Muslim claim:
Were all Christians to believe what Jesus himself said in Mark 12:29, John 20:17 and John 17:3 that the ONLY true God sent him, then Isaiah 9:6 and 1 John 5:7KJV will have nowhere to stand.
The texts involved:
Mar 12:29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
Joh 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
Joh 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
1Jn 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
My response:
It is not correct to disregard what the Bible says just because you do not agree with it. Isaiah 9:6 declares very important truth about the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
It is very evident that many fail to correctly understand John 17:3.
Joh 17:3 Now eternal life means knowing you as the only true God and knowing Jesus your messenger as Christ.
You can only have the eternal life Jesus offers if you come to not merely believe but continue to know Jesus Christ. Isaiah 9:6 specifies who the Messiah is, including “The mighty God.”
Muslim response to me:
JESUS: KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS TILL HEAVEN AND EARTH PASS
Jesus said:
Matthew 5:17-19
17 Think not that I am come to destroy The Law, or the Prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil (uphold and propagate).
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from The Law, till all be fulfilled.
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least Commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
MATTHEW 5:17-19
Take Note:
- Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least Commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven;
- Whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven
Remember the categorical statements of Jesus on keeping the Commandments Few hours before the Ascension:
John 14:15-16
“If you love me, Keep the Commandments; And I will pray the Father and He shall give you another Comforter/Paraqaleeta/Advocate/Spirit of Truth/Holy Spirit like me that will abide with you forever”.
JOHN 14:15-16
To truly love Jesus Christ, is to keep the Commandments, Laws and Statutes;
Pathetically, Christians has abandoned the Commandments, Laws and Statutes;
Yet, they are claiming a belief in Jesus Christ.
My response:
Your citation of John 14:15 appears to be an incorrect text:
“If you love me, Keep the Commandments;”
Other English translations reflect what is given in the King James Version, which does not say “keep the Commandments,” but “keep MY commandments”:
Joh 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. (KJV)
Joh 14:15 ᾿Εὰν ἀγαπᾶτέ με, τὰς ἐντολὰς τὰς ἐμὰς τηρήσατε· (original Greek text)
Joh 14:15 `If ye love me, my commands keep, (Young’s Literal Translation)
John in the book of First John, at 1 John 3:23 specifies just what commandments are in view:
1Jn 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. (KJV)
When our Lord Jesus Christ stated “keep my commandments,” this is not merely a reference to the ten commandments, but a reference to the doctrines and precepts of Christ and of the New Testament.
Thank you Jerry for your encouraging insights. several years ago you gave a verse that i have never forgotten i have used it many times Isiah 8.20 To the law and the testimony:
if they speak not according to this word, it is becaue they have no light in them. i say to that verse Amen!!. John 8.12 what a wonderful claim the Lord made in this verse about himself!! Them spake Jesus again unto them, saying, “I am the Light of the World:” he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of Life. Psm” 50.23
Whoso offereth Praise glorifieth me”great promise He made to us.