Letters to a Christian

Question 10

1) WHERE IN THE BIBLE DOES IT SAY THAT THE BIBLE IS ALL WE NEED OR THAT JESUS IS THE LAST PROPHET (MESSAGE/WORD/ETC) THAT GOD IS SENDING? IN OTHER WORDS, HOW DO WE KNOW THE MUSLIMS OR MORMONS AREN'T RIGHT?
 
2) DID ALL THE AUTHORS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT KNOW JESUS PERSONALLY OR DID THEY GET THEIR INFORMATION FROM SOMEONE ELSE?

BCBSR Response

Thanks for asking.
Concerning your first set of questions, we know that Muslims and Mormons are not right because their beliefs contradict what the Bible says. The Muslim holy book, the Koran, states that Jesus is not the Son of God, whereas the Bible, indeed Jesus himself, states that he is. And so also the Bible says, "No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also." 1John 2:23 For more on a comparison of Islam and the Bible see: http://www.bcbsr.com/topics/islam.html
 
As for Mormons I have a list of their beliefs at http://www.bcbsr.com/topics/mormon.html Though basically polytheists, they don't really even believe in the deity of God the Father, of whom they say, "Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man's." Their concept of the nature of these gods is similar to that of the gods of Greek mythology. Their doctrine of salvation is one of works stating, that salvation is "by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel." They have neither a Biblical perspective on the nature of God, of Jesus Christ, nor of the plan of salvation.
 
Now concerning the completeness of God's revelation and Jesus being the final messenger, we note it says, "In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe." Hebrews 1:1,2 Notice the change from prophets to God's Son, and that it speaks of the "last days". Thus God's revelation is completed in Jesus Christ. Granted that he also spoke through his chosen apostles, but there will have been only 12 of them in the last days which he chose, whom are all accounted for in the Bible - Paul replacing Judas. For the last book in the Bible says speaking of the New Jerusalsem, "The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." Revelation 21:14
 
Another interesting note concerning Islam on this point. The Muslims will try to apply a verse in the Bible to their prophet Mohammed to say he is the prophet foretold, whereas the Bible applies the verse to Jesus Christ. Deuteronomy 18:15 says, "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him." The Bible applies this to Jesus Christ in Acts 3:22 And thus again Islam contradicts the Bible.
 
Secondly is the fact that we need nothing else to be revealed to be saved. "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." 2Peter 1:3,4 Granted that we must try to derived applications. But these are derived from what has already been written.
 
Now in your second categorical question you ask, "DID ALL THE AUTHORS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT KNOW JESUS PERSONALLY OR DID THEY GET THEIR INFORMATION FROM SOMEONE ELSE?"
 
They either knew him personally, such as the twelve apostles, or testimony was taken from eyewitness accounts. Luke for example probably hadn't met Jesus personally, but notice his introductions to Luke:
 
Luke 1:1-4 "Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught."
 
Peter was an eyewitness, being one of Jesus' apostles. He writes, "we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty." 2Peter 1:16
 
Paul also writes, "I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ." Galatians 1:11


The Berean Christian Bible Study Resources Jan 30,2022