This video is for anyone bothered by so called “Bible contradictions.” 📖❓ Drawing on years of working real criminal cases, I’ll explain why genuine eyewitnesses never tell their stories in exactly the same way—and why those natural differences in the Gospel accounts actually point toward authenticity, not fabrication. 🕵️‍♂️✝️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCYMGLy1clM

CHIFFRES ET CODES BIBLIQUES - PARTIE 2B L’ANTICHRIST ET LA FIN DES TEMPS … Suite de la Partie 2A : https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CcP7sFfhe/ … LA MARQUE DE LA BÊTE ET L'ADORATION FORCÉE Que savons-nous donc de la marque de la bête ? Il est lié au nom ou au nombre de l'Antichrist (Apocalypse 13:17-18). Ceux qui adorent la bête recevront la marque (Apocalypse 14:9-10). Cela serait nécessaire pour le commerce (Apocalypse 13:16-17). Ce sera OBLIGATOIRE, sinon la personne sera tuée (Apocalypse 13:15). La seule chose qui s'en soit approchée, dans une certaine mesure, pour devenir obligatoire à l'échelle mondiale, sans pour autant être assortie de la peine de mort, fut la solution proposée à la pandémie de 2020. Dans de nombreux pays, le port du masque était obligatoire pour travailler et voyager ; mais comme la sanction pour non-respect de cette obligation n'impliquait pas la peine capitale, il ne s'agit pas de la marque de la bête ; c'est simplement l'un des nombreux essais et travaux préparatoires à ce qui nous attend. Hormis les deux premiers points, que nous ne pourrions discerner qu'à l'époque de l'Antichrist, nous constatons déjà les préparatifs rapides mis en œuvre pour les deux derniers. C'est comme si le monde était progressivement conditionné à accepter les réalités inédites qui prévaudraient à l'ère de l'Antichrist. Ce conditionnement amènerait la grande majorité à se soumettre sans poser de questions, tandis que la minorité dissidente serait vilipendée et opprimée. En matière de commerce, il est stupéfiant de constater à quel point la monnaie et les échanges ont évolué, même au cours des deux dernières décennies seulement. Dans l'Antiquité, la monnaie prenait une forme plus tangible comme l'or, l'argent, le bronze, le cuivre, ou même le sel, à l'époque romaine, d'où le mot « salaire », qui désignait un paiement en sel. Chacune de ces formes tangibles de monnaie était utilisée pour d'autres usages, comme la fabrication de bijoux ou d'autres applications courantes. De plus, le commerce à cette époque se faisait principalement par le commerce de troc (Ézéchiel 27:12-24). Il est pratiquement impossible d'imposer la marque de la bête comme condition au commerce dans ces circonstances. Mais de nos jours, pour surmonter les inconvénients liés au transport de pièces de monnaie lourdes (par exemple, des pièces d'or, d'argent ou de cuivre) et au troc, nous avons inventé le papier-monnaie ; il s'agit en fait d'un certificat ou d'une promesse attestant qu'une certaine somme d'or (principalement) est conservée dans un coffre-fort bancaire. On peut donc échanger ces billets en sachant qu'ils sont garantis par un actif tangible et précieux. Or, le « miracle » des économistes, des banques centrales et des gouvernements, c'est qu'ils parviennent à imprimer davantage de « billets de banque » dont la valeur est inférieure à celle initialement annoncée. C'est tout simplement absurde. Ces derniers temps, l'argent et le commerce sont passés de l'échange de billets de banque contre des biens et des services à : l'utilisation de cartes de débit ou de crédit aux guichets automatiques ; aux portefeuilles mobiles et aux services bancaires par Internet ; au paiement sans contact via un téléphone compatible NFC ou des puces NFC (en anglais NFC - “Near Field Communication”, C'est-à-dire Communication en Champ Proche ) ; et nous voici maintenant à l'ère de la mystérieuse cryptomonnaie. Dans le système financier actuel, où tous vos actifs peuvent être gelés d'un simple clic, il est aisé d'imaginer comment l'Antichrist et le faux prophète pourraient imposer la marque de la bête comme moyen de pression commerciale. Les systèmes et les structures se mettent en place sous nos yeux. Les puces RFID (identification par radiofréquence) et NFC sont désormais implantables dans la main, et ce, respectivement depuis 2004 et 2013. En 2016, un Suédois, Andreas Sjöström, a pu embarquer sur un vol international en passant simplement une puce NFC implantée dans sa main dans un scanner (lien vers la vidéo à la fin). Il est aisé de programmer et de stocker des informations dans ces puces. Dès lors, la fusion des technologies NFC/RFID et des cryptomonnaies centralisées rend d'autant plus plausible l'éventualité que la marque de la bête devienne une condition sine qua non des échanges commerciaux. Lorsque la monnaie se numérisera entièrement, cela marquera le début de l'ère du « Big Brother », caractérisée par une surveillance et un contrôle absolus des échanges. Même si une cryptomonnaie centralisée ne s'impose pas comme monnaie mondiale, des efforts sont déployés pour créer un pont instantané entre toutes les devises, à l'instar d'Internet qui permet à l'information de circuler instantanément à travers le monde, sans frontières. Ainsi, la Stellar Development Foundation a développé un protocole décentralisé visant à faciliter l'échange de devises fiduciaires (USD, EUR, GBP, NGN, etc.). Ce protocole utilise son propre jeton, le XLM (lumens), pour simplifier les échanges et gérer les frais de transaction. Promettant d'être une solution efficace, sa décentralisation offre de la liberté et de la confidentialité. Cependant, ces technologies et services débutent toujours avec beaucoup d'innocence et d'utilité, mais très vite, les gouvernements les ajoutent à leur arsenal pour exercer un contrôle sur les populations. Par exemple, les cryptomonnaies ont débuté avec le Bitcoin, qui était et reste décentralisé. Cependant, la cryptomonnaie dans son ensemble n'est plus restée décentralisée. Les États, invoquant généralement des raisons de sécurité nationale, déplorent l'absence de contrôle sur le Bitcoin et son incapacité à surveiller les flux monétaires. Ainsi, des pays comme la Chine ont créé leur propre cryptomonnaie nationale, opérationnelle depuis au moins 2020. Leurs banques ont été contraintes de convertir une partie de leurs avoirs en cryptomonnaie nationale pour faciliter son adoption à l'échelle nationale. Le problème est que, même si un système peut être décentralisé à ses débuts, ce qui est positif, les autorités peuvent ensuite le centraliser afin d'en conserver le contrôle. Ainsi, si pour une raison ou une autre elles souhaitent vous empêcher d'accéder aux ressources, elles peuvent facilement geler vos actifs ou bloquer vos transactions. À ce stade, nous ne nous contentons plus de flâner vers la fin des temps comme prophétisé dans les Écritures, nous y courons à toute allure, accomplissant chaque critère des Écritures. À présent, examinons un dernier signe qui nous aidera à identifier l'Antichrist et la fin des temps. FAMINES, PESTE, TREMBLEMENTS DE TERRE ET GUERRES Toutes ces choses se sont produites tout au long de l'histoire humaine, mais les Écritures prédisent qu'à la fin des temps, lorsque l'Antichrist viendra, ce sera une période de détresse sans précédent qui affligera le monde entier (Mt 24:7-8, Daniel 12:1). Ce serait une période de chaos et de dissipation absolus (Luc 21:25-26), et selon toute vraisemblance, l'Antichrist promettrait d'instaurer « l'ordre à partir du chaos ». Compte tenu de la misère humaine actuelle et de l'« espoir » offert par l'Antichrist, ses mesures drastiques d'obéissance ou de mort ne susciteraient aucune indignation au sein de la population quant au respect des droits humains. Un test grandeur nature a déjà été mené en 2020. Face au danger de mort, au désespoir et à l'hystérie collective, les gens seraient prêts à écouter n'importe quelle voix se prétendant « experte » et proposant des « solutions », même s'il s'agit de mensonges éhontés. Dans ce contexte, un régime autoritaire devient possible, car les droits individuels sont bafoués au nom du « bien commun ». Quiconque refuse de se soumettre est alors diffamé et sali par la machine de propagande. Avec le recul, nous avons été témoins de tout cela. En 2020, les « experts » ont diffusé des informations trompeuses et se sont contredits à plusieurs reprises, mais nous étions obligés de jouer le jeu. Si vous refusiez, vous étiez moqués, agressés, diffamés et sanctionnés, tandis que la majorité de la population applaudissait ou restait passive face à ces agissements. Ainsi, à l'ère de l'Antichrist, où régneront un chaos, une famine et une détresse sans précédent, aussi absurde que puisse paraître son mensonge, les gens le croiraient et lui abandonneraient leurs droits et leur autorité. Inutile de préciser que c'est ce qui se produit presque systématiquement à chaque élection avec de nombreux politiciens menteurs ; à plus forte raison lorsque l'Antichrist allie son charisme politique à une démonstration de puissance surnaturelle. Et si le jargon de la sécurité nationale justifie des atteintes graves aux droits individuels à la vie privée et au libre choix, il ne sera pas difficile pour l'Antichrist d'insister sur le fait que la voie de la reprise économique exige une obéissance absolue au contrôle centralisé et à la marque de la bête ; et que tout refus d'obéissance serait passible de mort, car il s'agirait du « bien commun ». De même que ceux qui ont exprimé leur désaccord et remis en question certains aspects de l'année 2020 ont été vilipendés, l'Antichrist vilipendera quiconque refusera de se soumettre à son règne et de recevoir sa marque. Il persuaderait le reste de l'humanité que ces personnes ne méritent même pas de vivre, car elles compliqueraient la vie des autres ou feraient obstacle à ses « bienfaits » pour tous. Il proposerait alors sa « solution finale », qui consisterait à exterminer ces personnes, exactement comme Hitler l'a fait avec les Juifs. Imaginez comment Hitler a réussi à convaincre toute une nation de se résigner au génocide. Certains s'y sont opposés, mais ils étaient peu nombreux. Hitler était une figure et une préfiguration de l'antichrist. Mais l'Antichrist aurait commis les mêmes actes qu'Hitler, à l'échelle mondiale. Profitant d'une situation de déclin et de difficultés économiques similaires, il aurait incité le monde à adhérer à son programme, tout comme Hitler l'avait fait. Bref. L'important est de s'attacher fermement à Jésus-Christ, de connaître et d'obéir à sa parole, et aussi de suivre de près l'actualité mondiale et d'être plus vigilant face aux « solutions » proposées aux problèmes planétaires. Certaines portent la marque de l'Antichrist et promeuvent des idéologies qui paraissent « bonnes » et politiquement correctes, mais qui sont fausses, surtout lorsqu'on les examine à la lumière des Écritures. Au rythme où les choses évoluent, il se pourrait bien que nous soyons la génération où toutes les prophéties se réalisent. Et si tel est le cas, nous devons nous préparer à ce qui va arriver. Il ne s'agit pas de susciter la peur ou l'effroi face à cette époque, mais plutôt de trouver nos repères et persévérer. Lorsque ces événements commenceront à se produire, l'Écriture nous rappelle de les accueillir avec joie, car nous savons que la finalité de notre rédemption, en particulier celle de notre corps (Romains 8:23), s'approche (Luc 21:28 NBS). Et Daniel nous dit qu'à cette époque, ceux qui connaissaient leur Dieu accompliraient des exploits (Daniel 11:32 FMAR). Soyez donc parmi les sages dont Daniel a parlé. Merci de m'avoir accordé de votre temps. Que Dieu vous bénisse et Shalom ! Vidéo d'Andreas Sjöström concernant la puce NFC implantable : https://youtu.be/ORDjQU5pBc0?si=ONLGliGMp0UKp8Hn {La plateforme semble rencontrer des difficultés pour analyser les liens français. 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The Colour of Christ, African Presence in Scripture, and the Question of Biblical Distortion A Theological and Historical Examination Pastor M.R. Mahlaule DipTheol Abstract The question of Jesus Christ’s physical appearance—particularly skin colour—has gained renewed importance within African and Pan‑Africanist theological discourse, largely due to the historical entanglement of Christianity with European colonialism. This paper examines the biblical, historical, and theological dimensions of Christ’s likely appearance, the presence of Africa in early Christianity, and claims that Christianity represents a European distortion of African spirituality. Special attention is given to Song of Songs 1:5, the African context of early Christianity, and debates surrounding the biblical canon, including the exclusion of texts such as the Gospel of Thomas. The paper argues that while Christianity was later weaponised by European powers, it is neither European in origin nor incompatible with African identity. Rather, African Christianity represents a recovery of an ancient, non‑European faith tradition. 1. Introduction The portrayal of Jesus Christ as European has profoundly shaped Christian imagination, particularly within colonial and post‑colonial contexts. For many Africans, this portrayal has raised questions regarding the authenticity of Christianity and its relevance to African identity. Pan‑Africanist critiques frequently argue that African Christians have abandoned indigenous religion in favour of European falsehoods, asserting that the Bible has been distorted and that authentic texts were deliberately excluded. This paper seeks to address these claims through a critical examination of Scripture, history, and theology. It asks three central questions: 1.What can be said, historically and biblically, about the physical appearance of Jesus? 2.What role did Africa play in early Christianity? 3.Are claims of biblical distortion and illegitimate canon formation historically sustainable? 2. Biblical Silence and Historical Probability Regarding the Colour of Christ 1 The Absence of Physical Description in the New Testament 2. The New Testament offers no explicit description of Jesus’s skin colour, hair texture, or facial features. This absence is significant, as ancient biographies often included physical descriptions when appearance was theologically relevant. The Gospel writers instead emphasise Jesus’s actions, teachings, death, and resurrection (Luke 24:27; John 20:31). Theological tradition has long understood this silence as intentional: Christ’s salvific significance transcends physical appearance (Origen, Contra Celsum 6.75). 2.2 Historical and Anthropological Context Jesus was a first‑century Jewish man from Galilee, a region situated between Africa and Asia within the eastern Mediterranean world. Anthropological and historical evidence strongly suggests that such a person would have had brown or dark‑brown skin, dark hair, and Semitic features (Taylor, 2018). Thus, while Scripture does not declare Jesus to have been “black” in modern racial terms, it decisively undermines the legitimacy of depicting Jesus as Northern European in appearance. 3. Song of Songs 1:5 and the Theology of Blackness Song of Songs 1:5 states: “I am black and beautiful, O daughters of Jerusalem…” (NRSV) The Hebrew term šĕḥôrāh denotes dark or black skin. Historically, Jewish and Christian interpreters have read the Song allegorically, identifying the speaker with Israel, wisdom, or the people of God (Gregory of Nyssa, Homilies on the Song of Songs). Importantly, blackness here is not associated with sin or inferiority but affirmed as beautiful. This stands in sharp contrast to later European racial ideologies that equated whiteness with purity and blackness with moral deficiency—concepts absent from biblical theology (Kidd, 2006). 4. Africa in the Life of Jesus and the Early Church 4.1 Africa in the Gospel Narrative Africa is not peripheral to the Gospel story. Matthew records that Jesus lived in Egypt as a refugee (Matthew 2:13–15). Egypt had long been a centre of Jewish life, theology, and learning, most notably in Alexandria. Additionally, Simon of Cyrene—who carried Jesus’s cross—was from North Africa (Mark 15:21). These references indicate Africa’s embeddedness in the Passion narrative itself. 4.2 African Foundations of Early Christianity Christianity flourished in Africa well before it became dominant in Europe. Early African theologians such as Tertullian, Origen, Athanasius, and Augustine shaped doctrines of the Trinity, Christology, and grace (Oden, 2007). By the fourth century, North Africa was one of the most intellectually vibrant regions of the Christian world, undermining any claim that Christianity is inherently European. 5. Christianity, Europe, and Colonial Distortion 5.1 Christianity’s Arrival in Europe Christianity became socially and politically dominant in Europe only after the fourth century, following Emperor Constantine’s conversion. Prior to this, Christian centres of influence were located in Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, and Carthage. Thus, Europe received Christianity as a transmitted faith rather than originating it. 5.2 Colonial Misuse of Christianity Pan‑Africanist critiques correctly identify that Christianity was frequently used to justify slavery, land dispossession, and cultural erasure. Biblical texts were selectively interpreted to support European domination (Cone, 1997). However, misuse does not equate to invention. The distortion of Christianity by colonial powers represents a betrayal of the Gospel rather than its fulfilment. 6. The Question of Biblical Distortion and the Gospel of Thomas 6.1 Canon Formation in Historical Context The New Testament canon developed gradually through communal usage, apostolic attribution, and theological coherence. Contrary to popular claims, canon formation was largely complete before Christianity became the religion of empire (Metzger, 1987). African churches actively participated in these processes, particularly in Alexandria and Carthage. 6.2 Why the Gospel of Thomas Was Excluded The Gospel of Thomas, discovered at Nag Hammadi, reflects second‑century Gnostic theology. It lacks a narrative of crucifixion and resurrection and presents salvation as secret knowledge (gnōsis), conflicting with apostolic teaching that salvation is enacted through history, embodiment, and community (1 Corinthians 15:3–8). Its exclusion was theological rather than racial or political. 7. Pan‑Africanist Critiques and African Christian Identity The claim that African Christians have abandoned their religion assumes that Christianity is foreign to Africa. Historically, this assumption is false. Christianity has existed in Africa since the first century and has been continuously re‑interpreted through African worldviews. African Christianity, therefore, is not imitation but reclamation—an effort to disentangle the Gospel from colonial ideology while remaining faithful to Christ. 8. Conclusion This study has argued that: 1.Jesus was not European in appearance and would have resembled the peoples of the eastern Mediterranean and North Africa. 2.Africa played a foundational role in biblical history and early Christianity. 3.While Christianity was distorted by European colonialism, it was not created by Europe. 4.Claims of biblical fabrication and illegitimate canon formation are historically unsustainable. The task of African theology today is not to reject Christianity but to decolonise its interpretation, recovering a Christ who stands with the oppressed and speaks across cultures. Christ belongs neither to Europe nor Africa exclusively, but Africa has always been among those who knew Christ first. References •Cone, J. H. (1997). God of the Oppressed. Orbis Books. •Gregory of Nyssa. Homilies on the Song of Songs. •Kidd, C. A. (2006). The Forging of Races. Cambridge University Press. •Metzger, B. M. (1987). The Canon of the New Testament. Oxford University Press. •Oden, T. C. (2007). How Africa Shaped the Christian Mind. IVP Academic. •Origen. Contra Celsum. •Taylor, J. E. (2018). What Did Jesus Look Like? T&T Clark. •The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version.

AMAZING FACTS BIBLE STUDY. # 17 Hello friends, family, and my brothers, and sisters in Christ. This is Brother Johnny Gass. Welcome to Bible study. Study to show thyself to approved unto God, a Workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Please share these lessons with everyone you know for the expansion of the kingdom of God. Amazing Facts # 17 God Drew The Plans. We all know that 4,000 years ago, on the grand summit of Mt. Sinai, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. But most people don't know that at the same time, the Lord gave Moses the blueprints for one of the most mysterious structures ever built - the sanctuary. It must have been important, because the Israelites could not enter the Promised Land until it was completed. This unique portable temple represented God's dwelling place among His people, and its services showed the nation of freed slaves a three-dimensional panorama of the plan of salvation. A careful look into the secrets of the sanctuary will crystallize your understanding of how Jesus saves the lost and leads the church. The sanctuary is also a key to understand several prophecies. This awesome Study Guide lets you explore the sanctuary and discover its hidden meanings. An exciting adventure awaits you! 1. What did God ask Moses to build? "And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them." Exodus 25:8. Answer: The Lord asked Moses to erect a sanctuary--a special building that would serve as a dwelling place for the great God of heaven. A Brief Description of the Sanctuary The sanctuary was an elegant, tent-type structure (15' x 45'--based on an 18-inch cubit) where the supernatural presence of God dwelt and special services were conducted. The walls were made of upright acacia (wooden) boards, set in silver sockets and overlaid with gold (Exodus 26:15-19, 29). The roof was made of four layers of coverings: linen, goat's hair, ram's skin, and badger skin (Exodus 26:1, 6-14). It had two rooms: the holy place and the most holy place. A thick, heavy veil or curtain separated the rooms. The courtyard--the area around the sanctuary--was 75' x 150' (Exodus 27:18). It was fenced with fine linen cloth supported by 60 pillars of brass (Exodus 27:9-16). God Himself gave Moses the plans for the sanctuary. 2. What did God expect His people to learn from the sanctuary? "Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?" Psalms 77:13. Answer: God's way, or plan of salvation, is revealed in the earthly sanctuary. The Bible teaches that everything in the sanctuary or connected with its service was a symbol of something Jesus would do in saving us. This means we cannot fully comprehend the plan of salvation until we understand the symbolism connected with the sanctuary. Thus, the importance of this Study Guide can hardly be overstated. The sanctuary and its services were to demonstrate the plan of salvation. 3. From what source did Moses obtain the blueprints for the sanctuary? Of what was the building a copy? "Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man." "Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount." Hebrews 8:1, 2, 5. Answer: The sanctuary blueprints and full specifications for its construction were given to Moses by God. They were a copy of the original sanctuary in heaven, which was the pattern for Moses' sanctuary. 4. What furniture was in the courtyard? Answer: A. The altar of burnt offerings where animals were sacrificed was located in the courtyard, just inside its entrance (Exodus 27:1-8). This altar represented the cross of Christ. The animal represented Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice (John 1:29). B. The laver, located between the altar and the entrance of the sanctuary, was a large washbasin made of brass. Here priests washed their hands and feet before offering a sacrifice or entering the sanctuary (Exodus 30:17-21; 38:8). The water represented cleansing from sin, or the new birth (Titus 3:5). 5. What furniture was in the holy place? Answer: A. The table of shewbread (Exodus 25:23-30) represented Jesus, the living bread (John 6:51). B. The seven-branch candlestick (Exodus 25:31-40) represented Jesus, the light of the world (John 9:5; 1:9). The oil represented the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:1-6; Revelation 4:5). C. The altar of incense (Exodus 30:7, 8) represented the prayers of God's people (Revelation 5:8). 6. What furniture was in the most holy place? Answer: The ark of the covenant, the only piece of furniture in the most holy place (Exodus 25:10-22), was a box or chest of acacia wood overlaid with gold. Standing atop the chest were two angels made of solid gold. Between these angels was the mercy seat (Exodus 25:17-22), where the supernatural presence of God dwelt. This symbolized God’s throne in heaven, which is likewise located between two angels (Psalms 80:1). The mercy seat represents God's throne in heaven, which is also located between two angels. 7. What was inside the ark? Answer: The Ten Commandments, which God wrote on tables of stone with His own finger, and which His people will always obey (Revelation 14:12), were inside the ark (Deuteronomy 10:4, 5). But the mercy seat was above them, which signified that as long as God’s people confessed and forsook sin (Proverbs 28:13), mercy would be extended to them through the blood which was sprinkled on the mercy seat by the priest (Leviticus 16:15, 16). The blood of the animal represents Jesus’ blood that was shed for us to bring us forgiveness of sin (Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:22). The Ten Commandments were inside the ark. They represent God's character, which He implants within His people. 8. Why did animals need to be sacrificed in the Old Testament sanctuary services? "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." Hebrews 9:22. "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." Matthew 26:28. Answer: The sacrificing of animals was necessary to help people understand that without the shedding of Jesus' blood, their sins could never be forgiven. The ugly, shocking truth is that the punishment for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23). Since all of us have sinned, all of us should die. When Adam and Eve sinned, they would have died at once except for Jesus, who stepped forward and offered to give His perfect life as a sacrifice to pay the death penalty for all people (Revelation 13:8). After sin, God required the sinner to bring an animal sacrifice (Genesis 4:3-7). The sinner was to kill the animal with his own hand (Leviticus 1:4, 5). It was bloody and shocking. And it indelibly impressed the sinner with the solemn reality of sin's awful consequences (eternal death) and the desperate need of a Saviour and a substitute. Without a Saviour, no one had any hope for salvation. The animals sacrificed represented Jesus, who sacrificed His life for all people. The sacrificial system taught, through the symbol of the slain animal, that God would give His Son to die for their sins (1 Corinthians 15:3). Jesus would become not only their Saviour, but also their substitute (Hebrews 9:28). When John the Baptist met Jesus, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29. In the Old Testament, people looked forward to the cross for salvation. We look backward to Calvary for salvation. There is no other source of salvation (Acts 4:12). 9. How were animals sacrificed in the sanctuary service, and with what meaning? "And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him." "And he shall kill it on the side of the altar northward." Leviticus 1:4, 11. Animal sacrifices taught the shocking truth that sin would cost the death of Jesus. Answer: When a sinner brought a sacrificial animal to the door of the courtyard, a priest handed him a knife and a basin. The sinner laid his hands on the animal's head and confessed his sins. This symbolized the transfer of sin from the sinner to the animal. At that point, the sinner was considered innocent and the animal guilty. Since the animal was now symbolically guilty, it had to pay sin's wage--death. By slaying the animal with his own hand, the sinner was thus graphically taught that sin caused the innocent animal's death and that his sin would cause the death of innocent Jesus. 10. When a sacrificial animal was offered for the entire congregation, what did the priest do with the blood? What does this symbolize? "And the priest that is anointed shall bring of the bullock's blood to the tabernacle of the congregation: And the priest shall dip his finger in some of the blood, and sprinkle it seven times before the Lord, even before the vail." Leviticus 4:16, 17. Answer: When a sacrifice was offered for the sins of the entire congregation, the blood was taken by the priest, who represented Jesus (Hebrews 3:1), into the sanctuary and sprinkled before the veil which separated the two rooms. The presence of God dwelt on the other side of the veil. Thus, the sins of the people were removed and symbolically transferred to the sanctuary. This ministry of the blood by the priest foreshadowed Jesus' present blood-ministry for us in heaven. After Jesus died on the cross as our sacrifice for sin, He arose and went to heaven as our Priest to minister His blood in the heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 9:11, 12). The blood ministered by the earthly priest represents Jesus applying His blood to our record of sins in the sanctuary above, showing that they are forgiven when we confess them in His name (1 John 1:9). 11. Based on the sanctuary services, in what two major capacities does Jesus serve His people? What fantastic benefits do we receive from His loving ministry? "Christ our passover is sacrificed for us." 1 Corinthians 5:7. "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16. As our sacrifice, Jesus brings us a completely transformed life with all sins forgiven. Answer: Jesus serves as the sacrifice for our sins and as our heavenly Priest. Jesus' death as our sacrificial lamb and substitute, and His continual powerful ministry as our heavenly Priest, accomplish two incredible miracles for us: A. A complete life change called the new birth, with all the sins of the past forgiven (John 3:3-6; Romans 3:25). B. Power to live right in the present and future (Titus 2:14; Philippians 2:13). These two miracles make a person righteous--which means a right relationship exists between the person and God. There is no possible way for a person to become righteous by works (his own efforts), because righteousness requires miracles which only Jesus can accomplish (Acts 4:12). A person becomes righteous by trusting Jesus to do for him what he cannot do for himself. This is what is meant by the biblical term "righteousness by faith." I ask Jesus to become the ruler of my life and trust Him to work the needed miracles as I cooperate fully with Him. This righteousness, which is miraculously accomplished for me and in me by Jesus, is the only true righteousness that exists. Every other kind is a counterfeit. As our High Priest, Jesus gives us the power to live right in the present and in the future. 12. What six sublime promises does the Bible give us about the righteousness offered to us through Jesus? Answer: A. He will cover our past sins and count us as guiltless (Isaiah 44:22; John 1:9). B. We were created in God's image in the beginning (Genesis 1:26, 27). Jesus promises to restore us to God's image (Romans 8:29). C. Jesus gives us the desire to live right and then grants us His power to actually accomplish it (Philippians 2:13). D. Jesus, by His miracles, will cause us to happily do only the things that please God (Hebrews 13:20, 21; John 15:11). E. He removes the death sentence from us by crediting us for His sinless life and atoning death (2 Corinthians 5:21). F. Jesus assumes responsibility for keeping us faithful until He returns to take us to heaven (Philippians 1:6; Jude 1:24). Jesus is ready to fulfill all these glorious promises in your life. Are you ready? Kneel down now and ask Him to take control of your life. He will not fail you. Jesus, by His miracles, will cause us happily to do only the things that please God. 13. Does a person have any role at all to play in becoming righteous by faith? "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 7:21. Answer: Yes, Jesus says we must do His Father's will. In Old Testament days, a person who truly had been converted kept bringing lambs to sacrifice, indicating his sorrow for sin and his whole-hearted desire to let the Lord totally lead in his life. Our role in salvation is to lovingly and willingly response the voice of the Holy Spirit by following where Jesus leads. Isaiah 30:21 says “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.� Today, though we cannot work the miracles needed to become righteous, we must daily recommit to Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:31), inviting Him to control our lives so those miracles can take place. We must be willing to be obedient and to follow where Jesus leads (John 12:26; Isaiah 1:18-20). Sin causes us to want to have our own way (Isaiah 53:6) and, thus, rebel against the Lord as Satan did in the beginning (Isaiah 14:12-14). Permitting Jesus to rule our lives is sometimes as wrenchingly difficult as having an eye plucked out or an arm torn off (Matthew 5:29, 30), because sin is addictive and can be overcome only by God's miraculous power (Mark 10:27). Many believe that Jesus will take all who profess salvation to heaven, regardless of their conduct. But this is not so. It is a fabrication of Satan. A Christian must follow Jesus' lifestyle (1 Peter 2:21). The powerful blood of Jesus can accomplish this for us all (Hebrews 13:12), but only if we give Jesus full control of our lives and happily follow where He leads--even though the path may sometimes be stony and rough (Matthew 7:13, 14, 21). 14. Can you help me understand the day of atonement? Answer: A. Once each year, on the day of atonement, a solemn day of judgment took place in Israel (Leviticus 23:27). All were to confess every sin. Those who refused were that very day cut off forever from the camp of Israel (Leviticus 23:29). B. Two goats were selected: One, the Lord's goat; the other, the scapegoat, representing Satan (Leviticus 16:8). The Lord's goat was slain and offered for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:9). But on this day the blood was taken into the most holy place and sprinkled upon and before the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:14). Only on this special judgment day did the high priest enter the most holy place to meet God at the mercy seat. The sprinkled blood (representing Jesus' sacrifice) was accepted by God, and the confessed sins of the people were transferred from the sanctuary to the high priest. He then transferred these confessed sins to the scapegoat, which was led into the wilderness (Leviticus 16:16, 20-22). In this manner, the sanctuary was cleansed of the sins of the people, which had been transferred there by the blood sprinkled before the veil and had been accumulating for a year. 15. Does the day of atonement symbolize or foreshadow a part of God's great plan of salvation, as did the other facets of the earthly sanctuary and its services? "It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these." Hebrews 9:23. Answer: Yes. That day's services pointed to the blotting out of sin by the real High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. Through His shed blood applied to those written in the book of life, Christ would confirm the decisions of His people to serve Him eternally. This special judgment day, like that of Israel's Yom Kippur, foreshadowed the final atonement to be made for planet Earth. From the yearly type of the ancient day of atonement, all of humanity is assured that our faithful High Priest, Jesus, still mediates in heaven for His people and stands ready to blot out the sins of all who will exercise faith in His shed blood. The final atonement leads to the final judgment, which settles the sin question in the life of every individual, culminating in either life or death. Israel's day of atonement was a symbol of the final judgment, which will forever settle the sin question throughout the universe. Momentous Events You will discover in the next two Study Guides how the symbolism of the earthly sanctuary and especially the day of atonement foreshadowed momentous events of the end time, which God will bring to pass from the heavenly sanctuary. Date for the Judgment In the next Study Guide, we will examine a crucial Bible prophecy in which God sets a date for the heavenly judgment to begin. Thrilling, indeed! To learn more about our lord Jesus christ, the Word of God, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church. Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741 Pastor; Greg Hudson Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.

AMAZING FACTS BIBLE STUDY A/F # 1 Hello family, friends, and brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. This is Brother Johnny Gass. Welcome to Bible study. My hope is that you will share these studies on your timelines with everyone you know, family, friends, coworkers, fellow students, and neighbors. Share in hopes of winning souls to Christ for the expansion of the kingdom of God. Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Amazing Facts # 1 Is There Anything Left You Can Trust? In these morally challenged times - when billions are embezzled through corporate fraud; when trusted, spiritual leaders prove false; when lying in politics seems to be the norm; when those you depend on the most often hurt you the deepest - is there anything left you can trust? Yes! You can fully trust the Bible! Why? Just take a look at the evidence... 1. What does the Bible claim about itself? The Bible says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God." 2 Timothy 3:16. "Prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21. "The scripture cannot be broken." John 10:35. Answer: It claims to be inspired. It was written by men who were guided by the Holy Ghost. It cannot be broken or proved untrue. The Bible is not a collection of men's ideas. Its writers were guided by the Holy Ghost. 2. How did Jesus demonstrate His confidence and belief in Scripture? Jesus said, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone." "It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." "It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Matthew 4:4, 7, 10. "Thy word is truth." John 17:17. Answer: Jesus quoted Scripture when meeting the temptations of Satan. He also stated that the Bible is truth (John 17:17). Jesus often quoted Scripture as authority for the truth He was teaching. He quoted the Bible and stated that it was true. Do Bible prophecies confirm inspiration? The Bible says, "I am the Lord . . . new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them." Isaiah 42:8, 9. "I am God . . . Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done." Isaiah 46:9, 10. Answer: Bible predictions of things to happen in the future confirm the inspiration of Scripture as they come to pass. Notice the following examples of fulfilled Bible prophecies: Before Cyrus was born, God's Bible prophet named him as the general who would overthrow Babylon. A. Four world empires to arise: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome (Daniel chapters 2, 7, 8). B. Cyrus to be the warrior to capture Babylon (Isaiah 45:1-3). C. After Babylon's destruction, it would never be inhabited again (Isaiah 13:19, 20; Jeremiah 51:37). D. Egypt would never again have a commanding position among the nations (Ezekiel 29:14, 15; 30:12, 13). E. Earth-shaking calamities and fear toward the end of time (Luke 21:25, 26). F. Moral degeneracy and decline of spirituality in the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-5). 4. Can we expect scientific statements made in the Bible to be accurate? The Bible says, "Thy word is true from the beginning." Psalms 119:160. "The Spirit . . . will guide you into all truth." John 16:13. Answer: Yes, the Bible is true. The Holy Spirit, who guided the Bible writers, always speaks the truth. Here are a few Bible statements that have been confirmed by science: A. "He . . . hangeth the earth upon nothing." Job 26:7. This scientific fact is from Job, the Bible's oldest book. B. "He . . . sitteth upon the circle of the earth." Isaiah 40:22. The Bible said the earth is round centuries before man found out. C. "To make the weight for the winds." Job 28:25. Long before scientists knew, God said air has weight. D. "By Him [Jesus] all things consist." Colossians 1:17. The word "consist" here literally means "hold together" or "cohere." Many Bible translations put it "hold together." This is the answer to the nuclear physicists' worrisome question about the atom. The real mystery of the atom does not involve its benumbing mega-power, but rather, "Why doesn't the atom fly apart?" Scientific knowledge says it should, but it doesn't. Some scientists are wondering what puzzling power, completely unknown to them, is holding it together. The Bible says that mysterious power is the Creator, God Himself. 5. Are biblical health principles tuned to the twenty-first century mind? Answer: A. Cover body waste with dirt (Deuteronomy 23:12, 13). The Bible provision of Moses' day that body waste should be buried was 3,500 years ahead of its time and saved countless thousands of Jewish lives. Major problems still arise when sanitation is not properly handled. B. "Neither let us commit fornication." 1 Corinthians 10:8. The word "fornication" denotes all kinds of immoral sexual conduct. There would be no AIDS epidemic if this up-to-date Bible counsel were obeyed, nor would abortion be the international scandal that it now is. The terrible plague of AIDS would not exist if God's ancient laws regarding morality were obeyed. C. Leave alcoholic beverages alone (Proverbs 23:29-32). If this extremely effective Bible solution were implemented, just think what it would mean: 1. Millions of alcoholics becoming sober, respectable citizens. 2. Millions of families reunited. 3. Millions of broken homes mended. 4. Multiplied thousands of lives saved by sober driving. 5. Thousands of government, business, and professional leaders making clear-minded decisions. 6. Billions of dollars available for humanitarian use. Note: Refusing to abstain from alcohol has brought untold woe to many. God not only tells us how to succeed with joy amid today's harrowing problems, but He also gives us the miraculous power to do it (1 Corinthians 15:57; Philippians 4:13; Romans 1:16). Bible health principles are relevant and desperately needed, but few are listening. (For more on health, see Study Guide 13.) Are the historical statements of the Bible accurate? The Bible says, "I the Lord speak the truth, I declare what is right." Isaiah 45:19, RSV.* Ancient artifacts unearthed by archaeologists repeatedly confirm the accuracy and truth of the Bible. Answer: Yes, Bible historical statements are accurate. What God says in His book is true. Sometimes, temporarily, evidence may not be found to substantiate certain historical facts from the Bible, but in time the evidence surfaces. Note the following: A. For years skeptics said the Bible was unreliable because it mentions the Hittite nation (Deuteronomy 7:1) and cities like Nineveh (Jonah 1:1, 2) and Sodom (Genesis 19:1), which they denied ever existed. But now modern archaeology has confirmed that all three did, indeed, exist. B. Critics also said that Bible-mentioned kings Belshazzar (Daniel 5:1) and Sargon (Isaiah 20:1) never existed. Once again, it has now been confirmed they did exist. C. Skeptics also said the Bible record of Moses was not reliable because it mentions writing (Exodus 24:4) and wheeled vehicles (Exodus 14:25), neither of which they said existed at the time. They, of course, know better today. D. At one time the 39 kings of ancient Israel and Judah who reigned during the divided kingdom were authenticated only from the Bible record, so critics charged fabrication. But then archaeologists found cuneiform records that mentioned many of these kings and, once again, the Bible record was proved accurate. Critics have repeatedly been proved wrong as new discoveries confirm biblical people, places, and events. It will always be so. 7. One of the greatest miracles of the Bible is its unity. Please ponder the following amazing facts: Answer: A. The 66 books of the Bible were written: 1. On three continents. 2. In three languages. 3. By about 40 different people (kings, shepherds, scientists, attorneys, an army general, fishermen, priests, and a physician). 4. Over a period of about 1,500 years. 5. On the most controversial subjects. 6. By people who, in most cases, had never met. 7. By authors whose education and background varied greatly. B. Yet, though it seems totally inconceivable, 1. The 66 books maintain harmony with each other. 2. Often new concepts on a subject are expressed, but these concepts do not undermine what other Bible writers say on the same subject. C. Talk about astounding! Ask people who have viewed an identical event to each give a report of what happened. They will differ widely and will virtually always contradict each other in some way. Yet the Bible, penned by 40 writers over a 1,500-year period, reads as if written by one great mind. And, indeed, it was: "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21. The Holy Ghost "moved" them all. He is the real Bible Author. The four Gospels do sometimes differ in the way they report the same event, but they complement each other. 8. What evidence of Bible inspiration is found in the lives of people? The Bible says, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17. Accepting Christ and obeying Scripture changes a drunken, immoral, profane sinner into a loving, sober, pure Christian. Skeptics cannot explain this fact. Answer: The changed lives of those who follow Jesus and obey Scripture constitute the most heart-warming proof of Bible inspiration. The drunkard becomes sober; the immoral, pure; the addicted, free; the profane, reverent; the fearful, courageous; and the rude, kind. Christians have an inner joy and peace that others do not possess. An American skeptic was visiting an island whose natives were originally cannibals. When he spotted an old man reading the Bible, he ridiculed him for reading a book "full of myths which had already been exposed." The native smiled at him and said, "My friend, be grateful we do believe this book. Otherwise, we would be serving you for dinner." The Bible really does change people, and this amazing fact confirms its inspiration. 9. What evidence for Bible inspiration emerges when we compare Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah with New Testament happenings in the life of Jesus? The Bible says, "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He [Jesus] expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:27. "For he [Apollos] vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ." Acts 18:28, NKJV.* Answer: The Old Testament predictions of the Messiah to come were so specific and so clearly fulfilled by Jesus of Nazareth that both Jesus and Apollos used these prophecies to prove to the Jews that Jesus was, indeed, the Messiah. There are more than 125 of these prophecies. Let's review just 12 of them: Prophecy in O.T. and Fulfillment in the N.T. 1. Born in Bethlehem (O.T. Micah 5:2) (N.T. Matthew 2:1) 2. Born of a virgin (O.T. Isaiah 7:14) (N.T. Matthew 1:18-23) 3. Of David's lineage (O.T. Jeremiah 23:5) (N.T. Revelation 22:16) 4. Attempted murder by Herod (O.T. Jeremiah 31:15) (N.T. Matthew 2:16-18) 5. Betrayal by a friend (O.T. Psalms 41:9) (N.T. John 13:18, 19, 26) 6. Sold for 30 silver coins (O.T. Zechariah 11:12) (N.T. Matthew 26:14-16) 7. Crucified (O.T. Zechariah 12:10) (N.T. John 19:16-18, 37) 8. Lots cast for His clothes (O.T. Psalms 22:18) (N.T. Matthew 27:35) 9. No bones broken (O.T. Psalms 34:20; Exodus 12:46) (N.T. John 19:31-36) 10. Buried in rich man's tomb< (O.T. Isaiah 53:9) (N.T. Matthew 27:57-60) 11. Year, day, hour of His death (O.T. Daniel 9:26, 27; Exodus 12:6) (N.T. Matthew 27:45-50) 12. Raised the third day (O.T. Hosea 6:2) (N.T. Acts 10:38-40) Jesus fullfilled more than 125 Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. Dr. Peter Stoner, former chairman of the departments of mathematics, astronomy, and engineering at Pasadena College (California), worked with 600 students for several years applying the "principle of probability" to the prophecies of the Messiah's coming. They chose just eight from the many available and finally decided the chances of all eight being fulfilled in one man in a lifetime is one in 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. What would the odds be on the more than 125 prophecies of the Messiah? It couldn't just happen! 10. What great advantage does a person have who accepts the Bible as God's inspired word? The Bible says, "I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts." Psalms 119:100. "Thou . . . hast made me wiser than mine enemies." Psalms 119:98. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are . . . my thoughts [higher] than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9. The Bible teaches that the earth was created in six literal days. Answer: A person who accepts the Word of God will soon know the answers to many complex challenges that secular scholars will never figure out. For example, the Bible teaches: A. God created the earth and all living organisms in six literal, 24-hour days (Exodus 20:11; Psalms 33:6, 9). B. A worldwide flood destroyed every living thing except the sea life and what was inside Noah's ark (Genesis chapters 6, 7, 8). C. The different languages of the world began at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). The Bible account of the Flood provides the answers secular scholars are searching for. God, who has always existed and knows everything, shares the above three truths with us, recognizing that we could never figure them out on our own. We know only "in part" now (1 Corinthians 13:9). And God's knowledge is "past finding out." Romans 11:33. Evolutionists will never know the age of the earth because it was created with apparent age, as were Adam and Eve. The couple were only one day old on their second day of life, but they appeared to be mature. Man's measuring instruments cannot allow for apparent age. In such cases, they are not trustworthy. Believe the Bible, and you will always be ahead of the speculation of secular scholars and the worldly-wise. 11. What crucial world happenings have brought the power and appeal of the Bible into sharp focus? Answer: The failure and collapse of communism and the weakening and inconsistency of the theory of evolution have spotlighted the Bible. When communism collapsed, its adherents turned to the Bible as the only hope for people. Note: The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics tried communism, atheism, and also evolution, which is Marxism's number one tenet. They all failed. The resultant new democracies realize that only one thing will work, and they are almost with one voice crying out to Christendom: "Bring us the Bible and Christian preaching and teaching. We must now build on the unshakable foundation of prayer and the Christian faith. Nothing else compares. Nor will anything else answer life's great questions and bring peace to the hearts of our people. Please don't keep us waiting! We desperately want and need the Bible, God, and Christianity now." Once again, God's Word triumphs. True science is always in harmony with the Bible because God is the author of both. Evolution, like communism, is losing its grip and credibility. We must remember that it is nothing more than an unproved, shaky theory. We will mention three items only: 1. Robert Gentry's book Creation's Tiny Mystery has unsettled many evolutionists with its apparent, clear evidence of instant creation. (Mystery in the Rocks, an easy-to-understand book based on his research, may be purchased from Amazing Facts.) 2. Molecular biology's recent demonstration that the single cell is vastly complex makes the accidental origin of life in a single cell a mathematical absurdity. 3. The widely different ages now being assigned to the Grand Canyon layers by current scientific measurements, as opposed to those assigned previously, make evolutionists and their prior measurements seem reckless and irresponsible. The atheistic theory of evolution that humans and apes came from common ancestors scorns the concept that people were created in the image of God. It denies the existence of God, totally disavows Jesus as Saviour, negates the Bible, and ridicules the truth of an eternal home in heaven. Satan loves the evolution theory because it destroys the credibility of salvation. Communists are learning. Will we? The Bible has universal appeal because it provides clear answers to life's most perplexing questions. 12. Why does the Bible have such universal appeal? The Bible says, "Thy word is a . . . light unto my path." Psalms 119:105. "These things have I spoken unto you . . . that your joy might be full." John 15:11. "In the image of God . . . created he them." Genesis 1:27. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16. "I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:3. Answer: Because it answers life's most puzzling questions: A. Where did I come from? God created us in His image. We did not accidentally emerge as nondescript globs from some primeval slime. We are sons and daughters of God, the Mighty King (Galatians 3:26). We are so precious to God that when Adam and Eve sinned, He gave His Son to die and pay the penalty for our sins so we could be free. He wants to restore us to His image and then, shortly, take us back to Eden, the home Adam and Eve lost. B. Why am I here? Our aims for life today should be to discover the Bible's wonderful answers to life's puzzling problems and to accept Jesus' offer to restore us to His image (Romans 8:29). C. What does the future hold for me? There is no guesswork about the future. Jesus will come very soon to take His people to the fabulous home He has prepared for them in heaven. There, with supreme joy and happiness, people will live forever (John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:3, 4). Thought Questions 1. I'm offended that the Bible gives such repugnant, graphic descriptions of sin in recording the lives of some Bible characters. Is this really necessary? Romans 15:4 Yes. It is one of the great facts that give credibility to the Bible. Most biographies skip or soften the bad and often overstate the good. Telling it like it is gives people confidence the Bible can be trusted; it doesn't cover up. Further, Satan's strategy is to convince people they are such great sinners God cannot or will not save them. What joy sweeps over such people when they are shown Bible cases of people like them (and worse) whom God delivered from sin and justified (Romans 15:4)! 2. Is all of the Bible inspired? Many believe only parts of it are. 2 Timothy 3:16 The Bible has the answer: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16. The Bible does not simply contain the word of God. Rather, it is the Word of God. The Bible is the information and operations manual for a human life. Ignore any of it and you will have unnecessary difficulties and problems. 3. The Bible is an ancient book with old-fashioned wording and concepts. Don't you feel it is unsafe to rely on something so far removed from our enlightened day? 1 Peter 1:25 No. Its age is in its favor. That is, in fact, one of the proofs of its inspiration. The Bible says, "The word of the Lord endureth for ever." 1 Peter 1:25. The Bible stands as a rock. It is God's book--His Word. It cannot be destroyed. Men and even entire nations have burned, banned, and tried to discredit and destroy the Bible, but instead, they discredited themselves. They are gone, and their attacks on the Bible are forgotten. Yet the Bible remains a best-seller, in constant demand. Millions would die for it, if necessary. Its message is God-given and 100 percent up-to-date. Before you study it, pray and ask God to open your heart as you read. 4. Some of the most brilliant people in the world, who have carefully studied the Bible, believe no one can understand it. If the Bible is truly God's book, shouldn't everyone be able to understand it? 1 Corinthians 2:13 Bright people who can understand and explain virtually anything are often quickly stopped in their tracks when they read the Bible. The reason is that spiritual things "are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:13, 14. The deep things of the Word will never be understood by a secular mind, no matter how brilliant. Unless one honestly seeks an experience with God, he cannot understand the things of God. The Holy Spirit, who explains the Bible (John 16:13; 14:26), is not understood by the carnal, secular mind. On the other hand, the humble, even uneducated Christian who studies the Bible receives amazing understanding from the Holy Spirit (Matthew 11:25; 1 Corinthians 2:9, 10). 5. The Bible is full of errors. How can you believe it is inspired? Isaiah 28:9 The overwhelming majority of so-called errors in the Bible have been demonstrated to be simply errors of judgment or lack of understanding on the part of those who make the complaint. They are not errors at all, but simply truth misunderstood. The inspired Bible: 1. Will always tell you the truth. 2. Will never mislead you. 3. Can be fully trusted. 4. Is reliable and authoritative, not only in spiritual matters but also in other matters it addresses, including history and science. Satan is always digging up some supposed flaw in Scripture, which is not surprising. He found fault even with God and heaven. Copyists may have miscopied in some cases, but no such supposed happening or any other alleged error affects the truth of God's Word. Doctrine is built not upon one Bible passage, but upon the total of God's comments on any subject. We are unaware of any alleged error of any kind that would affect the truthfulness of the content of Scripture. Some things in Scripture are yet difficult to reconcile. There will always be room for doubt to those who prefer to doubt. We believe that even alleged errors, not yet fully explained, will (as in the past) soon be exposed as false alarms. The harder people work to undermine the Bible, the brighter its light shines. To learn more about our lord Jesus christ, the Word of God, and the Sabbath, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church. Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741 Pastor; Greg Hudson Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.

A/F # 1 Hello family, friends, and brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. This is Brother Johnny Gass. Welcome to Bible study. My hope is that you will share these studies on your timelines with everyone you know, family, friends, coworkers, fellow students, and neighbors. Share in hopes of winning souls to Christ for the expansion of the kingdom of God. Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Amazing Facts # 1 Is There Anything Left You Can Trust? In these morally challenged times - when billions are embezzled through corporate fraud; when trusted, spiritual leaders prove false; when lying in politics seems to be the norm; when those you depend on the most often hurt you the deepest - is there anything left you can trust? Yes! You can fully trust the Bible! Why? Just take a look at the evidence... 1. What does the Bible claim about itself? The Bible says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God." 2 Timothy 3:16. "Prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21. "The scripture cannot be broken." John 10:35. Answer: It claims to be inspired. It was written by men who were guided by the Holy Ghost. It cannot be broken or proved untrue. The Bible is not a collection of men's ideas. Its writers were guided by the Holy Ghost. 2. How did Jesus demonstrate His confidence and belief in Scripture? Jesus said, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone." "It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." "It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Matthew 4:4, 7, 10. "Thy word is truth." John 17:17. Answer: Jesus quoted Scripture when meeting the temptations of Satan. He also stated that the Bible is truth (John 17:17). Jesus often quoted Scripture as authority for the truth He was teaching. He quoted the Bible and stated that it was true. Do Bible prophecies confirm inspiration? The Bible says, "I am the Lord . . . new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them." Isaiah 42:8, 9. "I am God . . . Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done." Isaiah 46:9, 10. Answer: Bible predictions of things to happen in the future confirm the inspiration of Scripture as they come to pass. Notice the following examples of fulfilled Bible prophecies: Before Cyrus was born, God's Bible prophet named him as the general who would overthrow Babylon. A. Four world empires to arise: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome (Daniel chapters 2, 7, 8). B. Cyrus to be the warrior to capture Babylon (Isaiah 45:1-3). C. After Babylon's destruction, it would never be inhabited again (Isaiah 13:19, 20; Jeremiah 51:37). D. Egypt would never again have a commanding position among the nations (Ezekiel 29:14, 15; 30:12, 13). E. Earth-shaking calamities and fear toward the end of time (Luke 21:25, 26). F. Moral degeneracy and decline of spirituality in the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-5). 4. Can we expect scientific statements made in the Bible to be accurate? The Bible says, "Thy word is true from the beginning." Psalms 119:160. "The Spirit . . . will guide you into all truth." John 16:13. Answer: Yes, the Bible is true. The Holy Spirit, who guided the Bible writers, always speaks the truth. Here are a few Bible statements that have been confirmed by science: A. "He . . . hangeth the earth upon nothing." Job 26:7. This scientific fact is from Job, the Bible's oldest book. B. "He . . . sitteth upon the circle of the earth." Isaiah 40:22. The Bible said the earth is round centuries before man found out. C. "To make the weight for the winds." Job 28:25. Long before scientists knew, God said air has weight. D. "By Him [Jesus] all things consist." Colossians 1:17. The word "consist" here literally means "hold together" or "cohere." Many Bible translations put it "hold together." This is the answer to the nuclear physicists' worrisome question about the atom. The real mystery of the atom does not involve its benumbing mega-power, but rather, "Why doesn't the atom fly apart?" Scientific knowledge says it should, but it doesn't. Some scientists are wondering what puzzling power, completely unknown to them, is holding it together. The Bible says that mysterious power is the Creator, God Himself. 5. Are biblical health principles tuned to the twenty-first century mind? Answer: A. Cover body waste with dirt (Deuteronomy 23:12, 13). The Bible provision of Moses' day that body waste should be buried was 3,500 years ahead of its time and saved countless thousands of Jewish lives. Major problems still arise when sanitation is not properly handled. B. "Neither let us commit fornication." 1 Corinthians 10:8. The word "fornication" denotes all kinds of immoral sexual conduct. There would be no AIDS epidemic if this up-to-date Bible counsel were obeyed, nor would abortion be the international scandal that it now is. The terrible plague of AIDS would not exist if God's ancient laws regarding morality were obeyed. C. Leave alcoholic beverages alone (Proverbs 23:29-32). If this extremely effective Bible solution were implemented, just think what it would mean: 1. Millions of alcoholics becoming sober, respectable citizens. 2. Millions of families reunited. 3. Millions of broken homes mended. 4. Multiplied thousands of lives saved by sober driving. 5. Thousands of government, business, and professional leaders making clear-minded decisions. 6. Billions of dollars available for humanitarian use. Note: Refusing to abstain from alcohol has brought untold woe to many. God not only tells us how to succeed with joy amid today's harrowing problems, but He also gives us the miraculous power to do it (1 Corinthians 15:57; Philippians 4:13; Romans 1:16). Bible health principles are relevant and desperately needed, but few are listening. (For more on health, see Study Guide 13.) Are the historical statements of the Bible accurate? The Bible says, "I the Lord speak the truth, I declare what is right." Isaiah 45:19, RSV.* Ancient artifacts unearthed by archaeologists repeatedly confirm the accuracy and truth of the Bible. Answer: Yes, Bible historical statements are accurate. What God says in His book is true. Sometimes, temporarily, evidence may not be found to substantiate certain historical facts from the Bible, but in time the evidence surfaces. Note the following: A. For years skeptics said the Bible was unreliable because it mentions the Hittite nation (Deuteronomy 7:1) and cities like Nineveh (Jonah 1:1, 2) and Sodom (Genesis 19:1), which they denied ever existed. But now modern archaeology has confirmed that all three did, indeed, exist. B. Critics also said that Bible-mentioned kings Belshazzar (Daniel 5:1) and Sargon (Isaiah 20:1) never existed. Once again, it has now been confirmed they did exist. C. Skeptics also said the Bible record of Moses was not reliable because it mentions writing (Exodus 24:4) and wheeled vehicles (Exodus 14:25), neither of which they said existed at the time. They, of course, know better today. D. At one time the 39 kings of ancient Israel and Judah who reigned during the divided kingdom were authenticated only from the Bible record, so critics charged fabrication. But then archaeologists found cuneiform records that mentioned many of these kings and, once again, the Bible record was proved accurate. Critics have repeatedly been proved wrong as new discoveries confirm biblical people, places, and events. It will always be so. 7. One of the greatest miracles of the Bible is its unity. Please ponder the following amazing facts: Answer: A. The 66 books of the Bible were written: 1. On three continents. 2. In three languages. 3. By about 40 different people (kings, shepherds, scientists, attorneys, an army general, fishermen, priests, and a physician). 4. Over a period of about 1,500 years. 5. On the most controversial subjects. 6. By people who, in most cases, had never met. 7. By authors whose education and background varied greatly. B. Yet, though it seems totally inconceivable, 1. The 66 books maintain harmony with each other. 2. Often new concepts on a subject are expressed, but these concepts do not undermine what other Bible writers say on the same subject. C. Talk about astounding! Ask people who have viewed an identical event to each give a report of what happened. They will differ widely and will virtually always contradict each other in some way. Yet the Bible, penned by 40 writers over a 1,500-year period, reads as if written by one great mind. And, indeed, it was: "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21. The Holy Ghost "moved" them all. He is the real Bible Author. The four Gospels do sometimes differ in the way they report the same event, but they complement each other. 8. What evidence of Bible inspiration is found in the lives of people? The Bible says, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17. Accepting Christ and obeying Scripture changes a drunken, immoral, profane sinner into a loving, sober, pure Christian. Skeptics cannot explain this fact. Answer: The changed lives of those who follow Jesus and obey Scripture constitute the most heart-warming proof of Bible inspiration. The drunkard becomes sober; the immoral, pure; the addicted, free; the profane, reverent; the fearful, courageous; and the rude, kind. Christians have an inner joy and peace that others do not possess. An American skeptic was visiting an island whose natives were originally cannibals. When he spotted an old man reading the Bible, he ridiculed him for reading a book "full of myths which had already been exposed." The native smiled at him and said, "My friend, be grateful we do believe this book. Otherwise, we would be serving you for dinner." The Bible really does change people, and this amazing fact confirms its inspiration. 9. What evidence for Bible inspiration emerges when we compare Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah with New Testament happenings in the life of Jesus? The Bible says, "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He [Jesus] expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:27. "For he [Apollos] vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ." Acts 18:28, NKJV.* Answer: The Old Testament predictions of the Messiah to come were so specific and so clearly fulfilled by Jesus of Nazareth that both Jesus and Apollos used these prophecies to prove to the Jews that Jesus was, indeed, the Messiah. There are more than 125 of these prophecies. Let's review just 12 of them: Prophecy in O.T. and Fulfillment in the N.T. 1. Born in Bethlehem (O.T. Micah 5:2) (N.T. Matthew 2:1) 2. Born of a virgin (O.T. Isaiah 7:14) (N.T. Matthew 1:18-23) 3. Of David's lineage (O.T. Jeremiah 23:5) (N.T. Revelation 22:16) 4. Attempted murder by Herod (O.T. Jeremiah 31:15) (N.T. Matthew 2:16-18) 5. Betrayal by a friend (O.T. Psalms 41:9) (N.T. John 13:18, 19, 26) 6. Sold for 30 silver coins (O.T. Zechariah 11:12) (N.T. Matthew 26:14-16) 7. Crucified (O.T. Zechariah 12:10) (N.T. John 19:16-18, 37) 8. Lots cast for His clothes (O.T. Psalms 22:18) (N.T. Matthew 27:35) 9. No bones broken (O.T. Psalms 34:20; Exodus 12:46) (N.T. John 19:31-36) 10. Buried in rich man's tomb< (O.T. Isaiah 53:9) (N.T. Matthew 27:57-60) 11. Year, day, hour of His death (O.T. Daniel 9:26, 27; Exodus 12:6) (N.T. Matthew 27:45-50) 12. Raised the third day (O.T. Hosea 6:2) (N.T. Acts 10:38-40) Jesus fullfilled more than 125 Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. Dr. Peter Stoner, former chairman of the departments of mathematics, astronomy, and engineering at Pasadena College (California), worked with 600 students for several years applying the "principle of probability" to the prophecies of the Messiah's coming. They chose just eight from the many available and finally decided the chances of all eight being fulfilled in one man in a lifetime is one in 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. What would the odds be on the more than 125 prophecies of the Messiah? It couldn't just happen! 10. What great advantage does a person have who accepts the Bible as God's inspired word? The Bible says, "I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts." Psalms 119:100. "Thou . . . hast made me wiser than mine enemies." Psalms 119:98. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are . . . my thoughts [higher] than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9. The Bible teaches that the earth was created in six literal days. Answer: A person who accepts the Word of God will soon know the answers to many complex challenges that secular scholars will never figure out. For example, the Bible teaches: A. God created the earth and all living organisms in six literal, 24-hour days (Exodus 20:11; Psalms 33:6, 9). B. A worldwide flood destroyed every living thing except the sea life and what was inside Noah's ark (Genesis chapters 6, 7, 8). C. The different languages of the world began at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). The Bible account of the Flood provides the answers secular scholars are searching for. God, who has always existed and knows everything, shares the above three truths with us, recognizing that we could never figure them out on our own. We know only "in part" now (1 Corinthians 13:9). And God's knowledge is "past finding out." Romans 11:33. Evolutionists will never know the age of the earth because it was created with apparent age, as were Adam and Eve. The couple were only one day old on their second day of life, but they appeared to be mature. Man's measuring instruments cannot allow for apparent age. In such cases, they are not trustworthy. Believe the Bible, and you will always be ahead of the speculation of secular scholars and the worldly-wise. 11. What crucial world happenings have brought the power and appeal of the Bible into sharp focus? Answer: The failure and collapse of communism and the weakening and inconsistency of the theory of evolution have spotlighted the Bible. When communism collapsed, its adherents turned to the Bible as the only hope for people. Note: The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics tried communism, atheism, and also evolution, which is Marxism's number one tenet. They all failed. The resultant new democracies realize that only one thing will work, and they are almost with one voice crying out to Christendom: "Bring us the Bible and Christian preaching and teaching. We must now build on the unshakable foundation of prayer and the Christian faith. Nothing else compares. Nor will anything else answer life's great questions and bring peace to the hearts of our people. Please don't keep us waiting! We desperately want and need the Bible, God, and Christianity now." Once again, God's Word triumphs. True science is always in harmony with the Bible because God is the author of both. Evolution, like communism, is losing its grip and credibility. We must remember that it is nothing more than an unproved, shaky theory. We will mention three items only: 1. Robert Gentry's book Creation's Tiny Mystery has unsettled many evolutionists with its apparent, clear evidence of instant creation. (Mystery in the Rocks, an easy-to-understand book based on his research, may be purchased from Amazing Facts.) 2. Molecular biology's recent demonstration that the single cell is vastly complex makes the accidental origin of life in a single cell a mathematical absurdity. 3. The widely different ages now being assigned to the Grand Canyon layers by current scientific measurements, as opposed to those assigned previously, make evolutionists and their prior measurements seem reckless and irresponsible. The atheistic theory of evolution that humans and apes came from common ancestors scorns the concept that people were created in the image of God. It denies the existence of God, totally disavows Jesus as Saviour, negates the Bible, and ridicules the truth of an eternal home in heaven. Satan loves the evolution theory because it destroys the credibility of salvation. Communists are learning. Will we? The Bible has universal appeal because it provides clear answers to life's most perplexing questions. 12. Why does the Bible have such universal appeal? The Bible says, "Thy word is a . . . light unto my path." Psalms 119:105. "These things have I spoken unto you . . . that your joy might be full." John 15:11. "In the image of God . . . created he them." Genesis 1:27. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16. "I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:3. Answer: Because it answers life's most puzzling questions: A. Where did I come from? God created us in His image. We did not accidentally emerge as nondescript globs from some primeval slime. We are sons and daughters of God, the Mighty King (Galatians 3:26). We are so precious to God that when Adam and Eve sinned, He gave His Son to die and pay the penalty for our sins so we could be free. He wants to restore us to His image and then, shortly, take us back to Eden, the home Adam and Eve lost. B. Why am I here? Our aims for life today should be to discover the Bible's wonderful answers to life's puzzling problems and to accept Jesus' offer to restore us to His image (Romans 8:29). C. What does the future hold for me? There is no guesswork about the future. Jesus will come very soon to take His people to the fabulous home He has prepared for them in heaven. There, with supreme joy and happiness, people will live forever (John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:3, 4). Thought Questions 1. I'm offended that the Bible gives such repugnant, graphic descriptions of sin in recording the lives of some Bible characters. Is this really necessary? Romans 15:4 Yes. It is one of the great facts that give credibility to the Bible. Most biographies skip or soften the bad and often overstate the good. Telling it like it is gives people confidence the Bible can be trusted; it doesn't cover up. Further, Satan's strategy is to convince people they are such great sinners God cannot or will not save them. What joy sweeps over such people when they are shown Bible cases of people like them (and worse) whom God delivered from sin and justified (Romans 15:4)! 2. Is all of the Bible inspired? Many believe only parts of it are. 2 Timothy 3:16 The Bible has the answer: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16. The Bible does not simply contain the word of God. Rather, it is the Word of God. The Bible is the information and operations manual for a human life. Ignore any of it and you will have unnecessary difficulties and problems. 3. The Bible is an ancient book with old-fashioned wording and concepts. Don't you feel it is unsafe to rely on something so far removed from our enlightened day? 1 Peter 1:25 No. Its age is in its favor. That is, in fact, one of the proofs of its inspiration. The Bible says, "The word of the Lord endureth for ever." 1 Peter 1:25. The Bible stands as a rock. It is God's book--His Word. It cannot be destroyed. Men and even entire nations have burned, banned, and tried to discredit and destroy the Bible, but instead, they discredited themselves. They are gone, and their attacks on the Bible are forgotten. Yet the Bible remains a best-seller, in constant demand. Millions would die for it, if necessary. Its message is God-given and 100 percent up-to-date. Before you study it, pray and ask God to open your heart as you read. 4. Some of the most brilliant people in the world, who have carefully studied the Bible, believe no one can understand it. If the Bible is truly God's book, shouldn't everyone be able to understand it? 1 Corinthians 2:13 Bright people who can understand and explain virtually anything are often quickly stopped in their tracks when they read the Bible. The reason is that spiritual things "are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:13, 14. The deep things of the Word will never be understood by a secular mind, no matter how brilliant. Unless one honestly seeks an experience with God, he cannot understand the things of God. The Holy Spirit, who explains the Bible (John 16:13; 14:26), is not understood by the carnal, secular mind. On the other hand, the humble, even uneducated Christian who studies the Bible receives amazing understanding from the Holy Spirit (Matthew 11:25; 1 Corinthians 2:9, 10). 5. The Bible is full of errors. How can you believe it is inspired? Isaiah 28:9 The overwhelming majority of so-called errors in the Bible have been demonstrated to be simply errors of judgment or lack of understanding on the part of those who make the complaint. They are not errors at all, but simply truth misunderstood. The inspired Bible: 1. Will always tell you the truth. 2. Will never mislead you. 3. Can be fully trusted. 4. Is reliable and authoritative, not only in spiritual matters but also in other matters it addresses, including history and science. Satan is always digging up some supposed flaw in Scripture, which is not surprising. He found fault even with God and heaven. Copyists may have miscopied in some cases, but no such supposed happening or any other alleged error affects the truth of God's Word. Doctrine is built not upon one Bible passage, but upon the total of God's comments on any subject. We are unaware of any alleged error of any kind that would affect the truthfulness of the content of Scripture. Some things in Scripture are yet difficult to reconcile. There will always be room for doubt to those who prefer to doubt. We believe that even alleged errors, not yet fully explained, will (as in the past) soon be exposed as false alarms. The harder people work to undermine the Bible, the brighter its light shines. To learn more about our lord Jesus christ, the Word of God, and the Sabbath, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church. Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741 Pastor; Greg Hudson Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.

The Gospel of Barnabas: Exposing a Medieval Forgery In recent years, the so-called Gospel of Barnabas has been promoted as a suppressed “lost gospel” that allegedly reveals the true story of Jesus. It claims that Jesus was not crucified, that Judas Iscariot died in His place, that Jesus was only a prophet, and that the Apostle Paul corrupted the original message. While these claims may sound dramatic, history tells a very different story. No credible scholar or serious historian believes that the biblical Barnabas, the 1st-century companion of Paul mentioned in the Book of Acts, wrote this book. Mainstream scholarship universally regards it as pseudepigraphal — a work falsely attributed to a famous figure to give it authority. The historical Barnabas lived and died during the earliest period of Christianity, while the Gospel of Barnabas does not appear in any records until more than 1,300 years later. Authentic gospels originated in the 1st century, yet the Gospel of Barnabas survives only in late medieval manuscripts dating from the 14th to 16th centuries. These texts were written in Italian and Spanish, not Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic, as were genuine early Christian writings. No early church father — including Irenaeus, Tertullian, Origen, or Eusebius — mentions or quotes it. If it had existed during the apostolic era, it would not have vanished from history for more than a millennium. The theology of the book also reveals its late origin. It portrays Jesus as only a prophet and denies His crucifixion, reflecting ideas that align with the Islamic view of Jesus in the Qur’an, written some 600 years after Christ. A first-century gospel could not have borrowed from a religion that did not yet exist, confirming that the text is a later fabrication. Further evidence comes from the book’s historical errors. It describes Nazareth as a seaport, despite its inland location, reflects medieval European customs rather than 1st-century Jewish life, and includes legal and social concepts unknown in Roman-era Palestine. By contrast, the four canonical gospels demonstrate accurate knowledge of Jewish and Roman culture. The crucifixion of Jesus is one of the most firmly established events in ancient history. It is documented not only in the New Testament but also by independent Roman and Jewish sources. A text written more than a thousand years later, filled with historical mistakes and theological inconsistencies, cannot overturn early, multiple, independent testimonies. In conclusion, the Gospel of Barnabas is not an alternative early gospel. It is not ancient, was not written by Barnabas, and is not historically reliable. It is overwhelmingly regarded as a pseudonymous medieval work falsely attributed to an apostle to gain authority. Far from undermining the New Testament, the Gospel of Barnabas highlights the reliability of the canonical gospels, showing how easily later forgeries can be exposed when tested against real historical evidence.

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