THE ANTI – CHRIST

THE ANTI – CHRIST

TO RULE HIS BEASTLY EMPIRE

Most of the believers of the world are under the impression that the Anti- Christ is coming very soon before the entire humanity is out of the dreadful darkness to engage himself in the final wickedness. At the same time we cannot correctly say the time of his arrival with all his pomp and show. One thing is sure, he is anticipated at any moment on the stage of the world. He will be seen on the stage with the character of Anti-Christ. It is the belief of some Godly and some Bible readers as well as teachers that the church will be raptured before the appearance of this showy and shadowy figure called Anti-Christ on the stage of the World.

It is also mentioned in the bible that certain unhappy and dangerous events would take place as symptoms to indicate the end of the age. At this critical situation God’s people and believers must be alert always to face any type of calamities of that evil shadow. When this shadow figure comes to lime light, he will hate every one of us. He does not love or like any one because it is the true nature of his mental setup. The main reason for his hatred of human beings is because people love and worship the immortal God whom he does not like and whom people love most. This shadowy figure whom we call Anti-Christ is not an imaginary person but he is as real as our immediate neighbor. As soon as he comes, he may check you and those whom you like better.

According to the word of God, the Anti-Christ at present is held somewhere or restrained by somebody. If it is not true, then evil and wickedness in the world would have come dramatically worse than they are at present. The moment the Anti-Christ is let loose the Great Tribulation period will begin what is taking place at present in the world suggests that whatever is hindering the Anti- Christ may release him shortly. The reason prompted some people to quest for identifying the empire of this Anti-Christ is going on.

Therefore some wise men who are anticipating some unfavourable events, suggesting us to be careful and ready to face any kind of attack that is coming upon the earth at the earliest.So, the people must try to understand the peculiar nature and character of the Anti-Christ and his beastly empire. That is to say the Anti-Christ is like a deadly rattle-snake, ready to attack and bite the believers at any moment. And for this strange biting there is no anti-dose. The evil and death he brings shall be in the physical and spiritual reality. As a matter of fact, there is a powerful primitive method that can protect eternal souls from this venomous attack. In such circumstances protection of the believers is the redemption plan of Jesus Christ. To speak the truth, there are no more human beings, who have wonderful security on earth than the loved ones of the savior.

The Anti-Christ will try to check us thoroughly, and while doing so, some of us even become martyrs. Inspite of various attempts he will experiment on us as a trouble maker there is one thing that can never do. That is, he cannot take away our eternal salvation. The above said information may cause some mental disturbance to majority of the believers. But, this situation will help people to live boldly and triumphantly for Christ, during the Great Tribulation (Matthew

In order to acquire more information about the Anti-Christ we must look into Apostle John; we have to praise Apostle John, only who has prevailed direct reference of the agent of Satan. Apostle John called this agent, four times as the Anti-Christ (1 John 2.18-22, 43.2-22, 2 John 1.7). Actually this Anti-Christ is a title; but not his name. The name of the son of God is “Jesus”. So, His name is Jesus, where as “Christ” is His title or office. As we say, office of the King, office of the governor, and office of Christ. To speak technically Jesus is the Christ. And when we say Jesus is the Christ, it means He is the Messiah the Anointed One or savior. The Anti – Christ will oppose the true Christ and will try to do more harm than anything.

Apostle John clearly pointed out the attacks of the Anti – Christ against the humanity of Jesus Christ (Thessalonians 2.22) and the duty of Jesus (John

1.7). The first prophecy of the Bible speaks about the ‘Seed’ of the woman will crush the head of the serpent (Genesis 3.15). Man was created in the “Devine design” to rule the earth, under the control of God. But because of man’s sin Satan usurped the right of man to rule the earth. Then the only one who could redeem man’s last inheritance was no other than the Messiah. Result of sin:

1)Death entered the world.

2)We are separated from God.

3)We became Strangers to each other (God and man)

4)We became subjects of God’s Judgment.

5)We became slaves to sin.

6)The whole creation was corrupted.

According to the Bible the seed is always linked to the male. It is said in Genesis 3.15 that the redeemer is the seed of the woman. This wonderful prophecy prompted the virgin birth of Christ. So, this is called the perfect humanity and undiminished deity. As a result of virgin birth Jesus is taken for granted that He was one hundred percent man and one hundred percent God. Jesus is the God man and this solid truth the Anti-Christ and his followers will vainly attempt to change fact. In doing so the Anti-Christ will tragically pursue and force billions of people to take his mark and doing like that they pledge their loyalty to Satan.

It is already mentioned previously four times the term Anti-Christ by Apostle John. It is refered very briefly and specifically. Though this is a short reference this should not be considered a conclusion that the word of God does not have a great deal to speak about the Anti-Christ. The reality is undoubtedly brief and opposite we can find some of such references about Satan’s Progeny offspring. They are:

1)The Anti-Christ is the man of sin (2 Thessalonians 2.3). He not only commits

sin but also he is the personification of sin.

2)The Anti-Christ is the son of perdition. (2 Thessalonians 2.3)

3)The Anti-Christ is empowered by Satan (2 Thessalonians 2.9 and revelation

1/2

13.9) The Anti-Christ will be specifically empowered by Satan 3years,

during the second half of Daniels Seventieth week.

4)The Anti-Christ is the little horn (Daniel 7.8). This little horn is a reference

who will form a confederation of nations; most probably an Islamic caliphate?

In his plan to rule the world. It is common among the animals that they use

their horns while fighting with other animals and try to dominate. But in

the case of Anti-Christ, is that his horn becomes a symbol of power and then

to speak of the king or supremacy.

It is said in Revelation 13.1-10 that a beast will arise out of the sea (probably out of Gentile out of the Mediterranean Sea region). According to the prophecy this beast will blasaplime God, make war against God’s people and rule over many nations. In revelation 13.11-18 there is a mention of second beast (probably Jewish) will arise out of the land. This beast is called a false prophet who is exactly like the first beast. He will be given more powers by Satan. He will perform some miracles also to confirm his messages as authentic. This wrong step will take place, with the main purpose of misleading the people toward the Anti-Christ. At the time of His “Olivet Discourse” Jesus clearly pointed out His coming back and also about the last days. In addition to that He mentioned about the false (Pseudo) Christ and false(Pseudo) prophets. This is the crystal clear picture of the two beasts written in the book of Revelation.

Apostle Paul wrote to the Church of Thessalonian members, the activities of the Anti-Christ in the following lines. “For the mystery of the iniquity cloth already work”, that is the spirit of the Anti-Christ was manifested in the apostle’s own day. Only he who now letteth will let until he is taken out of the way (2 Thessalonians 2.7). The expression in old English “only he who now letteth will let” has also been appropriately translated only he who knows hinderth will now continue to hinderth.

The true identification of the person is actually troubling us became an important issue from the confused prophecy. The correct time of his stopping to hinder will be extremely a great help to understand what is going to happen at the end of the age, which is being hindered at present is the mystery of iniquity and spirit of Anti-Christ. Then he tried to set up his image in the Temple of King Solomon on the Mount Moriah and pollute it miserably. This action will take place at the middle of the seventieth week. After this is done the Anti- Christ will demand first that Israel then the whole world must give him allegiance, so that the issue which is hindering will be taken out of the way and as a result, he will arise to power for 31/2 years.

So, the identification of that which is hindering has become an important topic for favourable consideration; the historical background of the Church for the last 2000 years, has been divinely sanctioned “human government” or law. It has been continuously hindering. So to say, with the emergency of the Anti- Christ human government and law breaks down and consequently stops to hinder. As a result of that the Anti-Christ is unhindered in his advance toward domination. Within the last 150 years pre- tabulation raptures have frequently identified the redeemer as the Holy Spirit. Such a view serves to complement their position. Because of this a number of new problems exist for this view.

If we look into the Scripture probably we don’t find any identification of the restrainer or hinderer as the Holy Spirit, who is directly hindering the ministry of sin whether in the context of Thessalonians or anywhere else in the Bible. It is acknowledged that once the Holy Spirit is present in a believer it will naturally purify him or her in the world. So, the effectiveness of the Holy Spirit depends upon the spirituality of a particular Church whatever may be the meaning of the language used it (2 Thessalonian 2.7) does not give any clue or authentic information regarding the constrainer even through the indirect or unauthorized information.

What is expressed here? Until he be taken out of the way (2 Thessalonian

2.7) can be translated literally “became out of the midst” and midst more literally means “middle”. So the outcome of all that is the restrainer stands between or we can also say “in the middle”. But according to a great scholar, “Lenski” the restrainer will get out of the way at the appropriate time yet there is no context or conference in the (2 Thessalonian 2.7) that the restrainer will become the environment and goes to heaven. This is the opinion of some who taught that the restrainer is the Holy Spirit. As they say, the restrainer simply stops his restraining work and goes out of the way.

As usual the pre-Tribulation view is that, if the Church is raptured the Holy Spirit is also taken away from the church; because the Holy Spirit used to dwell in the Church only. According to the Scripture we have noticed the restrainer will never go to heaven. But it is said simply he will go out of the way. The main point is he will stop himself, from restraining. The major issue is that the restrainer will try his best, for the removal of the Church is raptured, the restrainer is also removed.

If we take it for granted the Holy Spirit is the restrainer and he is also removed pre- tribulation ally from the earth and taken to heaven then it is not possible to give correct account of the Holy Spirit’s active and dynamic ministry during the seventieth week of Daniel. It is noticed clearly about the Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in the whole world. To speak the truth the Church has been unable to achieve this fact in 2000 year time. We have to take it for granted, as it must be constant effort of newly saved believers that are going to accomplish in the seven years period which the church is unable to do it in 2000 years. What all is explained in detail so far, is going to happen in the physical presence of the Anti-Christ and without the Holy Spirit’s fullness of ministry.

The Lord, the God, while He was speaking about the seventieth week of Daniel in detail, disclosed. But, when they shall lead you and deliver you up take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak neither ye do premeditate but whatever shall be given you in the hour that speak ye for it is not ye that speak but the Holy Ghost(Mark 13.11). Almighty God spoken again in connection with the seventieth week. He said But when they deliver you up take no thought how or what ye shall speak for it shall be given you in that same hour what but the spirit of your father which speaketh in you” (Matthew 10.19-20).

The ministry done by the Holy Spirit is quite conspicuous and it can never be under estimated. The ministry work is really great as claimed in the old Testament here and there to explain it further, there is not a single verse in the scripture that pointed out or hinted regarding the decreasing position of the ministry of the Holy Spirit; especially during the crucial time of seventieth week. All this is clearly said in the book of Daniel. Another striking point is added to this important topic. It is said in the book of Acts 2.32.33.the present fullness of the ministry of the Holy Spirit rests on the resurrection, ascension and exaltation of Jesus Christ. Since they are historical facts, nobody can do anything against such open truth.

The Historical proofs for such important topics would add strength and confirmation for the future generations. They can certainly give an assurance of the eternal abundance of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Its temporary withdrawing is regression to the “beggarly” (Galatians 4.9) elements and premature status of the old covenant as it would amount to an involvement of Christ’s exaltations. It is finally concluded that the restrainer is neither the Holy Spirit nor the human government and also there is no historical or Biblical evidence to support anyone of them. But we have substantial proof for the identification of the true restrainer until “he be taken out of the way”. After a long discussion it is decided upon the true restrainer that he is no other than the Arc angel Michael. To call this Michael as restrainer there is strong and official evidence.

I hope this brief note would suffice to know who the real restrainer is because we are going to hear more about him. For further evidence let us see some more examples that can uphold our assessment about him. The arch angel Michael has been recognized long ago by both Jewish and Christian scholars that he is having special guardian relationship with Israel as mentioned in (Daniel

10.21). It is said that his direct relationship is quite clear. When he says he is Michael “Your Prince”, “holdeth” which means to bind or restrain. This Michael has restraining or hindering ministry on behalf and for the protection of Israel. It is clearly described in Revelation 12.6,13,14 in the following way.

“And there was war in heaven Michael and his angels fought against the dragon”……. And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth he persecuted the woman who had given birth to the male child (Revelation 12:7-

13).

Here, the woman represents the nation of Israel who gave child, the man (child) to the world (Revelation 12.5) who will be severely persecuted during the great Tribulations(12.13-17). While we are talking about the person who is going to hinder the Anti-Christ apostle Paul said, “only he who now letteth means to stop will let, “until he be taken out of the way” (2 Thessalonians 2.7). the word “letteth” literacy means “to hold back” and the phrase taken out of ways means to stop aside ; get the person who does the work of hindering the Anti- Christ will stop aside. Then he will be no longer restrained between the Anti- Christ and those whom he wants to persecute.

It is written in the Bible about the main point that the arch angle is the true person who will step aside and Prophet Daniel had recorded that further information in his book in the following manner............ “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince, which standeth for the children of the people and there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation even to that the same times” (Daniel 12.1).

At this stage, we have to remember an essential point. That is, when the restrainer is going to be taken out of the way. It is said in the preceding verse, “And he shall plant the Tabernacle of his palace between the seas in the Glorious Holy Mountain (Daniel 11.45). This question can be referred to the Anti- Christ only who will establish his headquarters between the Dead Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea on the glorious Holy Mountain the Jerusalem. This is going to happen in the middle of the seventieth week and the desecration of his own image or statue in the Temple.

Prophet Daniel said already enough about Michael that he would stand up during the time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time. This unprecedented time of trouble can refer only to the “Great Tribulations”. Since Daniel gave all the details of the great trouble, it was noteworthy to refer to his own people the Jews and this time could also be called the time of Jacob’s trouble which was a synonym for Great Tribulation. It was exactly the same time the arch angel Michael would stand up. Then what must be the correct meaning of that expression “And at that time shall Michael stand up”.

Rashi was one of the greatest teachers of Israel. His Hebrew scholarship was unquestionable and unchangeable. Though he was no way concerned to the correct time of the rapture, he tried to explain the meaning of “stand up”. In Hebrew it is called “amad”. It means “stand still” as used in Daniel12.1 Michael in the early days. But now he has planned to stand still or stand aside. It seemed now not to fight nor to restrain nor to hold down. We have some other information from a scholar. It was Mr.Young whose Analytical “Concordance” to the Bible tells us that “amad” means “To stand still” or fast. And Strong’s concordance tell us the meaning of “amad” as “cease” and one of his definitions as “stand still”.

This phrase is further explained clearly in the following manner. If a man is reclining or seated and is referred to “amad” he will “stand up”. If a person is standing and active and refers to amad he will “stand still”. In fact the arch angel already found Israel. Then to “amad” means he would “stand still”, “cease” or “desist” his defense on their behalf. There are some more Biblical meanings for the Hebrew word “amad” like “to be still” or “thing stood still” (desisted) and answered no more (Job 32.16). And Ezra opened the book, in the sight of all the people (for he was above all the people and when he opened it, all the people “stood up” (Nehemiah 8.5).

Rashi, the Hebrew scholar commented on this word and indicated that the people kept quiet (stood still) while Ezra read the Torah. Rashi commented about Daniel 12.1, the holy one said, “Blessed be to Michael”. You are silent”, “you donot defend my children”. The arch angel, who had been completely involved with standing for Israel, will in the middle of the Seventieth week “stand still”, desist of stand aside and close to stand for her. The word of God gives certain reason for the creation of the restrainers work, briefly that point of work. Because the Israelites had rejected their true Christ and refused God as the God of their forefathers and redeemer, so He wanted to punish them by sending strong delusion, so that the people of Israel would believe in the lie and accept Anti-Christ. That is the reason why God wants to handover Israelites for some time, with the hope to see them repented and look for God. And the purpose of handing over Israelites was explained by Apostle Paul in the following verses – “They received not the love of the truth that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall, send them Strong delusion that they should believe a lie that they all might be dammed who believed not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness”. (2 Thessalonians 2.10-12).

So, according to God’s plan a strong delusion comes from Him. The main purpose of it is in order to purify Israelites with His judgment. That is the main reason why even Michael arch angel does not want to hinder or hold down to wicked ones. Another popular writer Leon Wood said in his book, “A commentary on the Daniel” commented on the expression “the breaking up of the power of the holy people”, (Daniel 12.7) wrote The angel thus revealed the reason for God’s permitting the Anti-Christ to bring his persecution namely to break the power of the Jews, so that the Jews would be willing to accept Christ as their Messiah and their own rightful king, when their power is broken.

This observation naturality provides perfect logic for view that on this occasion and for this purpose Michael will stand still. He will not fight for Israelites. The moment Michael stops fighting or defending Israelites the times of Jacobs troubles will begin (Jeremiah 30.7). Here let us try to understand the clear and parallel forcing between the action of Michael in the old Testament. “And at that time, stand up (literally) still or resist from helping Israelites, the great prince which standeth, whose normal and continuous ministry had been to help Israel (Daniel 12.1) with in the new Testament ............ . He who now hindered (restrain) will continue to hinder, until he be taken out of the way. Ceases to continue his normal and continuous ministry of restraining (2 Thesselonians2.7) is unmistakable. Apostle Paul seemed to have Daniel 12.1 in his mind when he wrote 2 Thessalonians 2.7, and therefore no need to name the restrainer specially. The clear and compelling illusion to Daniels 12th chapter would indicate that the restrainer is no other than the arch angel.

So, the present activity and the events will have a dramatical impact on the entire world. These events will clearly signal the coming of the King of kings very soon. As soon as He comes He will resurrect all the dead in Christ and rapture judgment of the wicked during the “Day of the Lord” and be indicated against all evil. If you read the Bible thoroughly, you will take it for granted that the book of Revelation gives full details of Jesus Christ than any other book. One can understand very clearly, regarding the events which are associated with His second coming and also about the final battle of the history called the battle of Armageddon.

Our unquenchable thirst here is to know more about the past played by the Anti-Christ, the nations involved in his temporary kingdom and his ultimate defeat in the battle of Armageddon. For the purpose of knowledge of this book, the book of Revelation Apostle John introduced to the readers a harlot in the Seventeenth chapter of his book Revelation. He gave a wonderful description of her in the following way – “Mystery Babylon the Great, the mother of Harlots and Abominations of the earth” (Revelation 17.5) Truly, this is not the correct way of introducing a lady to the public. But this lady did not come from a respectable family. She was the mother of all false religions. With whatever name it is called, or in whatever country it is located.

If we look at the Biblical history these religions originally began at the tower of Babel (Mystery Babylon) and immortal activities have been going on even at this hour. She used to dress and behave like a prostitute. And she was arrayed in purple and scarlet color and decked with gold and precious stones full of abomination and filthiness of her fornication. This mother Harlot is up to anything to fulfill her purpose of seducing both men and women who are away from the true and living God to embrace Satan and his Kingdom. She is said to become intoxicated with the blood of martyrs, those who were faithful to Christ (Revelation 17.6).

John studied the wonderful character of the Harlot and confounded at her success. He simply wondered how she could divert many people away from the Lamb of God, who would take away the sins of the world to embrace an evil and wicked imposter. For all his careful observation in his dream John got quick answer from an angel. The harlot has been carried on the back of a beast through history and that beast had seven heads and ten horns. To say more clearly those false religions were added by governments throughout ages. This is the suitable explanation for the wonderful success of the Harlot.

Then the angel gave to John further explanation, and here is the mind, which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains and those mountains are a reference to kingdoms. We can see this reference in (Daniel 2.35,44). And those seven kingdoms are associated with seven kings undoubtedly there must be more than seven kings, but the kings and kingdoms refered here to have particular significance. The angel gave John a brief history about the kings and kingdoms. He said, those kings and kingdoms had one common feature. They were all enemies of Israel because they were enemies to God and His son who was the rightful heir to Davidic throne of Israel.

Then the falling of those kingdoms is wonderfully described. According to the Biblical history, the first kingdom that fell miserably was Egypt and the fallen king was Pharaoh, who was brutally ordered for the murder of all Jewish male children by the midwives at the time of their birth itself (Exodus). The second kingdom was Assyria and the fallen king was Shalmonset who took the Northern ten tribes of Israelites into captivity in about 722 B.C; in the war, and ill-treated them to the maximum (2 kings 17.18). The third kingdom was Babylonian and the king was Nebuchadnezzar who attacked Jerusalem three times in 606 B.C, 598 B.C and 586 B.C. (2 kings 24). During that attack he destroyed the Temple on the Mount Moriah. Then he happened to pluck out the eyes of the last Davidic dynastic ruler Zedikech. And before this action he was forced to watch the heinous murder of his sons.

The fourth kingdom was Medo-Persia and the fallen king was Haman. He hated the Jews and Mordecai and passed a decree to execute all the Jews in the kingdom (Esther 30.13). Fortunately the intervention of the Queen Esther saved all Jews from the execution. The fifth kingdom was Greece and the king who had fallen was not Alexander the Great; He really treated the Jews pretty well. But after his sudden death his empire was divided among four generals. And among them, the worst one was Antiochus Epiphanies. He tried his best to wipeout Judaism and the Mosaic law and wished to replace the worship of the heathen idol Jupiter.

The sixth kingdom was still in existence at the time of John writing the book of Revelation in 90 A.D. the kingdom was Roman Empire and the ruler Caesar was still alive. The Caesar at that time was “Domitian”. The seventh kingdom is yet to come to persecute the Jewish people. We are told about the seventh kingdom and the king and when he comes, he will continue for a very short time. But the name of the king and kingdom are left to the discretion of the reader. This brings us back to the Anti-Christ of whom we have to discuss more. And the beast the Anti-Christ that was and is not seven he is the eighth (Revelation 17.11). Let us see this again briefly –

1)The first kingdom was Egypt and its kings persecuted God’s people Israelites.

2)The second kingdom was Assyria. The kings of that heathen country wiped

out the identity of Israelites. This Assyria at present became almost three

countries called Iraq, Iran and Syria.

3)The Third kingdom was Babylon and the present name of this kingdom is

modern Iraq.

4)The fourth kingdom was Medo-Persia which later became Iran. It also

persecuted Israelites.

5)The fifth kingdom was Greece and at present it is called Syria. This kingdom

has also persecuted Israelites.

6)The sixth kingdom was Roman Empire and at present it is called “Italy”.

North Africa, much of the Middle East, and especially Turkey. This kingdom

persecuted Israelites to the maximum.

7)The seventh kingdom is unknown. It will also persecute Israelites and the

kingdom may survive for a short time. Some scholars refered this story to

the ottoman Turkey (turk) or possibly to the “third Ruch”.

8)The eighth kingdom according to Biblical history is the kingdom of a beast

the Anti-Christ and he will be the final persecutor of Israelites (Revelation

17.11). Here there are two most important points that can speak about the

Anti-Christ and his kingdom.

1)The first point is he must be one of the seven that are already refered to who

was the real force behind them throughout history as Satan’s offspring progeny.

So, the Anti-Christ and his kingdom, should be looked for in the region

North of Israel, including Turkey, Syria, Iran, Iraq and the area between the

Black Sea and Caspian sea and Just North of Caucasus Mountains. The fact

is those regions are completely Muslims at present.

2)The second point is the Anti-Christ and the other kings that follow him

will be destroyed. And the main source of their distruction is the Lamb of

God, who is also called “the Lords of Lord and the King of kings” and the

people with Him are His chosen ones and the faithful (Revelation 17.14).

Finally the word of God allows to think of nothing but battle for two

Millennia. Some eminent scholars gave their opinion stating that search is

necessary to find out the Anti-Christ and his Kingdom in the world. So, in conclusion let us watch the personalities that

Emerge from the kingdoms who persecuted Israel. And also, let us observe its day to day changes and for the assessment of how close we are to see this man of perditions to play his role from behind curtain.

We must remain strong and March forward to see the fulfillment of prophesies in our life. We must remember the Bible Quotations “you shall be hated of all men for my name sake; But he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10.22). You shall have the privilege of remaining here and endure to the end. Just before the rapture when the world appears spinning completely and becomes out of control one can feel comfortable with the following words which are quoted from the Gospel of Luke which describe the condition on the earth at the time of the coming of Jesus Christ on the clouds. And there shall be signs in the sun and in the moon and in the stars and upon the earth, distress, of the nation with perplexity the sea and the waves roaring Men’s hearts falling for fear and .................................................................... .. ................................................................................................. pass them look up and left up your heads for redemption draweth nigh (Luke 21.25-28). Chapter : 11

JERUSALEM WITH THREE FAITHS

ABRAHAM AS THEIR FATHER

Judaism was considered by many scholars as the oldest of the three Monotheistic religions. According to Biblical history as mentioned in the “Terah” or the law of Prophet Moses about 2,600 years ago, this Judaism provided basis for Christianity and later for Islam. Moses the servant of God received the laws for Israelites on the top of Mount Sinai. It is strongly believed by the Muslims that prophet Muhammud also received the “word” of ‘Allah’ from the same place.

Let us see, how these religions came into existence. The first one is Christianity. In a small agricultural village called Ephratah (Bethlehem) in the nation of Israel a child was born to a Jewish virgin through a message from God, by an arch-angel Gabriel. His name was Jesus Christ 2000 years ago. His birth was foretold by prophets. He was filled with the Holy Spirit and called Himself the Son of God. He became a charismatic preacher and attracted all kinds of people. He gathered disciples only from fishermen who were very common people. The Son of God as the disciples called Him did many miracles, healed the sick and raised the dead. On one occasion, He happened to control the disturbed water in the Sea of Galilee and walked on the water also. He was the embodiment of power and glory. Such deity was finally blasphemed and brutally killed on the cross. But His followers by keeping His cross on their shoulders and by going to every nook and corner preached the word of God. The followers of Jesus were instructed to do so before He went to heaven to His Father. So, on His name, the religion Christianity came into existence and ultimately became world’s greatest religion. THE NEXT ONE IS ISLAM

According to history about 1,300 years ago, a man was visited by an arch- angel Gabriel in Mecca and received a wonderful gift from him. It was the gift of a “word” from “Allah” the one God, and that man was no other than prophet Muhammud as per the faith of Muslims. Then he wrote a sacred book to the Muslims called “the Koran” which ultimately represented the truth as prophet Moses wrote the first five books of the Old Testament, which were called and near to the hills of Mount Sinai. He created the religion finally and called it “Islam”. As a result, he became the founder of “Islamic religion”

Yerushalayim is the Hebrew name for Jerusalem (which means the House of peace). Apart from this, it has about 8 other names. In Arabic Jerusalem is called “BaytatMuqaddas”. This town was in existence from the time of Abraham, about 4000 years ago. We have some authentic information from the book “The Roots of Mount Hararat” written by “Melchezidec” a great grandson of Noah. As said in that book, he was the founder of that city with the name “Salem”. We can see in the book of Genesis 14.18 as “Melchezidec king of Salem” and later it became Jerusalem. Such an old and important city, with so much historical background came under the control of Israelites politically only from 1947.

Yet religiously, Jerusalem remained as a strong hold for three Monolithistic religions, namely, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. And also, the people of these sets of religions have been living together in Old Jerusalem city in different quarters, namely Jews in Jewish quarters, Christians in Christian and Aramean quarters and Muslims in Muslim quarters. So Jerusalem is called the holiest city for three greatest religions. Jerusalem is a place of prophets and Martyrs; but always remained in tention and turmoil. In spite of all such calamities for centuries it has a promise and gift of eternal life and lurking prospects of sudden death.

It is better, if we can know briefly how the town Jerusalem came into existence. It is said once God visited Melchezidec, a Shepard boy. He anointed him and told him to go to a distant place that, He would show and build a town on His name. Accordingly, Melchezidec obeyed God and travelled a long distance. Then he laid a foundation for the town and called it “Salem”. He remained there permanently as a bachelor by serving bread and wine at the altar to the people. Later he was called the high priest and became the king of that town Salem. He also gave the name to that land of milk and honey as Canaan, which was the name of his grandfather and which became a promised land by God to the descendants of Abraham. Canaan was the grandson of Noah, who cursed him by saying “cursed be Canaan, a servant of servants” because of the fault of his father. But later Noah realized his mistake and told Canaan that curses sometimes would become blessings. And he blessed Canaan by saying a high priest of the most high God would be his seed and newpassword90599become king also. That was Malchezidec king of Salem, according to the prophetic words of Noah. ABRAHAM AS THEIR FATHER

Abraham was the father of all religions believes of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. To say in nutshell, he was the roster of all holy people. In this connection we have to meditate upon three viewpoints regarding the test put to Abraham by God. In 18th century some Jewish painting and a Rembrandt from 17th century gave the impression that Abraham proposed to stay Isaac as a sacrifice to God as commanded by Him in order to test his faith toward Him where as in Turkish illustration Citra 1585, Abraham raised his knife to sacrifice Ismael. But in ‘the Koran’ it was not specifically mentioned which son was planned for sacrifice whatever might be the opinion of different scholars, Muslims had strong faith that God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Ismael only and the place was not Mount Moriah in Jerusalem but Mecca.

While discussing seriously the present situation in the Middle East, it is quite reasonable to think about Jerusalem also, because the fundamental principle of Islamic religion and Christianity are totally different. They have been antagonistic to each other and history is the evidence. Even then if we go deep into the history those three religions Judaism, Christianity and Islam are one. Rather we can say Christianity and Islam were the children of Judaism. Further details or arguments can be started with Yaweh, or God or Allah to confirm, who the heart and soul of these three great religions is.

Before the rise of Judaism Christianity and Islam it is believed there was no plurality of Gods, but one supreme power as Abraham thought in his early days we will be surprized to see today that more than half of the world population follow the theology of one God and it is called Monotheism. The Jewish people followed this strictly and taught even to their children to remember “O Israel our Lord is God our God is one”. For Christians one God in three forms, Father, son and the holy ghost and for Muslims “Allah”. According to the latest statistics more than 2 Billion Christians 1.5 Billion Muslims and 10.5 Million Jews believe in the existence of one God. If these three sets are clubbed together automatically the number of Monotheistic believers would be more than the followers of pantheistic religions.

For our clear understanding let us start our topic with a great man Abraham who was a unique person Biblically and historically. He appeared in the earliest citation. We come across this extraordinary personality in the Hebrew and Christian Bibles, in some documents and some of the early chapters in the Koran, regarding some traditions of his time. The Koran is the only sacred book of Islamic religion and it was composed by prophet Muhammud during 7th century AD. This Koran also shared many Biblical characters and stories.

In the first book of holy Bible the name “Abraham” is referred to “Father Love” or an exaltation of the Father. If we look into the Biblical genealogy, the first prophet Enoch comes under in 7th generation and Noah in 10th generation from the inception of the Bible. If we look into the genealogy of Noah, Abraham was the descendant of Shem and Shem was the first son of Noah. Then because of Shem his descendants were called Shemites or Shemitites. So, Abraham’s father Terah belonged to the tribe or clan of Shemites which was called later Shemitic tribe and from the town of Ur the land of Chilblains in Mesopotamia.

It is said when Abraham was born there appeared a big star in heaven and swallowed four small stars. That unique occurrence was seen by King Nimrod and thought that Abraham would become a great man one day and cause some trouble to his kingdom. So he planned to buy Abraham and keep him in his house. Then one day Nimrod called Terah his father and told him, he wanted to buy his son. But Terah arranged someone in his place and sent Abraham to some unknown place for a while with his mother.

To-day as mentioned in the history this Ur became modern Iraq’s “Tall al Muqozzat” which is about 200 miles south east of Baghdad. In 2000 John Paul 11 while visiting the Holy land tried desperately to add Ur also as one of the visiting places, but he was bluntly rejected by the authorities. He thought visiting of the birth place of patriarch Abraham was as important as the Holy land. At that time, his visa for that particular place was rebuffed by Saddam Hussain, the dictator of Iraq. If we observe closely the genealogies of the Biblical characters and historical evidences, and if they are compared with modern Archaeological findings, Abraham seemed to have lived between 2100-1922 BC.

At that time Ur was not without heathen gods. There were multiple of gods and goddess for various purposes. Even in such circumstances Abram was not tempted either by his parents or brothers who were all idol makers and worshippers. His thinking was concentrated only on Monotheism the God of heaven, and so he was called the first patriarch of both Israelites and Arabs. The livelihood of Terah was to make idols and sell them and King Nimrod was one of the regular customers for buying of his idols. It is said one day Abram happened to destroy all the idols in the house and Terah got angry and took him to the king. Abram was surprized to see the palace of the king was also full of Idols he broke them too. The immediately reacted. He fastened Abram with ropes and threw him into the fiery burning flames as Nebuchadnezzar did to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. But the ropes were burnt and the flames became water to cool Abram.

Most of the people of Ur were the worshippers of the “Sun” god. We all know King Nimrod built the “tower of Babel” only to worship the sun god from that height. But Abraham was a different man. He had a strong faith on a strange God from his early days, and so the idol worshippers used to call him. Hebrew which means ‘stranger’. On one occasion he was addressed as “Abram the Hebrew” (Genesis 14.13) by a man who escaped from the battle field and informed Abram that his nephew. Lot from Sodom was taken as a prisoner by the neighbouring enemies. This word Hebrew was used for the first time to address Abram. Later Moses was addressed by king pharaoh as Hebewean when he was identified as the son of a Hebrew slave family. And the wife of Potiphar called Joseph as Hebrew. She framed some false allegations against him and reported the same to her husband.

God wanted to see something extraordinary in the life of Abram. So He granted him faith and intelligence. This made him to observe the heavenly bodies from his childhood days, as how the Sun was giving bright light during day time and how the Moon and the stars twinkling during night time. These wonderful happenings magnified his mental calibre and came to a conclusion that some invisible power in heaven must be controlling all these changes and that invisible power was no other than God Almighty. Abraham’s mind became pregnant with the knowledge of Astronomy then he delivered this knowledge first to Egyptians and later to Greeks. This acquiring of knowledge of the heavenly bodies called him Father of western science. So God was with Abraham and guiding him at all stages.

According to scriptures the clan or the tribe of Abram used to migrate from one place to another like nomads before God taught him and gave some instructions to leave his native place once and for all and all his kith and kin in Ur, then to travel farther. God had a plan to make him great religiously and bless his family in future. Then in their long journey every place his family walked was sanctified and became holy. After they left Ur the first town they came across was “Haran”. This town was in between Tigris and Euphrates rivers in North Mesopotamia. To-day this Haran is in the region of modern Turkey and at present this Turkey became most important place for the worshippers of the “Sun” god; and also a hopeful destination for the citizens of Ur.

Terah, the father of Abraham died in Haran at the age of 205 Lot his brother’s son also followed him from Ur in his journey. The next place they walked in was Napata near Aleppo. They continued their travel and reached Shedem then Bethel which is in North of Jerusalem. After that they walked into the South west to Egypt, and back to the oaks of Mamri which is in Hebron, according to the Book of Genesis. As time went on the properly of both Abraham and Lot had increased and so they decided to leave separately and Lot preferred to stay in the city of Sodom which became notorious for immorality and wickedness.

Unfortunately, Sodom and Gomorah were attacked by the neighbouring kings and Lot was taken as a captive to their places. This news was brought to Abraham, by a man who escaped from the battlefield. He called him Abram the Hebrew and told him what had happened to his nephews. He immediately jumped into action with his most efficient 318 and killed most of them, and returned home with Lot and some property of the Kings. On the way, Abraham met the first high priest of the most high God Melchazidic at Salem (Jerusalem). Both felt happy for their meeting. Melchazidic served bread and wine to Abraham and presented his Sheperd stick that he used before he went to that place. Abraham was happy to receive that and in return he gave him tithe that he brought from the defeated kings.

After this incident, the custom of giving liths to God had been continued among the believers in all churches. Bringing Lot back, by fighting with powerful kings proved Abraham to be a great fighter. But the call from Almighty God for some noble purpose changed him completely. This call was actually prompted him to leave Ur the land of Chaldiens and fowned a new nation for his descendants in Canaan, which is in between Syria and Egypt. It is really wonderful to see all those countries Abraham trecked had different life at present. The countries Abraham passed through were Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Jordan before crossing and recrossing Israel the west Bank and the Senai. The migration of Abraham form Ur the land of Chaldiens in Misopotamea to Canaan the land of milk and honey really changed the history. Jews used to honour their heritage at the tombs of their patriarchs at Mechpelah. Hebron, where Sarah, Abraham, Issac and Jacob his son were buried God wanted Abraham to take up such tedious journey. So that, he would be blessed with many off springs and his seed inherit all the land he surveyed. Accordingly God blessed Abraham with countless descendants like that of stars in heaven. Then God made a covenant with Abraham by saying “if his people remain faithful like him, Canaan with modern Palestine would be their everlasting possessions” (Genesis 17.4-9). On this point both the Bible and the Koran agreed to certain extent.

The Bible and the Koran elevated the personality of Abraham and the promise of God at the age of 75 years. Along with that promise his name was also changed from Abram to Abraham which means “Father of many nations” God blessed Israel and his descendants were blessed like countless stars and many Arabic nations came into existence. And those nations were called today Arab world or Arab Muslims. In the same way God blessed Jacob the grandson of Abraham and his descendants beyond comprehension. After the death of Abraham two places became popular as tourist centers for Jews and Muslims. They were Beersheba well and the burial ground of Abraham at Mechpelah for 1000 years till the Temple of King Solomon in Jerusalem came into existence. Abraham bought that Mechpelah area for his family burial ground for 400 sheekes of silver from Arunah “a land owner”. The pilgrims from Jews and Muslims visited those two places regularly and they even quarrelled among themselves regarding the time of their visit. Finally that situation was averted when Solomon built God’s Temple in Jerusalem after 1000 years about 1057 BC. After this Temple appeared physically, the pilgrims stopped going to those places and began to visit Jerusalem because it became the holiest place for three faiths Jews, Christians and Muslims after Mecca and Medina.

There was a story that went on from mouth to mouth for generations regarding the burial ground of Mechpelah. As people talked about once a good number of pilgrims visited the burial ground, as usual, and while returning, one of them happened to forget his sword there. Then he went back to search for the sword, but to his surprize he saw Abraham was moving among the graves in white garments. As mentioned in Genesis 22.12-17. Abraham was the most faithful man that God admired and honoured him, saying “I know that thou fearest God seeing thou have not withheld thy son, thy only son from me”. As a result God honoured him with abundant blessings. So, those who have faith like Abraham are called the children of Abraham. He became a close friend of God by his righteousness. By his faith on God and His word, he moved from Ur the land of Chaldies to a strange place which God showed him. He wandered like a gypse from place to place till he reached his destination. He was only a listener of the word of God. When God commanded him to sacrifice his son Isaac, whom he got at the age of 99 years he simply obeyed His command and tried to sacrifice on the Mount Moriah. To-day we find a big golden dome on the spot where Abraham tried to slay his son, and that became a controversial issue for Jews and Muslims.

Having studied the wonderful character of the patriarch Abraham, what we can learn from his character and way of life. He won the favour of God only by his unbounded faith. So, without faith as believers it is impossible to please God and win His love to get our things done through prayer. Therefore, let us look at Abraham for all his noble qualities in order to follow his faithful life, and then by looking unto Jesus we can run the race to reach our eternal goal.

Abraham became famous with many extraordinary gifts and credits. With all his merits, he was called : Father of western scienceFather of western Religion Father of RighteousnessFather of unbounded Faith Father of CircumcisionFather of many nations HIS GENEALOGY

Noah and his wife Naamah. Their first son Shem and his wife Sindra Shem’s descendants were called Shemites or Shemitites.Then Terah and his wife Amedia, parents of Abraham were from Shemites tribe. Later they were called Semitic tribe. So Abraham belonged to Semitic tribe in Ur, the land of Chaldeins in Mesopotamia.

In conclusion I can say without doubt that there must be some more unique things about Abraham. If everything goes well I would like to collect some more new information from any source and that depends upon the availability because he occupied a very important place in the Bible in the Jewish history and in the Koran. Chapter : 12

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