God. Also, I'm not comfortable with the religious texts being posted that are antithetical to the true message of Christ or, perhaps, borrow from truths that from scripture, but only partially represented.

 

[Pancho Frijoles]

Their spiritual beliefs are like matter and antimatter, totally incompatible as we've all clearly witnessed in pages and pages of comments between ourselves. Since we live in a secular world then they can both socialize and work together harmoniously.

I may not be understanding your post.
What do you mean by a secular world?

Our spiritual beliefs have a strong corrspondence to the way we cooperate to make a salad, design a car or produce a movie.

As citizens of the Kingdom of God Christians and Bahá’ís can make together healthier and more tasty salads, design smarter cars and produce more inspiring movies.

 

[synergy]

I may not be understanding your post.
What do you mean by a secular world?

Our spiritual beliefs have a strong corrspondence to the way we cooperate to make a salad, design a car or produce a movie.

As citizens of the Kingdom of God Christians and Bahá’ís can make together healthier and more tasty salads, design smarter cars and produce more inspiring movies.

I don't know about Mexico but the USA is a secular society and Western Europe has an extremely secular society. You've heard the term Separation of Church and State?

A secular society is one in which religion is separated from government and public life. In such a society, decisions, laws, and policies are made based on reason, science, and humanist principles, rather than religious beliefs. This means that no particular religion holds official status or influence over the state, and individuals are free to practice or not practice any religion without interference. Secularism promotes equality and freedom of belief, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations, are treated fairly and equally under the law.

 

[synergy]

It would be easier to be around Pancho Frijoles if he remained silent about his misconceptions of Christ Jesus and the gospel. Otherwise, he sounds like someone trying to destroy the Christian relationship with God. Also, I'm not comfortable with the religious texts being posted that are antithetical to the true message of Christ or, perhaps, borrow from truths that from scripture, but only partially represented.

We all know his Baha'i mission. It's to spiritually neuter/neutralize Christianity in order to absorb it into the Baha'i collective. Those in charge of this Forum are ok with anyone expressing their point of view in a respectful fashion which @Pancho Frijoles does consistently. That means we need to be on our toes at all times to defend the faith.