Who Killed Muham-mad SAW?

Through the centuries, thousands of people have claimed to be prophets. Only one, however, rested his claims on the fact that his aorta hadn't been cut. Ironically, as this man lay dying, he confessed that he could feel his aorta being severed. (Click here for a much shorter version of the argument.)

For those who want to keep track of the Muslim sources related to this issue, here they are. (Note: I didn't use all of these in the video. Note also: I typed these in by hand, so let me know if you spot any typos.)

I. QUR'AN TRANSLATIONS

Qur’an 69:44-46—And if he (Muhammad) had forged a false saying concerning Us We surely should have seized him by his right hand (or with power and might), and then certainly should have cut off his life artery (Aorta). (Hilali-Khan)

Qur’an 69:44-46—And if he had invented false sayings concerning Us, We assuredly had taken him by the right hand and then severed his life-artery. (Pickthall)

Qur’an 69:44-46—Had he invented lies concerning Us, We would have seized him by the right hand and severed his heart’s vein. (Dawood)

Qur’an 69:44-46—And if he had fabricated against Us some of the sayings, We would certainly have seized him by the right hand, then We would certainly have cut off his aorta.(Shakir)

II. MUSLIM COMMENTARIES

Tafsir Ibn Abbas on Qur’an 69:44-46—(And if he had invented) and had Muhammad invented (false sayings concerning Us) lies against Us and attributed to Us that which We did not say, (We assuredly had taken him) We assuredly had taken revenge against him (by the right hand) by means of truth and proofs; it is also said this means: We assuredly had vehemently taken him. (And then severed his life artery) the life artery of Muhammad (pbuh).

Tafsir Jalalayn on Qur’an 69:44-46—And had he, namely, the Prophet (s), fabricated any lies against Us, by communicating from Us that which We have not said, We would have assuredly seized him, We would have exacted vengeance [against him], as punishment, by the Right Hand, by [Our] strength and power; then We would have assuredly severed his life-artery, the aorta of the heart, a vein that connects with it, and which if severed results in that person’s death.

Tafsir Ibn Kathir on Qur’an 69:46—(And then We certainly would have cut off Al-Watin from him,) Ibn ‘Abbas said, “It (Al-Watin) refers to the artery of the heart, and it is the vein that is attached to the heart.” This has also been said by ‘Ikrimah, Sa’id bin Jubayr, Al-Hakim, Qatadah, Ad-Dahhak, Muslim Al-Batin and Abu Sakhr Humayd bin Ziyad.

Jesus Owns Muham-mad PBUH

According to the Qur'an, Christians must judge by the Gospel (Qur'an 5:47). But the Gospel says that Jesus owns everything (Matthew 11:27; John 16:15). Since Jesus owns everything, he also owns Muham-mad. If Muslims don't want us to conclude that Jesus owns Muham-mad, they have to tell us not to judge by the Gospel. But why would Muslims contradict Allah?

Spirit, Soul, and Body

The Christian doctrine of immortality cannot be understood apart from the right conception of the tripartite nature of men. Many think that man is a physical being only. There is a great danger of any man thinking thus of himself. In his desire to satisfy the needs of the body there is the tendency on man’s part to lose sight of the fact that he is immortal. There have been persons who have lived all of their lives either in ignorance or willful neglect of a life after death, but upon their death-bed they suddenly realized that they were more than physical beings.

There is an idea also that prevails largely today that man consists of only two component parts: namely, body and spirit. In the thinking of the writer this view appears to be one that might create confusion in the minds of any Christians. While soul and spirit are so closely related that it is sometimes difficult to distinguish accurately between them, there seems to be only one logical conclusion: namely, that “soul” and “spirit” are not the same. The Bible does make a distinction.

Man is a triune being because he is created in the image of God. “God said, Let us make man in Our image” (Genesis 1:26). We know that God is a Trinity. The Holy Trinity is clearly set forth in the Apostle Paul’s benediction that closed his Second Corinthian Epistle: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen” (2 Corinthians 13:14). Our Lord Himself said, in what we call “The Great Commission”: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). Created in the image of God, man is likewise a trinity. He has a spiritual nature that is separate and distinct from the body in which it dwells.

The two following passages from the Bible clearly establish the fact that man is a triune being composed of spirit, soul, and body:

I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow (body), and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

In spite of the erroneous teaching of “Jehovah’s Witnesses” and of other false sects that “no man has a soul,” the Bible states emphatically that man was created a trinity of spirit, soul, and body even as the eternal God is Himself a trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The trinity of man is an essential part of the image relationship between him and God. Life is not ultimately physical and the body is not the whole man. And we might add that neither the body in itself, nor the soul in itself, nor the spirit in itself makes up the whole man, but he is “spirit and soul and body.” This must be seriously considered and definitely agreed to before we can comprehend with any accuracy the subject of life after death. In this opening chapter we shall confine our material to the spirit and the soul inasmuch as the body will be considered in succeeding chapters on the resurrection.

The Spirit

Psychics are Satanic!

 "There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.  For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.  Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God." -Deuteronomy 18:10-13

       Do you know what witchcraft is?  Witchcraft is seeking help or guidance from any spiritual source other than God.  There are only two sources of spiritual power: God or Satan.  Ultimately there is only ONE source of power because the only power Satan has is that which God has given him (Luke 4:6).  If it's not the power of God's Holy Spirit, then you are dealing with the devil.  It's as simple as that folks.  Anytime you here someone using words like "spirits" or "spiritual" without mentioning Jesus Christ or the Bible, run as fast as you can.  The devil is a spirit, just as God is a Spirit.  Our battles in this life (according to the Bible) are ultimately against the devil (Ephesians 6:12).  The devil works inside people's hearts to lead them to do horrible things.  The devil can't make anyone do anything, but he inspires them with evil to the point where they do his will without hesitation. 

All forms of horoscopes, Tarot cards, psychics, palm readings, fortune telling, crystal balls, Ouija boards, astrology, worshipping or contacting the dead, and sorcery are of the devil.  "Sorcery" is an interesting word in the Bible.  It is derived from the same Hebrew word that our word "pharmacy" today comes from.  Hence, sorcery is the use of drugs as a medium to contact the demonic world.  If you've ever spoken with someone who was a serious drug addict, they can tell you of the demonic experiences they had while high on drugs.  I have talked with such people who claim that they saw demons and unbelievable nightmares.  Drugs will mess you up quickly.

I have written this article to solemnly WARN anyone who may be reading this to...PLEASE stay as far away as you can from the evil things I've just shared with you.

Listen my friend, these things which may seem harmless to you have completely destroyed some people's lives.  People have invested their life savings into certain financial investments based upon what some astrologer said.  I'm not kidding!  I actually heard this nut on TV advising people how to invest their money based upon the alignment of the planets and constellations.  I was listening to a talk show on the radio last week and some crazy nut called in.  The caller insisted that George Bush was going to be arrested next week based on his astrological analysis.  I love what the radio host said, "I think your planets are out of alignment Sir."  Where do these nuts come from?  I mean, it's ok to expose a conspiracy and blow every bodies mind if you have some information to back it up...but the alignment of the stars?  Please!  Our opinions should be based upon tangible evidence...not hocus pocus, candles, horoscopes, cards, stars, whims or superstitions.

You'd be shocked if you knew how many people base their entire lives upon what some nut writes in the daily horoscope column of the newspaper.  It's Satanic folks!  Even if it seems to be accurate information...it is still evil and Satanic.  It is never right to do wrong in order to get a chance to do right!  It's wrong for local police authorities to consult with psychics in an attempt to locate missing persons.  But you say, "wouldn't you want to try every means possible to find a loved one if they were missing?"  Not if I have to consult with the devil.  I believe that God answers prayer.

I've got to share this with you.  I recently read about a Oregon man who's pet-sitter lost his dog.  This guy went nuts looking for his dog.  He lost his business, tapped into his retirement savings, consulted with four psychics and a witch, spent $8,000 on newspaper ads, hired a dog tracker, and drove thousands of miles looking for his dog.  I have this unbelievable newspaper article in front of me.  Here's the story...

Can you imagine?  Luckily for him he finally found his old buddy.  That must be some dog!  I don't know of many men who would do that for his own wife.  I'm serious.  It's crazy. 

Jesus Saves

Jesus saves from what and from who?

Jesus is the most important figure in all of human history.  He is God in flesh (John 1:1,14; Col. 2:9), physically risen from the dead, Lord (Luke 24:34; John 2:19-21) and Savior (Acts 5:30-32).  He came to die for sinners (Rom. 5:8) to deliver people from the righteous wrath of God upon us.

Are you a sinner?

I ask you, are you a sinner?  Have you ever lied, stolen, lusted, coveted, or been angry with someone unjustly?  If you've lied, then you're a liar.  If you've stolen, then you are a thief.  You've broken the Law of God.  God has said "You shall not steal; You shall not lie; You shall have no other gods before Me; You shall not murder, etc.," (Exodus 20:1-17).  He has given the standard of righteousness and if you have broken any of God's commandments then you have fallen short of that standard and are under the inevitable judgment of God (1 John 3:4; Isaiah 59:2; Rom. 6:23).  When you die, you will face Him and on the Day of Judgment he will deliver the proper judgment to all people.  He must because he is righteous and holy.

If you do not like this teaching, then throw away your Bible and turn away from Christ, for this is the message of God's word -- that Jesus came to die for sinners and to save them from the wrath to come.

Jesus is the One you need.  You need him alone.  Your works won't help you (Rom. 3:10-12; Isaiah 64:6), nor will your sincerity.  You can never be good enough and you have nothing to offer God except your sinfulness.  It is only by the love and grace of God found in Jesus and His sacrifice that you can be delivered from the righteous wrath of God upon all who have broken His law.  Jesus saves you from God.  Jesus saves you from God's righteous judgment.

The Bible says that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23).  That means that your sins have caused a separation between you and God (Isaiah 59:2) and the result is death (Rom. 6:23) and wrath (Eph. 2:3).  The only way to be saved from the wrath of God, is to be saved from it by faith in Christ (Eph. 2:8-9;Rom. 5:1).  You must trust in what Jesus did on the cross to forgive you of your sins and not trust anything else, not even your own sincerity or works.  It is Jesus and only Jesus who can turn away the righteous judgment of God upon the sinner.

Gospel - the means of deliverance from God's Law

The gospel is historical event where Jesus died for sinners on the cross, was buried, and rose from the dead (1 Cor. 15:1-4).  His death was a sacrifice that turns away the wrath of God (1 John 2:2).  This is the only way to be saved from God's righteous judgment upon those who have sinned by breaking his Law.

Shall We Know Each Other There?

"LIFE AFTER DEATH"

                    

INTRODUCTION

1. Our studies in "Life After Death" so far have endeavored to show 
   that:
   a. Such a study is profitable
   b. Death should be thought of as a positive thing for Christians
   c. The nature of man is two-fold:  soul and body
   d. The departed spirits of believers go to be with Christ at death
   e. The souls of the redeemed are in a conscious state during this 
      "intermediate" state

2. The question we will focus on in this lesson pertains to the idea of 
   recognition after death:
   a. I.e., shall we know each other after death?
   b. For one may agree with all that has been said so far, yet believe 
      that we shall NOT know one another...
      1) Either in the "intermediate" state
      2) Or in the "final" state

3. But what does the Bible reveal about this question?

[We begin by observing...]

I. SCRIPTURES WHICH SUGGEST RECOGNITION AFTER DEATH

   A. ISAIAH 14:3-4, 9-11,16
      1. This passage refers to the king of Babylon
      2. Who is recognize by those in Hades upon his death

   B. EZEKIEL 32:17-32
      1. This passage speaks of Pharaoh and his army
      2. Who is recognized by others in Hades - 21
      3. Who in turn recognizes those of Assyria, Elam, Edom, etc. 
         - 22-31

   C. LUKE 16:19-31
      1. This is the familiar story of Lazarus and the rich man
      2. In which the rich man recognizes both Lazarus and Abraham 
         - 23-24

   D. 1 THESSALONIANS 2:19-20; 2 CORINTHIANS 4:14
      1. Both of these passages reveal Paul's expectation of being with 
         His converts at Christ's coming
      2. Recognizing them would be a source of great joy for Paul

   E. MATTHEW 8:11-12
      1. Reference is made to Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob in the kingdom of 
         heaven
      2. The recognition of which would increase the joys of those 
         present (and the dismay of those "cast out into outer 
         darkness")

[To these examples we could add Samuel (who after his death was 
recognized by Saul - 1Sa 28:3-19), plus Moses and Elijah (recognized
on the Mount of Transfiguration - Mt 17:1-5).  All clearly indicating
that we will indeed know one another after death!

But what are some objections commonly made about this view?  And how
might one answer them?]

II. SOME OBJECTIONS CONSIDERED

   A. OBJECTION #1
      1. STATED...
         a. Some of these passages speak of conditions after the 
            resurrection
         b. At that time we will have bodies by which recognition may be 
            possible
         c. But that does not prove that "disembodied" souls in heaven 
            now recognize each other
      2. ANSWERED...
         a. Most of these passages are definitely speaking of the 
            "intermediate" state
            1) Those referring to the King of Babylon, Pharaoh and his 
               army
            2) The rich man and Lazarus
            3) Samuel, Elijah, and Moses
         b. Angels have no "bodies", yet recognize one another - e.g., 
            Dan 10:13

   B. OBJECTION #2

Are The Souls Of The Redeemed Conscious?

"LIFE AFTER DEATH"

                 

INTRODUCTION

1. In the previous study, I suggested that the spirits of believers go
   to be with the Lord during the "intermediate state" between death and
   the resurrection
   a. Implied was the idea that the souls of the redeemed are conscious
      during this interim
   b. But are they?

2. In this lesson, we shall consider the doctrine of "soul-sleeping",
   and make some observations concerning it

I. THE DOCTRINE OF "SOUL SLEEPING"

   A. THE THEORY...
      1. That the souls of the departed continue to exist, but are in an
         unconscious state until the resurrection
      2. This is not to be confused with the doctrine held by JW's, who 
         believe there is no consciousness until the resurrection 
         because until then there is no existence at all

   B. THE ARGUMENTS...
      1. The Scriptures often represent death as a "sleep"
         a. Mt 27:52 - ...bodies of the saints who had "fallen asleep"
         b. Jn 11:11-14 - Jesus says of dead Lazarus, "our friend
            sleeps"
         c. Ac 7:60 - As Stephen is stoned to death, it is said "he 
            fell asleep"
         d. 1Co 15:6,18 - Those who were dead are spoken of as 
            "fallen asleep"
         e. 1Th 4:13-15 - Brethren who were dead "sleep in Jesus"
      2. Other passages come very near to saying that the dead have no
         consciousness
         a. Ps 30:9 - The psalmist asks, "...when I go down to the
            pit? Will the dust praise you?"
         b. Ps 115:17 - The psalmist declares, "The dead do not 
            praise the Lord, nor any who go down into silence."
         c. Ec 9:5,10 - Solomon, in his search for meaning, observes:
            1) "...the dead know nothing..."
            2) "there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the
               grave where you are going."
         d. Isa 38:18-19 - King Hezekiah says concerning God that 
            "Sheol cannot thank You, Death cannot praise You, those who 
            go down to the pit cannot hope for Your truth."

[Such is the theory and the arguments presented by those who believe in 
"soul sleeping."  At face value, the doctrine appears very convincing.  
But let's take a closer look at it...]

II. EXAMINING THE DOCTRINE OF "SOUL SLEEPING"

   A. ARGUMENT #1:  DEATH IS CALLED "SLEEP"...

Where Do The Spirits Of Believers Go At Death?

      "LIFE AFTER DEATH"

              

INTRODUCTION

1. Having determined from the Scriptures that man possesses a soul or 
   spirit which continues after death, the question now before us is 
   this:  "Where do the spirits of believers go at death?"

2. In this lesson, I will be examining two different views:
   a. One that I will call the "traditional" view, which is held by many
      Christians
   b. Another that I will propose as the "scriptural" view, which I 
      believe is more in harmony with what is revealed in the New 
      Testament
   -- PLEASE NOTE:  The use of the terms "traditional" and "scriptural"
      is rather arbitrary, used only to distinguish between the two 
      views

[Beginning, then, with...]

I. THE "TRADITIONAL" VIEW EXPLAINED

   A. STATED BRIEFLY, THIS VIEW TEACHES THE FOLLOWING...
      1. When we die...
         a. Our body return to the dust
         b. Our spirits go to HADES, the realm of the "unseen"
      2. This realm of departed spirits (i.e., Hades) is divided into 
         three parts...
         a. PARADISE, the place of rest for the righteous
         b. TARTARUS, the place of torment for the wicked
         c. And a GULF, separating the two
      3. During this interim period between death and the resurrection, 
         the righteous...
         a. Are separated from God and Christ
         b. For God and Christ are "in heaven", and Paradise is in Hades,
            not heaven
      4. Such is the state of the "disembodied spirits" until the 
         Resurrection
         a. At which time the spirits of both the wicked and the 
            righteous will be united with their resurrected bodies
         b. At this time will occur the Judgment, after which...
            1) The RIGHTEOUS will spend eternity with God
            2) The WICKED will spend eternity in "HELL" (Grk., gehenna)

   B. THE SCRIPTURAL JUSTIFICATION FOR THIS VIEW...

What does it mean that Jesus is the Son of God?

Jesus is not God’s Son in the sense of a human father and a son. God did not get married and have a son. God did not mate with Mary and, together with her, produce a son. Jesus is God’s Son in the sense that He is God made manifest in human form (John 1:1, 14). Jesus is God's Son in that He was conceived in Mary by the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:35 declares, “The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.’”

During His trial before the Jewish leaders, the High Priest demanded of Jesus, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God” (Matthew 26:63). “’Yes, it is as you say,’ Jesus replied. ‘But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven’” (Matthew 26:64). The Jewish leaders responded by accusing Jesus of blasphemy (Matthew 26:65-66). Later, before Pontius Pilate, “The Jews insisted, ‘We have a law, and according to that law He must die, because He claimed to be the Son of God’” (John 19:7). Why would His claiming to be the Son of God be considered blasphemy and be worthy of a death sentence? The Jewish leaders understood exactly what Jesus meant by the phrase “Son of God.” To be the Son of God is to be of the same nature as God. The Son of God is “of God.” The claim to be of the same nature as God—to in fact be God—was blasphemy to the Jewish leaders; therefore, they demanded Jesus’ death, in keeping with Leviticus 24:15. Hebrews 1:3 expresses this very clearly, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being.”

Another example can be found in John 17:12 where Judas is described as the “son of perdition.” John 6:71 tells us that Judas was the son of Simon. What does John 17:12 mean by describing Judas as the “son of perdition”? The word perdition means “destruction, ruin, waste.” Judas was not the literal son of “ruin, destruction, and waste,” but those things were the identity of Judas' life. Judas was a manifestation of perdition. In this same way, Jesus is the Son of God. The Son of God is God. Jesus is God made manifest (John 1:1, 14).

What are the keys of the kingdom?

The biblical passage that makes reference to the “keys of the kingdom” isMatthew 16:19. Jesus had asked His disciples who people thought He was. After responding with several of the more popular opinions, Jesus aimed His question directly at His disciples. Peter, responding for the twelve, acknowledged Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God. After this great confession, Jesus replied: 

“Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:17-19).

Keys are used to lock or unlock doors. The specific doors Jesus has in mind in this passage are the doors to the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus is laying the foundation of His church (Ephesians 2:20). The disciples will be the leaders of this new institution called the church, and Jesus is giving them the authority to either grant or bar access to the Kingdom. The authority of the keys is to open and shut the doors to the Kingdom of Heaven. Precisely how do the keys to the kingdom work? Biblically speaking, how does one enter the Kingdom of Heaven?

Jesus tells us that unless one is born again, he will not see the Kingdom of Heaven (John 3:3). One is born again as the Holy Spirit works through the Word of God to bring about new life in dead sinners. So the faithful preaching of the gospel is one of the keys to the kingdom. The other key is church discipline. In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus gives us the guidelines for church discipline. He specifically mentions in that passage the same “binding and loosing” language we find in Matthew 16. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Paul urges the Corinthian church to ex-communicate the man caught in adultery. Church discipline was considered by the Protestant Reformers as one of the marks of a true church (along with the preaching of the pure gospel and the administration of the sacraments).