“this is a great mystery.... concerning christ....” “this is a great mystery.... concerning...

““This is a great This is a great mystery....mystery....

concerning Christ....”concerning Christ....” (Bible: St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians 5:32)

You may use left and right arrows to advance or reverse the slides (or sections of slides) However, some slide will automatically advance after a few seconds.

You can also FILE / SAVE on your computer for viewing offline later.

Compiled and edited by [email protected] [emphases are his]

The “Word” of GodThe “Word” of God"God is My witness, O people! I am come to you with a Revelation

from the Lord, your God, the Lord of your fathers of old. Look not, O people, at the things ye possess. Look rather at the things God

hath sent down unto you. This, surely, will be better for you than the whole of creation, could ye but perceive it. Repeat the gaze, O

people, and consider the testimony of God and His proof which are and His proof which are in your possessionin your possession, and compare them unto the Revelation sent down

unto you in this Day, that the truth, the infallible truth, may be indubitably manifested unto you. Follow not, O people, the steps of the Evil One; follow ye the Faith of the All-Merciful, and be ye of

them that truly believe. What would it profit man, if he were to fail to recognize the Revelation of God? Nothing whatever. To this Mine own Self, the Omnipotent, the Omniscient, the All-Wise, will testify...

If thou deniest Me, by what proof canst thou vindicate the truth of that which thou dost possess?” – Baha’u’llah

The “Word” of GodThe “Word” of God“Magnified be Thy name, O Lord my God! Thou

art He Whom all things worship and Who worshipeth no one, Who is the Lord of all things

and is the vassal of none, Who knoweth all things and is known of none.

Thou didst wish to make Thyself known unto men; therefore, Thou didst, through a word of Thy mouththrough a word of Thy mouth, bring creation into being and fashion the universe. There is none other God except Thee, the Fashioner, the

Creator, the Almighty, the Most Powerful.”(Taken from Prayers and Meditations, by Baha'u'llah, p. 6)

The “Word” of GodThe “Word” of God“In the beginning was the Word….

All things were made by himwere made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:1)

““We have made thee the manifestation of grace We have made thee the manifestation of grace betwixtbetwixt earth and heavenearth and heaven. From thee have We . From thee have We generatedgenerated all grace all grace in the contingent world, and unto thee shall We cause it to in the contingent world, and unto thee shall We cause it to return.return. And from thee shall We manifest it again, through

a word of Our command. Potent am I to accomplish whatsoever I desire through My word "Be", and it is!My word "Be", and it is! Every grace that appeareth in the world of being hath originated from thee, and unto thee shall it returnunto thee shall it return . . .”

(Baha'u'llah, “The Summons of the Lord of Hosts,” p. 23)

<><><><><><>

““A Cause which all the governments and peoples of the A Cause which all the governments and peoples of the world, with all their powers and armies, cannot world, with all their powers and armies, cannot

promulgate and spread, one Holy Soul can promote promulgate and spread, one Holy Soul can promote without help or support! Can this be done by human without help or support! Can this be done by human power? No, in the name of God! For example, power? No, in the name of God! For example, Christ, Christ, alone and solitaryalone and solitary, upraised the standard of peace and , upraised the standard of peace and

righteousness, a work which all the victorious righteousness, a work which all the victorious governments with all their hosts are unable to governments with all their hosts are unable to

accomplish.”accomplish.”

(Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 10)

One Soul… lowly & aloneOne Soul… lowly & alone

God’s method is to test hearts for sincerityGod’s method is to test hearts for sincerity“Consider those who rejected the Spirit when He came unto them with manifest dominion. How numerous the Pharisees who had

secluded themselves in synagogues in His name, lamenting over their separation from Him, and yet when the portals of reunion were flung open and the divine Luminary shone resplendent from the Dayspring

of Beauty, they disbelieved in God, the Exalted, the Mighty. They failed to attain His presence, notwithstanding that His advent had

been promised them in the Book of Isaiah as well as in the Books of the Prophets and the Messengers. No one from among them turned No one from among them turned

his face towards the Dayspring of divine bounty except such as his face towards the Dayspring of divine bounty except such as were destitute of any power amongst men.were destitute of any power amongst men.

And yet, today, every man endowed with power and invested with sovereignty prideth himself on His Name.

Moreover, call thou to mind the one who sentenced Jesus to death. He was the most learned of his age in his own country, whilst he who was only a fisherman believed in Him.

Take good heed and be of them that observe the warningTake good heed and be of them that observe the warning.“-- Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p.9-10

Baha’i relationship to ChristianityBaha’i relationship to Christianity“As to the position of Christianity, let it be stated without any

hesitation or equivocation, that its divine origin is unconditionally acknowledged, that the Sonship and Divinity of Jesus Christ are Sonship and Divinity of Jesus Christ are fearlessly assertedfearlessly asserted, that the divine inspiration of the Gospel is divine inspiration of the Gospel is

fully recognizedfully recognized, that the reality of the mystery of the Immaculacy of the Virgin Mary is confessedVirgin Mary is confessed, and the primacy of Peterprimacy of Peter, the

prince of the Apostles, is upheld and defended. The Founder of the Christian Faith is designated by Bahá'u'lláh as the 'Spirit of God,''Spirit of God,' is

proclaimed as the One Who 'appeared out of the breath of the 'appeared out of the breath of the Holy Ghost,'Holy Ghost,' and is even extolled as the 'Essence of the Spirit.' His

mother is described as 'that veiled and immortal, that most beauteous, countenance,' and the station of her Son eulogized as the

'station which hath been exalted above the imaginings of all that dwell on earth,' whilst Peter is recognized as one whom God has Peter is recognized as one whom God has caused 'the mysteries of wisdom and of utterance to flow out of caused 'the mysteries of wisdom and of utterance to flow out of his mouth.’”his mouth.’” (Shoghi Effendi, Promised Day is Come, pp. 109-10)

The Holy Spirit made Christ The Holy Spirit made Christ known to Peter, not some known to Peter, not some

“man-made” interpretation“man-made” interpretation And Jesus asked Peter: “But whom say ye that I am?” And Simon Peter answered and

said, “Thou art the Christ of GodThou art the Christ of God.”

(Holy Bible, Matthew 16:16, -- also Mark 8:29 and Luke 9:20)

““Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto theefor flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, ,

but my Father which is in heaven.”but my Father which is in heaven.”(Holy Bible, Matthew 16:17)

““This is a great This is a great mystery....mystery....

concerning Christ....”concerning Christ....”(St. Paul -- Holy Bible, Ephesians 5:32)

Christ is a mysteryChrist is a mysteryIt is NOT supposed to be too easy to recognize It is NOT supposed to be too easy to recognize Him… you have to love and seek the Truth. Him… you have to love and seek the Truth.

This is God’s test of the sincere in heart. This is God’s test of the sincere in heart. God has always tested the hearts of His servants: God has always tested the hearts of His servants:

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the ‘god’ of this world hath blinded

the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of ChristChrist, who is the image of

God, should shine unto them.”(2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

Christ is a mysteryChrist is a mysteryIt is not supposed to be easy to recognize Him… It is not supposed to be easy to recognize Him… God has always tested the hearts of His servants:God has always tested the hearts of His servants:

Consider these Old Testament words of Isaiah ( 29:11): ): "When men give it to one who can read, saying, "When men give it to one who can read, saying, 'read this,' he says, 'I cannot, for it is 'read this,' he says, 'I cannot, for it is sealedsealed.'".'" Also, in Isaiah 6:9-10-- "...make the ears "...make the ears heavyheavy, and , and shutshut their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and understand with their hear with their ears, and understand with their

heart, and convert, and be healedheart, and convert, and be healed ."." Similar statements can be found in Daniel (12:4-10).

Christ is a mysteryChrist is a mysteryJesus talked in riddles, just as the Old Testament did.

Here is a similar statement of Jesus, essentially saying the same thing as the prophet Isaiah:

““And he said unto them, And he said unto them, ‘‘Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God:

but unto them that are without, but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: all these things are done in parables:

That seeing they may see, and not perceive; That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and hearing they may hear,

and and not understandnot understand; ; lest at any time they should be lest at any time they should be convertedconverted, , and and their sinstheir sins should be should be forgivenforgiven them.’” them.’”

(Holy Bible, Mark 4:11)

Christ is a mysteryChrist is a mysteryBut what does it mean when Jesus says: "Unto you it is

given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God," etc.? What are the mysteries? … A "mystery" is a hidden

secret, that is not known:

. And it is called a mystery because it is spiritual and secret,. . . . where the spirit does not reveal itwhere the spirit does not reveal it. For although

there are many who see and hear it, yet they do not understand it. . . . just as there are many who hear how

Christ offered himself for us; but all that is only upon their tongue and not in their heart; for they themselves do not

believe it, they do not experience it.(Sermons of Martin Luther, The Parable of the Sower)

Figurative language is necessaryFigurative language is necessary“By figurative interpretation is meant only the original By figurative interpretation is meant only the original

meanings intended, which God veiled in the inner depths meanings intended, which God veiled in the inner depths of the verses and hid behind a curtain of metaphors.of the verses and hid behind a curtain of metaphors. Such interpretation is not something for mere mortals, nor should

every ignorant one plunge haphazardly into it, nor every obscure scholar interpret verses according to his opinion.

Some of the ignorant haveSome of the ignorant have done this in their pride, and have gone astray and led many others astray with their led many others astray with their

interpretationsinterpretations. They have thus kept people from the well-spring of life, the path of salvation. Rather, this is a matter Rather, this is a matter

for the Manifestations of God [“the Christ”],for the Manifestations of God [“the Christ”], the Vindicators of His promise. Therefore one cannot depend on the outward meaning.” (Mirza Abu’l Fadl “Miracles and Metaphors”, p. 11)

Religious leaders are warned by Jesus against Religious leaders are warned by Jesus against interpreting verses and rejecting the Prophetsinterpreting verses and rejecting the Prophets

"But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you lock people out of the kingdom of heaven. For you do not go in yourselves, and

when others are going in, you stop themyou stop them. . . Woe unto you, ye blind Woe unto you, ye blind guidesguides…” (Matthew 23:13-16 )

“Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your ancestors killed. So you are witnesses and approve of the deeds of your

ancestors; for they killed them, and you build their tombs. Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, 'I will send them prophets and apostles, 'I will send them prophets and apostles,

some of whom they will kill and persecute,'some of whom they will kill and persecute,' so that this generation may be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation

of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be charged against this generation. Woe to you lawyers! For you have Woe to you lawyers! For you have

taken away the key of knowledge; you did not enter yourselves, and taken away the key of knowledge; you did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.”you hindered those who were entering.” (Luke 11:47-52)

Man-made interpretations must Man-made interpretations must be abandoned to seek Himbe abandoned to seek Him

““O My brother! When a true seeker determineth to O My brother! When a true seeker determineth to take the step of search in the path leading unto the take the step of search in the path leading unto the

knowledge of the Ancient of Days, he must, before all knowledge of the Ancient of Days, he must, before all else, else, cleanse his heartcleanse his heart, which is the seat of the , which is the seat of the

revelation of the inner mysteries of God, revelation of the inner mysteries of God, from the from the obscuring dust of all acquired knowledgeobscuring dust of all acquired knowledge, and the , and the

allusions of the embodiments of satanic fancy. . . .”allusions of the embodiments of satanic fancy. . . .”

(Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 264 and the Book of Certitude, p. 192.)


““Were men to meditate upon the lives of the Were men to meditate upon the lives of the Prophets of old, so easily would they come to Prophets of old, so easily would they come to

know and understand the ways of these know and understand the ways of these Prophets that Prophets that they would cease to be veiled…they would cease to be veiled…, , and thus consume every intervening veil with and thus consume every intervening veil with

the fire burning in the Bush of divine the fire burning in the Bush of divine knowledge, and abide secure upon the throne of knowledge, and abide secure upon the throne of

peace and certitude…. “peace and certitude…. “(Baha'u'llah, The Book of Certitude, p. 53)


““Were you to ponder, but for a while, these utterances Were you to ponder, but for a while, these utterances in your heart, in your heart, you would surely find the portals of you would surely find the portals of

understanding unlocked before your face, and would understanding unlocked before your face, and would behold all knowledge and the mysteries thereof behold all knowledge and the mysteries thereof

unveiled before your eyesunveiled before your eyes. Such things take place only . Such things take place only that the souls of men may develop and be delivered that the souls of men may develop and be delivered

from the prison-cage of self and desire. Otherwise, that from the prison-cage of self and desire. Otherwise, that ideal King hath, throughout eternity, been in His ideal King hath, throughout eternity, been in His Essence independent of the comprehension of all Essence independent of the comprehension of all

beings, and will continue, for ever, in His own Being to beings, and will continue, for ever, in His own Being to be exalted above the adoration of every soul.”be exalted above the adoration of every soul.”

(Baha'u'llah, The Book of Certitude, p. 52)


““The The heartheart must needs therefore be must needs therefore be cleansed from the idle sayings of mencleansed from the idle sayings of men, ,

and sanctified from every earthly and sanctified from every earthly affection, so that it may discover the affection, so that it may discover the

hidden meaning of divine inspiration, hidden meaning of divine inspiration, and become the treasury of the and become the treasury of the

mysteriesmysteries of divine knowledge.” of divine knowledge.” (Baha'u'llah, The Book of Certitude, p. 69)

Only HeOnly He has the authority to Interpret – has the authority to Interpret – and and only WHENonly WHEN the He “returns.” the He “returns.”

“Therefore judge nothing before the “Therefore judge nothing before the time, time, until the Lord comeuntil the Lord come, who both will , who both will

bring to light the hidden things of bring to light the hidden things of darkness...”darkness...”

(1(1stst Corinthians 4:5) Corinthians 4:5)

Christ is a mysteryChrist is a mystery“…the natural man receiveth not

the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him:

neither can he know them, because they are spiritually

discerned.”(Holy Bible, 1 Corinthians 2:14)

“. . . man is made in God's image: yet the Essence of God is incomprehensible to the human mind, for the finite

understanding cannot be applied to this infinite Mystery.

God contains all: He cannot be contained. That which contains is superior to that which is contained.

. . . it is impossible for the heart of man to comprehend the nature of the Majesty of God.

Our imagination can only picture Our imagination can only picture that which it is able to createthat which it is able to create.”

(Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 23)

Christ is a mystery Christ is a mystery because God is a mysterybecause God is a mystery

TO THE UNKNOWN GODTO THE UNKNOWN GOD

“TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship,

Him declare I unto youHim declare I unto you….”

(Holy Bible, Acts 17:22-28)

The relationship of The relationship of “the Christ” to God “the Christ” to God

is a Mysteryis a Mystery"Manifold and mysterious is My

relationship with God. I am He, Himself, and He is I, Myself, except that I am that I

am, and He is that He is.”(Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 66)

“I am in the Father and the Father in Me” (John 14:11)

Christ Jesus prayed for the “Oneness”Christ Jesus prayed for the “Oneness”of the Church and humanityof the Church and humanity

““Neither pray I for these alone, but for them Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their also which shall believe on me through their

word; That they all may be one; as word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, thou, Father, art in me, and I in theeart in me, and I in thee, that they also , that they also may be may be

one in usone in us: that the world may believe that thou : that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.hast sent me.

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

are oneare one: :

I in them, and thou in me, I in them, and thou in me, that they may be that they may be made perfect in onemade perfect in one. . . . . .

(John 17:28-23)

Then for centuries, Christians Then for centuries, Christians killed each killed each otherother over matters of interpretation over matters of interpretation

““Christians, in the course of their intestine Christians, in the course of their intestine dissensionsdissensions, , have inflicted far more greater severities on each other have inflicted far more greater severities on each other

than they had experienced from the zeal of infidels. than they had experienced from the zeal of infidels.

In 1318, Pope John XXII adopted a policy…In 1318, Pope John XXII adopted a policy…a systematic a systematic campaigncampaign was initiated was initiated to suppress andto suppress and exterminateexterminate these these humble and devoted followers of St. Francis. They were humble and devoted followers of St. Francis. They were brought before the Inquisition and many of them were brought before the Inquisition and many of them were

burned at the stakeburned at the stake. …. …

Even the great Even the great AugustineAugustine gave the policy of persecution his gave the policy of persecution his personal approval and supplied a theological justification personal approval and supplied a theological justification

for it, though his for it, though his concern was rather with heresyconcern was rather with heresy and and schism than with paganismschism than with paganism. Both . Both LutherLuther and and CalvinCalvin

favored the killing of heretics and Protestant and Catholic favored the killing of heretics and Protestant and Catholic alike killed each other for the sake of truth.”alike killed each other for the sake of truth.”

( http://latter-rain.com/ltrain/persec.htm )

http://latter-rain.com/ltrain/persec.htm

Christians persecuting Christians Christians persecuting Christians over the “Trinity” debateover the “Trinity” debate

“Early in the fifth century a dispute . . . A Council of the entire Church, held at

Chalcedon in A.D. 451, adopted a compromise formula which neither emphasized the Humanity

of Christ . . . nor subordinated it to His Divinity . . . . The result was a violent . . . reaction:

the Patriarch of AlexandriaPatriarch of Alexandria was murdered on was murdered on Good FridayGood Friday in his own cathedral and his body his body

dragged through the streetsdragged through the streets by the mob.”G. E. Kirk, A Short History of the Middle East

(London: Methuen and Co. Ltd., 1957)

Christians persecuting Christians Christians persecuting Christians over the “Trinity” debateover the “Trinity” debate

"It is recorded that at the time of the reinstatement "It is recorded that at the time of the reinstatement of the Arian Bishop Macedonius, in of the Arian Bishop Macedonius, in

Constantinople, Constantinople, three thousand people lost their three thousand people lost their liveslives in the fighting in the fighting . . Probably more . . Probably more Christians Christians

were slaughtered by Christianswere slaughtered by Christians in these two years, in these two years, than by all the persecutions of Christians by than by all the persecutions of Christians by

pagans in the history of Rome.”pagans in the history of Rome.”

G. E. Kirk, A Short History of the Middle East

(London: Methuen and Co. Ltd., 1957)

““Trinity” debate has dividedTrinity” debate has dividedthe Church the Church – which Jesus prayed which Jesus prayed

should become ONEshould become ONE"We find all the Christian communities so agitated and

exasperated by tortuous and elusive arguments about the nature of God [Christ and His relationship to God] as to be largely negligent of the simpler teachings of charity,

service and brotherhood that Jesus had inculcated." (History of the World-- by H.G. Wells)

Many are guilty of this same misplaced emphasis today!

Every person on the streetEvery person on the streetis a profound theologianis a profound theologian

"This city is full of mechanics and slaves, who are "This city is full of mechanics and slaves, who are all of them profound theologians, and preach in the all of them profound theologians, and preach in the

shops and in the streets. If you desire a man to shops and in the streets. If you desire a man to change a piece of silver, he informs you wherein the change a piece of silver, he informs you wherein the Son differs from the Father; if you ask the price of Son differs from the Father; if you ask the price of a loaf, you are told, by way of reply, that the Son is a loaf, you are told, by way of reply, that the Son is inferior to the Father; and if you inquire whether inferior to the Father; and if you inquire whether the bath is ready, the answer is, that the Son was the bath is ready, the answer is, that the Son was

made out of nothing."made out of nothing."Edward Gibbon, in his Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, relates an interesting

first-hand account of daily life in Constantinople, circa 378 A.D.

Mystery of the “Trinity”Mystery of the “Trinity”It is said that once John of Chrysostom (Archbishop of

Constantinople ) was walking along the seashore thinking over the question of the trinity and trying to reconcile it with finite reason; his attention was attracted to a boy

sitting on the shore putting water into a cup. Approaching him, he said, "My child, what art thou doing?" "I am

trying to put the sea into this cup," was the answer. "How foolish art thou," said John, "in trying to do the impossible." The child replied, "Thy work is stranger

than mine, for thou art laboring to bring within the grasp of human intellect the conception of the trinity.”

(Quote from Abdu'l-Baha, Divine Philosophy, p. 152 )

“…His providence was universal and his teachings were for all. His lights were not restricted to a few.

Every ‘Christ’ came to the world of mankindEvery ‘Christ’ came to the world of mankind.”.”(Abdu'l-Baha, “Foundations of World Unity,” p. 106

also found on page 444 of PUP)

Christ Jesus was a poor carpenter – one solitary individual (without a government or a great army) and yet He subdued the world. After preaching for three years in a small country in a remote corner of the

world every king now prides himself on His name. Before all the disunity – the schisms and controversy, the killings and debate – Christ (for a thousand years) united people of every background and culture and put such love in their hearts for one another that they put

aside differences. Is this possible by human power? No, only by a divine power.

His influence continued to be spread by His influence continued to be spread by His Holy Spirit His Holy Spirit –

moving throughout the worldmoving throughout the world

Ironically, more than anything else,Ironically, more than anything else, Christ taught to Christ taught to “love one another,”“love one another,”

. . . but early Christians abandoned this but early Christians abandoned this teaching when they preferred to kill each teaching when they preferred to kill each other over these differences of doctrine.other over these differences of doctrine.

““Trinity” debate has dividedTrinity” debate has dividedthe Church the Church – which Jesus prayed which Jesus prayed

should become ONEshould become ONE

There are over 23,000 branches of Christianity that have arisen over the difficulty of interpreting the Bible.

(Source: World Christian Encyclopedia, D. Barrrett)

Christ Jesus prayed for “Oneness”Christ Jesus prayed for “Oneness”

““And now I am no more in the world, but these And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. . . are in the world, and I come to thee. . .

that that they may be onethey may be one, , as we are . . .as we are . . .

. . . Neither pray I for these alone, but for them . . . Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their also which shall believe on me through their

word; that theyword; that they all may be oneall may be one; as ; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee,

that they alsothat they also may be onemay be one in us.”in us.”

(John 17:11, 17:21)

Christ not only prayed for unity of Christ not only prayed for unity of the Church but promised the the Church but promised the

UNITY and ONENESS of MankindUNITY and ONENESS of Mankind““And other sheep I have, which are not of And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they this fold: them also I must bring, and they

shall hear my voice; and there shall be shall hear my voice; and there shall be

one fold, and one shepherd.”one fold, and one shepherd.”(Holy Bible, John 10:16 )

This is the Day (new era or “age”)

of the “One Fold” and “One Shepherd”

The “Word of God” is One WordThe “Word of God” is One WordChrist, Jesus, prayed for

the UNITY of the Church (the body of the believers) and then for all humanity.

In the Bible, He says:

I pray not for these only… I pray not for these only… but also “these in the world….but also “these in the world….

that theythat they allall may be onemay be one””

Yet, division arose Yet, division arose out of Interpretationout of Interpretation

Christ prayed for Christ prayed for the UNITY of the Church the UNITY of the Church (the body of the believers) (the body of the believers)

But the Church quickly lost sight of But the Church quickly lost sight of this unity and became SEVERELY this unity and became SEVERELY

divided…. (over 23,000 divisions now)divided…. (over 23,000 divisions now)

God, in His Book, expressly forbids God, in His Book, expressly forbids interpretation of scripture, interpretation of scripture,

except by His messengersexcept by His messengers

““Ye shall not add unto the Word which I command you, Ye shall not add unto the Word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God the commandments of the Lord your God

which I command you.” -- Moseswhich I command you.” -- Moses(Holy Bible, Deuteronomy 4:2)

““If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.”unto him the plagues that are written in this book.”

(Holy Bible, Revelation : 22:19)(Holy Bible, Revelation : 22:19)

The books were “sealed”.... The books were “sealed”....

Interpretation prohibited.Interpretation prohibited.

Much of the meaning of the Holy Books was “sealed” until Christ returned to “UNSEAL” them

Many old and new testament prophesies concerning the “end time” were sealed. Interpretation was prohibited,

and yet the leaders of religion have ventured forth mountains of interpretation

““Seal upSeal up those things which the seven thunders those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.”uttered, and write them not.” (Revelation 10-4)

“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” (Daniel 12:4-9, also see Isaiah 6:10)

Even Daniel was told to “ask not” what the prophesy meant.

<><><><>

“Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in

earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because nono man was found worthyman was found worthy to open and to

read the book, neither to look thereon.

And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath

prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” (Revelation 5:1-5)

Christ in the “Glory of His Return” Christ in the “Glory of His Return” comes to “comes to “UNSEALUNSEAL” the Holy Books” the Holy Books

““Therefore judge nothing before the time, Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comeuntil the Lord come, who both will bring to , who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness...”light the hidden things of darkness...”

(1(1stst Corinthians 4:5) Corinthians 4:5)

Yet despite all these warnings, the religious leaders

continued to interpret, and look what happened

to the Church: Division and Persecution Division and Persecution arose out of Interpretationarose out of Interpretation

“… “… until the Lord comeuntil the Lord come, who both will bring , who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness...” to light the hidden things of darkness...”

(1st Corinthians 4:5)

But But “the Christ” has already “the Christ” has already come again!come again!

So let’s look at what Baha’u’llah has So let’s look at what Baha’u’llah has explained about the hidden meanings explained about the hidden meanings

in the Bible:in the Bible:

The “station” of the ChristThe “station” of the Christhttp://www.homestead.com/watsongregory/files/station.html#Stationhttp://www.homestead.com/watsongregory/files/station.html#Station

(click on this URL link above for more detailed passages and explanation)Also look at the following link for more on His station as “Redeemer.”http://watsongregory.homestead.com/files/AtonementRedemption.htm

http://www.homestead.com/watsongregory/files/station.html#Station

http://watsongregory.homestead.com/files/AtonementRedemption.htm

http://watsongregory.homestead.com/files/AtonementRedemption.htm

The The oneone Christ is the “Word” or Christ is the “Word” or “Holy Spirit” that became “Manifested” in “Holy Spirit” that became “Manifested” in the world, but has been from the beginning.the world, but has been from the beginning.

““In the beginningIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning the Word was God. The same was in the beginning withwith God.” God.”

(John 1:1)

““And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee glory which I had with thee before the world wasbefore the world was.”.” (John 17:5)

And again, ““Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given

me: for thou lovedst me me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the worldbefore the foundation of the world.”.” (John 17:24)

“… Christ [Jesus] …Who verily was foreordainedbefore the foundation of the world,

but was manifestmanifest in these last times for you.” (Holy Bible, 1 Peter 1:20)

The Bible explains that the The Bible explains that the “Christ Spirit” was in the Prophets“Christ Spirit” was in the Prophets

both both BEFOREBEFORE and and AFTERAFTER Jesus. . . Jesus. . . Each time testifying to the Each time testifying to the

one one beforebefore and the one and the one afterafter..

“Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that

should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and

the glory that should follow.”(King James Bible, 1 Peter 1:10-11)

Thus, Moses was also a ManifestationThus, Moses was also a Manifestation of “the Word” because the Spirit was in Him.of “the Word” because the Spirit was in Him.

““And there arose not a prophet since in Israel And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face face to faceto face… And the LORD spake unto Moses … And the LORD spake unto Moses

face to faceface to face, as a man speaketh unto his , as a man speaketh unto his friend.”friend.”

(Deuteronomy 34:10 and Exodus 33:11 )

““With him will I speak With him will I speak mouth to mouthmouth to mouth…”…”(Numbers 12:8)

Moses and Christ Jesus wereMoses and Christ Jesus were in a special class of Prophets in a special class of Prophets

Universally, the Prophets are of two kinds: One are the independent (or independent (or majormajor) Prophets) Prophets Who are followed; the other kind are not independent and are themselves followers. The major Prophets are the lawgiverslawgivers and the founders of a new founders of a new

cyclecycle. Without an intermediary They receive bounty from the Reality of the Divinity. They are like the sun which is luminous They are like the sun which is luminous

in itselfin itself: the light is its essential necessity; it does not receive light from any other star. These Dawning-places are the These Dawning-places are the

sources of bounty and the mirrors of the Essence of Realitysources of bounty and the mirrors of the Essence of Reality. The minor prophets followers and promoters, for they are

branches and not independent; they receive the bounty of the independent Prophets, and they profit by the light of the

Guidance of the universal Prophets. They are like the moon, which is not luminous itself, but receives its light from the sun.

Moses was a “major” ProphetMoses was a “major” Prophet

God speaks to us through Moses, saying: "I will raise them up a Prophet from among their "I will raise them up a Prophet from among their

brethren, brethren, like unto theelike unto thee, and will put my words in his , and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall

command him. And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever command him. And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever will not hearken unto my words which will not hearken unto my words which he he shall speak in my shall speak in my

namename, I will require [it] of him. , I will require [it] of him. (Deut. 18:18-22)

Jesus said, “For had ye believed Moses, ye “For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me.”would have believed me; for he wrote of me.”

(John 5:46)

God says Jesus will be just like God says Jesus will be just like Moses and Jesus confirms itMoses and Jesus confirms it

Moses was the “Word” of GodMoses was the “Word” of God

“Ye shall not add unto the WordWord which I command you, neither shall ye

diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments

of the Lord your God

which I command you.”

(Holy Bible, Deuteronomy 4:2)

“Whoso recognizeth them hath recognized God. Whoso hearkeneth to their call, hath hearkened to the Voice of

God, and whoso testifieth to the truth of their Revelation, hath testified to the truth of God Himself.

Whoso turneth away from them, hath turned away Whoso turneth away from them, hath turned away from God, and whoso disbelieveth in them, hath from God, and whoso disbelieveth in them, hath

disbelieved in God. Every one of them is the Way of disbelieved in God. Every one of them is the Way of God that connecteth this world with the realms aboveGod that connecteth this world with the realms above, and the Standard of His Truth unto every one in the

kingdoms of earth and heaven. They are the Manifestations of GodManifestations of God amidst men, the

evidences of His Truth, and the signs of His glory.”

(Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 49)

They are called “Manifestations of God”They are called “Manifestations of God”

The The oneone Christ is the “Word” or Spirit…. Christ is the “Word” or Spirit….“Manifested” in the world… “Manifested” in the world…

since the beginning.since the beginning.

But, we find this “Word”

manifested in

three conditions:

“Father.... Son…. and Holy Spirit” CHRIST AS GODCHRIST AS GOD "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father. . ." (John 14:9) "And whoever sees me sees Him who sent me." (John 12:45)

Mediator or MESSENGERMediator or MESSENGER (someone "sent" by "another") "My food is to do the will of him who sent me. . " (John 4:34)

"I can do nothing on my own. . . (John 5:30, John 6:38, John 7:16)

JESUS WAS A MANJESUS WAS A MAN (as a being other than God) ". . .and being found in fashion as a man. . . (Philippians 2:8) “. . . Christ Jesus, mediator between God and man, himself human” (1 Timothy 2:5, Luke 18:19, Mark 10:18, Hebrews 5:5)"And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His shape." (John 5:37)

Seemingly contradictory Seemingly contradictory statements can be reconciledstatements can be reconciled

"He that hath "He that hath seen meseen me hath seenhath seen the Father. . .” the Father. . .” (John 14:9)

Jesus said: ““No man hath seen GodNo man hath seen God at at any time. . .”any time. . .”

(Holy Bible, John 1:18... Also 1st John 4:12))

The relationship of The relationship of “the Christ” to God “the Christ” to God

is a Mysteryis a Mystery"Manifold and mysterious is My

relationship with God. I am He, Himself, and He is I, Myself, except that I am that I

am, and He is that He is.”


Sayings of the Prophets are perplexing Sayings of the Prophets are perplexing “By virtue of this station [UNITY ] they have claimed for themselves the

Voice of Divinity and the like, whilst by virtue of their station of Messengership, [DISTINCTION ] they have declared themselves the

Messengers of God. In every instance they have voiced an utterance that would conform to the requirements of the occasion, and have ascribed all these declarations to Themselves, declarations ranging from the realm of Divine Revelation to the realm of creation, and from the domain of

Divinity even unto the domain of earthly existence. Thus it is that whatsoever be their utterance, whether it pertain to the realm of

Divinity, Lordship, Prophethood, Messengership, Guardianship, Apostleship, or Servitude, all is true, beyond the shadow of a doubt.

Therefore these sayings which We have quoted in support of Our argument must be attentively considered, that the divergent utterances of the Manifestations of the Unseen and Day Springs of Holiness may cease to agitate the soul and perplex the mind.” (Gleanings. . . ., p. 55 )

The three “stations” of the ManifestationsThe three “stations” of the Manifestations

“Know that the Holy Manifestations, though They have the degrees of endless perfections, yet, speaking generally, have

only three stations. The first station is the physical. . . the physical is subject to decomposition….

the second station is the human, which is that of the rational soul; ...which is the human reality. This… the Holy

Manifestations share it with all mankind.

The third station is that of the divine appearance and heavenly splendor: it is the Word of God, the Eternal Bounty,

the Holy Spirit. It has neither beginning nor end, for these things are related to the world of contingencies and not to the

divine world. For God the end is the same thing as the beginning.” (Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 151)

first

second

third

Christ is “the divine appearance”Christ is “the divine appearance”

“We said that the Manifestations have three planes. First, the physical reality, which

depends upon the body; second, the individual reality, that is to say, the rational

soul; third, the divine appearance, which is the divine perfections. . .”

(Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 154)

God speaks through human mouthGod speaks through human mouth

But when He does this… it can become very confusing –

The real meaning is hidden behind a veil of metaphors

and symbolic language (again, to test the hearts of the sincere).(again, to test the hearts of the sincere).

Consider the following “riddle” of Christ and how Consider the following “riddle” of Christ and how perplexing it can be to understand: (next slide) perplexing it can be to understand: (next slide)

Christ was in Heaven while He was on earth.

God hides His truths within

parables and

figurative language.

Christ is stating that He has a

twofold “StationStation” or Dual nature

His “languagelanguage” is also twofold:

sometimes symbolic & at

other times literal or physical

“If I have told you earthly things, and ye

believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of

heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which

is in heaven.” (King James Bible, John 3:12 )

He warns us not to mistake the figurative for literal.

“The time cometh, when I shall no more speak to you in figures, but I shall show you plainly of the Father.”

(John 16:25)

Jesus describes His spiritual state Jesus describes His spiritual state (not of this world) in physical terms:(not of this world) in physical terms:

“If I have told you earthlyearthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenlyheavenly things? And

no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which

is in heaven.” (He is “in” heaven while standing on earth.)

[Notice that Jesus Himself is telling them not to take this description physically,

but as a spiritual reality.](King James Bible, John 3:12 )

“And he said unto them, ‘Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this worldI am not of this world.’ ”

(John 8:23)

Outward forms convey inner meaningOutward forms convey inner meaning““. . . to explain the reality of the spirit -- its condition, its station -- one is . . . to explain the reality of the spirit -- its condition, its station -- one is obliged to give explanations under the forms of sensible things because obliged to give explanations under the forms of sensible things because in the external world all that exists is sensible. For example, grief and in the external world all that exists is sensible. For example, grief and

happiness… when you wish to express those spiritual qualities you say: happiness… when you wish to express those spiritual qualities you say: "My heart is oppressed; my heart is dilated," though the heart of man is "My heart is oppressed; my heart is dilated," though the heart of man is neither oppressed nor dilated. This is an intellectual or spiritual state, to neither oppressed nor dilated. This is an intellectual or spiritual state, to

explain which you are obliged to have recourse to sensible figures. explain which you are obliged to have recourse to sensible figures. Another example: you say, "such an individual made great progress," Another example: you say, "such an individual made great progress,"

though he is remaining in the same place… To explain… you are though he is remaining in the same place… To explain… you are obliged to have recourse to sensible figures because in the exterior world obliged to have recourse to sensible figures because in the exterior world there is nothing that is not sensible. So the symbol of knowledge is light, there is nothing that is not sensible. So the symbol of knowledge is light,

and of ignorance, darkness; but reflect, is knowledge sensible light, or and of ignorance, darkness; but reflect, is knowledge sensible light, or ignorance sensible darkness? No, they are merely symbols. These are ignorance sensible darkness? No, they are merely symbols. These are

only intellectual states, but when you desire to express them outwardly, only intellectual states, but when you desire to express them outwardly, you call knowledge light, and ignorance darkness. You say: "My heart you call knowledge light, and ignorance darkness. You say: "My heart was gloomy, and it became enlightened.“ (Abdu'l-Baha, SAQ, p. 83)was gloomy, and it became enlightened.“ (Abdu'l-Baha, SAQ, p. 83)

Figurative language is necessary Figurative language is necessary to explain truthto explain truth

“By figurative interpretation is meant By figurative interpretation is meant only the original meanings intended, only the original meanings intended,

which God veiled in the inner depths of the verseswhich God veiled in the inner depths of the versesand hid behind a curtain of metaphors.and hid behind a curtain of metaphors.”

(Mirza Abu’l Fadl “Miracles and Metaphors”, p. 11)

Some believe that to say something is “symbolic” means that it is not true. This is a gross error. Symbolism simply means

that metaphorical terminology is used to try and explain something intangible – beyond words – yet in an effort to

convey truth and real meaning. With respect to scripture, it is the Holy Spirit that moves the heart to understanding.

Christ said, 'They shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of Heaven'.[1] Baha'u'llah saidBaha'u'llah said, 'When Christ came for the first time He came upon the clouds'.[2] Christ said that He had

come from the sky, from Heaven -- that He came forth from God -- while He was born of Mary, His Mother. But when He declared that He had come from Heaven, it is clear that He did not mean the blue firmament but that He spoke of the Heaven of the

Kingdom of God, and that from this Heaven He descended upon the clouds. As clouds are obstacles to the shining of the sun, so the clouds of the world of humanity hidthe world of humanity hid from the eyes of

men the radiance of the Divinity of Christthe Divinity of Christ.”

[1] St Matthew xxiv, 30. St Matthew xvi, 27. [2] St John iii, 13. (Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 43 )

Thus, Christ came down from Heaven Thus, Christ came down from Heaven on the clouds -- the first time.on the clouds -- the first time.

Christ Is the “Mediator” Between God and Man

"For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human. . .”

(1 Timothy 2:5)"Now a mediator involves more than one party; ..God is one."

(Galatians 3:20)

"But Jesus has now obtained a more excellent ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has

been enacted through better promises." (Hebrews 8:6)

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)

Rays of the sun areRays of the sun are “intermediary” “intermediary” (PT, p.58)

“. . . the sun does not descend to the earth, neither does the earth ascend to the sun. This

contact is made by the rays of the sun which bring light and warmth and heat.”

“An intermediary is needed to bring two extremes into relation with each other”

An intermediary is needed to bring two An intermediary is needed to bring two extremes into relation with each otherextremes into relation with each other

“Man, then, is in extreme need of the only Power by which he is able to receive help from the Divine Reality,

that Power alone bringing him into contact with the Source of all life. An intermediary is needed to bring two extremes into relation with each other. Riches and

poverty, plenty and need: without an intermediary power there could be no relation between these pairs of opposites. So we can say there must be a Mediator between God and Man, and this is none other than the Holy Spirit, which

brings the created earth into relation with the'Unthinkable One', the Divine Reality.”


All blessings are brought to man by the Holy SpiritAll blessings are brought to man by the Holy Spirit

“The Holy Spirit it is which, through the mediation of the Prophets of God, teaches spiritual virtues to man and enables

him to attain Eternal Life.

. . . the Holy Spirit is the Intermediary between the Creator and the created.

The light and heat of the sun cause the earth to be fruitful, and create life in all things that grow; ... the Holy Spirit quickens the

souls of men.”(Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 59)

““An intermediary is needed to bring two An intermediary is needed to bring two extremes into relation with each other”extremes into relation with each other”

The Realm of the Creator

The Realm of Creation -- the world of humanity

flooding all souls with Divine Radiance,

conveying the blessings of God's Mercy to the whole world.” .

(Paris Talks, p.58)

“The Holy Spirit is the Light from the Sun of Sun of TruthTruth bringing, by its infinite power, life and illumination to all mankind,

“Sun of Truth”

The world of God


The Realm of Creation

“The Divine RealityDivine Reality may be likened to the sunsun. . .


The valley...the The valley...the land, the sea land, the sea

and the island...and the island...

“Unknowable, unthinkable...”

. . . and the Holy SpiritHoly Spirit to the rays of the sun.”

Rays of the sun are intermediaryRays of the sun are intermediary

“Behold, ... an intermediary necessary between the sun and the earth; the sun does not descend to

the earth, neither does the earth ascend to the sun.”


No one can go to the sun No one can go to the sun except through it’s raysexcept through it’s rays

...without the medium of the warmth and light of the rays of the sun, ...the earth could not

receive benefits from the sun. . .


No one “comes to the Father” except No one “comes to the Father” except through His “Mediator” or intermediarythrough His “Mediator” or intermediary

Just as no one can benefit from the sun except through the sunshine, “... there must be a Mediator between God and

Man, and this is none other than the Holy Spirit which brings the created earth into relation with the 'Unthinkable One', the

Divine Reality.”



The Realm of the CreatorThe Realm of the Creator

The Realm of CreationThe Realm of Creation

. . .which brings the created created earthearth into relationinto relation with the

'Unthinkable One', the Divine 'Unthinkable One', the Divine Reality.”Reality.”

“there must be a Mediator between God and Man,

and this is none other than the Holy SpiritHoly Spirit . . .

The valley...the The valley...the land, the sea land, the sea

and the island...and the island...

God is incomprehensible to the mind of man

Christ is a perfect Mirror of GodChrist is a perfect Mirror of GodWho [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of

every creature. . . (Colossians 1:15)

Who [Jesus] . . . the express image of His person. (Hebrews 1:3)

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them

which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

(2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to

glory, even as by the Spirit of the LORD.(2 Corinthians 3:18)

Christ Is the “Mediator” Between God and Man

"For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human. . .”

(1 Timothy 2:5)"Now a mediator involves more than one party; ..God is one."

(Galatians 3:20)

"But Jesus has now obtained a more excellent ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has

been enacted through better promises." (Hebrews 8:6)

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)

Christ is the Mediator between God and Man

Christ is reflecting and transmitting God’s Holy Spirit

to the earth and humanity

The Holy Spiritis like the raysfrom the Sun

reflected in theMirror of Christ

"He that hath seen me hath seen the Father. . .”

(John 14:9)

Christ is the perfect image

of God

The World of

Humanity

GOD

Holy Spirit is like the rays of the sunHoly Spirit is like the rays of the sun

The Divine Reality may be likened to the sun and the Holy Spirit to the rays of the sun. As the rays of the sun bring the light and warmth of the sun to

the earth, giving life to all created beings, so do the 'Manifestations’ [of God] bring the power of the Holy Spirit from the Divine Sun of Reality to

give light and life to the souls of men.


An intermediary is needed to bring two An intermediary is needed to bring two extremes into relation with each otherextremes into relation with each other

“Man, then, is in extreme need of the only Power by which he is able to receive help from the Divine Reality,

that Power alone bringing him into contact with the Source of all life. An intermediary is needed to bring two extremes into relation with each other. Riches and

poverty, plenty and need: without an intermediary power there could be no relation between these pairs of opposites. So we can say there must be a Mediator between God and Man, and this is none other than the Holy Spirit, which

brings the created earth into relation with the'Unthinkable One', the Divine Reality.”


The Manifestation lives on a plane of existence above the rest of humankind



Peter could never become Christ no matter how far he might progress

The Soul of the Manifestation was

created for the purpose of Revelation

The Manifestation occupies a realm in between God and Man

He “. . . is the Way of God that

connecteth this world with the realms above” (Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 50)



“He had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. . . . and his name is called The Word of GodThe Word of God.”(Bible, Revelation 19:13)

“the Reality of Christ -- that is to say, the Word of GodWord of God -- is the cause of spiritual life.”

(Abdu’l-Baha --SAQ, p.120)

The Manifestations have three planesThe Manifestations have three planes

The Christ reflects the Divine Perfections,manifests the Holy SpiritHoly Spirit from the

Heavenly realm

The Christ has a physical body same as any human

The Christ has a “pre-existent” human soulthat lives in between heaven and earth

Heaven

Earth

Christ is a clear Mirror of GodChrist is a clear Mirror of God

The Spirit and the Word mean the divine perfections that appeared in the Reality of Christ, and these

perfections were with God; so the sun manifests all its glory in the mirror. For the Word does not signify the

body of Christ, no, but the divine perfections manifested in Him. For Christ was like a clear mirror

which was facing the Sun of Reality; and the perfections of the Sun of Reality -- that is to say, its light and heat --

were visible and apparent in this mirror.(Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 206)


For Christ was like a clear mirror which was facing the Sun of Reality; and the perfections of the Sun of

Reality -- that is to say, its light and heat -- were visible and apparent in this mirror. If we look into the mirror, we see the sun, and we say, "It is the sun."

Therefore, the Word and the Holy Spirit, which signify the perfections of God, are the divine

appearance. This is the meaning of the verse in the Gospel which says: "The Word was with God, and

the Word was God"(Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 206)

Christ is a perfect Mirror of GodChrist is a perfect Mirror of GodThe Perfect Man is as a polished mirror reflecting the Sun of

Truth, manifesting the attributes of God. The Lord Christ said, 'He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father' --

God manifested in man. The sun does not leave his place in the heavens and

descend into the mirror, for the actions of ascent and descent, coming and going, do not belong to the Infinite, they are the methods of finite beings. In the Manifestation of God, the

perfectly polished mirror, appear the qualities of the Divine in a form that man is capable of comprehending.

This is so simple that all can understand it, and that which we are able to understand we must perforce accept.

(Paris Talks, p. 25-26 (Also,Some Answered Questions, Pages: 205-207)


For the Word does not signify the body of Christ, no, but the divine perfections manifested in Him. For Christ was like a clear mirror which was facing the Sun of Reality; and the perfections of the Sun of Reality -- that is to say,

its light and heat -- were visible and apparent in this mirror. If we look into the mirror, we see the sun, and we

say, "It is the sun." Therefore, the Word and the Holy Spirit, which signify the perfections of God, are the

divine appearance. This is the meaning of the verse in the Gospel which says: "The Word was with God, and the

Word was God“ (Abdu'l-Baha, SAQ, p. 206)

Concept of “trinity” explainedConcept of “trinity” explained“And know that the proceeding of the Word and the Holy

Spirit from God, which is the proceeding and appearance of manifestation, must notnot be understood to mean that the

Reality of Divinity had been divided into parts, or multiplied, or that it had descended from the exaltation of holiness and purity. God forbid! If a pure, fine mirror faces the sun, the

light and heat, the form and the image of the sun will be resplendent in it with such manifestation that if a beholder says of the sun, which is brilliant and visible in the mirror,

"This is the sun,""This is the sun," it is true. Nevertheless, the mirror is the mirror, and the sun is the sun.

The One Sun, even if it appears in numerous mirrors, is one.” (`Abdu'l-Baha: Some Answered Questions, Pages: 205-207)

Concept of “trinity” explainedConcept of “trinity” explained“The Sun of Reality, as we have said, has always been in

one condition; it has no change, no alteration, no transformation and no vicissitude. It is eternal and

everlasting. But the Holy Reality of the Word of God is in the condition of the pure, fine and shining mirror; the heat,

the light, the image and likeness -- that is to say, the perfections of the Sun of Reality -- appear in it. That is why Christ says in the Gospel, "The Father is in the "The Father is in the Son"Son" -- that is to say, the Sun of Reality appears in the

mirror. Praise be to the One Who shone upon this Holy Reality, Who is sanctified among the beings!”

(`Abdu'l-Baha: Some Answered Questions, Pages: 205-207)

Christ as the “Word of God” preceded JesusChrist as the “Word of God” preceded Jesus

“The Word of God [the Reality of Christ] is sanctified from time. The past, the present, the future, all, in

relation to God, are equal. Yesterday, today, tomorrow do not exist in the sun. . .

Therefore, the Reality of Christ, Who is the Word of God, with regard to essence, attributes and glory, certainly precedes the creatures. Before appearing in the human form, the Word of God was in the utmost sanctity and

glory, existing in perfect beauty and splendor in the height of its magnificence.”

(Some Answered Questions, p. 116 )

Again, the Bible explains that the Again, the Bible explains that the “Christ Spirit” was in the Prophets“Christ Spirit” was in the Prophets






Thus, Moses was also a ManifestationThus, Moses was also a Manifestation of “the Christ” because the Spirit was in Him.of “the Christ” because the Spirit was in Him.

There is only One Christ --There is only One Christ --always was…. always will be....always was…. always will be....

“In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.” (King James Bible, John 1:1)

“The Word of God [the Reality of Christ]

is sanctified from time.

The past, the present, the future, all,

in relation to God, are equal.

Yesterday, today, tomorrow do not exist in the sun.”(Some Answered Questions, p. 116 )

RETURN of “state” and “station”:RETURN of “state” and “station”:Jesus Christ, speaking of John the Baptist, declared

that John was Elias. (Mark 9:13 & Matt 11:14, 17:13) When John the Baptist was questioned, "Art thou Elias?" he said, "I am not." (Bible:John 1:19-21 )

“These two statements are apparently contradictory, but in reality they do not contradict. The light is one light. The light which illumined this lamp last night is

illuminating it tonight. This does not mean that the identical rays of light have reappeared but the virtues of

illumination.” (Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 167 )

John the Baptist came in the “spirit and power” of Elias. (see Bible: Luke 1:17)

Station Of “Essential Unity”Station Of “Essential Unity”Regard thou the one true God as One Who is apart from, and immeasurably exalted above, all created things. The whole universe reflecteth His glory, while He is Himself

independent of, and transcendeth His creatures. This is the true meaning of Divine unity. He Who is the Eternal Truth

is the one Power Who exerciseth undisputed sovereignty over the world of being, Whose image is reflected in the mirror of the entire creation. All existence is dependent

upon Him, and from Him is derived the source of the sustenance of all things. This is what is meant by Divine

unity; this is its fundamental principle.


Station Of “Essential Unity”Station Of “Essential Unity”

Were any of the all-embracing Manifestations of God to declare: "I am God!" He verily speaketh the truth, and no doubt attacheth thereto. (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Iqan, p. 178)

"He that hath seen me hath seen the Father. . ." (John 14:9)

"And whoever sees me sees Him who sent me." (John 12:45)

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

“I am He (the Father)” (John 8:24)

“I am in the Father and the Father in Me” (John 14:11)

Station Of “Essential Unity”Station Of “Essential Unity”By attaining, therefore, to the presence of these holy Luminaries, the "Presence of God" Himself is attained. From their knowledge, the knowledge of God is revealed, and from the light of their countenance, the splendour of the Face of God is made manifest….

Therefore, whosoever, and in whatever Dispensation, hath recognized and attained unto the presence of these

glorious, these resplendent and most excellent Luminaries, hath verily attained unto the "Presence of

God" Himself (The Kitab-i-Iqan, p. 142-143)

Station Of “Essential Unity”Station Of “Essential Unity”

“The recognition of Him Who is the Bearer of divine

Truth is none other than the recognition of God, and

loving Him is none other than loving God.”

(Selections from the Writings of the Bab, p. 121)

The “Christ” is the The “Christ” is the IncarnationIncarnation ofof the the attributesattributes of God, of God, notnot His His EssenceEssence

[The] "divinity attributed to so great a Being and the complete incarnation of the names and attributes of God in so exalted a Person should, under no circumstances,

be misconceived or misinterpreted.

... however much we extol the divinity of His Manifestations on earth, ...that invisible yet rational

God... can in no wise incarnate His infinite, His unknowable, His incorruptible and all-embracing Reality

in ... a mortal being." (Shoghi Effendi, Dispensation of Baha'u'llah, and in Memorials of the Faithful, p. 35)

Another title for “the Christ” isAnother title for “the Christ” isthe term “Manifestation of God”the term “Manifestation of God”

After me cometh a man which is preferred before me:

. . .but that He should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

<><><><><><>Statement made by John the Baptist at the time he baptized Christ.

(Holy Bible, John 1:30)

The term “Manifestation” is not entirely The term “Manifestation” is not entirely unfamiliar to us as Christians -- unfamiliar to us as Christians --

since it is used similarly in the Biblesince it is used similarly in the Bible

“I have manifested Thy name unto the men ....”(King James Bible, John 17:6 )

“. . . . I will . . . manifest myself. . . ”(King James Bible, John 14:21)

““Manifestation” is in the Bible.Manifestation” is in the Bible.The word “incarnation” is not.The word “incarnation” is not.

Christ “as the Christ “as the WordWord”was Pre-existent --”was Pre-existent --““before the world was madebefore the world was made””

“And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

I have manifested thy name unto the men.”(King James Bible, John 17:5)

<><><><><><>

"The Prophets, unlike us, are pre-existent. The Soul of Christ

existed in the spiritual world before His birth in this world.

We cannot imagine what that world is like, so words are

inadequate to picture His state of being.”

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, October 9, 1947 -- Also Abdu’l-Baha in SAQ, chap. 28)

“Our belief in regard to Christ is exactly what is recorded in the New Testament; however, we elucidate

this matter and do not speak literally or in a manner based merely on blind belief. For instance, it is recorded in the Gospel of St. John, "In the beginning was the word, the word was with God and the word was

God." The majority of Christians accept this matter literally, but we give a logical explanation that no one

need find occasion to reject.”(Abdu'l-Baha, Divine Philosophy, p. 148 )

[No one needs to reject the logical explanation because it does not contradict the words as they are recorded in the sacred texts.]

Eternal “pre-existent” nature of the “Word”Eternal “pre-existent” nature of the “Word”

Much of the meaning of the Holy Books was Much of the meaning of the Holy Books was ““sealedsealed” until Christ returned to “” until Christ returned to “UNSEALUNSEAL” them” them

Many old and new testament prophesies concerning the “end time” were sealed. Interpretation was prohibited,

and yet the leaders of religion have

ventured forth mountains of interpretation

“Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.” (Revelation 10-4)

“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and

knowledge shall be increased.” (Daniel 12:4, also see Isaiah 6:10)

<><><><>

Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither

under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found

worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath

prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. (Revelation 5:1-5)

Christ in the “Glory” of His “second coming” Christ in the “Glory” of His “second coming” comes to “comes to “UNSEALUNSEAL” the Holy Books” the Holy Books

Baha’u’llah has come Baha’u’llah has come to “to “UNSEALUNSEAL” the Holy Books” the Holy Books

"In that day you will ask me no questions.”(John 16:23)

These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.

(John 16:25)

<><><><><>

The verse, "shall show you plainly..."

is a reference to the "unsealed books,"

and the language of plain speech to be used in the new Revelation (at the time of the "return").

Besides addressing the collective Besides addressing the collective consciousness of humanity: consciousness of humanity:

Why do we need the Christ again?Why do we need the Christ again? “…“…it hath been made indubitably clear that in the kingdoms it hath been made indubitably clear that in the kingdoms

of earth and heaven there must needs be manifested a of earth and heaven there must needs be manifested a Being, an Essence Who shall act as a Manifestation and Being, an Essence Who shall act as a Manifestation and Vehicle for the transmission of the grace of the Divinity Vehicle for the transmission of the grace of the Divinity

Itself, the Sovereign Lord of all. Through the Teachings of Itself, the Sovereign Lord of all. Through the Teachings of this Day Star of Truth every man will advance and develop this Day Star of Truth every man will advance and develop until he attaineth the station at which he can manifest all until he attaineth the station at which he can manifest all the potential forces with which his inmost true self hath the potential forces with which his inmost true self hath

been endowed.”been endowed.”Again, elsewhere, He has written:

““The Purpose of the one true God, exalted be His glory, in revealing The Purpose of the one true God, exalted be His glory, in revealing Himself unto men is to lay bare those gems that lie hidden within Himself unto men is to lay bare those gems that lie hidden within

the the minemine of their true and inmost selves…” of their true and inmost selves…”

This is the Christ in the Day of His return.

““O friends! It behoveth you to refresh and revive your souls through the O friends! It behoveth you to refresh and revive your souls through the gracious favors which in this Divine, this soul-stirring Springtime are being gracious favors which in this Divine, this soul-stirring Springtime are being showered upon you. The Day Star of His great glory hath shed its radiance showered upon you. The Day Star of His great glory hath shed its radiance

upon you, and the clouds of His limitless grace have overshadowed you. How upon you, and the clouds of His limitless grace have overshadowed you. How high the reward of him that hath not deprived himself of so great a bounty, high the reward of him that hath not deprived himself of so great a bounty,

nor failed to recognize the beauty of his Best-Beloved in this, His new attirenor failed to recognize the beauty of his Best-Beloved in this, His new attire ..

Watch over yourselves, for the Evil One is lying in wait, ready to entrap you. Watch over yourselves, for the Evil One is lying in wait, ready to entrap you. Gird yourselves against his wicked devices, and, led by the light of the name Gird yourselves against his wicked devices, and, led by the light of the name of the All-Seeing God, make your escape from the darkness that surroundeth of the All-Seeing God, make your escape from the darkness that surroundeth you. Let your vision be world-embracing, rather than confined to your own you. Let your vision be world-embracing, rather than confined to your own

self. self.

The Evil One is he that hindereth the rise and obstructeth the spiritual progress The Evil One is he that hindereth the rise and obstructeth the spiritual progress of the children of men.”of the children of men.”


Why do we need the Christ again? Why do we need the Christ again?

Expressions of Expressions of Baha’u’llah’s ClaimBaha’u’llah’s Claim: : As the “As the “returnreturn” of Christ...” of Christ...

. . . “Say, O followers of the Son! [Jesus] Have ye shut out yourselves from Me by reason of My Nameby reason of My Name? Wherefore ponder ye not in your hearts? Day and

night ye have been calling upon your Lord, the Omnipotent, but when He came from the heaven of

eternity in His great glory, ye turned aside from Him and remained sunk in heedlessness.”

(Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 9)

“. . the Source of infinite grace, according to His saying, "His grace hath transcended all things;

My grace hath encompassed them all," hath caused those luminous Gems of Holiness to

appear out of the realm of the spirit, in the noble form of the human temple, and be made manifestbe made manifest unto all men, that they may impart unto the world the mysteries of the unchangeable Being, and tell of the subtleties of His imperishable Essence….”


Mirrors of His LightMirrors of His Light

“These sanctified Mirrors, these Day Springs of ancient glory, are, one and all, the Exponents on earth of Him Who is the Exponents on earth of Him Who is the

central Orb of the universecentral Orb of the universe, its Essence and ultimate Purpose. From Him proceed their knowledge and power; from Him is derived their sovereignty. The beauty of their

countenance is but a reflection of His image, and their revelation a sign of His deathless glory. They are the

Treasuries of Divine knowledge, and the Repositories of celestial wisdom. Through them is transmitted a grace that is infinite, and by them is revealed the Light that can never

fade....” (Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 47)


“These Tabernacles of Holiness, these Primal these Primal Mirrors which reflect the light of unfading gloryMirrors which reflect the light of unfading glory, are

but expressions of Him Who is the Invisible of the Invisibles. By the revelation of these Gems of Divine virtue all the names and attributes of God, such as knowledge and power, sovereignty and dominion, mercy and wisdom, glory, bounty, and grace, are

made manifest….”



“These Essences of Detachment, these resplendent Realities are the channels of God's all-pervasive grace.

Led by the light of unfailing guidance, and invested with supreme sovereignty, They are commissioned to use the commissioned to use the

inspiration of Their wordsinspiration of Their words, the effusions of Their infallible grace and the sanctifying breeze of Their

Revelation for the cleansing of every longing heart and receptive spirit from the dross and dust of earthly cares and limitations. Then, and only then, will the Trust of

God, latent in the reality of man, emerge, as resplendent as the rising Orb of Divine Revelation, from behind the

veil of concealment, and implant the ensign of its revealed glory upon the summits of men's hearts.”


“The Cause of Baha'u'llah is the same as the Cause of same as the Cause of ChristChrist. It is the same Temple and the same

Foundation. ... The origins and ends are the same.

The sun of today is the sun of yesterday. In the coming of Christ, the divine teachings were given in accordance with

the infancy of the human race.

The teachings of Baha'u'llah have the same basic same basic principlesprinciples, but are according to

the stage of the maturity of the world and

the requirements of this illumined age.”(Baha'i World Faith - Abdu'l-Baha Section, p. 400)

UNITY: theUNITY: thePrimary Purpose of the Baha’i FaithPrimary Purpose of the Baha’i Faith

<><><><><><>

“Its declared, its primary purposeprimary purpose is to enable every adherent of these Faiths

[earlier World-Faiths] to obtain a fuller understanding of

the religion with which he stands identified , and to acquire a clearer

apprehension of its purpose.”

(Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Baha'u'llah, p. 58)

The “Word of God” is One WordThe “Word of God” is One Word

"The Baha'i Message is a call to religious unity and not an invitation to a new religion, not a new path to immortality, God forbid! It is the

ancient path cleared of the debris of imaginations and superstitions of men, of the debris of strife and misunderstanding and is

again made a clear path to the sincere seeker, that he may enter therein in assurance, and find that the Word of God is one Word, though the

Speakers were many." (Star of the West, Vol. 15, p. 28)

New Cycle of Human PowerNew Cycle of Human Power “The banner of the Holy Spirit is uplifted, and men see it, and are assured with the knowledge that this is a new day.

This is a new cycle of human power. All the horizons of the world are luminous, and the world will become indeed as a garden and a paradise. It is the hour of unity of the sons of men and of the drawing together of all races and all classes. You are loosed from ancient superstitions which have kept men ignorant, destroying the foundation of true humanity.

The gift of God to this enlightened age is the knowledge of the oneness of mankind and of the fundamental oneness of religion. War shall cease between nations, and by the will of God the Most Great Peace shall come; the world will be seen as a new world, and all men will live as brothers.”

(Abdu'l-Baha in London, 1912, p. 19 )

In our time, there isIn our time, there is

Good NewsGood Newsandand

Bad NewsBad News

The Bad newsThe Bad newsisis

why we why we needneed the Return of Christ the Return of Christ

ICQAteBrowser Version 1.0Age of Peace? -- Casualties of War

WWII Soviet Union: 13.6 million military, 7.7 civilianWWII Soviet Union: 13.6 million military, 7.7 civilianWWII China: 1.3 million military, 10 million civiliansWWII China: 1.3 million military, 10 million civilians

WWII Germany: 3.2 million military, 3.8 civiliansWWII Germany: 3.2 million military, 3.8 civiliansWWII Poland: .85 million military, 6 million civilianWWII Poland: .85 million military, 6 million civilian

WWII USA: 295 thousand military, ZERO+ civiliansWWII USA: 295 thousand military, ZERO+ civilians

U.S. Casualties in Vietnam: 56 thousandU.S. Casualties in Vietnam: 56 thousand

U.S. Casualties in U.S. Civil War: 620 thousandU.S. Casualties in U.S. Civil War: 620 thousand

U.S. Casualties in Gulf War: 289 soldiers (+92)U.S. Casualties in Gulf War: 289 soldiers (+92)

Iraq Casualties in Gulf War: 100-200 thousandIraq Casualties in Gulf War: 100-200 thousand

Civilians killed in Africa since WWII: app 1-5 millionCivilians killed in Africa since WWII: app 1-5 million

Prevailing order is lamentably defectivePrevailing order is lamentably defective“How long will humanity persist in its waywardness? How long will

injustice continue? How long is chaos and confusion to reign amongst men? How long will discord agitate the face of society?... The winds of

despair are, alas, blowing from every direction, and the strife that divideth and afflicteth the human race is daily increasing. The signs of

impending convulsions and chaos can now be discerned, inasmuch as the prevailing orderprevailing order appeareth to be lamentably defective. I beseech God,

exalted be His glory, that He may graciously awaken the peoples of the earth, may grant that the end of their conduct may be profitable unto

them, and aid them to accomplish that which beseemeth their station.”

“. . . Beseech ye the one true God to grant that all men may be graciously assisted to fulfil that which is acceptable in Our sight. Soon will the

present-day orderpresent-day order be rolled up, and a new one spread out in its stead. Verily, thy Lord speaketh the truth, and is the Knower of things unseen.”

(Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, page 216 and page 7)

Death pangs.... Birth pangs...Death pangs.... Birth pangs...

“Deep as is the gloom that already encircles the world, the afflictive ordeals which that world is to suffer are still in preparation, nor can their blackness be as yet imagined.

We stand on the threshold of an age whose convulsions proclaim alike the death-pangs of the old order and the birth-pangs of the new. Through the generating influence

of the Faith announced by Baha'u'llah this New World Order may be said to have been conceived. We can, at the present moment, experience its stirrings in the womb of a

travailing age -- an age waiting for the appointed hour at which it can cast its burden and yield its fairest fruit.”

(Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Baha'u'llah, p. 169 )

Death pangs.... Birth pangs...Death pangs.... Birth pangs...

"Soon," Baha'u'llah Himself has prophesied [in the middle 1800s],

"will the present-day order be rolled up, and a new one spread out in its stead."

And again:

"By Myself! The day is approaching when We will have rolled up the world and all that is therein, and

spread out a new Order in its stead."

(Shoghi Effendi, in The Promised Day is Come, Pages: 17-18)

[emphasis and brackets added]

““Soon will the present day order Soon will the present day order be rolled up…”be rolled up…”

“. . . The one is being rolled up, and is crashing in oppression, bloodshed, and ruin. The other

opens up vistas of a justice, a unity, a peace, a culture, such as no age has ever seen. The

former has spent its force, demonstrated its falsity and barrenness, lost irretrievably its opportunity, and is hurrying to its doom. The latter, virile and unconquerable, is plucking asunder its chains, and is vindicating its title to be the one refuge within

which a sore-tried humanity, purged from its dross, can attain its destiny.” [emphasis mine]

(Shoghi Effendi, The Promised Day is Come, p. 17)

““Then and only then...”Then and only then...”

“The world is in travail, and its agitation waxeth day by day. Its face is turned towards

waywardness and unbelief. Such shall be its plight, that to disclose it now would not be meet

and seemly. Its perversity will long continue.Its perversity will long continue. And when the appointed hour is come, there shall suddenly appear that which shall cause the limbs of mankind to quake. Then, and only then, will

the Divine Standard be unfurled, and the Nightingale of Paradise warble its melody.”


The Good NewsThe Good News Christ has already “returned”Christ has already “returned”

The Christ Spirit has appeared in a The Christ Spirit has appeared in a man 150 years ago, revealing over man 150 years ago, revealing over

100 volumes of sacred text 100 volumes of sacred text from His prison… from His prison…

…and this Spirit has remained and…and this Spirit has remained andinfused Itself into the World.infused Itself into the World.

"We spend our lives trying to unlock "We spend our lives trying to unlock the mystery of the universe, but therethe mystery of the universe, but there was a Turkish prisoner, Bahá'u'lláh, was a Turkish prisoner, Bahá'u'lláh, in Akka, Palestine, who had the key. . .in Akka, Palestine, who had the key. . .

Bahá'u'lláh's teachings now present Bahá'u'lláh's teachings now present us with the highest and purest form of us with the highest and purest form of

religious teaching. . .religious teaching. . . Very profound, I know of no otherVery profound, I know of no other

so profound." so profound." Leo Tolstoy — 1908

(The Bahá'i World, vol. 13, p. 818 also Tolstoy and the Bahá'i Faith, p. 40)

JusticeJustice + + world-wide regenerationworld-wide regeneration“Justice is, in this day, bewailing its plight, and Equity

groaneth beneath the yoke of oppression. The thick clouds of tyranny have darkened the face of the earth, and

enveloped its peoples. Through the movement of Our Pen of glory We have, at the bidding of the omnipotent

Ordainer, breathed a new life into every human frame, and instilled into every word a fresh potency.

All created things proclaim the evidences of this world-wide regeneration.

This is the most great, the most joyful tidings imparted by the Pen of this wronged One to mankind.”


Baha’u’llah testifies to the glory Baha’u’llah testifies to the glory of Jesus as “the Christ”of Jesus as “the Christ”

“Know thou that when the Son of Man yielded up His breath to God, the whole creation wept with a great weeping. By sacrificing Himself,

however, a fresh capacity was infused into all created things. Its evidences, as witnessed in all the peoples of the earth, are now

manifest before thee. The deepest wisdom which the sages have uttered, the profoundest learning which any mind hath unfolded, the arts which the ablest hands have produced, the influence exerted by the most potent of rulers, are but manifestations of the quickening

power released by His transcendent, His all-pervasive, and resplendent Spirit.

We testify that when He came into the world, He shed the splendor of His glory upon all created things. . . .We bear witness that through

the power of the Word of God every leper was cleansed, every sickness was healed, every human infirmity was banished. He it is

Who purified the world. Blessed is the man who, with a face beaming with light, hath turned towards Him.” (Baha'u'llah--Gleanings..., p. 85 )

“Thou hast written of a verse in the Gospels, asking if at the time of Christ all souls did hear His call.

Know that faith is of two kinds. The first is objective faith that is expressed by the outer man, obedience of the limbs and senses. The other faith is subjective, and unconscious obedience to the will of God. There is no doubt that, in the day of a Manifestation such as

Christ, all contingent beings possessed subjective faith and had unconscious obedience to His Holiness.”

(Baha'i World Faith - Abdu'l-Baha, p. 364)

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

potent of rulers, are but manifestations of the quickening power released by His transcendent, His all-pervasive, and resplendent Spirit. . . .”

(Baha’u’llah speaking of Christ Jesus, from “Gleanings…”, p. 85 )

““Subjective” faith – all are subjective to the wholeSubjective” faith – all are subjective to the whole

Each time He comes Each time He comes the world is re-made by Him the world is re-made by Him

while He is still living on earth.while He is still living on earth.

““He was in the world, He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.”and the world knew him not.”

(Holy Bible, John 1:10(Holy Bible, John 1:10 ))

““He was He was in the worldin the world and the and the world was made by Him. . .”world was made by Him. . .”

““Every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God is endowed Every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God is endowed with such potency as can instill new life into every human frame... with such potency as can instill new life into every human frame...

All the wondrous works ye behold in this world have been All the wondrous works ye behold in this world have been manifested through the operation of His supreme and most exalted manifested through the operation of His supreme and most exalted

Will, His wondrous and inflexible Purpose.... No sooner is this Will, His wondrous and inflexible Purpose.... No sooner is this resplendent word uttered, than its animating energies, stirring resplendent word uttered, than its animating energies, stirring

within all created things, within all created things, give birth to the means and instruments give birth to the means and instruments whereby such arts can be produced and perfectedwhereby such arts can be produced and perfected.... In the days to .... In the days to come, ye will, verily, behold things of which ye have never heard come, ye will, verily, behold things of which ye have never heard

before.... Every single letter proceeding out of the mouth of God is before.... Every single letter proceeding out of the mouth of God is indeed a mother letter, and every word uttered by Him Who is the indeed a mother letter, and every word uttered by Him Who is the

Well Spring of Divine Revelation is a mother word....”Well Spring of Divine Revelation is a mother word....”(Statement on Baha'u'llah, 1992 May 29, p. 14 from Gleanings… 141-142)

““. . . all created things were shaken, separated, . . . all created things were shaken, separated, were divided, scattered, combined and reunited . . .were divided, scattered, combined and reunited . . .

“I testify that no sooner had the First Word proceeded, through the potency of Thy will and purpose, out of His

mouth, and the First Call gone forth from His lips than the whole creation was revolutionized, and all that are in the heavens and all that are on earth were stirred to the depths. Through that Word the realities of all created

things were shakenshaken, were divideddivided, separatedseparated, scatteredscattered, combinedcombined and reunitedreunited, disclosing, in both the

contingent world and the heavenly kingdom, entities of a new creation, and revealing, in the unseen realms, the

signs and tokens of Thy unity and oneness.”(Prayers and Meditations of Baha'u'llah, p. 295 )

Jesus describes His spiritual state Jesus describes His spiritual state (not of this world) in physical terms:(not of this world) in physical terms:

“If I have told you earthlyearthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenlyheavenly things? And

no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which

is in heaven.” (He is “in” heaven while standing on earth.)

[Notice that Jesus Himself is telling them not to take this description physically,

but as a spiritual reality.](King James Bible, John 3:12 )

“And he said unto them, ‘Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this worldI am not of this world.’ ”

(John 8:23)

Hidden from the sight of unwitting peopleHidden from the sight of unwitting people

“. . . Judge thou from this metaphor how the world of the Kingdom hath shone down, and how

its laws have been made to work in this nether realm. Although the spirit is hidden from view, still its commandments shine out like rays of

light upon the world of the human body. In the same way, although the Kingdom of

heaven is hidden from the sight of this unwittingunwitting people, still, to him who seeth with the

inner eye, it is plain as day.”

(Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p. 192)

“The Ancient Beauty hath consented to be bound with chainsbound with chains

that mankind may be that mankind may be released from its released from its

bondagebondage, and hath accepted to be made a prisoner… that the that the

whole world may whole world may attain unto true attain unto true

libertyliberty.”Baha’u’llah, 1853,

while in chains.Baha’u’llah declared His mission publicly

in 18631863.

“The world's The world's equilibriumequilibrium hath hath

been been upsetupset through the vibrating

influence of this most great, this new this new

World OrderWorld Order. Mankind's Mankind's ordered ordered

life hath been life hath been revolutionizedrevolutionized

through the agency through the agency of this unique, this of this unique, this wondrous Systemwondrous System --

the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed.”

Baha’u’llah

Progress of Civilization

Middle Ages (“Dark Ages”)

475-1453 A.D.

“Between the middle of the eighth and the beginning of the thirteenth centuries... the Arabic Arabic speaking peoplesspeaking peoples were the main bearers of the torch of culture and civilization throughout the world, the medium which ancient science and philosophy were recovered, supplemented and transmitted to make possible the renaissance of Western Europe.” (source : Arab Civilization to A.D. 1500 by M. Dunlop)

700 -1500 Islamic civilization 700 -1500 Islamic civilization 622 A.D. Islam dominates622 A.D. Islam dominates

1300-1500 Renaissance1517 “Reformation”1517 “Reformation”

Copernicus, Galileo1473-1543 1564-1642

Kepler and Newton1571-1630 1642-1727

““We have, then, We have, then, called into beingcalled into being a new creationa new creation,,

as a token of Our as a token of Our grace unto men.grace unto men. I am, verily, the I am, verily, the

All-Bountiful, the All-Bountiful, the Ancient of Days.”Ancient of Days.”

Baha’u’llahBaha’u’llah18631863

"A "A new life isnew life is, in , in this age, this age, stirringstirring

within all the within all the peoples of the earth; peoples of the earth;

and yet none hath and yet none hath discovered its cause discovered its cause

or perceived its or perceived its motive.”motive.”

Baha’u’llahBaha’u’llah

1844…1863… 19121844…1863… 1912Birth of the Baha’i EraBirth of the Baha’i Era

Industrial Revolution1775… 1844...

United States

The “new earth”New landmarks in

social progress:

equality, justice..

99% of all scientists are still living and 98% of all inventions have developed

in the last

150 years “Through the

movement of Our Pen of glory We We

have, at the bidding have, at the bidding of the omnipotent of the omnipotent

Ordainer, Ordainer, breathed a breathed a new life into every new life into every human framehuman frame, and instilled into every

word a fresh potency. All created thingsAll created things

proclaim the proclaim the evidences of this evidences of this

world-wide world-wide regenerationregeneration.”

Baha’u’llah

“. . .on the 1st day of January, A.D. 18631863, all all persons held as slavesslaves within any State shall shall

be then, thenceforward, be then, thenceforward, and forever freeand forever free. . .

And upon this act, sincerely believed to be

an act of justice…

I invoke the considerate judgment of mankind and the the

graciousgracious favor of favor of Almighty GodAlmighty God.” -

Abraham Lincoln

http://www.homestead.com/watsongregory/files/islamic_civilization.htm

Today the world responds “unconsciously”“Unbeknownst to the great majority, His influence permeates all His influence permeates all living beingsliving beings. Indeed, no domain of life remains unaffected. In the

burgeoning energy, the magnified perspectives, the heightened global consciousness; in the social and political turbulence, the fall

of kingdoms, the emancipation of nations, the intermixture of cultures, the clamour for development; in the agitation over the

extremes of wealth and poverty, the acute concern over the abuse of the environment, the leap of consciousness regarding the rights

of women and racial equality; in the growing tendency towards ecumenism, the increasing call for a new world order; in the

astounding advances in the realms of science, technology, literature and the arts -- in all this tumult, with its paradoxical manifestations of chaos and order, integration and

disintegration, are the signs of His [Baha’u’llah’s] power as World Reformer, the proof of His claim as Divine Physician, the

truth of His Word as the All-Knowing Counselor.” (UHJ)

"The Call of God," Abdu'l-Baha has written, "when raised, breathed a new life into the body of mankind, and infused a new spirit into the

whole creation. It is for this reason that the world hath been moved to its depths, and the hearts and consciences of men been quickened.

Erelong the evidences of this regeneration will be revealed, and the fast asleep will be awakened.” (Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Baha'u'llah, p. 169)

“Through the movement of Our Pen of glory We have, at the bidding of the omnipotent Ordainer, breathed a new life into every human frame,

and instilled into every word a fresh potency. All created things proclaim the evidences of this world-wide regeneration.”


“The world's equilibrium hath been upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order. Mankind's ordered life hath been

revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System -- the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed.”

"A new life is, in this age, stirring within all the peoples of the earth; and yet and yet none hath discovered its cause or perceived its motive.”none hath discovered its cause or perceived its motive.”

(Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 136 & 197)

Today the world responds “unconsciously”

“Do ye know in what cycle ye are created and in what age ye exist?

This is the age of the Blessed Perfection

and this is the time of the Greatest Name!”

( Baha'i World Faith - Abdu'l-Baha Section, p. 351 )

“Do ye know in what cycle ye are created and in what age ye exist? …

This is the century of the Manifestation, the age of the Sun of the Horizons

and the beautiful springtime of His Holiness the Eternal One!”

( Baha'i World Faith - Abdu'l-Baha Section, p. 351 )

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the

mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.” (Holy Bible, Isaiah 2:2)

House of JusticeBaha’i World Center

Haifa, Israel

“And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares. .” (Holy Bible, Isaiah 2:3-4) “. . .and we will walk in his paths. . .”

The House of the Lord sits on the “mountain of the Lord” (Carmel) in Israel, as fulfillment of prophesy.

". . . and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks:

nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” (Isaiah 2:4)

House of JusticeBaha’i World Center

Haifa, Israel

“… the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it….

and He will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in His paths…”

“…let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of God… and he will teach us His ways, and we will walk in his paths: for shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem...” (Isaiah 2:3-4) “To Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God… and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” (Rev. 3:12 & 21:2)

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall

be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.” (Isaiah 2:2)

“To Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God… and I will write upon him My new name. . .

. . .which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” (Rev. of St. John 3:12 & 2:17)

Baha’u’llahBaha’u’llahis the is the returnreturn of of “the Christ.”“the Christ.”

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

How can this be so?How can this be so?

The BibleThe Bible -- a standard to judge Him by -- a standard to judge Him by“Go forth with the Tablet of God and His signs, and rejoin them that have believed in Me, and announce unto them tidings of Our most holy Paradise. Warn,

then, those that have joined partners with Him. Say: I I am come to youam come to you, O people, from the Throne of glory, and bear you an announcement from Godand bear you an announcement from God, the Most Powerful, the Most Exalted, the Most Great. In mine hand I carry the testimony of God, your Lord and the

Lord of your sires of old. Weigh it with the Weigh it with the just just BalanceBalance that ye possess, the Balance of that ye possess, the Balance of the the

testimonytestimony of the Prophets and Messengers of God of the Prophets and Messengers of God.”.”


JesusJesuswas was

“the Christ.”“the Christ.” <><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

How could this be so?How could this be so?

Before we can speak of the “return” of “the Christ,”

…we must first know what is meant by the term “ChristChrist” and then what is meant by

the term “returnreturn.”

What did it mean What did it mean for Jesus to be calledfor Jesus to be called

“the Christ?” “the Christ?”

What is “the Christ?”What is “the Christ?”

Let’s see what the Let’s see what the Holy Bible says….Holy Bible says….

There is only One Christ --There is only One Christ --always was…. always will be....always was…. always will be....

“In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.” (King James Bible, John 1:1)

“The Word of God [the Reality of Christ]

is sanctified from time.

The past, the present, the future, all,

in relation to God, are equal.

Yesterday, today, tomorrow do not exist in the sun.”(Some Answered Questions, p. 116 )

The The oneone Christ is the “Word” or Spirit…. Christ is the “Word” or Spirit….“Manifested” in the world… “Manifested” in the world…

since the beginning.since the beginning.

““In the beginningIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning the Word was God. The same was in the beginning withwith God.” God.”

(John 17:5)

““And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee glory which I had with thee before the world wasbefore the world was.”.” (John 17:5)

And again, ““Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given

me: for thou lovedst me me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the worldbefore the foundation of the world.”.” (John 17:24)

“… Christ [Jesus] …Who verily was foreordainedbefore the foundation of the world,

but was manifestmanifest in these last times for you.” (Holy Bible, 1 Peter 1:20)

Again, the Bible explains that the Again, the Bible explains that the “Christ Spirit” was in the Prophets“Christ Spirit” was in the Prophets






Moses was the “Word of God”Moses was the “Word of God”

“Ye shall not add unto the WordWord which I command you, neither shall ye

diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments

of the Lord your God

which I command you.”

(Holy Bible, Deuteronomy 4:2)

RETURN of “state” and “station”:RETURN of “state” and “station”:Jesus Christ, speaking of John the Baptist, declared

that John was Elias. (Mark 9:13 & Matt 11:14, 17:13) When John the Baptist was questioned, "Art thou Elias?" he said, "I am not." (Bible:John 1:19-21 )

“These two statements are apparently contradictory, but in reality they do not contradict. The light is one light. The light which illumined this lamp last night is

illuminating it tonight. This does not mean that the identical rays of light have reappeared but the virtues of

illumination.” (Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 167 )

John the Baptist came in the “spirit and power” of Elias. (see Bible: Luke 1:17)

“ ‘That which is born of the Spirit is Spirit.’ And this Spirit hath both restitution and return, inasmuch as it consists of the Light of God and the unconditioned grace. So, having regard to this state and station,

Christ announced that John the Baptist was Elias,

who was to come before Christ.”

(Baha'i World Faith - Abdu'l-Baha Section, p. 371)

The “RETURN” spoken of The “RETURN” spoken of by the Prophets by the Prophets

and referred to in the Holy Booksand referred to in the Holy Books

“. . . by this [statement in the Holy Scriptures] is meant the return of the qualities, conditions, effects, perfections, and

inner realities of the lights which recur in every dispensation. The reference is not to specific, individual souls and identities. It may be said, for instance, that this lamplight is last night's come back again, or that last year's rose hath returned to the garden this year. Here

the reference is not to the individual reality, the fixed identity, the specialized being of that other rose, rather doth it mean that the qualities,

the distinctive characteristics of that other light, that other flower, are present now, in these. Those perfections, that is, those graces and gifts

of a former springtime are back again this year. We say, for example, that this fruit is the same as last year's; but we are thinking only of the delicacy, bloom and freshness, and the sweet taste of it; for it is obvious

that… [the] specific identity, can never return.(Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p. 183)

““RETURN” spoken of by the ProphetsRETURN” spoken of by the Prophets

“. . . ‘I am the return of all the Prophets.” This is significant of the oneness of the prophetic virtues, the

oneness of power, the oneness of bestowal, the oneness of radiation, the oneness of expression, the oneness of

revelation.”

(Abdu'l-Baha, Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 168 )

REMEMBER:

The Spirit of Christ was in the Prophets before Jesus

(Bible, 1 Peter 1:10-11)

RETURN of “state” and “station”:RETURN of “state” and “station”:

ONE Progressive Revelation ONE Progressive Revelation continuing from age to age...continuing from age to age...

“This which we now call the Christian Religion existed among the

ancients and was from the beginning of the human race until Christ Himself until Christ Himself

camecame in the flesh, from which time the already existing true religion began to

be called Christianity [Christian].” -- Saint Augustine

Each Revelation is the “Return” of the formerEach Revelation is the “Return” of the former

Progressive Revelation “existed among the ancients” -- from age to age...

What is St. Augustine talking about???What is St. Augustine talking about???

“. . . whenever there is a decline of righteousness, and unrighteousness is in the ascendant, then I body Myself forth. For the protection of the virtuous, for the destruction of evil amongst men (evil-doers), and for the establishing of Dharma (righteousness) on a firm footing (solid foundation), I am born from age to age.”

Krishna the “Avatar” (meaning "incarnation" or Manifestation of Deity) speaks to Arjuna in a form of revelation: (Gita: Ch.4, #s 7)

All the Divinely-revealed religions All the Divinely-revealed religions have proceeded from one Source, have proceeded from one Source,

and are the rays of one Lightand are the rays of one Light““The Purpose of the one true God, exalted be His glory, in The Purpose of the one true God, exalted be His glory, in revealing Himself unto men is to lay bare those gems that revealing Himself unto men is to lay bare those gems that lie hidden within the mine of their true and inmost selves. lie hidden within the mine of their true and inmost selves.

That the divers communions of the earth, and the manifold That the divers communions of the earth, and the manifold systems of religious belief, should never be allowed to systems of religious belief, should never be allowed to

foster the feelings of animosity among men, is, in this Day, foster the feelings of animosity among men, is, in this Day, of the essence of the Faith of God and His Religion. These of the essence of the Faith of God and His Religion. These principles and laws, these firmly-established and mighty principles and laws, these firmly-established and mighty systems [religions], have proceeded from one Source, and systems [religions], have proceeded from one Source, and

are the rays of one Light. That they differ one from are the rays of one Light. That they differ one from another is to be attributed to the varying requirements of another is to be attributed to the varying requirements of

the ages in which they were promulgated.”the ages in which they were promulgated.”


““This is the changeless Faith of God, This is the changeless Faith of God,

eternal in the past, eternal in the futureeternal in the past, eternal in the future...”.”

(Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 136 )

Eternal in the past, Eternal in the past, Eternal in the Future...Eternal in the Future...

RETURN of “state” and “station”:RETURN of “state” and “station”:Thus it is that Jesus, Himself, declared: "I go away and come again unto you." Consider the sun. Were it to say now, "I am the sun of

yesterday," it would speak the truth. And should it, bearing the sequence of time in mind, claim to be other than that sun, it still would

speak the truth. In like manner, if it be said that all the days are but one and the same, it is correct and true. And if it be said, with respect to their particular names and designations, that they differ, that again is true. For though they are the same, yet one doth recognize in each a

separate designation, a specific attribute, a particular character. Conceive accordingly the distinction, variation, and unity

characteristic of the various Manifestations of holiness, that thou mayest comprehend the allusions made by the creator of all names

and attributes to the mysteries of distinction and unity, and discover the answer to thy question as to why that everlasting Beauty should

have, at sundry times, called Himself by different names and titles.(Baha'u'llah, The Book of Certitude, p. 21)

Christ as the “Christ as the “returnreturn” of an “other”” of an “other”"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another

Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; [Even] the Spirit of Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; [Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not,

neither knoweth him. . . . But when the Comforter is come, whom I neither knoweth him. . . . But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which

proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: (John 14:16-17 & 15:26)

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you;

but if I depart, I will send him unto you.but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (John 16:7)

I I have have yet many things to sayyet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when now. Howbeit when hehe, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you , the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you

into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to

come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you…”shew [it] unto you…” (John 16:12-15)

““He” and the “other” are BOTH the “Comforter”He” and the “other” are BOTH the “Comforter”

In the same verse, Christ declared that He had more to say to us through the "coming of another,"

“I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another ComforterComforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the

Spirit of truth . . . I will not leave you comfortless:

I will come to you.” (Holy Bible, John 14:18, 15:26)

Baha’u’llah tells us, therefore, that Christ's own return and the coming of "another” refer to the same event: “‘I go

and another will come Who will tell you all that I have not told you, and will fulfil all that I have said.’ Both

these sayings have but one meaninghave but one meaning, were you to ponder upon the Manifestations of the Unity of God with divine

insight.” (Baha’u’llah in Book of Certitude, p. 20)

<><><><><><>

Christ is the “Word of God” – eternal in the past, eternal in the present, eternal in the future.

Jesus referred to the “coming of another” and His own “Return” as the same event (like the return of Elias being John the Baptist)

and in the same statements (see John 14:16-18). These statements mean one and the same thing.

Likewise, He said that He had “more to tell us” which He would speak “through another” when He returns:

“I have more to tell you but you cannot bear it now.” (John 16:12-13)

The Revelation of Christ Jesus was not fully disclosed in His first coming… and was

to be completed by His “return”

Christ said Christ said His first Revelation was incompleteHis first Revelation was incomplete

““I I have have yet many things to sayyet many things to say unto you, unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when when hehe, the Spirit of truth is come, he , the Spirit of truth is come, he

will guide you into all truth: for he shall will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, glorify me: for he shall receive of mine,

and shall shew [it] unto you…”and shall shew [it] unto you…” (John 16:12-15)

Expressions of Expressions of Baha’u’llah’s ClaimBaha’u’llah’s Claim: : As the “As the “returnreturn” of Christ...” of Christ...

. . . “This is the WordWord the Son veiled when He said to those around Him that at that time they could not bear it. Verily the Spirit of Truth is come to guide you unto all truth. He is the One Who glorified the Son and exalted His Cause...”

"The Comforter Whose advent all the scriptures have promised is now come that He may reveal unto you all knowledge and wisdom. Seek Him over the entire surface of the earth, haply ye may find Him." Baha’u’llahBaha’u’llah, WOB, p104)

“If ye be intent on crucifying once again Jesus, the Spirit of God, put Me to death, for He hath once more, in My person, been made manifest unto you.” [emphasis mine]


Christ describes his own condition as a "listener" to the Spirit of God within Him in these words: "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me."

(John 5:30)

GOD SPEAKS to Jesus -- JESUS HAD “EARS TO HEAR,” AND THEN SPOKE

Notice that soon after Jesus describes His own condition, He describes the “Spirit of Truth” who would come to tell us “more” that we “could not bear” at the time of His

first coming --as one who "hears :" ". . . He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hearHe shall hear, that shall He speak." (John 16:12-13 )

He is describing the very same condition for the “Spirit of Truth” as that which He describes for Himself -- with ears to hear and a tongue to speakears to hear and a tongue to speak.

Now, one must ask, if this verse were not referring to a Man in the station, or condition, of a listener -- if this blessed verse were referring to the Holy Spirit not embodied in a man -- then what need would He have to listen to anyone? Does the Spirit of God need to listen to anyone? The Spirit of God is the speaker. The listener is “a Man Who has

individuality, Who has ears to hear and a tongue to speak. . . It is clear that the Spirit of Truth is embodied in a man.” (SAQ, p. 109)

The promised Spirit of Truthis embodied in a man -- with “ears,” etc.

Spirit of TruthSpirit of Truth has an ear to hear and a tongue to speak

". . . In some passages in the Holy Books the Spirit is spoken of, signifying a certain person, as it is currently said in speech and conversation that such a person is an embodied spirit, or he is a

personification of mercy and generosity. In this case, it is the light we look at, and not the glass. In the Gospel of John, in speaking of

the Promised One Who was to come after Christ, it is said in chapter 16, verses 12, 13: 'I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of

Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak.’ Now consider carefully that from these words, 'for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak,' it is

clear that the Spirit of truth is embodied in a Man Who has individuality, Who has ears to hear and a tongue to speak. In the same way the name 'Spirit of God' is used in relation to Christ, as you speak of a light, meaning both the light and the lamp." (SAQ,

p108-109)

"Did not Christ Himself, addressing His disciples, utter these words: 'I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He, the

Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth'? From the text of this recognized tradition, as

well as from the words of Christ, as attested by the Gospel, every unprejudiced observer will readily

apprehend the magnitude of the Faith which Baha'u'llah has revealed, and recognize the staggering

weight of the claim He has advanced." -- (Shoghi Effendi, World Order of Baha’u’llah, p. 25)

Shoghi Effendi states the magnitude of Shoghi Effendi states the magnitude of Baha’u’llah’s claim Baha’u’llah’s claim

as a fulfillment of Jesus’s prophesyas a fulfillment of Jesus’s prophesy

What are the proofs?

We will quickly list them,

For there is no time

to examine them closely now:

Prophesy is one….

Old Testament prophecies for the Old Testament prophecies for the “First”“First” Coming of Coming of Christ were the same as the New Testament prophecies of Christ were the same as the New Testament prophecies of

the the “Second”“Second” Coming of Christ. Coming of Christ.

First: The rolling up of the heavens. Isaiah 34:4.Second: The sun shall be darkened. Joel 2:10 & 31.

Third: The moon shall not give its light. Joel 2:31 and Isaiah 13:10.Fourth: The stars shall fall from heaven Joel 3:15 and Daniel 8:10.

Fifth: The dead shall arise from their tombs:Isaiah 26:19 and Daniel 12:2.Sixth: Ferocious animals [lion] will make peace with grazing animals [lamb].

Seventh: They will share the same pasture and food.Eighth: The children will play with poisonous serpents.

Ninth: The people of Israel who in that day shall have become scattered and humiliated throughout all the nations of the East and the West will be again assembled together by the Lord of Hosts, Who will establish them in their promised land and confer upon this everlasting glory.

Tenth:All the peoples of the earth shall hear His the Messiah’s Voice.Eleventh: All eyes shall see Him: “And the flesh shall see it together.”

(for 6-11 see Isaiah 11:6, Jeremiah 31:1-10, Isaiah 40:5)

Other Old Testament propheciesOther Old Testament prophecieswere not fulfilled in the literal way were not fulfilled in the literal way

that the Jews expected: that the Jews expected: The prophesies were symbolical and thus the Jews The prophesies were symbolical and thus the Jews

did not understand how they were fulfilled did not understand how they were fulfilled —— 1. Messiah will come from an unknown place

– Jesus came from NazarethJesus came from Nazareth

2. Messiah carry an iron scepter, that is to say, his shepherd's staff will be a sword.

– Jesus had no sword – not even a staff.

3. He will be seated on the throne of David;– ““this man has not so much as a mat whereon to sit.” this man has not so much as a mat whereon to sit.”

4. He was to spread and promulgate the law of Moses; – ““this man, on the contrary, seeks to destroy it.” (divorce & this man, on the contrary, seeks to destroy it.” (divorce &

Sabbath) Sabbath)

5. World peace would be established under the Jewish law– Roman tyranny enveloped the world and they crucified the Christ.Roman tyranny enveloped the world and they crucified the Christ.

Main prophesies of Christ HimselfAll Christians refer to the 24th Chapter of the Gospel of Matthew* as Christ's own three

classic promises (detailed with signs) of His "second coming" or His "return." By the year 1844, Christian scholars were agreed that all three of the promises had been fulfilled:

1. His Gospel would be preached everywhere on earth.

2. The "Times of the Gentiles" would be fulfilled. (The Jews were first allowed to return to Israel under the "Edict of Toleration" in 1844.)

3. All mankind would see the 'abomination of desolation' foretold by the Prophet Daniel. This is a reference to the "2300 Days" prophesy of Daniel*, each day representing a year from the time of the decree to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem in 457 B.C.

* Note: Chapters 8-12 of the Book of Daniel foretell the first coming of Christ as well as the second, using the same calculation method from the same date as the "2300 days prophesy", and thus are very important in proving the legitimacy of Jesus's claim to be the Christ in the "first coming." Also, note that any lighter text is a URL link while viewing on the web.

http://simjon.com/John/thief.htm

http://sunsite.unc.edu/Bahai/Texts/English/SAQ/SAQ-10.html#Paragraph%2024

Inner and Outer Inner and Outer —— Then and NowThen and Now

"And every eye shall see Him,""And every eye shall see Him," in reference to the “second coming,” is identical to the teaching in the Old Testament regarding the “first

coming.” With respect to the first coming we recall the Old Testament prophesy quoted in Handel's Messiah: "And the flesh shall see it "And the flesh shall see it

together."together." It seems to me that these are the same, essentially.

“And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of GodAnd all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’” (Luke 3:3-5)

The point is that if Christ did come the first time, then ALL "saw him" and heard His voice the “first” time. (Luke refers to the Old

Testament prophesy and claims that Jesus has fulfilled the verse in the “First” coming. Every eye did see Him, so it was fulfilled in a Every eye did see Him, so it was fulfilled in a

spiritual way, not a literal one. spiritual way, not a literal one.

Inner and Outer Inner and Outer —— Then and NowThen and Now

Every Christmas we hear the famous verses contained in Handel's Messiah, all making reference to Christ – but not exclusively Christ Jesus. Some of the prophesies pertain

to Christ at the time of His “return” – with an inner meaning, not an outer meaning, though in some cases both.

(Isaiah 9:6 and 40: 5) “And the flesh shall see it together.” “And the flesh shall see it together.” As “King of kings… He rules the world”“King of kings… He rules the world”

““The government shall rest upon His shoulder.”The government shall rest upon His shoulder.”““My kingdom is not of this world.”My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36, Matthew 22:21)

““I came not to send peace, but a sword.”I came not to send peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34, Luke 12:51-54)

““Be united, O kings of the earth, for thereby will the tempest of Be united, O kings of the earth, for thereby will the tempest of discord be stilled amongst you, and your peoples find rest…”discord be stilled amongst you, and your peoples find rest…” ““Mankind's ordered life hath been revolutionized through the Mankind's ordered life hath been revolutionized through the

agency of this unique, this wondrous System -- the like of which agency of this unique, this wondrous System -- the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed.”mortal eyes have never witnessed.”(Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 254 and 136)

We could look at Prophesy We could look at Prophesy more closely… more closely…

but instead have only listed but instead have only listed the more prominent ones.the more prominent ones.

Both Old and New Testament PropheciesBoth Old and New Testament Prophecieswere not fulfilled in a literal way: were not fulfilled in a literal way:

" The path hath become smooth, the way straightened, the carpet of the Kingdom is spread, the Tabernacle hath been elevated upon the Hill of Might, the powers of heaven have been shaken, the corners of the earth have quaked, the sun has been darkened, the moon ceased to

give light, the stars have fallen, the nations of the earth have lamented, and the Son of Man hath come upon the clouds of heaven

with power and great glory, and He hath sent His angels with the sound of the great trumpet, and no one knows the meaning of these

emblems save the wise and informed.Ye are the angels, if your feet be firm, your spirits rejoiced, your secret

thoughts pure, your eyes consoled, your ears opened, your breasts dilated with joy, and your souls gladdened, and if you arise to assist

the Covenant, to resist dissension and to be attracted to the Effulgence! Verily, I say unto you that the Word of God has

assuredly been explained and has become an evident sign and a strong and solid proof, and its traces shall be spread in the East and West, and to these all heads shall bow and all souls shall submit and

kneel down with their faces to the ground."(Compilations, Baha'i World Faith, p. 360)

The returned Christ is hiddenhidden “from the churches.” Each person must “overcome” himself –

his or her own preconceptions, so as to receive it.

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and

in the stone a new name written, which no man

knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” (Revelation 2:17)

Manna is the “Bread of Life” or WORD come down from Heaven --

a reference to Christ as the Word of God “come down from Heaven.” (John 6:31)

Stone is also a reference to Christ -- at first and second comings:

Romans 9:33, 1st Corinthians 10:4, 1st Peter 2:4, Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10, Acts 4:11, refer to Psalm 188:22-23 and Isaiah 28:16

““New NameNew Name… which no one knows except Him who receiveth it.” (Rev. 2:17)

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth…new Jerusalem, coming down from God”(Revelation 21:1-2)

<><><>

“Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write

upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out

of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” (Bible -- Revelation 3:12)

The Promised One of all ReligionsThe Promised One of all Religions

" . . the Promised One of all the world's peoples hath now been made manifest. For each and every people, and every religion, await a Promised One, and Baha'u'llah is that One Who is awaited by

all; and therefore the Cause of Baha'u'llah will bring about the oneness of mankindthe oneness of mankind . . .”

(Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Baha, Page: 101)

If Christ, at the time of His “second coming” -- the coming of the “Spirit of Truth” -- promised to guide humanity to all truth -- in order to unite all the peoples of the world

into “One fold” under “One Shepherd,” ... if Christ came with the name of “Christ” how could the Buddhists, the

Zoroastrians, the Hindus and the Muslims who all expect a “world redeemer” (a world educator) to come unite the

peoples of the world at the so-called “end of time” recognize Him as their Promised One also? Names must

change to meet the needs of the people. (see new name: Rev. 2:17, 3:12 & 19:13)

The Bible says that the “Spirit of Christ” was in the other prophets telling of Jesus and the “Glory of God” after Him. (1 Peter 1:10-11)

Why “new name” is necessaryWhy “new name” is necessary

The Promised One of all ReligionsTo Israel He was neither more nor less than the incarnation of To Israel He was neither more nor less than the incarnation of

the "Everlasting Father," the "Lord of Hosts" the "Everlasting Father," the "Lord of Hosts" come down "with ten thousands of saints"; come down "with ten thousands of saints";

to Christendom Christ returned "in the glory of the Father," to Christendom Christ returned "in the glory of the Father,"

to Shí'ah Islam the return of the Imam Husayn; to Shí'ah Islam the return of the Imam Husayn;

to Sunni Islam the descent of the "Spirit of God" (Christ); to Sunni Islam the descent of the "Spirit of God" (Christ);

to the Zoroastrians the promised Shah-Bahram; to the Zoroastrians the promised Shah-Bahram;

to the Hindus the reincarnation of Krishna; to the Hindus the reincarnation of Krishna;

to the Buddhists the fifth Buddha.”to the Buddhists the fifth Buddha.”(Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 93)

New Name prophesies (Rev 2:17, 3:12) New Name prophesies (Rev 2:17, 3:12) Also, this one:Also, this one:

“He had a name written, that no man “He had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. . . . and his knew, but he himself. . . . and his

name is called. . . name is called. . .

The Word of GodThe Word of God.”.”

(Bible, Revelation 19:13)

Proofs

The Holy Bible actually obligates the believers to "test the "test the spirits"spirits" (1 John 4:1), in order to distinguish the True One. Otherwise, no tests would be given. The Bible would simply

state that anyone claiming to bear a message directly from God is false, and you could discount him

without any investigation. However, the test itself is a proof of the existence of the True

One and obligates us to investigate. Every claimant must be investigated. The Bible gives many tests. Among them are

these: Deuteronomy 18:18-22 and Matthew 7:15-18. "The good tree gives forth good fruit," is the more familiar of the two, and

the one in Deuteronomy is worth deep study. (Luke 11:17) “He could achieve it only by the permission of God.”“He could achieve it only by the permission of God.”

The Proofs of Baha’u’llah are the same The Proofs of Baha’u’llah are the same as those for Christ Jesusas those for Christ Jesus

http://www.homestead.com/watsongregory/files/station.htm#authority

The Proofs of Baha’u’llah do meet he criteria The Proofs of Baha’u’llah do meet he criteria of Moses – which was used bothof Moses – which was used both

to prove and disprove Jesus was the Christ:to prove and disprove Jesus was the Christ:

"I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto "I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto

them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, [that] them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in shall speak in

my namemy name, I will require [it] of him. But the prophet, which shall , I will require [it] of him. But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that

prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? When a prophet When a prophet

speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that [is] the thing which the Lord hath not spoken,pass, that [is] the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, [but] the [but] the

prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.“ him.“ (Deuteronomy 18:18-22)

Miriam asks, ". . . hath he not spoken also by us?. . . ." Miriam asks, ". . . hath he not spoken also by us?. . . ." And God answers, "If there be a prophet among you, I And God answers, "If there be a prophet among you, I

the Lord will make myself known unto him in a the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision. . . vision. . . With him will I speak mouth to mouthWith him will I speak mouth to mouth, ,

even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid wherefore then were ye not afraid

to speak against my servant Moses?" to speak against my servant Moses?" And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them. . . And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them. . .

and Miriam became leprous, white as snow. . . .and Miriam became leprous, white as snow. . . .

Numbers 12:2-10, wherein Miriam, the sister of Moses, Numbers 12:2-10, wherein Miriam, the sister of Moses, is punished for presuming that she could speak for God.is punished for presuming that she could speak for God.

More than an Extraordinary Man:More than an Extraordinary Man:Peter could never have become the ChristPeter could never have become the Christ

Baha'u'llah is either who He claims to be or He is not. If He is not, then the fair investigator must be able to state why He is not

before he can reject it. Logically it seems that there are only two conditions or possibilities if He is not: (1) self-deception, or (2) (1) self-deception, or (2)

intent to deceive.intent to deceive. In the first condition He would have to be either a fool or a madman. In the second condition He would

have to be malevolent, or evil. Even a superficial examination of Baha'u'llah's Writings, and the life He lived in accordance with them (documented in 19th century history), will reveal that He is neither mad nor evil. Therefore, as Sherlock Holmes would say: "When you have eliminated the impossible, no matter how

improbable, you are left only with the truth." If you cannot classify Baha'u'llah as an imposter using the two

categories above, then He must be who He says that He is.


Among the foremost opposers of Christ in His day were the clergy. Intending to accuse Him of being a clever and intelligent deceiver, they called Him "Beelzebub," the chief of devils.

His answer was simple: "Every kingdom "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; divided against itself is brought to desolation;

and a house divided against itself is a house that and a house divided against itself is a house that falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? ... If by Evil I cast how shall his kingdom stand? ... If by Evil I cast

out devils... then by whom do your sons cast out devils... then by whom do your sons cast them out? ... But if I with the finger of God cast them out? ... But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come

upon you."upon you." (Luke 11:17)


Baha'u'llah "casts out evil" by enjoining Baha'u'llah "casts out evil" by enjoining upon humanity the most noble virtues -- upon humanity the most noble virtues -- that is, to love God, love humanity and that is, to love God, love humanity and try to serve it…. to work against "evil" try to serve it…. to work against "evil"

and ignorance in the world, and to and ignorance in the world, and to acquire divine qualities acquire divine qualities and a saintly character:and a saintly character:

““Fruits of the Spirit”Fruits of the Spirit”::““Be Be generousgenerous in prosperity, and in prosperity, and thankfulthankful in adversity. Be in adversity. Be worthyworthy of of

the the trusttrust of thy neighbor, and look upon him with a bright and of thy neighbor, and look upon him with a bright and friendly face. Be a friendly face. Be a treasuretreasure to the poor, an to the poor, an admonisheradmonisher to the rich, to the rich,

an an answereranswerer of the cry of the needy, a of the cry of the needy, a preserverpreserver of the sanctity of thy of the sanctity of thy pledge. pledge. Be fairBe fair in thy judgment, and guarded in thy speech. in thy judgment, and guarded in thy speech. Be Be

unjust to no manunjust to no man, and show all , and show all meeknessmeekness to all men. Be as a to all men. Be as a lamplamp unto them that walk in darkness, a unto them that walk in darkness, a joyjoy to the sorrowful, a to the sorrowful, a seasea for the for the thirsty, a thirsty, a havenhaven for the distressed, an for the distressed, an upholder and defenderupholder and defender of the of the victim of oppression. Let victim of oppression. Let integrity and uprightnessintegrity and uprightness distinguish all distinguish all thine acts. Be a thine acts. Be a homehome for the stranger, a for the stranger, a balmbalm to the suffering, a to the suffering, a

tower of tower of strengthstrength for the fugitive. Be for the fugitive. Be eyeseyes to the blind, and a to the blind, and a guiding guiding lightlight unto the feet of the erring. Be an ornament to the countenance unto the feet of the erring. Be an ornament to the countenance

of of truthtruth, a crown to the brow of , a crown to the brow of fidelityfidelity, a pillar of the temple of , a pillar of the temple of righteousnessrighteousness, a , a breath of lifebreath of life to the body of mankind, an ensign of to the body of mankind, an ensign of

the hosts of the hosts of justicejustice, a luminary above the horizon of , a luminary above the horizon of virtuevirtue, a dew to , a dew to the soil of the the soil of the human hearthuman heart, an ark on the ocean of , an ark on the ocean of knowledgeknowledge, a sun , a sun in the heaven of in the heaven of bountybounty, a gem on the diadem of , a gem on the diadem of wisdomwisdom, a shining , a shining

lightlight in the firmament of thy generation, a fruit upon the tree of in the firmament of thy generation, a fruit upon the tree of humilityhumility.” .” (Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 285)

More Fruits:More Fruits:““Beseech ye the one true God to grant that ye may taste Beseech ye the one true God to grant that ye may taste

the savor of such the savor of such deedsdeeds as are performed in His path, and as are performed in His path, and partake of the sweetness of such partake of the sweetness of such humilityhumility and and

submissivenesssubmissiveness as are shown for His sake. as are shown for His sake. Forget your own Forget your own selves, and turn your eyes towards your neighbor. Bend selves, and turn your eyes towards your neighbor. Bend

your energies to whatever may foster the education of men.your energies to whatever may foster the education of men. Nothing is, or can ever be, hidden from God. If ye follow in Nothing is, or can ever be, hidden from God. If ye follow in His way, His incalculable and imperishable blessings will His way, His incalculable and imperishable blessings will

be showered upon you. This is the luminous Tablet, whose be showered upon you. This is the luminous Tablet, whose verses have streamed from the moving Pen of Him Who is verses have streamed from the moving Pen of Him Who is the Lord of all worlds. Ponder it in your hearts, and be ye the Lord of all worlds. Ponder it in your hearts, and be ye

of them that observe its precepts.”of them that observe its precepts.”(Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 9)

““The essence of faith is fewness of words and The essence of faith is fewness of words and abundance of abundance of deedsdeeds; he whose words exceed his deeds, know verily his ; he whose words exceed his deeds, know verily his

death is better than his life.”death is better than his life.” (Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 155)

More Fruits:More Fruits:““Say: Let Say: Let truthfulnesstruthfulness and and courtesycourtesy be your adorning. be your adorning.

Suffer not yourselves to be deprived of the robe of Suffer not yourselves to be deprived of the robe of forbearanceforbearance and and justicejustice, that the sweet savors of , that the sweet savors of holinessholiness may be wafted from your hearts upon all created things. may be wafted from your hearts upon all created things.

Say: Beware, O people of Baha, lest ye walk in the ways of Say: Beware, O people of Baha, lest ye walk in the ways of them whose words differ from their deeds. Strive that ye them whose words differ from their deeds. Strive that ye may be enabled to manifest to the peoples of the earth the may be enabled to manifest to the peoples of the earth the signs of God, and to signs of God, and to mirror forth His commandmentsmirror forth His commandments. Let . Let your acts be a guide unto all mankindyour acts be a guide unto all mankind, for the professions , for the professions

of most men, be they high or low, differ from their of most men, be they high or low, differ from their conduct. It is conduct. It is throughthrough your deeds that ye can distinguish your deeds that ye can distinguish yourselvesyourselves from others. Through them the brightness of from others. Through them the brightness of

your light can be shed upon the whole earth. Happy is the your light can be shed upon the whole earth. Happy is the man that heedeth My counsel, and keepeth the precepts man that heedeth My counsel, and keepeth the precepts

prescribed by Him Who is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”prescribed by Him Who is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”(Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 304)

More Fruits:More Fruits:““Beautify your tonguesBeautify your tongues, O people, with , O people, with truthfulnesstruthfulness, and , and

adorn your souls with the ornament of adorn your souls with the ornament of honestyhonesty. Beware, O . Beware, O people, that ye deal not treacherously with any one. Be ye people, that ye deal not treacherously with any one. Be ye

the trustees of God amongst His creatures, and the the trustees of God amongst His creatures, and the emblems of His generosity amidst His people. They that emblems of His generosity amidst His people. They that

follow their lusts and corrupt inclinations, have erred and follow their lusts and corrupt inclinations, have erred and dissipated their efforts. They, indeed, are of the lost. Strive, dissipated their efforts. They, indeed, are of the lost. Strive,

O people, that your eyes may be directed towards the O people, that your eyes may be directed towards the mercy of God, that your hearts may be attuned to His mercy of God, that your hearts may be attuned to His

wondrous remembrance, that your souls may rest wondrous remembrance, that your souls may rest confidently upon His grace and bounty, that your feet may confidently upon His grace and bounty, that your feet may tread the path of His good-pleasure. Such are the counsels tread the path of His good-pleasure. Such are the counsels

which I bequeath unto you. Would that ye might follow which I bequeath unto you. Would that ye might follow My counsels!” My counsels!” (Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 297)

More Fruits:More Fruits:

““Let your principal concern be to Let your principal concern be to rescue the fallenrescue the fallen from the slough of impending extinction, and to help from the slough of impending extinction, and to help

him embrace the ancient Faith of God. him embrace the ancient Faith of God. Your behavior Your behavior towards your neighbortowards your neighbor should be such as to manifest should be such as to manifest clearly the signs of the one true God, for ye are the clearly the signs of the one true God, for ye are the first among men to be re-created by His Spirit, the first among men to be re-created by His Spirit, the

first to adore and bow the knee before Him, the first to first to adore and bow the knee before Him, the first to circle round His throne of glory. . . . God grant that circle round His throne of glory. . . . God grant that

your desires and unmortified passions may not hinder your desires and unmortified passions may not hinder you from that which hath been ordained for you.”you from that which hath been ordained for you.”


More Fruits:More Fruits:

““In this Revelation the hosts which can render it victorious In this Revelation the hosts which can render it victorious are the hosts of are the hosts of praiseworthy deeds and upright characterpraiseworthy deeds and upright character. . The leader and commander of these hosts hath ever been The leader and commander of these hosts hath ever been the fear of God, a fear that encompasseth all things, and the fear of God, a fear that encompasseth all things, and

reigneth over all things.”reigneth over all things.”(Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 26)

““All praise be to the one true God -- exalted be His glory -- All praise be to the one true God -- exalted be His glory -- inasmuch as He hath, through the Pen of the Most High, inasmuch as He hath, through the Pen of the Most High,

unlocked the doors of men's hearts. Every verse which this unlocked the doors of men's hearts. Every verse which this Pen hath revealed is a bright and shining portal that Pen hath revealed is a bright and shining portal that

discloseth the glories of a discloseth the glories of a saintly and pious life, of pure and saintly and pious life, of pure and stainless deedsstainless deeds.”.”


More Fruits:More Fruits:““The The fear of Godfear of God hath ever been a sure defense and hath ever been a sure defense and a safe stronghold for all the peoples of the world. It a safe stronghold for all the peoples of the world. It is the is the chief cause of the protection of mankindchief cause of the protection of mankind, and , and

the supreme instrument for its preservation. the supreme instrument for its preservation. Indeed, there existeth in man a faculty which Indeed, there existeth in man a faculty which

deterreth him from, and guardeth him against, deterreth him from, and guardeth him against, whatever is unworthy and unseemly, and which is whatever is unworthy and unseemly, and which is

known as known as his sense of shamehis sense of shame. This, however, is . This, however, is confined to but a few; all have not possessed, and confined to but a few; all have not possessed, and do not possess, it. It is incumbent upon the kings do not possess, it. It is incumbent upon the kings and the spiritual leaders of the world to lay fast and the spiritual leaders of the world to lay fast

hold on religion, inasmuch as through it the fear of hold on religion, inasmuch as through it the fear of God is instilled in all else but Him.”God is instilled in all else but Him.”

(Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 27)

More FruitsMore Fruits"Say, O friends! Strive that haply the tribulations suffered by this "Say, O friends! Strive that haply the tribulations suffered by this

Wronged One and by you, in the path of God, may not prove to have Wronged One and by you, in the path of God, may not prove to have been in vain. Cling ye to the hem of virtue, and hold fast to the cord been in vain. Cling ye to the hem of virtue, and hold fast to the cord

of trustworthiness and piety. Concern yourselves with the things of trustworthiness and piety. Concern yourselves with the things that benefit mankind, and not with your corrupt and selfish desires. that benefit mankind, and not with your corrupt and selfish desires.

O ye followers of this Wronged One! Ye are the shepherds of O ye followers of this Wronged One! Ye are the shepherds of mankind; liberate ye your flocks from the wolves of evil passions mankind; liberate ye your flocks from the wolves of evil passions

and desires, and adorn them with the ornament of the fear of God. and desires, and adorn them with the ornament of the fear of God. This is the firm commandment which hath, at this moment, flowed This is the firm commandment which hath, at this moment, flowed

out from the Pen of Him Who is the Ancient of Days. By the out from the Pen of Him Who is the Ancient of Days. By the righteousness of God! The sword of a virtuous character and upright righteousness of God! The sword of a virtuous character and upright

conduct is sharper than blades of steel.”conduct is sharper than blades of steel.”(Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 29)

““Be pure, O people of God, be pure; be righteous, be righteous....”Be pure, O people of God, be pure; be righteous, be righteous....”(Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 287)

More FruitsMore Fruits“Gird up the loins of your endeavor, O people of Baha, that haply

the tumult of religious dissension and strife that agitateth the peoples of the earth may be stilled, that every trace of it may be completely obliterated. For the love of God, and them that serve Him, arise to aid this most sublime and momentous Revelation.

Religious fanaticism and hatred are a world-devouring fire, whose violence none can quench. The Hand of Divine power can, alone,

deliver mankind from this desolating affliction....The utterance of God is a lamp, whose light is these words: Ye are

the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and

fellowship. He Who is the Day Star of Truth beareth Me witness! So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth. The one true God, He Who knoweth all things, Himself testifieth to

the truth of these words.”


Fruits of the Spirit (Biblical criteria):Fruits of the Spirit (Biblical criteria):

• ““Live by the Spirit … the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, Live by the Spirit … the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. And those who belong to gentleness, and self-control. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.”by the Spirit.” (Galations 5:22-23)

• ““Live as children of light-- for the fruit of the light is Live as children of light-- for the fruit of the light is

found in all that is good and right and true.”found in all that is good and right and true.” (Ephesians 5:9)

Jesus said: “The good tree bears good fruits.”Jesus said: “The good tree bears good fruits.”

“A Cause which all the governments and peoples of the world, with all their powers and armies, cannot promulgate and spread, one Holy Soul can promote without help or support! Can this be done by human power? No, in the name of God! For example, Christ, alone and solitary, upraised the standard of peace

and righteousness, a work which all the victorious governments with all their hosts are unable to accomplish.

Consider what was the fate of so many and diverse empires and peoples: the Roman Empire, France, Germany, Russia, England, etc.; all were gathered together under the same tent -- that is to

say, the appearance of Christ brought about a union among these diverse nations, some of whom, under the influence of Christianity, became so united that they sacrificed their lives

and property for one another.”

• The Manifestation is always opposed by the people.

• He always foretells the coming of another after Him.

• Oppression envelopes the whole world.

• He is not educated in the schools of His time.

• Star will appear in both the visible and invisible heavens.

• He will produce a book of Divine Scripture unlike all else.

• His own Self and the “fruits of the His Spirit” (see next pg).

• Fearless in the face of persecution, opposition, rejection.

• Suffers at hand of religious and secular orthodoxy.

• Each is subject to hunger, poverty and yet possesses all the attributes of God and sovereignty over all things.

(page 74 of Reaching Christians More Effectively manual)

Teaching “People of the Book” the Proofs of the Manifestation from the Book of CertitudeBook of Certitude(Christians can see the parallels between Christ and Baha’u’llah)

The Proofs of Baha’u’llah’s MissionThe Proofs of Baha’u’llah’s Mission

• His Person– Character, personality, knowledge, endured suffering.

• His Word (nature of Revelation, scope, impact)– His own explanations and prophecies come true

• His Teachings (meets needs of the age)– Basis for individual and collective transformation– Impact on civilization

• Interpretation of the Holy Books– Is able to interpret and fulfill promises in Holy Books

(Source: “The Proofs of Baha’u’llah’s Mission” – The Universal House of Justice)

Baha’u’llah’s prophesies include:Baha’u’llah’s prophesies include:• Downfall of certain kings in letters addressed specifically to them.

• His own release from prison and pitching His tent on Mt. Carmel.

• 1st and 2nd World Wars, Germany’s second downfall, etc.

• Humanity’s fiery ordeal including racial struggles in America.

• Social reforms and progress regarding women, racism, slavery, etc.

• Recognition of the Oneness of Humanity, rise of democracy.

• Wars -- The Lesser Peace near end of Century-- Most Great Peace

• The explosive acceleration of scientific and technological progress.

• The discovery of electricity, nuclear power and atomic bomb.

• Transmutation of chemical elements -- one element to another.

• The poisoning of the atmosphere and waters of the earth.

• Space travel, events in astronomy, new theories in physics.

• Failure of external and internal opposition to the Baha’i Faith.

http://www.homestead.com/watsongregory/files/kings.html

Baha’u’llah’s prophesies include:Baha’u’llah’s prophesies include:His tablets to the Kings and Rulers of the world,

calling them to God, indicting them

and predicting their downfall. <click URL for some

•Alexander II, Czar of Russia

•Nasiri'd-Din Shah of Persia (end of Quajar dynasty)

•Sultan 'Abdu'l-'Aziz of the Ottoman Turkish Empire

•Napoleon III – most powerful monarch in Europe.

•Kaiser William I – Germany

•Francis Joseph (Franz Josef, 1830-1916), Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary

http://www.bci.org/prophecy-fulfilled/pk1.htm

Baha’u’llah’s letter to Napoleon III:Baha’u’llah’s letter to Napoleon III:In this He announces the coming of "Him Who is the

Unconstrained," whose purpose is to "quicken the world" and unite its peoples; unequivocally asserts

that Jesus Christ was the Herald of His Mission; proclaims the fall of "the stars of the firmament of

knowledge," who have turned aside from Him; exposes that monarch's insincerity; and clearly

prophesies that his kingdom shall be "thrown into confusion," that his "empire shall pass" from his

hands, and that "commotions shall seize all the people in that land," unless he arises to help the Cause of God

and follow Him Who is His Spirit.”(Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 207)

Divine power is cause of His successDivine power is cause of His success"One Holy SoulOne Holy Soul gives life to the world of humanity, changes

the aspect of the terrestrial globe, causes intelligence to progress, vivifies souls, lays the basis of a new life, establishes

new foundations, organizes the world, brings nations and religions under the shadow of one standard, delivers man from

the world of imperfections and vices, and inspires him with the desire and need of natural and acquired perfections.

Certainly nothing short of a divine power could accomplish so great a work. We ought to consider this with justice, for this is

the office of justice. . . .the office of justice. . . .

How can one solitary person without help and without How can one solitary person without help and without support lay the foundations of such a noble construction?support lay the foundations of such a noble construction? He must depend on the help of the spiritual and divine power

to be able to undertake this mission.”

Through the power of a divine RevelationThrough the power of a divine Revelation

““Another proof and evidence of the truth of this Another proof and evidence of the truth of this Revelation, which amongst all other proofs shineth as the Revelation, which amongst all other proofs shineth as the sun, is the constancy of the eternal Beauty in proclaiming sun, is the constancy of the eternal Beauty in proclaiming the Faith of God. Though young and tender of age, and the Faith of God. Though young and tender of age, and

though the Cause He revealed was contrary to the desire of though the Cause He revealed was contrary to the desire of all the peoples of earth, both high and low, rich and poor, all the peoples of earth, both high and low, rich and poor,

exalted and abased, king and subject, yet He arose and exalted and abased, king and subject, yet He arose and steadfastly proclaimed it. All have known and heard this. steadfastly proclaimed it. All have known and heard this.

He was afraid of no one; He was regardless of He was afraid of no one; He was regardless of consequences. consequences. Could such a thing be made manifest except Could such a thing be made manifest except through the power of a divine Revelation, and the potency through the power of a divine Revelation, and the potency

of God's invincible Willof God's invincible Will? By the righteousness of God! ? By the righteousness of God! Were any one to entertain so great a Revelation in his Were any one to entertain so great a Revelation in his heart, the thought of such a declaration would alone heart, the thought of such a declaration would alone

confound him!”confound him!”(Baha'u'llah, The Book of Certitude, p. 230 )

He could achieve it only by the He could achieve it only by the permission of Godpermission of God

““Were the hearts of all men to be crowded into Were the hearts of all men to be crowded into his heart, he would still hesitate to venture upon his heart, he would still hesitate to venture upon so awful an enterprise. so awful an enterprise. He could achieve it only He could achieve it only by the permission of Godby the permission of God, only if the channel of , only if the channel of his heart were to be linked with the Source of his heart were to be linked with the Source of

divine grace, and his soul be assured of the divine grace, and his soul be assured of the unfailing sustenance of the Almighty. To what, unfailing sustenance of the Almighty. To what, We wonder, do they ascribe so great a daring? We wonder, do they ascribe so great a daring? Do they accuse Him of folly as they accused the Do they accuse Him of folly as they accused the Prophets of old? Or do they maintain that His Prophets of old? Or do they maintain that His motive was none other than leadership and the motive was none other than leadership and the

acquisition of earthly riches?”acquisition of earthly riches?”(Baha'u'llah, The Book of Certitude, p. 230 )

• “Unseal” the “Hidden” meanings of the Sacred Texts of the past

• Protective Center of the Covenant, as Interpreter of the God’s Word

• Creation of the Universal House of Justice and National Assemblies

• Means for reconciliation and unity between races, religions & nations• Provide solid recommendations on how the nations can form some

type of federated system of international laws and government as the path to a binding and permanent World Peace

• Prohibition against carrying of firearms except as necessity

• Exalt the status of women and require priority for their education

• Reconciliation between scientific truth and religious truth

• Prohibitions against slavery, backbiting, gossip, cursing, begging.

• Work performed in the spirit of service is elevated to level of worship

• Provide solid spiritual solutions to various economic problems

• Explain the necessity for a universal auxiliary language(Taken from “The Brilliant Proof” and BWF 192,199,280-284, and FWU 83-44)

New Teachings -- New FruitsNew Teachings -- New Fruits

More fruits: More fruits: (Baha’i laws & injunctions):(Baha’i laws & injunctions):

• Prohibitions against asceticism, monasticism, cursing, backbiting, begging, slavery, gambling, all manner of promiscuity, companionate marriage, and the use drugs or alcohol (unless prescribed by a physician).

• Prohibition against carrying firearms, arson and killing.• Injunctions against prejudice of all forms.• Truthfulness enjoined as foundation of all virtues.• Over 2000 virtues mentioned and enjoined upon the

followers, including charity, love, & trustworthiness.• Obedience to laws are an article of faith, in keeping with

the Christian tradition: “If ye love me, keep my “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”commandments.” (Holy Bible, John 14:15)

More fruitsMore fruits““Such a chaste and holy life, with its implications of modesty, purity, Such a chaste and holy life, with its implications of modesty, purity,

temperance, decency, and clean-mindedness, involves no less than temperance, decency, and clean-mindedness, involves no less than the exercise of moderation in all that pertains to dress, language, the exercise of moderation in all that pertains to dress, language, amusements, and all artistic and literary avocations. It demands amusements, and all artistic and literary avocations. It demands daily vigilance in the control of one's carnal desires and corrupt daily vigilance in the control of one's carnal desires and corrupt inclinations. It calls for the abandonment of a frivolous conduct, inclinations. It calls for the abandonment of a frivolous conduct,

with its excessive attachment to trivial and often misdirected with its excessive attachment to trivial and often misdirected pleasures. It requires total abstinence from all alcoholic drinks, from pleasures. It requires total abstinence from all alcoholic drinks, from

opium, and from similar habit-forming drugs. It condemns the opium, and from similar habit-forming drugs. It condemns the prostitution of art and of literature, the practices of nudism and of prostitution of art and of literature, the practices of nudism and of companionate marriage, infidelity in marital relationships, and all companionate marriage, infidelity in marital relationships, and all manner of promiscuity, of easy familiarity, and of sexual vices. It manner of promiscuity, of easy familiarity, and of sexual vices. It can tolerate no compromise with the theories, the standards, the can tolerate no compromise with the theories, the standards, the habits, and the excesses of a decadent age. Nay rather it seeks to habits, and the excesses of a decadent age. Nay rather it seeks to

demonstrate, through the dynamic force of its example, the demonstrate, through the dynamic force of its example, the pernicious character of such theories, the falsity of such standards, pernicious character of such theories, the falsity of such standards, the hollowness of such claims, the perversity of such habits, and the the hollowness of such claims, the perversity of such habits, and the

sacrilegious character of such excesses.”sacrilegious character of such excesses.”(Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 30)

More fruitsMore fruits““All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing

civilization. The Almighty beareth Me witness: To act like the beasts civilization. The Almighty beareth Me witness: To act like the beasts of the field is unworthy of man. Those virtues that befit his dignity of the field is unworthy of man. Those virtues that befit his dignity

are forbearance, mercy, compassion and loving-kindness towards all are forbearance, mercy, compassion and loving-kindness towards all the peoples and kindreds of the earth. Say: O friends! Drink your fill the peoples and kindreds of the earth. Say: O friends! Drink your fill from this crystal stream that floweth through the heavenly grace of from this crystal stream that floweth through the heavenly grace of Him Who is the Lord of Names. Let others partake of its waters in Him Who is the Lord of Names. Let others partake of its waters in My name, that the leaders of men in every land may fully recognize My name, that the leaders of men in every land may fully recognize

the purpose for which the Eternal Truth hath been revealed, and the the purpose for which the Eternal Truth hath been revealed, and the reason for which they themselves have been created.”reason for which they themselves have been created.”


O SON OF SPIRIT!Noble have I created thee, yet thou hast abased thyself.

Rise then unto that for which thou wast created.(from “The Hidden Words” of Baha'u'llah)

Typical presentation of the central teachings Typical presentation of the central teachings or “fruits” of His Revelationor “fruits” of His Revelation

Oneness of God

Oneness of Religion

Oneness of Humanity

Equality of men and women

Universal auxiliary Language

Elimination of all forms of prejudice

Independent investigation of the truth

Reconciliation of science and religion

Spiritual solution to economic problems

Universal Peace upheld by world government

Elimination of the extremes of wealth and poverty

Universal compulsory Education -- especially for women

Love and Unity: the greatest fruitLove and Unity: the greatest fruitThrough each and every one of the verses which the Pen of the Most Through each and every one of the verses which the Pen of the Most High hath revealed, the doors of love and unity have been unlocked High hath revealed, the doors of love and unity have been unlocked and flung open to the face of men. We have erewhile declared -- and and flung open to the face of men. We have erewhile declared -- and

Our Word is the truth -- : "Consort with the followers of all Our Word is the truth -- : "Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship." Whatsoever hath religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship." Whatsoever hath

led the children of men to shun one another, and hath caused led the children of men to shun one another, and hath caused dissensions and divisions amongst them, hath, through the revelation dissensions and divisions amongst them, hath, through the revelation

of these words, been nullified and abolished. From the heaven of of these words, been nullified and abolished. From the heaven of God's Will, and for the purpose of ennobling the world of being and God's Will, and for the purpose of ennobling the world of being and of elevating the minds and souls of men, hath been sent down that of elevating the minds and souls of men, hath been sent down that

which is the most effective instrument for the education of the whole which is the most effective instrument for the education of the whole human race. The highest essence and most perfect expression of human race. The highest essence and most perfect expression of whatsoever the peoples of old have either said or written hath, whatsoever the peoples of old have either said or written hath, through this most potent Revelation, been sent down from the through this most potent Revelation, been sent down from the

heaven of the Will of the All-Possessing, the Ever-Abiding God.heaven of the Will of the All-Possessing, the Ever-Abiding God.(Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 95)(Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 95)

Ultimate ProofUltimate Proof“By sacrificing Himself . . . a fresh

capacity was infused into all created things. Its evidences, as witnessed in all the peoples of the earth, are now

manifest before thee.”(Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 85)

He sacrificed His life for us once again:He sacrificed His life for us once again: ""The Ancient Beauty hath consented to be bound with chains The Ancient Beauty hath consented to be bound with chains

that mankind may be released from its bondagethat mankind may be released from its bondage, and hath , and hath accepted to be made a prisoner within this most mighty accepted to be made a prisoner within this most mighty

Stronghold that the whole world may attain unto true liberty. Stronghold that the whole world may attain unto true liberty. He hath drained to its dregs the cup of sorrow, that all the He hath drained to its dregs the cup of sorrow, that all the

peoples of the earth may attain unto abiding joy, and be filled peoples of the earth may attain unto abiding joy, and be filled with gladness. This is of the mercy of your Lord, the with gladness. This is of the mercy of your Lord, the

Compassionate, the Most Merciful. Compassionate, the Most Merciful.

We have accepted to be abased, O believers in the Unity of We have accepted to be abased, O believers in the Unity of God, that ye may be exalted, and have suffered manifold God, that ye may be exalted, and have suffered manifold

afflictions, that ye might prosper and flourish. He Who hath afflictions, that ye might prosper and flourish. He Who hath come to build anew the whole world, behold, how they that come to build anew the whole world, behold, how they that

have joined partners with God have forced Him to dwell within have joined partners with God have forced Him to dwell within the most desolate of cities!" the most desolate of cities!"

(Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, Pages: 99-100)

He sacrificed His life for us once again:He sacrificed His life for us once again:

The Prison, in Akka (Akko or Acre), Israel. (lighter text is hypertext URLs)Just as the other Messengers from God were persecuted, Bahá'u'lláh was willingly imprisoned for

twenty-four years in Akka, Palestine, then a Turkish penal colony. This period of His incarceration began in 1868. In 1868 Sultán Àbdu'-lÀzíz had Bahá'u'lláh sent to the fortress of

St. Jean d'Acre (Àkká) in Ottoman Syria to live out the rest of his life there as a prisoner. By then, He had already been a prisoner for fifteen years — an imprisonment which began in the "Black Pit" dungeon, outside Tihran, Persia (Tehran, Iran, today). His confinement continued

throughout His thirty-nine year exile from Persia. He endured successive imprisonments in Baghdad, Constantinople, Adrianople and finally in Akka. The far window in the upper right of the prison pictured above, is that of the cell occupied by Bahá'u'lláh, in which He was kept for

two years, two months and five days.

http://www.homestead.com/watsongregory/files/reject1.html

http://www.homestead.com/watsongregory/files/prison1.html

http://www.homestead.com/watsongregory/files/prison1.html#dungeon

http://www.homestead.com/watsongregory/files/exileMAP.jpg


• Poisoned three times.• Tortured with the bastinado, stoned, made to walk Tortured with the bastinado, stoned, made to walk

in winter.in winter.• 100 pound chains around His neck cut into collar

bone which left scars for the rest of His life. These chains kept Him on hands and knees with human excrement on the floor above His wrists – for four months.

• Watched His son and 40 of His companions die in Watched His son and 40 of His companions die in prison.prison.

• 20,000 of the early believers were killed.

His own description of the His own description of the Siyah-Chal dungeon of Tihran:Siyah-Chal dungeon of Tihran:

““We were consigned for four months to a place foul We were consigned for four months to a place foul beyond comparison. As to the dungeon in which this beyond comparison. As to the dungeon in which this

Wronged One and others similarly wronged were Wronged One and others similarly wronged were confined, a dark and narrow pit were preferable. Upon confined, a dark and narrow pit were preferable. Upon

Our arrival We were first conducted along a pitch-Our arrival We were first conducted along a pitch-black corridor, from whence We descended three steep black corridor, from whence We descended three steep flights of stairs to the place of confinement assigned to flights of stairs to the place of confinement assigned to Us. The dungeon was wrapped in thick darkness, and Us. The dungeon was wrapped in thick darkness, and Our fellow-prisoners numbered nearly a hundred and Our fellow-prisoners numbered nearly a hundred and

fifty souls: thieves, assassins and highwaymen. Though fifty souls: thieves, assassins and highwaymen. Though crowded, it had no other outlet than the passage by crowded, it had no other outlet than the passage by

which We entered. which We entered. No pen can depict that place, nor No pen can depict that place, nor any tongue describe its loathsome smell. Most of these any tongue describe its loathsome smell. Most of these

men had neither clothes nor bedding to lie on. God men had neither clothes nor bedding to lie on. God alone knoweth what befell Us in that most foul-smelling alone knoweth what befell Us in that most foul-smelling

and gloomy place!”and gloomy place!”


" ...Thou hast come to see a prisoner and an exile.... We desire " ...Thou hast come to see a prisoner and an exile.... We desire but the good of the world and happiness of the nations; yet they but the good of the world and happiness of the nations; yet they

deem us a stirrer up of strife and sedition worthy of bondage deem us a stirrer up of strife and sedition worthy of bondage and banishment.... and banishment.... That all nations should become one in faith That all nations should become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity

between the sons of men should be strengthened; that diversity between the sons of men should be strengthened; that diversity of religion should cease, and differences of race be annulled — of religion should cease, and differences of race be annulled — what harm is there in this?...what harm is there in this?... Yet so it shall be; these fruitless Yet so it shall be; these fruitless

strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the 'Most Great strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the 'Most Great Peace' shall come.... Is not this that which Christ foretold?...Peace' shall come.... Is not this that which Christ foretold?... Yet do we see your kings and rulers lavishing their treasures Yet do we see your kings and rulers lavishing their treasures

more freely on means for the destruction of the human race than more freely on means for the destruction of the human race than on that which would conduce to the happiness of mankind.... on that which would conduce to the happiness of mankind....

These strifes and this bloodshed and discord must cease, and all These strifes and this bloodshed and discord must cease, and all men be as one kindred and one family.... Let not a man glory in men be as one kindred and one family.... Let not a man glory in this, that he loves his country; let him rather glory in this, that this, that he loves his country; let him rather glory in this, that

he loves his kind...." he loves his kind...."

(Words spoken by Bahá'u'lláh, recorded by Professor Edward Granville Browne in 1891)(Words spoken by Bahá'u'lláh, recorded by Professor Edward Granville Browne in 1891)

Sacrifice, ransom and atonement have been Sacrifice, ransom and atonement have been God’s method from EverlastingGod’s method from Everlasting

Atonement: reparation for an offense or injury; making up for something in the past. The reconciliation of God and man through the sacrificial death of Jesus

Christ, according to Christian theology. Redemption: To buy back or “redeem” (trade, transfer,

exchange) one thing for another, or retrieve something that was lost – as in something already

spent. Oblation: Making an “offering.” Christ and Baha'u'llah

"offered" Themselves as a Ransom (exchange) for our redemption or salvation.

Salvation: Deliverance from ignorance, sin, destruction (death). Being “saved” from this ignorance and destruction.

Sacrifice, ransom and atonement have Sacrifice, ransom and atonement have been God’s method from Everlastingbeen God’s method from Everlasting“Know ye that trials and tribulations have, from time immemorial, been the lot of the chosen Ones of God and His beloved, and such of His servants as are detached from all else but Him… Such is God's method carried into effect of old, and such will it remain in the future.” (Gleanings from the

Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 129)

“O Jews! If ye be intent on crucifying once again Jesus, the Spirit of God, put Me to death, for He hath once more, in My person, been made manifest

unto you.” (Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 101)

“Give heed to My warning, ye people of Persia! If I be slain at your hands, God will assuredly raise up one who will fill the seat made vacant through

My death, for such is God's method carried into effect of old, and no change can ye find in God's method of dealing.” (Gleanings from the

Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 224)

"He, in truth, liveth in the most desolate of abodes for your sakes..." (Tablets of Baha'u'llah, page 12, in the tablet referred to as the

Tablet to the Christians.)

Ransom and RedemptionRansom and Redemption“By God! Though weariness lay Me low, and hunger consume

Me, and the bare rock be My bed, and My fellows the beasts of the field, I will not complain, but will endure patiently as those endued with constancy and firmness have endured patiently, through the

power of God, the Eternal King and Creator of the nations, and will render thanks unto God under all conditions. We pray that, out of

His bounty -- exalted be He -- He may release, through this release, through this imprisonment, the necks of men from chains and fetters,imprisonment, the necks of men from chains and fetters, and

cause them to turn, with sincere faces, towards His face, Who is the Mighty, the Bounteous. Ready is He to answer whosoever calleth upon Him, and nigh is He unto such as commune with Him. We further beseech Him to make of this darksome tribulation a make of this darksome tribulation a shieldshield for the Temple of His Cause, and to protect it from the

assault of sharpened swords and pointed daggers. Adversity hath ever given rise to the exaltation of His Cause and the glorification of His Name. Such hath been God's method carried into effect Such hath been God's method carried into effect

in centuries and ages pastin centuries and ages past.” (Baha'u'llah, The Summons of the Lord of Hosts, p. 133)

Ransom and RedemptionRansom and Redemption

“It is Our wish and desire that every one of you may become a source of all goodness unto men, and an example of uprightness

to mankind. Beware lest ye prefer yourselves above your neighbors. Fix

your gaze upon Him Who is the Temple of God amongst men He, in truth, hath

offered up His life as a ransomransom for the redemptionredemption of the world.”

(Baha'i World Faith, p. 137) – The “Temple” is a reference to Baha’u’llah.

Beware lest you become like those who resist the Beware lest you become like those who resist the Holy Spirit. God tests the hearts of the sincere.Holy Spirit. God tests the hearts of the sincere.

Words of Jesus Christ:

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers have gathered your children together as a hen gathers

her brood under her wings, and you would not!" her brood under her wings, and you would not!" (Matthew 23:37 and Luke 13:34 & Parable of the Vineyard in Luke 20:20)

Also, words of Stephen, the Apostle, in the seventh chapter of the book of Acts (verse 51--59), as He was being

stoned, he exclaimed the principle expressed in the verses above, in these words: "You are just like your fathers:

You always resist the Holy Spirit!"

God’s method is to test hearts for sincerityGod’s method is to test hearts for sincerity“Consider those who rejected the Spirit when He came unto them with manifest dominion. How numerous the Pharisees who had

secluded themselves in synagogues in His name, lamenting over their separation from Him, and yet when the portals of reunion were flung open and the divine Luminary shone resplendent from the Dayspring

of Beauty, they disbelieved in God, the Exalted, the Mighty. They failed to attain His presence, notwithstanding that His advent had

been promised them in the Book of Isaiah as well as in the Books of the Prophets and the Messengers. No one from among them turned

his face towards the Dayspring of divine bounty except such as were destitute of any power amongst men. And yet, today, every man

endowed with power and invested with sovereignty prideth himself on His Name.

Moreover, call thou to mind the one who sentenced Jesus to death. He was the most learned of his age in his own country, whilst he who was only a fisherman believed in Him.

Take good heed and be of them that observe the warningTake good heed and be of them that observe the warning.“-- Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p.9-10

Greatest Proofs

Many Many moremore believed He was believed He was the Christ because of the Christ because of

“His own “His own WordWord””

“And many many moremore believed because of His because of His own Wordown Word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we

have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christthis is indeed the Christ.”

(Holy Bible, John 4:41)

The proof of Moses was His The proof of Moses was His staff. The proof of this staff. The proof of this

Wronged One (Baha’u’llah) Wronged One (Baha’u’llah) is His Pen. is His Pen.

One must examine what He has One must examine what He has written from His prison.written from His prison.

The Holy Bible actually obligates the believers to "test the spirits" (1 John 4:1)

The “City of God” come down from Heaven –The “City of God” come down from Heaven –“New Jeruslam” (Revelation: 21:2)“New Jeruslam” (Revelation: 21:2)

“How unspeakably glorious are the signs, the tokens, the revelations, and splendors which He, Who is the King of Names and Attributes, hath destined for that City! The attainment unto this City quencheth

thirst without water, and kindleth the love of God without fire. . . That City is none other than the Word of God revealed in every That City is none other than the Word of God revealed in every ageage and dispensation. In the days of Moses it was the Pentateuch; in

the days of Jesus, the Gospel; in the days of Muhammad, the Messenger of God, the Qur'án; in this day, the Bayan; and in the

Dispensation of Him Whom God will make manifest, His own Book -- the Book unto which all the Books of former Dispensations must

needs be referred, the Book that standeth amongst them all transcendent and supreme.”


The Proof of His own PersonThe Proof of His own PersonGod saith:

““. . . I have manifested Myself unto men, and have sent . . . I have manifested Myself unto men, and have sent down Him Who is the Day Spring of the signs of My down Him Who is the Day Spring of the signs of My

Revelation. Through Him I have caused all creation to Revelation. Through Him I have caused all creation to testify that there is none other God except Him, the testify that there is none other God except Him, the Incomparable, the All-Informed, the All-Wise." He Incomparable, the All-Informed, the All-Wise." He

Who is everlastingly hidden from the eyes of men can Who is everlastingly hidden from the eyes of men can never be known except through His Manifestation, never be known except through His Manifestation,

and His Manifestation can adduce and His Manifestation can adduce no greater proof of the truth of His Mission no greater proof of the truth of His Mission

than the proof of His own Person.”than the proof of His own Person.”(Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 49)

“Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye may unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of

wisdom that lie hid in its depths. Take heed that ye do not vacillate in your determination to embrace the

truth of this Cause -- a Cause through which the potentialities of the might of God have been revealed, and His sovereignty established. With faces beaming with joy, hasten ye unto Him. This is the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future.

Let him that seeketh, attain it; and as to him that hath refused to seek it -- verily, God is Self-Sufficient, above

any need of His creatures.”(Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 136 )

Eternal in the past, Eternal in the Future...

““These are not days of prosperity and triumph. The whole of These are not days of prosperity and triumph. The whole of mankind is in the grip of manifold ills. Strive, therefore, to save mankind is in the grip of manifold ills. Strive, therefore, to save

its life through the wholesome medicine which the almighty its life through the wholesome medicine which the almighty hand of the unerring Physician hath prepared. . . .hand of the unerring Physician hath prepared. . . .

And now concerning thy question regarding the nature of And now concerning thy question regarding the nature of religion. Know thou that they who are truly wise have likened religion. Know thou that they who are truly wise have likened the world unto the human temple. As the body of man needeth the world unto the human temple. As the body of man needeth a garment to clothe it, so the body of mankind must needs be a garment to clothe it, so the body of mankind must needs be adorned with the mantle of justice and wisdom. adorned with the mantle of justice and wisdom. Its robe is the Its robe is the

Revelation vouchsafed unto it by God.Revelation vouchsafed unto it by God. Whenever this robe Whenever this robe hath fulfilled its purpose, the Almighty will assuredly renew it. hath fulfilled its purpose, the Almighty will assuredly renew it.

For every age requireth a fresh measure of the light of God. For every age requireth a fresh measure of the light of God. Every Divine Revelation hath been sent down in a manner that Every Divine Revelation hath been sent down in a manner that befitted the circumstances of the age in which it hath appearedbefitted the circumstances of the age in which it hath appeared..


The Religion of God…

““O friends! It behoveth you to refresh and revive your O friends! It behoveth you to refresh and revive your souls through the gracious favors which in this Divine, this souls through the gracious favors which in this Divine, this

soul-stirring Springtime are being showered upon you. soul-stirring Springtime are being showered upon you. The Day Star of His great glory hath shed its radiance The Day Star of His great glory hath shed its radiance

upon you, and the clouds of His limitless grace have upon you, and the clouds of His limitless grace have overshadowed you. overshadowed you. How high the reward of him that hath How high the reward of him that hath

not deprived himself of so great a bounty, nor failed to not deprived himself of so great a bounty, nor failed to recognize the beauty of his Best-Beloved in this, His new recognize the beauty of his Best-Beloved in this, His new

attire.attire. Watch over yourselves, for the Evil One is lying in Watch over yourselves, for the Evil One is lying in wait, ready to entrap you. Gird yourselves against his wait, ready to entrap you. Gird yourselves against his

wicked devices, and, led by the light of the name of the All-wicked devices, and, led by the light of the name of the All-Seeing God, make your escape from the darkness that Seeing God, make your escape from the darkness that surroundeth you. Let your vision be world-embracing, surroundeth you. Let your vision be world-embracing,

rather than confined to your own self. The Evil One is he rather than confined to your own self. The Evil One is he that hindereth the rise and obstructeth the spiritual that hindereth the rise and obstructeth the spiritual

progress of the children of men.”progress of the children of men.”(Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 94)

““Shake off, O heedless ones, the slumber of negligence, Shake off, O heedless ones, the slumber of negligence, that ye may behold the radiance which His glory hath that ye may behold the radiance which His glory hath spread through the world. How foolish are those who spread through the world. How foolish are those who

murmur against the premature birth of His light. O ye murmur against the premature birth of His light. O ye who are inwardly blind! Whether too soon or too late, who are inwardly blind! Whether too soon or too late, the evidences of His effulgent glory are now actually the evidences of His effulgent glory are now actually manifest. manifest. It behoveth you to ascertain whether or not It behoveth you to ascertain whether or not such a light hath appeared.such a light hath appeared. It is neither within your It is neither within your power nor mine to set the time at which it should be power nor mine to set the time at which it should be

made manifest. God's inscrutable Wisdom hath fixed made manifest. God's inscrutable Wisdom hath fixed its hour beforehand. Be content, O people, with that its hour beforehand. Be content, O people, with that

which God hath desired for you and predestined unto which God hath desired for you and predestined unto you.... O my ill-wishers!”you.... O my ill-wishers!”

(Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 102)(Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 102)

““All praise to the unity of God, and all honor to Him, the All praise to the unity of God, and all honor to Him, the sovereign Lord, the incomparable and all-glorious Ruler of sovereign Lord, the incomparable and all-glorious Ruler of the universe, Who, out of utter nothingness, hath created the universe, Who, out of utter nothingness, hath created the reality of all things, Who, from naught, hath brought the reality of all things, Who, from naught, hath brought

into being the most refined and subtle elements of His into being the most refined and subtle elements of His creation, and Who, rescuing His creatures from the creation, and Who, rescuing His creatures from the abasement of remoteness and the perils of ultimate abasement of remoteness and the perils of ultimate extinction, hath received them into His kingdom of extinction, hath received them into His kingdom of

incorruptible glory. Nothing short of His all-encompassing incorruptible glory. Nothing short of His all-encompassing grace, His all-pervading mercy, could have possibly grace, His all-pervading mercy, could have possibly

achieved it. How could it, otherwise, have been possible for achieved it. How could it, otherwise, have been possible for sheer nothingness to have acquired by itself the worthiness sheer nothingness to have acquired by itself the worthiness and capacity to emerge from its state of non-existence into and capacity to emerge from its state of non-existence into

the realm of being?”the realm of being?” (Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 67)

““Having created the world and all that liveth and moveth Having created the world and all that liveth and moveth therein, He, through the direct operation of His therein, He, through the direct operation of His

unconstrained and sovereign Will, chose to confer upon unconstrained and sovereign Will, chose to confer upon man the unique distinction and capacity to know Him and man the unique distinction and capacity to know Him and to love Him -- a capacity that must needs be regarded as to love Him -- a capacity that must needs be regarded as

the generating impulse and the primary purpose the generating impulse and the primary purpose underlying the whole of creation.... Upon the inmost reality underlying the whole of creation.... Upon the inmost reality

of each and every created thing He hath shed the light of of each and every created thing He hath shed the light of one of His names, and made it a recipient of the glory of one of His names, and made it a recipient of the glory of

one of His attributes. Upon the reality of man, however, He one of His attributes. Upon the reality of man, however, He hath focused the radiance of all of His names and hath focused the radiance of all of His names and

attributes, and made it a mirror of His own Self. Alone of attributes, and made it a mirror of His own Self. Alone of all created things man hath been singled out for so great a all created things man hath been singled out for so great a

favor, so enduring a bounty….”favor, so enduring a bounty….” (Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 67)

““These energies with which the Day Star of Divine bounty These energies with which the Day Star of Divine bounty and Source of heavenly guidance hath endowed the reality and Source of heavenly guidance hath endowed the reality of man lie, however, latent within him, even as the flame is of man lie, however, latent within him, even as the flame is

hidden within the candle and the rays of light are hidden within the candle and the rays of light are potentially present in the lamp. The radiance of these potentially present in the lamp. The radiance of these

energies may be obscured by worldly desires even as the energies may be obscured by worldly desires even as the light of the sun can be concealed beneath the dust and light of the sun can be concealed beneath the dust and

dross which cover the mirror. Neither the candle nor the dross which cover the mirror. Neither the candle nor the lamp can be lighted through their own unaided efforts, nor lamp can be lighted through their own unaided efforts, nor can it ever be possible for the mirror to free itself from its can it ever be possible for the mirror to free itself from its dross. It is clear and evident that until a fire is kindled the dross. It is clear and evident that until a fire is kindled the lamp will never be ignited, and unless the dross is blotted lamp will never be ignited, and unless the dross is blotted out from the face of the mirror it can never represent the out from the face of the mirror it can never represent the

image of the sun nor reflect its light and glory.image of the sun nor reflect its light and glory...”..” (Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 67)

““And since there can be no tie of direct intercourse to bind the one And since there can be no tie of direct intercourse to bind the one true God with His creation, and no resemblance whatever can exist true God with His creation, and no resemblance whatever can exist

between the transient and the Eternal, the contingent and the between the transient and the Eternal, the contingent and the Absolute, Absolute, He hath ordained that in every age and dispensation a He hath ordained that in every age and dispensation a

pure and stainless Soul be made manifest in the kingdoms of earth pure and stainless Soul be made manifest in the kingdoms of earth and heaven.and heaven. Unto this subtle, this mysterious and ethereal Being He Unto this subtle, this mysterious and ethereal Being He hath assigned a twofold nature; the physical, pertaining to the world hath assigned a twofold nature; the physical, pertaining to the world

of matter, and the spiritual, which is born of the substance of God of matter, and the spiritual, which is born of the substance of God Himself. He hath, moreover, conferred upon Him a double station. Himself. He hath, moreover, conferred upon Him a double station.

The The first station,first station, which is related to His innermost reality, which is related to His innermost reality, representeth Him as One Whose voice is the voice of God Himself. representeth Him as One Whose voice is the voice of God Himself.

To this testifieth the tradition: To this testifieth the tradition: "Manifold and mysterious is My "Manifold and mysterious is My relationship with God. I am He, Himself, and He is I, Myself, except relationship with God. I am He, Himself, and He is I, Myself, except

that I am that I am, and He is that He is."that I am that I am, and He is that He is." …. …. The The second stationsecond station is the human station, is the human station,

exemplified by the following verses: exemplified by the following verses: "I am but a man like you.""I am but a man like you."(Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 67)

“These Essences of Detachment, these resplendent Realities are the channels of God's all-pervasive grace. Led

by the light of unfailing guidance, and invested with supreme sovereignty, They are commissioned to use the

inspiration of Their words, the effusions of Their infallible grace and the sanctifying breeze of Their Revelation for the cleansing of every longing heart and receptive spirit from the dross and dust of earthly cares and limitations. Then, and only then, will the Trust of God, latent in the

reality of man, emerge, as resplendent as the rising Orb of Divine Revelation, from behind the veil of concealment,

and implant the ensign of its revealed glory upon the summits of men's hearts. . .”


““From the foregoing passages and allusions it hath been From the foregoing passages and allusions it hath been made indubitably clear that in the kingdoms of earth and made indubitably clear that in the kingdoms of earth and

heaven there must needs be manifested a Being, an Essence heaven there must needs be manifested a Being, an Essence Who shall act as a Manifestation and Vehicle for the Who shall act as a Manifestation and Vehicle for the

transmission of the grace of the Divinity Itself, the transmission of the grace of the Divinity Itself, the Sovereign Lord of all. Through the Teachings of this Day Sovereign Lord of all. Through the Teachings of this Day

Star of Truth every man will advance and develop until he Star of Truth every man will advance and develop until he attaineth the station at which he can manifest all the attaineth the station at which he can manifest all the

potential forces with which his inmost true self hath been potential forces with which his inmost true self hath been endowed. It is for this very purpose that in every age and endowed. It is for this very purpose that in every age and dispensation the Prophets of God and His chosen Ones dispensation the Prophets of God and His chosen Ones

have appeared amongst men, and have evinced such power have appeared amongst men, and have evinced such power as is born of God and such might as only the Eternal can as is born of God and such might as only the Eternal can

reveal. . .”reveal. . .” (Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 67)

““Can one of sane mind ever seriously imagine that, in view of Can one of sane mind ever seriously imagine that, in view of certain words the meaning of which he cannot comprehend, the certain words the meaning of which he cannot comprehend, the portal of God's infinite guidance can ever be closed in the face portal of God's infinite guidance can ever be closed in the face

of men? Can he ever conceive for these Divine Luminaries, of men? Can he ever conceive for these Divine Luminaries, these resplendent Lights either a beginning or an end? What these resplendent Lights either a beginning or an end? What

outpouring flood can compare with the stream of His all-outpouring flood can compare with the stream of His all-embracing grace, and what blessing can excel the evidences of embracing grace, and what blessing can excel the evidences of

so great and pervasive a mercy? There can be no doubt so great and pervasive a mercy? There can be no doubt whatever that if for one moment the tide of His mercy and whatever that if for one moment the tide of His mercy and

grace were to be withheld from the world, it would completely grace were to be withheld from the world, it would completely perish. For this reason, from the beginning that hath no perish. For this reason, from the beginning that hath no

beginning the portals of Divine mercy have been flung open to beginning the portals of Divine mercy have been flung open to the face of all created things, and the clouds of Truth will the face of all created things, and the clouds of Truth will continue to the end that hath no end to rain on the soil of continue to the end that hath no end to rain on the soil of human capacity, reality and personality their favors and human capacity, reality and personality their favors and bounties. Such hath been God's method continued from bounties. Such hath been God's method continued from

everlasting to everlasting.” everlasting to everlasting.” (Gleanings from… Baha'u'llah, p. 67)

“this is a great mystery.... concerning christ....” “this is a great mystery.... concerning...

Documents