9. Therefore, Jesus is God9. Therefore, Jesus is God

Copyright by Norman Geisler 2008Copyright by Norman Geisler 2008

OutlineOutline

I. The Argument for Miraculous Confirmation

II. The Nature of Miraculous Confirmation

III. The Challenge to Miraculous

Confirmation

I. The Argument for Miraculous Confirmation

II. The Nature of Miraculous Confirmation

III. The Challenge to Miraculous

Confirmation

OutlineOutline

I. The Argument for Miraculous ConfirmationI. The Argument for Miraculous Confirmation

Twelve Points that Show Christianity is True1. Truth about reality is knowable.2. The opposite of true is false.3. It is true that the theistic God exists.4. If God exists then miracles are possible.5. Miracles can be used to confirm a message from God.6. The New Testament is historically reliable.7. The New Testament says Jesus claimed to be God.8. Jesus’ claim to be God was miraculously confirmed by: a. His fulfillment of many prophecies about Himself; b. His sinless and miraculous life; c. His prediction and accomplishment of His resurrection9. Therefore, Jesus is God.

1. Truth about reality is knowable.2. The opposite of true is false.3. It is true that the theistic God exists.4. If God exists then miracles are possible.5. Miracles can be used to confirm a message from God.6. The New Testament is historically reliable.7. The New Testament says Jesus claimed to be God.8. Jesus’ claim to be God was miraculously confirmed by: a. His fulfillment of many prophecies about Himself; b. His sinless and miraculous life; c. His prediction and accomplishment of His resurrection9. Therefore, Jesus is God.

OutlineOutline

I. The Argument for Miraculous Confirmation

II. The Nature of Miraculous Confirmation

I. The Argument for Miraculous Confirmation

II. The Nature of Miraculous Confirmation

Criteria for Miraculous ConfirmationCriteria for Miraculous Confirmation

1. The events should be 1. The events should be immediate, not immediate, not gradual. gradual.

2. There should be 2. There should be multiple multiple miracles. miracles.

3. It should be 3. It should be connected with a truth connected with a truth claimclaim in the name of God. in the name of God.

4. They should be from 4. They should be from reliable sources.reliable sources.

[5. A predictive element[5. A predictive element adds to the adds to the credibility of a miraculous claim.] credibility of a miraculous claim.]

1. The events should be immediate1. The events should be immediate Matt. 8:3:Matt. 8:3: “Jesus stretched out his hand and “Jesus stretched out his hand and

touched him, saying, ‘I will; be clean.’ Andtouched him, saying, ‘I will; be clean.’ And immediatelyimmediately his leprosy was cleansed.” his leprosy was cleansed.”

Matt. 8:13:Matt. 8:13: “And to the centurion, Jesus said, ‘Go; “And to the centurion, Jesus said, ‘Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.’ And let it be done for you as you have believed.’ And the servant was healed at the servant was healed at that very momentthat very moment.”.”

Acts 3:6-7:Acts 3:6-7: “Peter said, ‘In the name of Jesus of “Peter said, ‘In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, rise up and walk!’ And he took him by Nazareth, rise up and walk!’ And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and the right hand and raised him up, and immediately immediately his feet and ankles were made his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and began to strong. And leaping up he stood and began to walk…” (see also Matt. 9:22; Mk. 1:31,42; Jn. 5;9).walk…” (see also Matt. 9:22; Mk. 1:31,42; Jn. 5;9).

Jesus’ Miracles Were ImmediateJesus’ Miracles Were Immediate

Note:Note: No Gradual Miracles in Bible No Gradual Miracles in Bible

1.1. There is one two stage miracle, but There is one two stage miracle, but each stage waseach stage was instantaneousinstantaneous (Mk. (Mk. 8:22-26).8:22-26).

2.2. The two stages were an audio-The two stages were an audio-visual illustration of Israel’s two visual illustration of Israel’s two stage enlightenment.stage enlightenment.

3.3. If it is gradual, it is not a miracle. If If it is gradual, it is not a miracle. If it is a miracle, it is not gradual.it is a miracle, it is not gradual.

2. There should be multiple miracles 2. There should be multiple miracles (which adds confirmation-Acts 1:3)(which adds confirmation-Acts 1:3)

a. There are some a. There are some 250 Miracles in the Bible. 250 Miracles in the Bible. b. Over b. Over 60 miracles are recorded in the 60 miracles are recorded in the

Gospels.Gospels. c. Many miracles were multiple healingsc. Many miracles were multiple healings Matt. 9:35:Matt. 9:35: “Jesus went throughout “Jesus went throughout all the all the

cities and villages…healing every cities and villages…healing every disease and every affliction.”disease and every affliction.”

Acts 28:9:Acts 28:9: “The rest of the people“The rest of the people on the on the island who had diseases also came and island who had diseases also came and were healed.”were healed.”

a. There are some a. There are some 250 Miracles in the Bible. 250 Miracles in the Bible. b. Over b. Over 60 miracles are recorded in the 60 miracles are recorded in the

Gospels.Gospels. c. Many miracles were multiple healingsc. Many miracles were multiple healings Matt. 9:35:Matt. 9:35: “Jesus went throughout “Jesus went throughout all the all the

cities and villages…healing every cities and villages…healing every disease and every affliction.”disease and every affliction.”

Acts 28:9:Acts 28:9: “The rest of the people“The rest of the people on the on the island who had diseases also came and island who had diseases also came and were healed.”were healed.”

Some of Jesus’ MiraclesSome of Jesus’ MiraclesTurning water into wineTurning water into wineWalking on waterWalking on waterTurning water to wineTurning water to wineMultiplying loavesMultiplying loavesHealing a man born blindHealing a man born blindRaising a decaying bodyRaising a decaying bodyResurrecting HimselfResurrecting Himself Healing Peter's mother-in-Healing Peter's mother-in-

lawlawHealing many illnessesHealing many illnessesHealing ten lepersHealing ten lepersHealing a paralyticHealing a paralytic

Healing a centurion’s Healing a centurion’s servant servant

Casting out demonsCasting out demons

Healing an infirmed womanHealing an infirmed woman

Healing a man with dropsyHealing a man with dropsy

Healing the two blind menHealing the two blind men

Withering the fig treeWithering the fig tree

Restoring a servant's earRestoring a servant's ear

Healing a Nobleman's sonHealing a Nobleman's son

Healing a withered hand Healing a withered hand

3. It should be connected to a truth 3. It should be connected to a truth claim in the name of Godclaim in the name of God..

Moses:Moses: “And Moses said, “And Moses said, ‘Hereby you ‘Hereby you shall know that the Lord has sent me….shall know that the Lord has sent me…. If the Lord creates something new, and If the Lord creates something new, and the ground opens its mouth and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs swallows them up with all that belongs to them…then you shall know that to them…then you shall know that these men have despised the Lord.’” these men have despised the Lord.’”

3. It should be connected to a 3. It should be connected to a truth claim in the name of God.truth claim in the name of God.

Elijah:Elijah: “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and Israel, let it be known this day that let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant…your servant… then fire of the Lord then fire of the Lord came down and consumed the burnt came down and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and stones and offering and the wood and stones and the dust, and licked up the water that the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench” (1Kgs.18:36-38).was in the trench” (1Kgs.18:36-38).

3. It should be connected to a 3. It should be connected to a truth claim in the name of God.truth claim in the name of God.

Jesus to Jewish Leaders:Jesus to Jewish Leaders: “‘That “‘That you may know that the Son of Man you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins’has power on earth to forgive sins’ said to the paralytic, ‘I say to you said to the paralytic, ‘I say to you arise take up your bed, and go arise take up your bed, and go your way to your house’” (Mark your way to your house’” (Mark 2:10-11). 2:10-11).

Jesus to John’s Disciples who ask if He was the Messeiah: “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: “the blind receive their sight and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear . . .’” (Mt. 11:3-4)

Confirming Apostles’ Message: “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first, began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles…” (Heb. 2:3-4).

Jesus to John’s Disciples who ask if He was the Messeiah: “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: “the blind receive their sight and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear . . .’” (Mt. 11:3-4)

Confirming Apostles’ Message: “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first, began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles…” (Heb. 2:3-4).

Confirming Jesus as Messiah: “Truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ [Messiah], the Son of God . . .” (Jn. 20:31).

Confirming Jesus as Messiah: “Truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ [Messiah], the Son of God . . .” (Jn. 20:31).

4. A predictive element adds to the 4. A predictive element adds to the credibility of a miraculous claim credibility of a miraculous claim

Jesus to Scribes:Jesus to Scribes: “None will be given it “None will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. except the sign of the prophet Jonah. Just as Jonah was three days and three Just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, nights in the belly of the great fish, even so even so the Son of Man will be three the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of days and three nights in the heart of the earth”the earth” (Matt. 12:38–39 cf. Jn. 2:19- (Matt. 12:38–39 cf. Jn. 2:19-22; Mt. 17:22).22; Mt. 17:22).

Moses promised supernatural judgments of God on Egypt (Ex. 4:21–23); that the rod of God Would bud (Num. 17:5); that Korah would be judged Num. 16:28–30).

ElijahElijah predicted predicted that fire would that fire would come from come from heaven and heaven and consume the consume the sacrifice he sacrifice he offered to God offered to God (1 Kgs. 18:22f.).(1 Kgs. 18:22f.).

Predictive Element of MiraclesPredictive Element of Miracles Isaiah said only God could make accurate

predictions long before the events occurred: “Even from the beginning I have declared it to you; before it came to pass I proclaimed it to you, lest you should say, ‘My idol has done them . . .’” (Isa. 48:5).

Isaiah even predicted “Cyrus” by name some 100 years before Cyrus was born:

“Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right had I have grasped, to subdue nations before him…” (Isa. 45:1).

Isaiah’s ministry: 700-690 B.C. Cyrus: c. 600-529 B.C.

Isaiah said only God could make accurate predictions long before the events occurred: “Even from the beginning I have declared it to you; before it came to pass I proclaimed it to you, lest you should say, ‘My idol has done them . . .’” (Isa. 48:5).

Isaiah even predicted “Cyrus” by name some 100 years before Cyrus was born:

“Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right had I have grasped, to subdue nations before him…” (Isa. 45:1).

Isaiah’s ministry: 700-690 B.C. Cyrus: c. 600-529 B.C.

Jesus predicted His resurrection: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Then John

adds, “But he was speaking about the temple of his body” (Jn. 2:19, 21).

“No sign will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Mt. 12:40).

“He [Jesus] said he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things…and be killed and on the third day be raised” (Matt.16:21).

“Tell no one the vision, until the Son of man be raised from the dead” (Mt. 17:9 cf. 17:22).

“Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He” (John 13:19).

Jesus predicted His resurrection: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Then John

adds, “But he was speaking about the temple of his body” (Jn. 2:19, 21).

“No sign will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Mt. 12:40).

“He [Jesus] said he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things…and be killed and on the third day be raised” (Matt.16:21).

“Tell no one the vision, until the Son of man be raised from the dead” (Mt. 17:9 cf. 17:22).

“Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He” (John 13:19).

The Unique Nature of Jesus’ MiraclesThe Unique Nature of Jesus’ Miracles1. Many were violation of natural laws.2. Many were of incurable diseases.3. One was of a decaying corpse.4. One was of a man born blind.5. Many were before large crowds.6. Some were predicted in advance.7. Even some professional magicians

admits that in their original context these could not be magical tricks.

1. Many were violation of natural laws.2. Many were of incurable diseases.3. One was of a decaying corpse.4. One was of a man born blind.5. Many were before large crowds.6. Some were predicted in advance.7. Even some professional magicians

admits that in their original context these could not be magical tricks.

OutlineOutlineI. The Argument for Miraculous Confirmation

II. The Nature of Miraculous Confirmation

III. The Challenge to Miraculous

Confirmation

A. Hume’s Challenge Stated

B. Other Religions Examined

I. The Argument for Miraculous Confirmation

II. The Nature of Miraculous Confirmation

III. The Challenge to Miraculous

Confirmation

A. Hume’s Challenge Stated

B. Other Religions Examined

OutlineOutlineI. The Argument for Miraculous Confirmation

II. The Nature of Miraculous Confirmation

III. The Challenge to Miraculous

Confirmation

A. Hume’s Challenge Stated

I. The Argument for Miraculous Confirmation

II. The Nature of Miraculous Confirmation

III. The Challenge to Miraculous

Confirmation

A. Hume’s Challenge Stated

A. Hume’s Challenge StatedA. Hume’s Challenge Stated “ “Every miracle, therefore, Every miracle, therefore,

pretended to have been wrought pretended to have been wrought in in any of these religions (and all of any of these religions (and all of

them abound in miracles), as its them abound in miracles), as its direct scope is to establish the direct scope is to establish the

particular system to which it is attributed; so particular system to which it is attributed; so has it the same force, though more indirectly, has it the same force, though more indirectly, to overthrow every other system. In to overthrow every other system. In destroying a rival system, it likewise destroying a rival system, it likewise destroys the credit of those miracles, on destroys the credit of those miracles, on which that system was established” (Hume, which that system was established” (Hume, EnquiryEnquiry, Section 10, Part 2)., Section 10, Part 2).

A. Hume’s Challenge Stated: Miracle Claims in Opposing Religions are Self-Canceling

1. Both Christian and Non-Christian 1. Both Christian and Non-Christian Religions use miracles to confirm their Religions use miracles to confirm their truth claims.truth claims.

2. But these religions have opposing 2. But these religions have opposing truth claims.truth claims.

3. Opposing claims cannot both be true.3. Opposing claims cannot both be true.

4. Hence, miracles can’t be used to 4. Hence, miracles can’t be used to confirm the truth of one religion over confirm the truth of one religion over others offering the same evidence.others offering the same evidence.

A. Hume’s Challenge Stated:A. Hume’s Challenge Stated: Miracle argument has a falseMiracle argument has a false premise in it—premise 1. premise in it—premise 1.

1.1. Both Christian and Non-Christian Both Christian and Non-Christian Religions use miracles to confirm their Religions use miracles to confirm their truth claims truth claims (=false. Non-Christians (=false. Non-Christians claims are based on claims are based on unverified unverified miracles).miracles).

2.2. But these religions have opposing But these religions have opposing truth claims.truth claims.

3. Opposing claims cannot both be true.3. Opposing claims cannot both be true.

4.4. Hence, miracles can’t be used to Hence, miracles can’t be used to confirm the truth of one religion over confirm the truth of one religion over another.another.

Note:Note: Hence, the conclusion does not Hence, the conclusion does not follow.follow.

Criteria for Miraculous ConfirmationCriteria for Miraculous Confirmation

1. The events should be 1. The events should be immediate, not immediate, not gradual. gradual.

2. There should be 2. There should be multiple multiple miracles. miracles. 3. It should be 3. It should be connected with a truth connected with a truth

claimclaim in the name of God. in the name of God. 4. They should be from reliable sources. 4. They should be from reliable sources. [5. A predictive element[5. A predictive element adds to the adds to the

credibility of a miraculous claim.] credibility of a miraculous claim.] Note:Note: Jesus’ miracles fulfill all these criteria. Jesus’ miracles fulfill all these criteria.

A. Hume’s Challenge Restated:A. Hume’s Challenge Restated: Christianity alone has miraculous Christianity alone has miraculous evidence of its truth claims.evidence of its truth claims.

1. Christianity 1. Christianity alone alone has a miraculous has a miraculous confirmation of its truth claims.confirmation of its truth claims.

2. Other religions have opposing truth 2. Other religions have opposing truth claims.claims.

3. Opposing claims cannot both be true.3. Opposing claims cannot both be true.

4.4. Hence, Christianity Hence, Christianity alone alone has has miraculous confirmation of its truth miraculous confirmation of its truth claims (and all opposing claims are claims (and all opposing claims are false). false).

OutlineOutlineI. The Argument for Miraculous Confirmation

II. The Nature of Miraculous Confirmation

III. The Challenge to Miraculous

Confirmation

A. Hume’s Challenge Stated

B. Other Religions Examined

I. The Argument for Miraculous Confirmation

II. The Nature of Miraculous Confirmation

III. The Challenge to Miraculous

Confirmation

A. Hume’s Challenge Stated

B. Other Religions Examined

B. Other Religions ExaminedB. Other Religions Examined

1. Miracles Claims in Judaism.

2. Miracle Claims about Buddha.

3. Miracle Claims about Hare Krishna.

4. Miracle Claims for Apollonius of Tyana (d. A.D. 98)

5. Miracle Claims for Muhammad.

1. Miracles Claims in Judaism.

2. Miracle Claims about Buddha.

3. Miracle Claims about Hare Krishna.

4. Miracle Claims for Apollonius of Tyana (d. A.D. 98)

5. Miracle Claims for Muhammad.

1. Miracle 1. Miracle claims inclaims inJudaismJudaism

1. Miracle Claims in Judaism1. Miracle Claims in Judaism

• Biblical Judaism: There is no conflict between the claims of biblical Judaism and Christianity since Christianity is a fulfillment of the predictions of biblical Judaism about the Messiah.

• Post-Biblical Judaism: There is a , direct conflict with Christianity since they reject Jesus as their Messiah and Christianity accepts Him.

• Biblical Judaism: There is no conflict between the claims of biblical Judaism and Christianity since Christianity is a fulfillment of the predictions of biblical Judaism about the Messiah.

• Post-Biblical Judaism: There is a , direct conflict with Christianity since they reject Jesus as their Messiah and Christianity accepts Him.

1. Miracle Claims in Judaism1. Miracle Claims in Judaism• Post-Biblical Judaism: There are no miracles

to support their claim that Jesus is not the Messiah.

• There is no widely recognized central figure in post-biblical Judaism who claimed to be the Messiah and had verified miracles to support this claim.

• There have been, of course, many Messianic pretenders (see Acts 5:36-37), but none provided miracles nor gained a wide acceptance in Judaism.

• Post-Biblical Judaism: There are no miracles to support their claim that Jesus is not the Messiah.

• There is no widely recognized central figure in post-biblical Judaism who claimed to be the Messiah and had verified miracles to support this claim.

• There have been, of course, many Messianic pretenders (see Acts 5:36-37), but none provided miracles nor gained a wide acceptance in Judaism.

1. Miracles claims in Judaism1. Miracles claims in Judaism Josephus records a miracle in the Jewish

War (written A.D. 75-79) alleged to happened only ten to fifteen years earlier (c. A.D. 66) in which it was as bright as noon at 3 A.M. and “a cow gave birth to a lamb.” Josephus added, “I would have dismissed it as an invention, had it not been vouched for by eyewitnesses, and followed by disasters that bore out the signs.”

Josephus records a miracle in the Jewish War (written A.D. 75-79) alleged to happened only ten to fifteen years earlier (c. A.D. 66) in which it was as bright as noon at 3 A.M. and “a cow gave birth to a lamb.” Josephus added, “I would have dismissed it as an invention, had it not been vouched for by eyewitnesses, and followed by disasters that bore out the signs.”

1. Miracle Claims in Judaism1. Miracle Claims in Judaism However, unlike Biblical Miracles:

1. This story is based on hearsay evidence which is unreliable.

2. There is no confirmation of Josephus’ story from another reliable source.

3. There was no Messianic truth claim connected with it.

4. Unlike a virgin birth of a human from a human being, this story is contrary to God’s ordained way that each thing multiplies “after its kind” (Gen. 1:24).

However, unlike Biblical Miracles:

1. This story is based on hearsay evidence which is unreliable.

2. There is no confirmation of Josephus’ story from another reliable source.

3. There was no Messianic truth claim connected with it.

4. Unlike a virgin birth of a human from a human being, this story is contrary to God’s ordained way that each thing multiplies “after its kind” (Gen. 1:24).

2. Miraculous Claims about Buddha

2. Miracle Claims about Buddha 2. Miracle Claims about Buddha There are claims of Buddha performing miracles,

but they show the signs of being legend for several reasons:

a. They are not contemporary accounts but later additions.

b. Buddhism is a non-theistic religion, which by its very nature does not allow for supernatural acts since it denies a supernatural God.

c. They do not have a predictive element associated with them.

d. They are not connected with any truth claim to be a prophet of God.

There are claims of Buddha performing miracles, but they show the signs of being legend for several reasons:

a. They are not contemporary accounts but later additions.

b. Buddhism is a non-theistic religion, which by its very nature does not allow for supernatural acts since it denies a supernatural God.

c. They do not have a predictive element associated with them.

d. They are not connected with any truth claim to be a prophet of God.

Miracles Contrary to Buddhism “ “But what could be more absurd But what could be more absurd than that he who came to teach than that he who came to teach us that Nature is an illusion from us that Nature is an illusion from which we must escape should which we must escape should occupy himself in producing occupy himself in producing effects on the Natural level—that effects on the Natural level—that he who comes to wake us from a he who comes to wake us from a nightmare should nightmare should addadd to the to the nightmare? The more we respect nightmare? The more we respect his teaching the less we could his teaching the less we could accept his miracles” (Lewis, accept his miracles” (Lewis, Miracles, 138).Miracles, 138).

C. S. LewisC. S. Lewis

3. Miracle Claims about Krishna3. Miracle Claims about Krishna

One form of Hinduism, called Hare Krishna, claims that Krishna was a supernatural incarnation of God.

One form of Hinduism, called Hare Krishna, claims that Krishna was a supernatural incarnation of God.

Response: 1. Krishna did not claim to be an incarnation of the

true (theistic) God—but of a pantheistic God.2. There are no contemporary accounts of multiple

miracles Krishna performed to support any such claim.

3. There were no specific and multiple long-range prophecies which he fulfilled.

4. Krishna did not live a sinless life. 5. Krishna did not predict and accomplish his

physical resurrection from the dead, as Jesus did.

Response: 1. Krishna did not claim to be an incarnation of the

true (theistic) God—but of a pantheistic God.2. There are no contemporary accounts of multiple

miracles Krishna performed to support any such claim.

3. There were no specific and multiple long-range prophecies which he fulfilled.

4. Krishna did not live a sinless life. 5. Krishna did not predict and accomplish his

physical resurrection from the dead, as Jesus did.

4. Miracle Claims about Apollonius of Tyana (d. A.D. 98) 4. Miracle Claims about Apollonius of Tyana (d. A.D. 98) It is held by some that

Apollonius claimed to be the Son of God and had the ability to do miracles to support his claim.

Philostratus, in the Life of Apollonius, records post-death miracle stories, including appearances and deification (apotheosis).

It is held by some that Apollonius claimed to

be the Son of God and had the ability to do miracles to support his claim.

Philostratus, in the Life of Apollonius, records post-death miracle stories, including appearances and deification (apotheosis).

But these Claims are Legends But these Claims are Legends 1. The biography by Philostratus is the only source of

the life of Apollonius, and it ends with his death, not resurrection (as Jesus’ biographies do).

2. There is nothing supernatural in the Apollonius biography, either as to claims of deity or miracles done to prove such a claim.

3. The post-death miracle stories are not part of his biography. They are simply called “stories” [legends] by his biographer Philostratus.

4. Damis, the alleged source for these stories, is most likely a nonexistent person used as a literary device.

1. The biography by Philostratus is the only source of the life of Apollonius, and it ends with his death, not resurrection (as Jesus’ biographies do).

2. There is nothing supernatural in the Apollonius biography, either as to claims of deity or miracles done to prove such a claim.

3. The post-death miracle stories are not part of his biography. They are simply called “stories” [legends] by his biographer Philostratus.

4. Damis, the alleged source for these stories, is most likely a nonexistent person used as a literary device.

5. The style of writing used by Philostratus was a popular literary form of the day called “romance” or “romance fiction.” It is not to be taken as literally or historically true.

6. Philostratus was not an eyewitness but was commissioned to compose his book by Julia Domna, wife of the Roman emperor Septimus some 120 years after Apollonius’s death.

7. A possible motive for the publication of Philostratus’ work was a desire to counteract the growing influence of Jesus.

8. The miracle stories about Apollonius are contradictory. Some say he died in Ephesus, others in Lindus or Crete, and then appeared later.

5. The style of writing used by Philostratus was a popular literary form of the day called “romance” or “romance fiction.” It is not to be taken as literally or historically true.

6. Philostratus was not an eyewitness but was commissioned to compose his book by Julia Domna, wife of the Roman emperor Septimus some 120 years after Apollonius’s death.

7. A possible motive for the publication of Philostratus’ work was a desire to counteract the growing influence of Jesus.

8. The miracle stories about Apollonius are contradictory. Some say he died in Ephesus, others in Lindus or Crete, and then appeared later.

4. The Miracle Claims for Muhammad

1) Alleged miracles in the

Qur’an

2) Alleged predictions in the

Qur’an

3) Alleged miracles in the

Hadith

4) Alleged miraculous nature

of the Qur’an.

1. Alleged miracles in the Qur’an1. Alleged miracles in the Qur’an The General Claim:The General Claim: Muslims use Sura 6:35 to show Muslims use Sura 6:35 to show

that Muhammad could do miracles. It reads, “that Muhammad could do miracles. It reads, “IfIf their their spurning is hard on thy mind, yet spurning is hard on thy mind, yet ifif thou wert able to thou wert able to seek a tunnel in the ground or a ladder to the skies seek a tunnel in the ground or a ladder to the skies And bring them a Sign,—(What good?).”And bring them a Sign,—(What good?).”

Response:Response: 1) It is hypothetical—“ 1) It is hypothetical—“IfIf Thou wert able. . . Thou wert able. . . . ” It does not say he was able. 2) It implies that he . ” It does not say he was able. 2) It implies that he could not. Otherwise, why did the charge say it was could not. Otherwise, why did the charge say it was “hard on thy [his] mind.” 3) Also, why offer the “hard on thy [his] mind.” 3) Also, why offer the Qur’an as a miracle, if he could do miracles of Qur’an as a miracle, if he could do miracles of nature, as Jesus did. 4) Also, why did Muhammad nature, as Jesus did. 4) Also, why did Muhammad refuse to do miracles when challenged to do so refuse to do miracles when challenged to do so (Sura (Sura 3:181–84). .

a. The Alleged Splitting of the Moona. The Alleged Splitting of the Moon

The Claim: The Claim: Sura 54:1–2 readsSura 54:1–2 reads:: “The “The Hour (of Judgment) Is nigh, and the Hour (of Judgment) Is nigh, and the moon Is cleft asunder. But if they see A moon Is cleft asunder. But if they see A Sign, they turn away, And say, ‘This is Sign, they turn away, And say, ‘This is (But) transient magic.’” (But) transient magic.’”

Response: 1) Muhammad is not mentioned in this passage. 2) The Qur’an does not actually call this a miracle

(mudjiza), using only the word sign (ayah). 3) If it were a miracle, it would contradict other

passages that claim Muhammad did not perform feats of nature like this (3:181–84).

4) A sign like this would have been universally observed throughout the world, but there is no evidence that it was.

5) Even some Muslim scholars say this is about the resurrection of the last days, not a miracle during Muhammad’s day. The phrase “the Hour (of Judgment)” refers to the end times.

Response: 1) Muhammad is not mentioned in this passage. 2) The Qur’an does not actually call this a miracle

(mudjiza), using only the word sign (ayah). 3) If it were a miracle, it would contradict other

passages that claim Muhammad did not perform feats of nature like this (3:181–84).

4) A sign like this would have been universally observed throughout the world, but there is no evidence that it was.

5) Even some Muslim scholars say this is about the resurrection of the last days, not a miracle during Muhammad’s day. The phrase “the Hour (of Judgment)” refers to the end times.

The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem:Site of Muhammad’s Alleged Ascension into Heaven

b. Alleged Ascension into Heavenb. Alleged Ascension into Heaven The Claim: This Isra story or “night journey” is allegedly

about Muhammad being transported to Jerusalem. Sura 17:1 reads: “Glory to (God) who did take His Servant For a Journey by night from the sacred Mosque To the Farthest Mosque, Whose precincts We did Bless,—in order that We might show him some of Our Signs.”

Response: 1) Even many Muslim scholars do not take this literally. Qur’an translator Yusuf Ali says “It opens with the mystic Vision of the Ascension of the Holy Prophet.” 2) According an early Islamic tradition, Muhammad’s wife, A’isha, reported that “the apostle’s body remained where it was but God removed his spirit by night.” 3) Even taken literally it lacks testability and has no apologetic value. 3) It does not meet the Muslim test for a true miracle (see below).

The Claim: This Isra story or “night journey” is allegedly about Muhammad being transported to Jerusalem. Sura 17:1 reads: “Glory to (God) who did take His Servant For a Journey by night from the sacred Mosque To the Farthest Mosque, Whose precincts We did Bless,—in order that We might show him some of Our Signs.”

Response: 1) Even many Muslim scholars do not take this literally. Qur’an translator Yusuf Ali says “It opens with the mystic Vision of the Ascension of the Holy Prophet.” 2) According an early Islamic tradition, Muhammad’s wife, A’isha, reported that “the apostle’s body remained where it was but God removed his spirit by night.” 3) Even taken literally it lacks testability and has no apologetic value. 3) It does not meet the Muslim test for a true miracle (see below).

c. Alleged Supernatural Victoryc. Alleged Supernatural Victory The Claim: Of the victory at Badr we read in

Sura 5:12, “O ye who believe! Call in remembrance The favour of God unto you when Certain men formed the design to stretch out their hands against you, But (God) held back their hands from you: So fear God” (cf. Suras 3 and 8).

According to Islamic tradition, the miracle involved God sending three thousand angels to help in the battle and the miraculous rescue of Muhammad just before a Meccan was going to kill him with a sword.

The Claim: Of the victory at Badr we read in Sura 5:12, “O ye who believe! Call in remembrance The favour of God unto you when Certain men formed the design to stretch out their hands against you, But (God) held back their hands from you: So fear God” (cf. Suras 3 and 8).

According to Islamic tradition, the miracle involved God sending three thousand angels to help in the battle and the miraculous rescue of Muhammad just before a Meccan was going to kill him with a sword.

Response: 1. Many Muslim scholars believe Sura 8 is speaking of

another event and is to be taken figuratively as God casting fear into the heart of Muhammad’s enemy.

2. Sura 5 is taken by some to refer to another event, possibly to the attempted assassination of Muhammad at Usfan.

3. Only Sura 3 mentioned Badr, and it says nothing about it being a miracle.

4. Certainly, it does not speak of a miracle that confirms Muhammad’s prophetic credentials.

5. If a military victory confirms his prophethood was the military defeat at Uhud a sign he was not a prophet (They “pulled out two links of chain from Muhammad’s wound, and two of his front teeth fell off in the process”).

Response: 1. Many Muslim scholars believe Sura 8 is speaking of

another event and is to be taken figuratively as God casting fear into the heart of Muhammad’s enemy.

2. Sura 5 is taken by some to refer to another event, possibly to the attempted assassination of Muhammad at Usfan.

3. Only Sura 3 mentioned Badr, and it says nothing about it being a miracle.

4. Certainly, it does not speak of a miracle that confirms Muhammad’s prophetic credentials.

5. If a military victory confirms his prophethood was the military defeat at Uhud a sign he was not a prophet (They “pulled out two links of chain from Muhammad’s wound, and two of his front teeth fell off in the process”).

6. The Israeli six-day war in 1967 was one of the quickest and most decisive battles in the annals of modern warfare.

Yet no Muslim would consider it a miraculous sign of the divine approval of Israel over Islam.

6. The Israeli six-day war in 1967 was one of the quickest and most decisive battles in the annals of modern warfare.

Yet no Muslim would consider it a miraculous sign of the divine approval of Israel over Islam.

Was the Israeli Six-Day War a Miracle?Was the Israeli Six-Day War a Miracle?

d. Alleged Splitting of Muhammad’s Chest

d. Alleged Splitting of Muhammad’s Chest

The Claim: Islamic tradition claims that at Muhammad’s birth (or just before his ascension), Gabriel cut open Muhammad’s chest, removed and cleansed his heart, then filled it with wisdom, and placed it back in the prophet’s chest. Sura 94:1–2, 8, which reads, “Have We not expanded thee thy breast?—And removed from thee Thy burden . . . and to thy Lord turn (all) thy attention.”

The Claim: Islamic tradition claims that at Muhammad’s birth (or just before his ascension), Gabriel cut open Muhammad’s chest, removed and cleansed his heart, then filled it with wisdom, and placed it back in the prophet’s chest. Sura 94:1–2, 8, which reads, “Have We not expanded thee thy breast?—And removed from thee Thy burden . . . and to thy Lord turn (all) thy attention.”

Response: However, even most conservative Islamic scholars take this passage as a figure of speech describing the great anxiety Muhammad experienced in his early years at Mecca.

The Qur’anic commentator Yusuf Ali said, “The breast is symbolically the seat of knowledge and of the highest feeling of love and affection.”

Response: However, even most conservative Islamic scholars take this passage as a figure of speech describing the great anxiety Muhammad experienced in his early years at Mecca.

The Qur’anic commentator Yusuf Ali said, “The breast is symbolically the seat of knowledge and of the highest feeling of love and affection.”

e. Alleged Supernatural Predictions e. Alleged Supernatural Predictions

The Prediction of Roman Victory: The Qur’an supposedly predicted the Roman victory over the Persian army at Issus. Sura 30:2–4 reads: “The Roman Empire Has been defeated—In a land close by: But they, (even) after (This) defeat of theirs, Will soon be victorious—within a few years.”

The Prediction of Roman Victory: The Qur’an supposedly predicted the Roman victory over the Persian army at Issus. Sura 30:2–4 reads: “The Roman Empire Has been defeated—In a land close by: But they, (even) after (This) defeat of theirs, Will soon be victorious—within a few years.”

Response: 1. Ali says, “a few years” means three to

nine years, but some argue that the real victory did not come until thirteen or fourteen years after the prophecy.

2. The defeat of the Romans by the Persians in the capture of Jerusalem took place about A.D. 614 or 615. The counter offensive did not begin until A.D. 622, and the victory was not complete until A.D. 625. This would be 10 or 11 years, not “a few” spoken by Muhammad.

Response: 1. Ali says, “a few years” means three to

nine years, but some argue that the real victory did not come until thirteen or fourteen years after the prophecy.

2. The defeat of the Romans by the Persians in the capture of Jerusalem took place about A.D. 614 or 615. The counter offensive did not begin until A.D. 622, and the victory was not complete until A.D. 625. This would be 10 or 11 years, not “a few” spoken by Muhammad.

3. Uthman’s edition of the Qur’an had no vowel points (they were added much later). Hence, in this “prophecy” the word sayaghlibuna, “they shall defeat,” could have been rendered, with the change of two vowels, sayughlabuna, “they shall be defeated” (e.g., came and come).

4. Even so, the prophecy is less than spectacular since it is not that unusual. One would have expected the defeated Romans to bounce back in victory.

5. It took little more than a perceptive reading of the trends of the time to forecast such an event. At best, it could have been a good guess.

6. There are no repeated long-range predictions in the Qur’an such as the Bible has.

3. Uthman’s edition of the Qur’an had no vowel points (they were added much later). Hence, in this “prophecy” the word sayaghlibuna, “they shall defeat,” could have been rendered, with the change of two vowels, sayughlabuna, “they shall be defeated” (e.g., came and come).

4. Even so, the prophecy is less than spectacular since it is not that unusual. One would have expected the defeated Romans to bounce back in victory.

5. It took little more than a perceptive reading of the trends of the time to forecast such an event. At best, it could have been a good guess.

6. There are no repeated long-range predictions in the Qur’an such as the Bible has.

e. Alleged Supernatural Predictions e. Alleged Supernatural Predictions The Claim About Ten Year Persecution:

Sura 89:2 says: “By the Nights twice five” which is taken by some to be a prediction of the ten years of persecution early Muslims experienced.

Response: This is a far-fetched interpretation since even the great translator of the Qur’an, Abdullah Yusuf Ali, admitted that “by the Ten Nights are usually understood the first ten nights of Zul-Hajj, the sacred season of Pilgrimage.”

The Claim About Ten Year Persecution: Sura 89:2 says: “By the Nights twice five” which is taken by some to be a prediction of the ten years of persecution early Muslims experienced.

Response: This is a far-fetched interpretation since even the great translator of the Qur’an, Abdullah Yusuf Ali, admitted that “by the Ten Nights are usually understood the first ten nights of Zul-Hajj, the sacred season of Pilgrimage.”

2. So-Called Miracles” in the Hadith2. So-Called Miracles” in the Hadith

Most miracle claims for Muhammad are not based in the Qur’an. They occur in the Hadith (later traditions).

Most miracle claims for Muhammad are not based in the Qur’an. They occur in the Hadith (later traditions).

2. So-Called “Miracles” in the Hadith2. So-Called “Miracles” in the Hadith The Claim: There are numerous miracles stories in

the Hadith (Traditions), including: 1. Providing water for 10,000 troops. 2. Turning water into milk. 3. Trees, wolves, and Mts. saluting Muhammad.

4. Feeding a thousand men with one woman’s small meal.

5. Cursing an enemy whose horse then sank up to its stomach in hard ground

6. Turning the branch into a steel sword. 7. Healing of the broken leg of a companion.

The Claim: There are numerous miracles stories in the Hadith (Traditions), including:

1. Providing water for 10,000 troops. 2. Turning water into milk. 3. Trees, wolves, and Mts. saluting Muhammad.

4. Feeding a thousand men with one woman’s small meal.

5. Cursing an enemy whose horse then sank up to its stomach in hard ground

6. Turning the branch into a steel sword. 7. Healing of the broken leg of a companion.

Response: 1. None of these are contemporary accounts, and most are one

to two hundred years after the time of the events.

2. The most reliable collector, Bukhari, admitted that of the 300,000 strories in he Hadith less than 10,000 might be true. That’s over 290,000 that are admitted to be false!

3. There in no agreement among Muslims as to which ones are true. There is no one canon of authenticity for them accepted by all Muslims.

4. They follow the same pattern as the apocryphal miracles of Christ from a century or two after His death, they are legendary embellishments.

Response: 1. None of these are contemporary accounts, and most are one

to two hundred years after the time of the events.

2. The most reliable collector, Bukhari, admitted that of the 300,000 strories in he Hadith less than 10,000 might be true. That’s over 290,000 that are admitted to be false!

3. There in no agreement among Muslims as to which ones are true. There is no one canon of authenticity for them accepted by all Muslims.

4. They follow the same pattern as the apocryphal miracles of Christ from a century or two after His death, they are legendary embellishments.

6. These stories only appeared after Christian apologist 6. These stories only appeared after Christian apologist pointed out the superiority of Christianity because of pointed out the superiority of Christianity because of its miraculous confirmation.its miraculous confirmation.

7. Many of them bear an amazing but embellished 7. Many of them bear an amazing but embellished resemblance to miracles of Jesus found in the Gospels. resemblance to miracles of Jesus found in the Gospels.

8.8. They are all contrary to Qur’an where Muhammad They are all contrary to Qur’an where Muhammad repeatedly refused to do miracles (3:181–84; 4:153; repeatedly refused to do miracles (3:181–84; 4:153; 6:8–9). 6:8–9).

9. Even Yusuf Ali, admitted that Muhammad did not 9. Even Yusuf Ali, admitted that Muhammad did not perform any miracle “in the sense of a reversing of perform any miracle “in the sense of a reversing of Nature.” Nature.”

10. None of them fit the nine Muslim criteria for a miracle 10. None of them fit the nine Muslim criteria for a miracle that can confirm a prophet’s claim (see that can confirm a prophet’s claim (see “mudjiza”“mudjiza” in in The Encyclopedia of IslamThe Encyclopedia of Islam). ).

Nine Muslim Criteria for a true Miracle Nine Muslim Criteria for a true Miracle

1. It is an act of God that can’t be done by any creature.2. It is contrary to the customary course of things. 3. It is aimed at proving the authenticity of that

prophet.4. It proceeds in the exact manner announced.5. It occurs only through the hands of a prophet.6. In no way disavows Muhammad’s prophetic claim.7. It is accompanied by a challenge to reduplicate it.8. It is announced in advance. 9. It cannot be duplicated by anyone present. Note: None of the Hadith stories even come close to

meeting all these criteria!

1. It is an act of God that can’t be done by any creature.2. It is contrary to the customary course of things. 3. It is aimed at proving the authenticity of that

prophet.4. It proceeds in the exact manner announced.5. It occurs only through the hands of a prophet.6. In no way disavows Muhammad’s prophetic claim.7. It is accompanied by a challenge to reduplicate it.8. It is announced in advance. 9. It cannot be duplicated by anyone present. Note: None of the Hadith stories even come close to

meeting all these criteria!

4. The So-Called Miracle of the Qur’an4. The So-Called Miracle of the Qur’an

The Claim:The Claim: Many Muslims claim that the Qur’an Many Muslims claim that the Qur’an

is Muhammad’s miracle. They insist that an is Muhammad’s miracle. They insist that an

uneducated persons like Muhammad uneducated persons like Muhammad

could not have produces a book could not have produces a book

with such literary excellence.with such literary excellence.

4. So-Called Miracle of the Qur’an 4. So-Called Miracle of the Qur’an

The Claim: Many Muslims claim that the Qur’an is Muhammad’s miracle. They insist that an uneducated person (Sura 7:157) like Muhammad could not have produces such an eloquent piece of literature.

The Claim: Many Muslims claim that the Qur’an is Muhammad’s miracle. They insist that an uneducated person (Sura 7:157) like Muhammad could not have produces such an eloquent piece of literature.

Response: 1. A literary masterpiece is not a miracle. No laws of nature are

suspended to produce one.2. Muhammad did not write the Qur’an. It was written down by

others, and edited by the third Caliph, Uthman after Muhammad’s death.

3. Some critics have shown that it is not a literary masterpiece but contains numerous grammatical errors (Ali Dashti, Twenty Three Years).

4. Formally uneducated persons sometimes have great gifts of eloquence.

5. Beauty is not a test for truth. Error can be beautifully expressed, and truth can be put in an ugly form.

6. If literary beauty is a test for divine origin, then Shakespear and Homer’s works are divinely inspired as well (which Muslims deny).

Response: 1. A literary masterpiece is not a miracle. No laws of nature are

suspended to produce one.2. Muhammad did not write the Qur’an. It was written down by

others, and edited by the third Caliph, Uthman after Muhammad’s death.

3. Some critics have shown that it is not a literary masterpiece but contains numerous grammatical errors (Ali Dashti, Twenty Three Years).

4. Formally uneducated persons sometimes have great gifts of eloquence.

5. Beauty is not a test for truth. Error can be beautifully expressed, and truth can be put in an ugly form.

6. If literary beauty is a test for divine origin, then Shakespear and Homer’s works are divinely inspired as well (which Muslims deny).

Many MuslimsFor More Detail:For More Detail:

Sold 20,000 in 8 wksSold 20,000 in 8 wks

Converted MuslimConverted Muslim

ComprehensiveComprehensive

DocumentedDocumented

OrganizedOrganized

UpdatedUpdated

ConclusionsConclusions1. Of all the world’s great religion, Christianity alone

meets the criteria necessary to establish miraculous confirmation of its truth claims.

2. Christ is the only great world religious leader for whom we have reliable, contemporary documents of His teachings and miracles.

3. Christ is the only one of them who claimed to be God.

4. Christ is the only one who provided reliably established miracles to confirm His truth claims.

5. Hence, Christ alone has been confirmed to be God in human flesh.

1. Of all the world’s great religion, Christianity alone meets the criteria necessary to establish miraculous confirmation of its truth claims.

2. Christ is the only great world religious leader for whom we have reliable, contemporary documents of His teachings and miracles.

3. Christ is the only one of them who claimed to be God.

4. Christ is the only one who provided reliably established miracles to confirm His truth claims.

5. Hence, Christ alone has been confirmed to be God in human flesh.