WONDER OF ALL WONDERS
WONDER OF ALL WONDERS
"With the search for contentment in one's life begins the search for God. This search ends with the personal encounter with his Savior. Then begins one's journey to immortality and eternal life."
The human race originated in the Middle East (present day Iraq).
As the people multiplied they moved in different directions and settled
in different places. This led to the development of different
civilizations. Two of the oldest civilizations that were prominent in
their search for God developed one in the Middle East and the other in
the Far East. Each led to the formation
of a particular religion - Judaism whose followers are known as Jews
and Hinduism whose followers are known as Hindus. Approximately 3500
years ago the saints of these religions began to record their
inspirations which led to the origin of the holy books or scriptures of
each religion. The moral teachings of these religions have close
similarities but they differ on religious ceremonies and rituals.
The scriptures of Judaism along with a few more writings were later accepted as the first part of the Bible (Old Testament) which is the holy book of the Christians. The second part of the Bible (New Testament) tells
about the earthly life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The
scriptures of Hinduism are called the Vedas and they are four in number.
A common teaching of both these
religions is the revelation about a Savior - a person who will be sent
from God who will save the human race from degeneration and death and
lead it to immortality or eternal life. The holy book of the Jews call
him ‘Messiah’ (meaning ‘Christ’ in Greek and ‘Annointed One’ in English)
and the holy book of the Hindus call him ‘Prajapathy.‘
Rigveda
(X:121,1) goes thus "Prajapathy alias Hiranya garba, the first born, was
born of the Holy Spirit (Paramatma) before Genesis. Upon birth, He
became one and only God to the universe comprising the Skies, Stars,
Earth and the Seas. He rules the endless firmament and the whole of the
earth. We please this deity, Prajapathy, who is called Kan affectionately, with offerings in sacrifice."
Each religion foretells many details
regarding the birth, life, and death of this person so that when he
comes there should not be any confusion to recognize or identify him.
The most striking detail about this person common to both the religions
is the description of his death mentioned vividly in the Rigveda
(X:90:7) and goes thus "Devas of heaven and the ruling fraternity along
with the hermits offered the first born male in sacrifice by
consecrating him as the animal of offering by tying him on a wooden
sacrificial post." The Bible offers detailed and accurate information
about what was promised and how it was fulfilled.
Many have
claimed to be this Savior but only one fulfills or matches all the
details foretold about him in the holy books. Many believe that Jesus of
Nazareth or Jesus Christ is this person.
Islam whose followers are known as Muslims originated in the year 610 AD in Mecca and
their holy book is called Koran or Quran. The moral teaching of this
religion has close similarities with other religions. The Quran
acknowledges Jesus as a great prophet with extraordinary powers but
denies his divinity. This is what the Quran says about Jesus and his
followers:
Quran
4:157 “And because of their saying: We slew the Messiah Jesus Son of
Mary, Allah’s Messenger – they slew him not nor crucified but it
appeared so unto them;”
Quran 4:158 “But Allah took him up unto Himself. Allah was ever Mighty, Wise.”
Quran
57:27 “Then we caused our messengers to follow in their footsteps; and
We caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow, and gave him the Gospel and
placed compassion and mercy in the hearts of those who followed him.”
Quran
61:14 “O ye who believe! Be Allah’s helpers, even as Jesus son of Mary
said unto the disciples: Who are my helpers for Allah? They said: We are
Allah’s helpers. And a party of the Children of Israel believed, while a
party disbelieved. Then we strengthened those who believed against
their foe and they became uppermost.”
There are
many other details mentioned in the Quran about Jesus. Why does he
figure so prominently in the holy book of Islam? And why is Mary the
only woman mentioned in the Quran?
The
purpose of this study is to evaluate the evidence available – apply the
details foretold and compare them with the birth, life, death, and
resurrection of Jesus. If he is really the promised Savior you will be
able to reason out for yourself if you approach this study with an
unbiased attitude and without any preconceived notions.
Note: Please begin with lesson 01 and proceed in sequence.
Note: Please begin with lesson 01 and proceed in sequence.