ChristianityRenewed

The link The link between between

Christianity Christianity and the and the Baha’i FaithBaha’i Faith

Based on Christianity Based on Christianity RenewedRenewedVolume 1Volume 1

byby

Maxwell AlexanderMaxwell Alexander

Published by Baha’i Publishing Published by Baha’i Publishing Trust of IndiaTrust of India

See: See: www.christianityrenewed.comwww.christianityrenewed.com

First part First part

The Baha’i Writings The Baha’i Writings

Glorify ChristGlorify Christ

Baha’u’llah glorifies ChristBaha’u’llah glorifies Christ

““Say, this is the One who Say, this is the One who hath glorified the Son and hath glorified the Son and hath exalted His Cause”hath exalted His Cause”

Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 12)12)

““Glorified the Son”Glorified the Son”

The Son is Jesus, the Son of God.The Son is Jesus, the Son of God.

As Baha’is we fearlessly assert the As Baha’is we fearlessly assert the divinity and Sonship of Jesus Christdivinity and Sonship of Jesus Christ (Shoghi Effendi) (Shoghi Effendi)

This is direct fulfillment of the This is direct fulfillment of the prophecy of Jesus: “prophecy of Jesus: “He will glorify He will glorify MeMe””

““Exalted His CauseExalted His Cause””

Which Cause?Which Cause? The Cause is Love.The Cause is Love. We will be recognized with the Love we We will be recognized with the Love we

show each othershow each other Jesus, the Son of God, says; Jesus, the Son of God, says; “Love your “Love your

neighbour”neighbour” Baha’u’llah, the Glory of God, says: Baha’u’llah, the Glory of God, says: “Love “Love

mankind”mankind” Is there any difference.Is there any difference.. No, only the time . No, only the time

is differentis different

New titles for Jesus …New titles for Jesus …

Reflect how Jesus, the Spirit of God was Reflect how Jesus, the Spirit of God was notwithstanding His extreme weakness notwithstanding His extreme weakness and perfect tenderheartness treated by and perfect tenderheartness treated by His enemies. His enemies.

So fierce was the opposition which He, the So fierce was the opposition which He, the Essence of Being and Lord of the visible Essence of Being and Lord of the visible and the invisibe, had to face, that He had and the invisibe, had to face, that He had nowhere to lay His Head. He wandered nowhere to lay His Head. He wandered continually from place to place, deprived continually from place to place, deprived of a permanent abode. of a permanent abode.

Baha’u’llahBaha’u’llah

Abdu’l-Baha praises Christ Abdu’l-Baha praises Christ

Thou didst begin thy letter with a blessed Thou didst begin thy letter with a blessed phrase, saying: 'I am a Christian.' O would phrase, saying: 'I am a Christian.' O would that all were truly Christian! It is easy to be that all were truly Christian! It is easy to be a Christian on the tongue, but hard to be a a Christian on the tongue, but hard to be a true one. Today some five hundred million true one. Today some five hundred million souls are Christian, but the real Christian is souls are Christian, but the real Christian is very rare: he is that soul from whose comely very rare: he is that soul from whose comely face there shineth the splendour of Christ, face there shineth the splendour of Christ, and who showeth forth the perfections of and who showeth forth the perfections of the Kingdom; this is a matter of great the Kingdom; this is a matter of great moment, for to be a Christian is to embody moment, for to be a Christian is to embody every excellence there is. I hope that thou, every excellence there is. I hope that thou, too, shalt become a true Christian.too, shalt become a true Christian.

Praise for the Holy BiblePraise for the Holy Bible

"This book is the Holy Book of God, of celestial Inspiration. It is the Bible of Salvation, the Noble Gospel. It is the mystery of the Kingdom and its light. It is the Divine Bounty, the sign of the guidance of God." (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

Shoghi Effendi praises Christ Shoghi Effendi praises Christ Our belief in Christ, as Bahá'ís, is so firm, Our belief in Christ, as Bahá'ís, is so firm,

so unshakable and so exalted in nature so unshakable and so exalted in nature that very few Christians are to be found that very few Christians are to be found nowadays who love Him and reverence nowadays who love Him and reverence Him and have the faith in Him that we Him and have the faith in Him that we have. have.

It is only from the dogmas and creeds of It is only from the dogmas and creeds of the churches that we dissociate ourselves; the churches that we dissociate ourselves; not from the spirit of Christianity.not from the spirit of Christianity.

(Shoghi Effendi, The Light of Divine (Shoghi Effendi, The Light of Divine Guidance v I, p. 123)Guidance v I, p. 123)

SHOGHI EFFENDISHOGHI EFFENDI

“As to the position of Christianity, let it be stated without any hesitation or equivocation that its divine origin is unconditionally acknowledged, that the Sonship and Divinity of Jesus Christ are fearlessly asserted, that the divine inspiration of the Gospel is fully recognize.””. (Shoghi Effendi)

“Our belief in Christ, as Baha'is is so firm, so unshakable that very few Christians are to be found now-a-days who love him and reverence him and have the Faith in him that we have.It is only from the dogmas and creeds of the church that we dissociate ourselves;not from the spirit of Christianity” (Shoghi Effendi)

Christianity RenewedChristianity Renewed

Bahá'u'lláh didn’t take anything away from the Bahá'u'lláh didn’t take anything away from the original teachings of Jesus. Instead He explained, original teachings of Jesus. Instead He explained, renewed and invigorated them.renewed and invigorated them.

““Therein lies the strength of the unity of the Therein lies the strength of the unity of the Faith, of the validity of a Revelation that Faith, of the validity of a Revelation that claims not to destroy or belittle previous claims not to destroy or belittle previous Revelations, but to connect, unify, and Revelations, but to connect, unify, and fulfill themfulfill them.” .”

Shoghi Effendi, Shoghi Effendi,

We will now show a shortWe will now show a shortmoviemovie

which shows that we believe in Jesus which shows that we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The founder of Christ, the Son of God. The founder of the Bahá'í Faith tells us that if a person the Bahá'í Faith tells us that if a person doesn’t believe in Jesus he has denied doesn’t believe in Jesus he has denied the face of God. Jesus tells us “Love the face of God. Jesus tells us “Love your neighbour”. Bahá'u'lláh, the your neighbour”. Bahá'u'lláh, the

Glory of God wrote: “Love mankind”. Glory of God wrote: “Love mankind”. There is no difference. Only the time There is no difference. Only the time

is different. is different.

Second part:Second part:

The promise of a future The promise of a future in which peace and in which peace and

harmony will be harmony will be establishedestablished

Promise of world peacePromise of world peace

The Bible speaks The Bible speaks about a time when: about a time when: "The wolf also "The wolf also shall dwell with the shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard lamb, The leopard shall lie down with shall lie down with the young goat ...;the young goat ...;And the lion shall And the lion shall eat straw like the eat straw like the ox. ox.

Oneness of mankindOneness of mankind

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice;

and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.”

(John 10:16)

Jews

Hindoes

Budhism

Islam

Christians

One shepherd, one fold One shepherd, one fold

““That which the Lord hath That which the Lord hath ordaineth as the sovereign ordaineth as the sovereign

remedy and mightiest instrument remedy and mightiest instrument for the healing of the world is the for the healing of the world is the

union of all its peoples in one union of all its peoples in one universal Cause, one common universal Cause, one common

Faith”Faith” Baha’u’llah Baha’u’llah

Baha’is believe Baha’is believe that this that this

promise is now promise is now fulfilled !fulfilled !

This is the beginning of an amazing This is the beginning of an amazing story. You have tostory. You have to

Hear with your heartHear with your heart See with your heartSee with your heart

Because this a Because this a story about sacrifice and eternal story about sacrifice and eternal

love.love.

““Having eyes, see ye not? Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not?”and having ears, hear ye not?”

Knock and the door may be Knock and the door may be openedopened

We have to open our heart to this We have to open our heart to this reality. reality.

What we see around us is only a What we see around us is only a temporary worldtemporary world

We have been created as social We have been created as social spiritual and eternal beingsspiritual and eternal beings

The dawn

Of

A new age

HAS COME

This is the time!This is the time!

We believe that We believe that the promised hour the promised hour has come and that has come and that Baha’u’llah is the Baha’u’llah is the Divine Educator Divine Educator Whose teachings Whose teachings will enable will enable humanity to built a humanity to built a new world new world

Bahá'í Faith is a world embracing religion

Its purpose is to unite al the races Its purpose is to unite al the races

and peoples in one universal Cause and peoples in one universal Cause

and one common Faithand one common Faith..

Bahá'u'lláh

meansThe Glory of God

Baha’is are the followers Baha’is are the followers of Baha’u’llahof Baha’u’llah

We believe Bahá'u'lláh is the Promised One of All

Ages

THE DIVINE EDUCATORTHE DIVINE EDUCATOR

Baha’u’llah has Baha’u’llah has brought God’s brought God’s teachings and teachings and guidance to fulfill guidance to fulfill the promise of a the promise of a future when peace future when peace and harmony will and harmony will be established on be established on earth and mankind earth and mankind will live in will live in prosperity. prosperity.

Let’s reflect on the need for unity in Let’s reflect on the need for unity in the world to-day.the world to-day.

Is it not clear that we need the Is it not clear that we need the Divine EducatorDivine Educator

to help us? to help us?

Baha’u’llah teaches that God is the Baha’u’llah teaches that God is the unknowable essenceunknowable essence

We should not make images in our mind , thinking of him We should not make images in our mind , thinking of him as a manas a man

The creation of heavens and earth, mountains and valleys, The creation of heavens and earth, mountains and valleys, deserts and seas. Plants and animalsdeserts and seas. Plants and animals

In general, that which has been creator cannot In general, that which has been creator cannot

understand its creatorunderstand its creator A table cannot A table cannot

understand the nature understand the nature of the carpenter who of the carpenter who made it made it

The carpenter’s The carpenter’s existence is totally existence is totally incomprehensible to the incomprehensible to the objects he makesobjects he makes

The sun cannot The sun cannot understand the nature understand the nature of its Creator. of its Creator.

The sun has no free will. The sun has no free will. All it can do is burn and All it can do is burn and give light and heat .give light and heat .

0

50

100

1stQtr

3rdQtr

East

West

North

The meaningThe meaning

To manifest To manifest means to reveal means to reveal

to bring forth to bring forth something that something that was not know was not know

beforebefore

How God gives guidanceHow God gives guidance

Suppose you take a

well polished mirror

and point it towards

the sun.

The more perfectly

polished the mirror

the more perfect

the image will be.

God

Humanity

The Manifestations of God are like perfect mirrors The Manifestations of God are like perfect mirrors that reflect the light of God in all its splendourthat reflect the light of God in all its splendour

KRISHNA

ABRAHAM

MOSES

ZOROASTER

BUDDHA

JESUSМUHAMMED

BABBaha’u’llah

All these mirrors reflect same light...

God

Family

Tribe

CityState

Nation

Worldunity

KrishnaRig-Veda

Abraham

MosesTorah

ZoroasterZend-Avesta

BudaTri-Patikas

JesusHoly Bible

Muhammad

Quran

BábBayán

Bahá’u’lláh

Kitáb-i-Aqdas

SPIRIT

OBEDIENCE

LAW - ORDER

PURITY

RENUNCIATION

LOVE

SUBMISSION

NEW ERA

UNITY

Spiritual steps for Spiritual steps for mankindmankind

“While God is beyond our reach, these perfect Beings come to us from time to time, live amongst us, give us guidance, and fill us

wit the energy we need to progress, materially and

spiritually.

Many people have been raised as Many people have been raised as Christians. Christians.

And follow the And follow the teaching of His teaching of His Manifestation Christ Manifestation Christ whose station is that whose station is that of the Son of God of the Son of God

Now you can receive Now you can receive the new teachings of a the new teachings of a new Manifestationnew ManifestationBaha’u’llah.Baha’u’llah.

His title means the His title means the Glory of GodGlory of God

Baha’u’llah’s teachings are in perfect Baha’u’llah’s teachings are in perfect harmony with the teachings of Christ but harmony with the teachings of Christ but they address the condition of humanity they address the condition of humanity todaytoday

Humanity is groaning to be led to Humanity is groaning to be led to unity unity

My object is none other than the betterment My object is none other than the betterment of the world and the tranquillity of its of the world and the tranquillity of its

peoples. peoples. The well-being of mankind, its peace and The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until security, are unattainable unless and until

its unity is firmly established. its unity is firmly established. This unity can never be achieved so long as This unity can never be achieved so long as the counsels which the Pen of the Most High the counsels which the Pen of the Most High

hath revealed are suffered to pass hath revealed are suffered to pass unheededunheeded..

Baha'u'llahBaha'u'llah

"Unification of the whole of mankind is the hall-"Unification of the whole of mankind is the hall-mark of the stage which human society is now mark of the stage which human society is now approaching. approaching.

Unity of family, of tribe, of city-state, and nation Unity of family, of tribe, of city-state, and nation have been successively attempted and fully have been successively attempted and fully established. established.

World unity is the goal towards which a harassed World unity is the goal towards which a harassed humanity is striving. Nation-building has come to humanity is striving. Nation-building has come to an end. an end.

The anarchy inherent in state sovereignty is The anarchy inherent in state sovereignty is moving towards a climax. A world, growing to moving towards a climax. A world, growing to maturity, must abandon this fetish, recognize the maturity, must abandon this fetish, recognize the oneness and wholeness of human relationships, oneness and wholeness of human relationships, and establish once for all the machinery that can and establish once for all the machinery that can best incarnate this fundamental principle of its best incarnate this fundamental principle of its life."life."


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Part 3Part 3

What can we What can we learn from learn from the study of the study of

history of history of Christianity?Christianity?

THE MOST IMPORTANT TEACHING OF CHRIST IS: LOVE

Throughout the Christian world people ask the same questions: If there is only one Jesus Christ, why are there so many different churches? Why do they have different names and different teachings? Why is there disunity in the name of Jesus who only taught love?Let’s look at history:

There was only one Jesus and there is only one religion founded by Him, called Christianity. All the divisions into various denominations were made by man. These different churches have all branched out from the original teachings of Jesus. The most important commandment of Jesus in John 15:17 is: "These things I command

you, that ye love one another." Jesus even said that His true disciples would be recognized by the love they show to each other. But now, nearly 2000 years later, we see that the original church of Jesus is split into more than 2000 denominations.

The following drawing taken from a Christian encyclopedia explains the problem with some humor.

All the divisions in different churches are man-made.

From a Christian article:From a Christian article:

History of Christianity History of Christianity

Reason for the divisionReason for the division

“... “… None, I feel, will question the fact

that the fundamental reason why the unity of the Church of Christ was irretrievably shattered, and its influence was in the course of time undermined, was that the Edifice which the Fathers of the Church reared after the passing of His First Apostle was an Edifice that rested in nowise upon the explicit directions of Christ Himself. …

(The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 20)

TThe Edifice which the Fathers of the

Church reared after the passing

of His First Apostle was an Edifice that

rested in nowise upon the explicit

directions of Christ Himself.

Who are the church-fathers?Who are the church-fathers?The early church was never united.The early church was never united.

Especially debates about the true nature of Christ led to the Especially debates about the true nature of Christ led to the formation of a large number of different churches formation of a large number of different churches

competing with each other.competing with each other.

The church fathers were theologians who reacted against the The church fathers were theologians who reacted against the schisms in the early churchschisms in the early church

The church fathers regarded themselves as the protectors of The church fathers regarded themselves as the protectors of

the only true church. the only true church.

Christians who did not accept their understanding were called Christians who did not accept their understanding were called heretics.heretics.

..

So a visitor to Rome around the year 200 AD So a visitor to Rome around the year 200 AD would find a number of different churches in Rome would find a number of different churches in Rome Some early sects were: Marcionism, Monarchians, Some early sects were: Marcionism, Monarchians,

Montanists and Novatianists. Montanists and Novatianists.

For example: For example: - Marcion (142 AD ) had his own church in Rome. - Marcion (142 AD ) had his own church in Rome.

and attracted lots of followers. and attracted lots of followers. Marcionism was a serious rival for the Roman Marcionism was a serious rival for the Roman

Orthodox (Catholic) church and he was Orthodox (Catholic) church and he was excommunicated.excommunicated.

- Montanists; Followed Montanus who claimed - Montanists; Followed Montanus who claimed

direct revelation from God direct revelation from God

- Novatianist schism - Novatianist schism Novatian, in 251, had himself made Bishop of Rome Novatian, in 251, had himself made Bishop of Rome

in opposition to another bishop, Corneliusin opposition to another bishop, Cornelius

Many efforts were made to stop the multiplication of Many efforts were made to stop the multiplication of different churches .different churches .

Many councils as for example the Council of Nicea Many councils as for example the Council of Nicea (325 AD) , the council of Ephesus (449 AD) , the (325 AD) , the council of Ephesus (449 AD) , the

council of Chalcedon (451 AD) were called together council of Chalcedon (451 AD) were called together but but

every council led to more schisms. Christianity every council led to more schisms. Christianity became only more divided. became only more divided.

The aim of the Councils was not to get a better The aim of the Councils was not to get a better understanding of the nature of Christ but to understanding of the nature of Christ but to

separate the orthodox believers from the heretics. separate the orthodox believers from the heretics.

The burning of books, the persecution of heretics The burning of books, the persecution of heretics would culminate in the inquisition.would culminate in the inquisition.

Indeed how far had Christianity strayed away from Indeed how far had Christianity strayed away from the loving teachings of Jesus. the loving teachings of Jesus.

The man-made teachings The man-made teachings would only lead to more would only lead to more

disunitydisunityMost of these dogma’s were taken over by Most of these dogma’s were taken over by

Luther and the reformers and became part of Luther and the reformers and became part of Protestant Christianity Protestant Christianity

These man-made teachings became These man-made teachings became dogma’s and are now considered by dogma’s and are now considered by

ChristiansChristians

to be a part of Jesus teachings but to be a part of Jesus teachings but

this is historically incorrectthis is historically incorrect

Jesus prayed for mankind to Jesus prayed for mankind to become onebecome one

“ “ And the glory which thou gavest And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: be one, even as we are one:

I in them, and thou in me, that they I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me”as thou hast loved me”

John 17:22-23 John 17:22-23

If people had truly If people had truly followed the teachings of Christfollowed the teachings of Christ

and not their own man-made and not their own man-made imaginations imaginations

there would be no need tothere would be no need torenew renew

the religion of God. the religion of God.

Fourth part:Fourth part:

Analysis of Analysis of the man-made the man-made

teachingsteachingsandand

conclusionsconclusions

Original sinOriginal sin

It was Origen (185 -253 AD) who coined It was Origen (185 -253 AD) who coined the word ‘Original sin’ but it was the the word ‘Original sin’ but it was the churchfather Saint Augustine (354-430) churchfather Saint Augustine (354-430) who wrote that man is born into this world who wrote that man is born into this world in a state of sin. The basis of his belief is in a state of sin. The basis of his belief is from the Bible (Genesis 3:17-19) where from the Bible (Genesis 3:17-19) where Adam is described as having disobeyed Adam is described as having disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit of the God by eating the forbidden fruit of the tree of knowledge in the Garden of Eden. tree of knowledge in the Garden of Eden. This, the first sin of man, became known This, the first sin of man, became known as original sin. as original sin.

Augustine (354–430)

Augustine’s influence on Christianity is considered by many to be second only to that of apostle

Paul. His best-known book is the City of God in which he makes belief in the Catholic church the foundation of

salvation.

•

Adam and EveAdam and Eve Explanation of Symbols by Abdu’l-Baha: Explanation of Symbols by Abdu’l-Baha: Adam: Adam: signifies the heavenly spirit of Adam, and signifies the heavenly spirit of Adam, and

Eve His human soulEve His human soul. . The tree of good and evil: The tree of good and evil: signifies the human signifies the human

world; for the spiritual and divine world is purely world; for the spiritual and divine world is purely good and absolutely luminous, but in the human good and absolutely luminous, but in the human world light and darkness, good and evil, exist as world light and darkness, good and evil, exist as opposite conditions. opposite conditions.

The meaning of the serpent: The meaning of the serpent: is attachment to is attachment to the human worldthe human world. .

The sin is: The sin is: The act of attachment of the soul and The act of attachment of the soul and spirit to the human world. spirit to the human world.

Tree of LifeTree of Life: : is the highest degree of the world of is the highest degree of the world of existence: the position of the Word of God and the existence: the position of the Word of God and the Divine Messengers Divine Messengers

The edifice constructed byThe edifice constructed bychurch fathers church fathers

The road to salvation is according to the The road to salvation is according to the church fathers through the sacraments; church fathers through the sacraments;

Only the ordained priestsOnly the ordained priestscan give sacraments. can give sacraments.

Baptism :Baptism : Holy communion : Holy communion : The greatness of Jesus is because of his The greatness of Jesus is because of his

miracles.miracles. Next to the 10 commandments the church Next to the 10 commandments the church

added 5 extra one. Those people who do added 5 extra one. Those people who do not believe in them go to hellnot believe in them go to hell

The water of

knowledge

Purity

LoveTruth

HumilityLust

HateLying

Pride

Fire of the

Love ofGod

What is true What is true

baptism?baptism?

"“true baptism is not with material water”…It is this heavenly water and spirit, which are knowledge and life, which make the human heart good and pure…These natural impurities are evil qualities: anger, lust, worldliness, pride, lying, hypocrisy, fraud, self-love, etc….Therefore baptism with water was a symbol of

repentance, and of seeking forgiveness of sins” ” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

Jesus says: “Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood

has eternal life ”.

They said: “¿Chow can this man give us his flesh to eat?”

Jesús explains :“It is the spirit that quickeneth: the flesh profiteth nothing; the Words that I speak unto

you, they are spirit and they are life”

(John52, 54, 63)

Bread = teachings:

“Jesus said; Beware of the leaven( bread) of the Pharisees..Then understood they ..beware of the doctrine of the Parisees ” (Matt. 16:6-12)

“Man shall not live by bread alone but by every w

ord of

Gods”. (Lucas 4:4)

“I have meat to eat that ye know not of”. (Juan 4:32-34)

Spiritual meaning of Spiritual meaning of the “Bread and the the “Bread and the

wine”wine”

“And Jesus said; for judgement I am come nto this word, …and that they which see might be made blind (John 9:39)

“But she that liveth in pleasure, is dead while she livveth”. (1Timothy 5:6)

“ He that believeth in me follw me. Let the dead bury their dead (Matt.: 8:22)

Spiritual Meaning of Spiritual Meaning of MiraclesMiracles

The greatest proofThe greatest proof

“ Recollect that Christ, solitary and alone, without a helper or protector, without armies and legions, and under the greatest oppression, uplifted the standard of God before all the people of the world, and withstood them, and finally conquered all, although outwardly he was crucified. Now this is a verifiable miracle which can never be denied. There is no need of any other proof of the truth of Christ.. ”.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

“The Devil is the ‘obstacle” when we progress to God

“Satan” is a Hebrew word which means “obstacle or “stumbling block”.

“Angel” means “messenger”.

The Path of the Knowledge of God.

“.” (Bahá’u’lláh)

“The evil spirit,, Satan or whatever is interpreted as evil , refers to the lower nature of man. This lower nature is symbolized in various ways…all such ideas and nomenclature are symbols expressing the mere or earthly nature of man.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

The The meaning ofmeaning of

“Satan”“Satan”

Fifth Fifth Part:Part:

What is the What is the

spiritual reality of spiritual reality of Christ Christ ??

The Baha'i Writings The Baha'i Writings glorify Christ.glorify Christ.

The reality of Christ is the collective centr e of all the independent virtus

and indfinite signiicancies

Crist is the Lord of all being” Christ is “the Lord of the visible eand the invisible ”

Therefore the R eality of Christ Who is the Word of God

with regard to essence, attributes and glory, certainly

precedes the creatures (SAQ, p.

116)Yand whatever has proceedeth out of His

blameless, trustworthy mouth can never be

altered” (Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 93)

The divine reality of Christ was the embodimnent of

divine virtues and attributes of

God.) •“Know thou that when the Son of Man yielded up His breath to God, the whole creation wept with a great

weeping. By sacrificing Himself, however, a fresh capacity was infused into all created things. Its

evidences, as witnessed in all the peoples of the earth, are now manifest before thee. The deepest wisdom

which the sages have uttered, the profoundest learning which any mind hath unfolded, the arts which the ablest hands have produced, the influence exerted by the most

potent of rulers are but manifestations of the quickening power released by His transcendent, His all-pervasive, and resplendent Spirit. (Baha’u’llah)

Cristo

What is the spiritual What is the spiritual reality of Jesus?reality of Jesus?

According to the Gospels,

Sometimes Jesus speaks as a human being

In some verses, Jesus speaks as a Divine Messsenger

Sometimes Jesus speaks with the voice of God

The human nature The human nature of Jesusof Jesus

“…Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one that is , God” (Matt. 19:17)

Jesús hungered for food (Matt 4:2), became thirsty ( John 19:28) and became tired (John 4:6).

Jesús “departed into amountain to pray”. (Mark 6:46). Who did he pray to? God

On the cross Jesus cried out: “My God my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”(Matt. 27:46)

Th Holy Bible speaks abou the historical Jesus as “Jesus in the days of His flesh”. (Hebrews 5:7)

Jesus speaks as Messenger Jesus speaks as Messenger of Godof God

“My doctrine is not mine but his that sent me”(John 7:16)

“…The Father that dwelled in me, he doeth the work.” (John 14:10)

“I come forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.” (John 16:28)

Jesus speaks with Jesus speaks with the voice of Godthe voice of God

“he who had seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9)

“I and My Father are one” (John 10:30)

Jesus explains the meaning of above verses:

“Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works”

(John 14:10)

History History of the Trinityof the Trinity

Christians divided about reality of Jesus.

King Constantine wants unity

The Council of Nicea announced the

Dogma of the Trinity. This new teaching is

man-made, not from Jesus.

Bahá’í Bahá’í concept of the Trinityconcept of the Trinity

God

Mankind

Christ

God is dwelling in unapproachable light where no man has ever seen or even can see him”. (1 Tim. 5:16)

“ But will god indeed dwel on the earth? Behold, heavven and heaven of heavens cannot contain you”(1 Kings 8:27) “Crist is the image of the invisible God“ (Col. 1:15)

“…The express image of His person”(Hebrews 1:3) Turning to Him is the same as; “beholding as in a glass [mirror] the glory of the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:18) “And God siad, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…”. (Gen. 1:26)

Holy Spiri

t

I will pour my Spirit upon

all flesh (Acts 2:17)

Bahá’í symbol for TrinityBahá’í symbol for Trinity

Kingdom of GodKingdom of God

The divine The divine

MessengerMessenger

Kingdom of Kingdom of

creationcreation

Holy Spirit Holy Spirit

Spiritual Meaning of Spiritual Meaning of “Son of God”“Son of God”

“God is spirit…” (John 4:24) “That which is born of the flesh is flesch and that

which is born of the Spirit is spirit”. (John 3:6) Conclusion: Son of God is a spiritual relationship Christ came from heaven the first time: Christ said “…For I came down from heaven…”

“And they said, Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph , whose father and mother we know? How is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? (John 6:38)

What is the meaning of the What is the meaning of the title“Christ”?title“Christ”?

His name is “Jesus”:”.

His title is “Crist”: The Hebrew word is Messiah , who is the Promised One for all Jews. In English : Anointed One.

Meaning of “anointed One“: Anointing is the ceremony in which a person became King. Conclusion: Christ is not the name of a person but it is the spiritual title of the Manifestation of God.

Hebrew: “Messia

h”

Greek: “Christ

os”

Cristo

English:

The anointed

OneKing (of

the Jews )

Titles ofTitles of

JesusJesus

Mesías

““Christ ” or “King”is a title Christ ” or “King”is a title and “a function”and “a function”

So the title “Christ” refers to the everlasting spiritual kingship which connects God to man in a progressive way. To show this everlasting connection between one Messenger and another, Jesus told the Jews: “For had ye believed Moses ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me” (John 5:46)

The title of King goes from one person to the next when the old King dies. The new King has

the same responsibilities, the same power, and the same role. When he takes over it is as if

the old King has returned.

Of course it is a different body with a

different name, a different time, and a

different place, but the same title..

David is anointed as King

The lamp is Jesus; The lamp is Jesus; the light is Christ.the light is Christ.

“Before Abraham was, I am”. (John 8:58)

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the ending saith the Lord “ (Rev. 1:8)

“…Christ the same yesterday, and to-day and for ever”

(Hebrews 13:8)“Flesh and blood can not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven”. (1 Cor. 15:50)

“For Christ … being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the Spirit (1 Peter 3:18)

“If you reflect upon the essential teaching s of Jesus, you wil realice that they are the light of the world…They are the very source of life

and the cause of happiness to the human race”(‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

Christ

Jesus

The lovers of the light The lovers of the light “The virtues and perfections of Moses became apparent in Jesus Christ most effulgently, but the Jews held to the name Moses, not adoring the virtues and perfections manifest in Him. Had they been adoring these virtues and seeking these perfections, they would assuredly have believed in Jesus Christ when the same virtues and perfections shone in Him. If we are lovers of the light, we adore it in whatever lamp it may become manifest, but if we love the lamp itself and the light is transferred to another lamp, we will neither accept nor sanction it. Therefore, we must follow and adore the virtues revealed in the Messengers of God -- whether in Abraham, Moses, 153 Jesus or other Prophets -- but we must not adhere to and adore the lamp. We must recognize the sun, no matter from what dawning point it may shine forth, be it Mosaic, Abrahamic or any personal point of orientation whatever, for we are lovers of sunlight and not of orientation. We are lovers of illumination and not of lamps and candles. We are seekers for water, no matter from what rock it may gush forth. We are in need of fruit in whatsoever orchard it may be ripened. We long for rain; it matters not which cloud pours it down. We must not be fettered. If we renounce these fetters, we shall agree, for all are seekers of reality.”

(Abdu'l-Baha)

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

SixthSixthPart:Part:

The The

progressive progressive nature of nature of religionreligion

Oneness of mankindOneness of mankind

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice;

and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.”

(John 10:16)

Jews

Hindoes

Budhism

Islam

Christians

“Before Abraham was, I am ” (Jo

hn 8:58)

“I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, said the Lord, which is ,and which was,and which is to come, the Almighty”

(Revelation 1:8)

“Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

(Hebrews 13:8)

God

Earth

•The Divine Manifestations are so many The Divine Manifestations are so many different mirrors because They have a special different mirrors because They have a special individuality, but that which is reflected in the individuality, but that which is reflected in the mirrors is one sun. It is clear that the reality of mirrors is one sun. It is clear that the reality of

Christ is different from that of MosesChrist is different from that of Moses……

(SAQ p.155)(SAQ p.155)

The spiritual reality of the The spiritual reality of the Manifestations of God.Manifestations of God.

Baha’u’llah&

christ

Divine Educator Bringer of the Kingdom of God

Fulfills prophesies from Holy Scriptures Foretells things to come

Foretells the coming of a new Messenger of God

Divine Power Divine Wisdom Divine Love

Appeared during time of spiritual darkness

His claim to bring a message from GodInnate knowledge

New Teachings Perfection

Nobility Transforming power of His Teachings

Sacrifice and sufferingFounder of new religion

Praised and glorified God Sacrifice and martyrs

When will peace come?When will peace come?When the house of God is established on the When the house of God is established on the

mouintain of the Lord. Carmel is Hebrew for the mouintain of the Lord. Carmel is Hebrew for the “mountain of God”.“mountain of God”.

“ And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains and all nations shall flow unto it.And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law ……and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

”. (Isaías 2:2-4)

The Religion of God must be The Religion of God must be renewed from age to agerenewed from age to age

“Every good tree bringeth forth fruit” ( Matt 7:17)

Man-made ideas are like weeds.

“But in vain they do worship me teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:9)

“Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted out” Matt. 15:13)

Progressive Revelation in the Progressive Revelation in the BibleBible

Seed Abraham

Obedience

Trunk Moses Law

Flower Jesus Love

Fruit Bahá’u’lláh

Worldunity

God

Family

Tribe

CityState

Nation

Worldunity

KrishnaRig-Veda

Abraham

MosesTorah

ZoroasterZend-Avesta

BudaTri-Patikas

JesusHoly Bible

Muhammad

Quran

BábBayán

Bahá’u’lláh

Kitáb-i-Aqdas

SPIRIT

OBEDIENCE

LAW - ORDER

PURITY

RENUNCIATION

LOVE

SUBMISSION

NEW ERA

UNITY

Spiritual steps for Spiritual steps for mankindmankind

“God always gave guidance to mankind.

Each divine Educator brought social teachings which were perfect for people who were

living in that age.

Zoroaster Hinduism Judaísm Taoísm

Buddism

Christianity

Islam

Bahá’í Faith

That nature only is good

when it shall not do

unto another

whatever is not good for

its own .

What is hateful to you do not

to your fellow men.

That is the entire Law; all the rest

is commentary

.

This is the sum of duty: do naught to

others that which if

done to thee would cause

pain.

The sage has no interests of his own,

but regards the interests

of the people as his

own. He is kind to the kind, he is

also kind to the unkind: for virtue is

kind..

Hurt not

others with

that which

pains

yourself.

Do unto others you

would have done unto

you.

No one of you is a believer

until he desires for his

brother that which he

desires for himself

Blessed is he who

preferreth his brother

before himself

The Golden Rule in all The Golden Rule in all the Religions of the world the Religions of the world


byby




Seventh partSeventh part

Proofs of the ManifestationProofs of the Manifestation

of Godof God

Some proofs of the Some proofs of the Manifestation of GodManifestation of God

His own self:• His claim, innate knowledge,,

spiritual nobility, praised and glorified God,

• Appeared during time of spiritual darkness, Divine Educator

His life:• Self-sacrifice and suffering • Steadfastness and constancyHis Revelation; the Word of GodHis Perfections• Divine love, Divine wisdom, • Divine power, NobilityProphecies:• Fulfills prophesies from Holy

Scriptures (time-place and name)• Foretells things to come• Reveals his spiritual relationship to

previous Messengers of God • Foretells the coming of a new

Messenger of God

Founder of a new religion :• Clarifies, fulfills previous teachings• Transforming power of His teachings• Martyrs

Founder of new Civilisation• Brings new teachings suited for needs of

the age “the very essence of spirit of new age”

• Bringer of the Kingdom of God on earth

The Revealed Word The Revealed Word

“…and many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.” (John 4:41-42)

“ Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life…”

(John (5:24) “ So then faith cometh by hearing, and

hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

Signs for the coming of the Signs for the coming of the Messiah could only be Messiah could only be understood spirituallyunderstood spiritually

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold ;…and shall call his name Immanuel.

”. (Isaías 7:14)

“The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine

enemies thy footstool.… ” (Psalms 110:1).

“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised

and we esteemed him not.”. (Isaías 53:3)

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed ”. (Daniel 7:14)

Jewish people did not believe Jesus was Jewish people did not believe Jesus was the Messiahthe Messiah

His name will be Emmanuel ???

Elías will come first ???Sitting on the throne of

David Ruler of Israel???

A man of sorrows???

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the

coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD”.

(Malachi 4:5)

Signs for the return of ChristSigns for the return of Christ“In such an hour as ye think not the Son of

Man cometh”. (Matt 24:44)

“They shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power

and great glory ”. (Matt. 24:30)

“and he shall send his angels with a great sound of trumpet ”(Matt. 24:29-31)

“I am coming soon… and I will write on him my new name …

” (Revelation 3:11-13)“…The sun be darkened …

…the moon shall not give her light

…The stars shall fall from heaven…”

(Mateo 24:29)Christians today do not believe when He Christians today do not believe when He

Returns Returns

???Shall come unexpected???

???Comes in the clouds ???

??? With angels and trumpets ???

???With a new name??????The stars shall fall???

Jesus tells us those signs must be understood spirtually

“If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. (John 3:12-13)heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. (John 3:12-13)

““Notice also that it is said that Christ came from heaven, though He Notice also that it is said that Christ came from heaven, though He came from the womb of Mary, and His body was born of Mary. It is clear, came from the womb of Mary, and His body was born of Mary. It is clear, then, that when it is said that the Son of man is come from heaven, this then, that when it is said that the Son of man is come from heaven, this has not an outward but an inward signification; it is a spiritual, not a has not an outward but an inward signification; it is a spiritual, not a material, fact. The meaning is that though, apparently, Christ was born material, fact. The meaning is that though, apparently, Christ was born from the womb of Mary, in reality He came from heaven, from the from the womb of Mary, in reality He came from heaven, from the center of the Sun of Reality, from the Divine World, and the Spiritual center of the Sun of Reality, from the Divine World, and the Spiritual Kingdom. And as it has become evident that Christ came from the Kingdom. And as it has become evident that Christ came from the spiritual heaven of the Divine Kingdom, therefore, His disappearance spiritual heaven of the Divine Kingdom, therefore, His disappearance under the earth for three days has an inner signification and is not an under the earth for three days has an inner signification and is not an outward fact. In the same way, His resurrection from the interior of the outward fact. In the same way, His resurrection from the interior of the earth is also symbolical; it is a spiritual and divine fact, and not material; earth is also symbolical; it is a spiritual and divine fact, and not material; and likewise His ascension to heaven is a spiritual and not material and likewise His ascension to heaven is a spiritual and not material ascension.”ascension.”

The signs are repeated and must be understood spiritually The signs are repeated and must be understood spiritually

Jesus came from heaven the first time: – “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of

him that sent Me “ (John 6:38).

Jesus came in a cloud:– “Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud (Isaias 19:1)

Jesus came unexpected (like a thief in the night)

– Very few Jews recognised Him during His life – When the first Christians were baptised he was gone already, like a

thief in the night

Jesus coming was accompagnied with signs from heaven; Peter confirms that Jesus fulfilled these signs

– The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come”. (Joel 2:20-31)

Jesús came with great power : – “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto

me in heaven and in earth ” (Matt. 28:18)– “As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give

eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. (John 17:2)

Other signs repeatedOther signs repeated

¿Why did Christians expect Christ to ¿Why did Christians expect Christ to return in 1844 return in 1844

Advent movement : Expectation for the Return as the following three signs were fulfilled in 1844:

1.The Gospel was preached in the entire world: “And this gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world… then the end will come" (Matt 24:3).

2.End of ‘the time of the Gentiles’: “And Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled… and then they shall see the Son of Man ...” (S. Lucas :24-27)

3.The fulfillment of the time prophesies :“Seventy weeks are determined…and to appoint the most Holy”. (Daniel 9:24)“…Unto two thousand three hundred days then shall the sanctuary be cleansed”. (Daniel 8:14)

70 weeks = 70x 7490 prophetic days = 490 years

2300 prophetic days = 2300 years

Time Prophecies from Time Prophecies from Daniel 9:24 and 8:13-14,17Daniel 9:24 and 8:13-14,17

“Seventy weeks are determined… and to anoint the Most Holy”.

(Daniel 9:24) 457 years before Crist+ 33 after Christde Christ 1 AD until 34 AD 490 year period between building of temple and the crucifixion of Jesus

Third Decree

to rebuild Jerusalem

457 BC

1 AD 34 AD

Year 1 of Christian calendar(no year

0)

Crucifixion of Christ whenl 33 years old –

34 AD

“…Unto two thousand and three hundred days

then shall the sanctuary be cleansed”. (Daniel 8:14)

457years before Christ+1843 years after Christ as we start counting from year 1 AD 2300year from building of temple till the cleansing of the sanctuary

457 BC. Decree to rebuild the

temple

457 BC

1 AD 1844 AD

Declaracion of the Bab. Begin

of Bahá’í calendar

PRINCIPIOS:•1 día profético = 1 día, según Números 14:14 y Ezequiel 4:5•Hay que añadir 1 “año de traducción” al pasar del calendario judío al cristiano, pues la era cristiano comenzó con el año 1 y no 0.

The “New Name” for a new The “New Name” for a new Divine MessengerDivine Messenger

“…The Lord God ….shall call His servants by another name”. (Isaiah 62:2)

“…I will write upon him my new name…”. (Revelation 3:12) “To him who overcometh… give him a white stone… and in the stone a new name written, he who has an ear, let him ear…” (Revelation 2:17)

“For the Son of man shall come in the Glory of His Father”. (Matt. 16:27)

“…the glory of the Lord” (Isaiah 58:8, 60:1)“…the likeness of the glory of the Lord” (Ezekiel 1:28, 3:23)“…Great city, the holy Jerusalem descending out of heaven from God, having the Glory of God.” (Revelation 21:11)

“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon to shine in it, for the Glory of God did lighten it…” (Revelation 21:23)

“But hem, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the Glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God ” (Acts 7:55)

“And the Glory of the Lord shall be revealed…” (Isaiah 40:5)

The place of his ComingThe place of his Coming

Objections :“But some said; Shall Christ come out of Galilee? The Pharisees responded; “…look; for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.” (John 7:41-53).

“His Coming” from Iran:“He shall come from Assyria”. (Micah 7:12) “God will set his throne in Elam… says the Lord”. (Jeremiah 49:38). “And I saw in a vision… in the province of Elam… Unto 2300 days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed” (Daniel 8:2, 14).

“This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord”. (Ezekiel 1:28)

“…the Glory of God … came from the way of the East ”. (Ezekiel 43:2)

“His Coming ” from Iraq ( The river of Chebar is in Iraq) :“appearance of the likeness of the Glory of God” (Ezekiel 1:28).“…and behold the Glory of the Lord stood there as the Glory which I saw by the river of Chebar and I fell on my face” (Ezekiel 3:23).

Prophecies about Prophecies about IsraelIsrael

From Mount Carmel he will teach His people“the excellence of Carmel.. They shall see the Glory of the Lord”. (Isaiah 35:2)

“he will feed the people…in the midst of Carmel”. (Micah 7:14)

Carmel will blossom as a rose “…the desert shall rejoice and blossom as a rose ”. (Isaiah 35:1)“…the excellence of Carmel and Sharon; they shall see the Glory of the Lord and the excellence of our God”. (Isaías 35:2)

“And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have saught me” (Isaiah 65:10)

“Therefore I …will make the valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will sing as in the ways of her youth, as in day she [Israel] came up out of Israel”. (Hosea 2:15)

The exiles of Bahá’u’lláhThe exiles of Bahá’u’lláh

God’s Plan for God’s Plan for MankindMankind

IsaacIsaac IshmaelIshmael 6 hijos6 hijos

“And I will

establish my

covenant

between me

and thee, and

my seed after

thee in their

generations,

for an

everlasting

covenant, to be

a God unto

thee, and to

the seed after

thee”.

(Genesis 17:7)

¿Who is the Spirit¿Who is the Spiritof Truth?of Truth?

Jesus says: “ Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you”.(John 16:12-13)

“To Him Jesus Christ has referred as … the “Spirit of Truth Who “will guide you unto all truth” (Bahá’u’lláh)

Who is the Comforter?Who is the Comforter?

“ Jesus said; And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.(John 14:16)

"The Comforter Whose advent all the scriptures have promised is now come that He may reveal unto you all knowledge and wisdom. Seek Him over the entire surface of the earth, haply ye may find Him.“ (Baha'u'llah)

We invite you:We invite you:

- Devotional gatherings

- Study circles

- Children classes

- Junior youth programs

- To become a member

of

the Baha’i Community

When asked on one occasion: "What is a

Bahá'í?" , Abdu'l-Baháreplied: "To be a Bahá'í

simply means to love all theworld; to love humanity and try to serve it; to work for

universal peace and universal brotherhood."

Thank youThank you

For more informationFor more information::

[email protected]@gmail.com

Copyright : Marc and Copyright : Marc and

Helen Vloeberghs 2008Helen Vloeberghs 2008

NOTE FOR USERSNOTE FOR USERS

Anybody who would like to change or Anybody who would like to change or translate the contents of this powerpointtranslate the contents of this powerpoint

PleasePlease

contact Marc and Helen Vloeberghscontact Marc and Helen Vloeberghs

at at [email protected]@gmail.com

firstfirst

as this powerpoint is frequently updated !as this powerpoint is frequently updated !

¿How do we start the dialogue?¿How do we start the dialogue?

Ask diagnostic questions?– If there is only one Jesus Christ why are there

so many different denominations ?– If there is only one Holy Bible why so many

diffrent interpretations? – Why is there such disunity amongst Christians

as Jesus only preached love?

Do not start with prophesies.

– The majority of members of the main churches are not interested in prophesies.

– The most important is to show you love Jesus, the Son of God. Explain the exalted station of Jesus Christ

Las acciones de la Las acciones de la Manifestación de DiosManifestación de Dios

“Jesús les respondió: ‘os lo he dicho, y no creéis; las obras que yo hago en nombre de mi Padre, ellas dan testimonio de mí… Si no hago las obras de mi Padre, no me creáis. Mas si las hago, aunque no me creáis a mí, creed en las obras, para que conozcáis y creáis que el Padre está en mí, y yo en el Padre”. (S. Juan 10:25, 37-38)

“Mas yo tengo mayor testimonio que el de Juan; porque las obras que el Padre me dio para que cumpliese, las mismas obras que yo hago, dan testimonio de mí, que el Padre me ha enviado. También el Padre que me envió ha dado testimonio de mí. Nunca habéis oído su voz, ni habéis visto su aspecto”. (S. Juan 5:36-7)

“Creedme que yo soy en el Padre, y el Padre en mí; de otra manera, creedme por las mismas obras. De cierto, de cierto os digo: El que en mí cree, las obras que yo hago, él las hará también; y aun mayores hará, porque yo voy al Padre”. (S. Juan 14:11-12)

“Por sus frutos los conoceréis. ¿Acaso se recogen uvas de espinos, o higos de abrojos? Todo buen árbol da buenos frutos, pero el árbol malo da frutos malos. No puede el buen árbol dar malos frutos, ni el árbol malo dar frutos buenos”. (S. Mateo 7:15-18)

The fruit of the SpiritThe fruit of the Spirit

But the fruit of the Spirit is:– love– joy, – peace, – patience, – gentleness, – goodness, – faith, – meekness, – temperance”.

(Galatians 5:22-23)

Enseñan a almas Enseñan a almas anónimas y desprendidasanónimas y desprendidas

“Y aconteció que estando él sentado a la mesa en la casa, he aquí que muchos publícanos y pecadores que habían venido, se sentaron juntamente a la mesa con Jesús y sus discípulos. Cuando vieron esto los fariseos, dijeron a los discípulos: ¿Por qué come vuestro Maestro con los publícanos y pecadores? Al oír esto Jesús, les dijo: los sanos no tienen necesidad de médico, sino los enfermos”. (S. Mateo 9:10-12)

“Porque vino a vosotros Juan en camino de justicia, y no le creísteis; pero los publícanos y las rameras le creyeron; y vosotros, viendo esto, no os arrepentisteis después para creerle”. (S. Mateo, 21:32)

“Todos los que antes de mí vinieron, ladrones son y saltea-dores; pero no los oyeron las ovejas. Yo soy la puerta; el que por mí entrare, será salvo; y entrará, y saldrá, y hallará pastos”. (S. Mateo 24:14)

La soberanía de la La soberanía de la Manifestación de DiosManifestación de Dios

“Por lo cual Dios también le exaltó hasta lo sumo, y le dio un nombre que es sobre todo nombre, para que en el nombre de Jesús se doble toda rodilla de los que están en los cielos, y en la tierra, y debajo de la tierra; y toda lengua confiese que Jesucristo es el Señor, para gloria de Dios Padre”. (Filipenses 2:9-11)

“Y cuando terminó Jesús estas palabras, la gente se admiraba de su doctrina; porque les enseñaba como quien tiene autoridad, y no como los escribas”. (S. Mateo, 7:28-29; véase además S. Marcos 2:10 y S. Lucas 5:24)

“Y Jesús se acercó y les habló diciendo: toda potestad me es dada en el cielo y en la tierra”. (S. Mateo 28:18; véase además S. Marcos 2:10 y S. Lucas 5:24)

Los milagros no Los milagros no son pruebason prueba

“Entonces respondieron algunos de los escribas y de los fariseos, diciendo: Maestro, deseamos ver de ti señal. Él respondió y les dijo: La generación mala y adúltera demanda señal; pero señal no le será dada…” (S. Mateo 12:39; véase además S. Mateo 16:4, S. Marcos 8:12, S. Lucas 11:29)

“De cierto, de cierto os digo que me buscáis, no porque habéis visto las señales, sino porque comisteis el pan y os saciasteis”. (S. Juan, 6:24)

“Pero a pesar de que había hecho tantas señales delante de ellos, no creían en él”. (S. Juan 12:37)