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Allah’s Korbani Plan of Salvation (1)
Jacob Lee
Missionary with Reaching Africa’s Unreached
www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.org
Afoji Moyo District
West Nile Uganda
JacobLeeRAU@gmail.com
Salaam Alekum!
Korbani Plan of Salvation
Jacob Lee
As-Salaamu Alaikum! Greetings from my family, friends, and fellow followers of Messiah Jesus. My wife carol and I had a good time with them celebrating Christmas 2015 and the beginning of the New Year. It was hard to say good bye to them again. I love my family and it was very difficult to leave them and Texas USA!
Only a greater love can replace another love.
Jesus says, “As the Father (God) has sent me so I send you” (John 20:21) and “All authority has been given to me, THEREFORE GO and make disciples of me of all nations baptizing them in the NAME of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and I will always be with you”… “If you love me you will keep my commands (John 14:15) and “they are not a burden” (1 John 5:3). In Surah 3:50 Isa says “Fear Allah and obey me”.
I am here in the West Nile of Uganda moved by my greater love and obedience of Messiah Jesus and love for you. Surah 5:82 states that men like me are “nearest in affection to Muslims these who say ‘We are Christians’ because among these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world and are not arrogant”. My prayer to my Savior Isa is that I can show that love to you through my words and actions in way which bring honor to Isa.
I pray often for you that Isa-Kalim-ma-tullah=Isa the Word of Allah (Surah 3:39 & 4:171) and Isa-Ruhullah=the breath of Allah (4:171) “The Qur’an states; Isa is the Word (Kalim) and Spirit (Ruh) of Allah. No other person or prophet carries these titles”. I pray Isa would reveal himself to you in dreams, visions and through the Injeel. In Matthew 17 and Revelation 1 the transfigured Isa became white as light with garments of white. My prayer is that you will see Isa in the beauty of his heavenly glory.
I am a follower of Messiah Isa who loves Muslims. I am also a worshiper of Messiah Isa who has been reading the Qur’an. I do not know Arabic so I have consulted 5-6 different English translations of Qur’an. (6) These English translations were done by Muslims. I did this with the aid of my computer.
As you know Isa is spoken about much in the Qur’an with great honor and respect. This is what I like most about the Qur’an. The literature which you have received from me has the common and different beliefs between Muslims and Christians on the person of Isa. Through reading these materials you will be helped to understand why I and many many others follow and worship Messiah Isa.
Leaders are readers and readers are leaders! You are a leader of your people!
Today I want to begin with a reading from your holy book the Qur’an and also look together at the Holy Scriptures of the Bible which the Qur’an says gives “guidance and light” (Surah 5:46). We see from the holy writings that Isa is very special, unique, and powerful. My intention is always to show respect for your holy book.
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In reading the Qur’an I have discovered an amazing truth that gives eternal life in heaven. It confirms what the Bible teaches. Let me have the following read and let us listen to: Surah Al-Imran 3:42-55 (see text in footnotes)
Overview:1. Maryan was chosen by Allah (2) for a special purpose. 2. Isa announced by angels. Maryan was a virgin (ayah 47) and Isa is the Messiah and highly esteemed (a. 44, 45) 3.Isa power is revealed in His miracles (a. 49) “heal blind, lepers, and raise the dead” 4. Isa knows the way to heaven (a.55) “make those who follow you above those who disbelieve”
Isa is holy, has power over death, and knows the way to heaven
1-Isa is holy– 3:45-47
Isa, like Allah, is holy
We read that Isa came directly from Allah and did not have a earthly father
Adam also had no earthly father and he walked with Allah in the Garden of Eden but after he sinned he could not walk with Allah. Allah is 100% holy and nothing unholy can be in His presence
This means that if anyone wants to go to heaven to be with Allah he must be holy.
Isa also came from Allah however he remained holy and sinless, even with great temptations from Satan. Both the Qur’an and Bible teach this. Surah 19:19-“ I am bestowing on you (Mary) a sinless/pure (Zakia) son.”, Bible Hebrews 4:15-16 says “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One [Jesus] who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” See also Injeel John 8:45-46
Both Quran and Bible teach Isa never killed anyone, he did not try to make himself rich, he was pure in thoughts and actions, and he did not ever have sexual relations with a woman.
Isa lived his entire life without ever committing one sin in thought, word, and deed.
Isa is holy
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2-Isa has power over death
Many miracles-“heal blind and lepers”. In the Injeel many, many others are recorded
“Raising the dead” There many accounts in Injeel, for example one man was dead for four days! See Injeel John 11.
The Bible states “Nowthere are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” Injeel John 21:25
Physical death is the most feared enemy of man.
There are no other prophets who were given same power over death in both number and the manner of Isa. Isa is unique and one of a kind.
Isa says in the Injeel John 11:25 “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Isa has power over death
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3- Isa knows the way to heaven– Surah 3:55
He knows because he has traveled the straight path from Allah to earth and returned to Allah in heaven.
There is no doubt that Isa has gone to heaven. This is something both the Quran and Bible confirm.
If you wanted me to come to your home and you knew I need directions, you would be the best person to lead me to your home. Isa knows the way to heaven because he is there.
I am a sinful person. Though I have done many good things in my life, still I am a sinner and share in Adam’s curse.
I know that by my own power I can never become holy and get to be with Allah in heaven.
Out of all the prophets, Isa is the most capable and sure way of getting me to heaven
Even Muhammad says he does not know for sure what will happen to him or his followers. In Surah 46:9 he says “I am nothing new among the prophets what will happen to me and to my followers, I do not know, I am a plain warner.”
Isa knows the way to heaven and undoubtedly is there.
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**Isa’s way to heaven= Korbani plan of salvation
Each year Muslims celebrate Korbani Eid, Jews Passover, and Christians Easter
I have read about Korbani Eid: A perfect sheep or ram is chosen and some places way in advance; a male elder places hands on the animal and an expert slits the throat.
Names of family, relatives, and close friends are stated. The Korban (sacrifice) is intended to atone for the names read and those who place their hands upon the animal
Act of Korban (sacrifice) is Allah’s perfect plan
We find pictures/examples of Korban in both the Quran and the Bible of the perfect Korban–Isa’s sacrificial death and resurrection. (Luke 24:45-47)
Surah 3:55 -Allah’s plan, and he is the “best planner”, “cause Isa to die”- “mutawaffika”. See also Isa’s statement in Surah 19:33. According to Arabic scholars the Arabic word “mutawaffika” used in 3:55, means “to kill, to cause to die, to terminate.” Surah 3:55 sates “Allah is the best planner”
I have come to understand about why it was Allah’s plan to cause Isa to die and my hope and prayer is that you too will come to understand.
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The First great Korban
Adam sinned and was removed from Allah’s presence
The first Korban happened when Allah killed an animal to provide clothing for Adam and Eve to cover their shame and nakedness.
An innocent animal had to die for them to be forgiven.
This act of Korban was an example and is a picture for us
Sin produces guilt, shame, death and breaks our relationship with Allah.
A sinful person cannot be in the presence of a holy Allah because of shame and uncleanness. Sin makes people unclean inside which in turn causes people’s action to be unclean.
The first Korban clearly shows that, instead of a guilty person receiving punishment, an innocent animal was substituted.
Allah’s mercy transfers the guilty person’s punishment to one who is innocent
In this way Allah demonstrates BOTH his mercy and his justice.
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The Second Great Korban
Allah directs Ibrahim to take his blessed son to the mountain (Surah 37:107)
Ibrahim is instructed to use his own son for the Korban. Ibrahim obeys.
On the mountain the son asks “Where is the animal. Ibrahim responds ‘God will provide’” Torah Genesis 22:7-8
In the last minute Allah provides a ram.
This story helps us understand Allah’s Korbani system
Allah tested Ibrahim’s love
A father’s great love AND ALSO an equal love of a son who is willing to be sacrificed is pictured and given as an example in this story.
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Allah’s Korban for Us
Allah is 100% holy and nothing unholy/unclean can come into his presence.
In order to restore mankind’s relationship with Allah all our sins must be removed. When our sins our cleansed our shame before Allah is removed.
The Korbani system is the picture revealed by Allah to teach us the penalty of sin and how our sins can be transferred to the one who is innocent. Leviticus 17:11 and Hebrews 9: 19-22 teach that “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins”
Only when our sins are transferred can we be like Adam in the Garden of Eden and in covenant relationship with Allah before Adam’s first sin of eating the forbidden fruit.
With our sins transferred through a blood sacrifice we are free to join Allah in heaven
This wonderful gift is fully revealed in the Holy Bible and pictured also in Surah 3:54-55.
It says rightfully that Allah is the “best planner and that he himself would cause Isa to die (“mutawaffika” ) ” Surah 3:55
The Arabic word used à “mutawaffika” (5) means “to kill, to cause to die, to terminate…Arabic scholars who translated the Holy Quran do agree “wafat” means death. Each and every scholar translated the word “wafat” as death in at least 20 different instances in their translations (of the Qur’an).” Isa says himself in Surah 19:33, “Peace be upon me (Isa) the day I die, and the day I am raised up”. The same wording is used in Surah 19:15 so one can deduce that “die” in 19:33 is not some “future” death of Isa.
In Surah 4:157 is often used to say Isa did not die but “They (Jews) killed him not knowingly”Does this ayaa really say that Jesus did not die? Is that how most Muslim scholars themselves interpret it? What does, “They killed him not knowingly,” mean?
The fact of the matter is that there are different contradicting interpretations of this verse amongst Muslim scholars. There are various ways of interpreting Surah 4:157-158. One of them would be to remember the Jews’ attitude toward Christ. When Jesus was taken to the Roman governor, they did not believe He was the Messiah. They wanted to get rid of Him. By saying, “They killed him not knowingly,” the Qur’an simply states that they killed Jesus without knowing He was the Messiah.Another possible way to interpret the passage (Surah 4:157-158) is that the unbelieving Jews intended by the crucifixion of Jesus to shame Him in the eyes of the world. The death He would suffer would then destroy and invalidate His mission in the eyes of the world. However, the Jews failed to accomplish their goal. In fact, by the crucifixion, Jesus was glorified when God raised Him up to be with Him. He became the key figure of human history. Throughout the years countless people have turned to Jesus Christ. Jews, Arabs, Asians, Europeans and people from all other nationalities and classes of society have experienced the life changing power of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.
Conclusion? It is not possible – despite what people usually think – to reach a definite conclusion based on this single and ambiguous verse. Muslim scholars are unsure about the end of the life of Jesus on earth. They disagree about whether He died or was raised alive to heaven without dying. Any conclusion from Surah 4:157-158 asserting that Jesus did not die involves speculation and theory. In fact, there are other verses in the Qur’an which say Jesus was killed
The Injeel agrees! The Jews did not have the authority to crucify Jesus; they were under Roman occupation and authority. The Holy Bible says: “From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised” (Matthew 16:21,27:26-31; Mark 8:31,9:31,15:15-20; Luke 9:22,23:32-37;John 19:1718). [*4]
The Injeel tells us the rest of the story.
In John 3:16 the Injeel reveals that Allah’s Korbani of Isa would cover the sins of the world.
To accomplish this Allah provides the most holy, innocent and righteous sacrifice possible.
Isa the sinless Messiah, born of a virgin, came from heaven and returned to heaven alive is the only one who fits this description.
Allah chose Isa for Korban. It was Allah’s plan from the beginning.
YaYa (John the Baptist) in Injeel John 1:29 states “Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”
Allah transfers the sins of people to Isa. Those who put their trust in Isa alone for salvation are cleansed of sin by the blood of the lamb who is Isa.
Isa paid for sins with his own blood
The disciples of Isa knew this plan. “For by one man’s, Adam, disobedience many were made sinners so also by one man, Isa, obedience many will be made righteous.” Holy Bible Romans 5:19
After Isa ascended to heaven Isa’s disciples stopped the practice of Korban
They understood Allah’s plan that the Korban of Isa the Messiah was the last and greatest Korban
Allah’s reason for Korban is that he loves us.
What Allah did not allow Ibrahim to do to his son, he did!
Allah offers his own son as a sacrifice to show Allah’s great love for us
An animal does not know it is Korban but Isa did know.
Isa says in the Injeel, “Greater love has no one than this than to lay down his life for his friends” Injeel John 15:13
Isa knew he was to be used for Allah’s Korban and willingly laid down his life.
Isa says in the Injeel, “No one takes my life from me but I lay it down and I have power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father (Allah)” John 10:18
In the Muslim Eid Al Adha an elder select a list of relatives to be forgiven. Allah too has selected and chosen those to receive forgiveness through Isa Korban
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Receive Allah’s Korban for You
You can do nothing to cleanse yourself of your sin but it can be cleansed by receiving Allah’s Korban—ISA
All who receive Allah’s gift of Isa and believe in his sacrifice for them can gain entrance into heaven.
“But to all who did receive him (Isa),who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” Injeel John 1:12-13
Obey Isa (See Surah 3:50) and put your complete trust in Himalone for salvation and you will be saved!
The Holy Bible calls this being “born again” or “born from above” in Injeel John 3:1-18:
“Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes (puts their complete trust in JL) in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (John 3:1-18 ESV)
*Today you, too, can become a follower of Isa by believing that Allah gave the Korban for you, substituting Isa for you. Stop now, hold your hands up before Allah, and humbly pray:
Allah, I am a sinner, I want your forgiveness for all my sins, past present and future. I receive your Korban and thank you Isa became my Korban and my Allah. I believe you are Holy and just and therefore must punish sin. But I also now believe you punished Isa by placing my sins on Him. He took your wrath for my sins. Through His death I have eternal life and forgiveness of my sins and new life in your son Isa. I also am sorry for living sinfully independent of you. I now live for Isa your son who is now my Allah, Savior and King. Amen.*
(1)- I am indebted to many for this outline. I have read perhaps up to twenty books which have been a great help in sharing my faith with Muslims. Much of this outline I have adapted from Kevin Greeson’s book The Camel, How Muslims Are Coming to Faith in Christ. In *“A Letter to a Farsi Friend – From a Christian” the author uses a similar approach. You may find other messages of mine at: Who Is Jesus? A Christian-Muslim Dialog.
(2) See this helpful article on the proper use of “Allah” when witnessing to Muslims: Should Christians Use Allah in Bible Translations?
(3) Helpful article for ministering to Muslims: Pursuing Integrated Identity in Christ in Ministry to Muslims by Fred Farrokh
(4) “Does the Qur’an teach the death of Isa?”
(5) “mutawaffika” ( http://www.movements.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Study-of-the-Arabic-Word-Mutuwaffika.pdf )
(6) Quran translation Website: http://corpus.quran.com/translation.jsp?chapter=1&verse=1
(7) See my Book One and Two for discussion on the Christian understanding of the “Son of God”.
(8) Qur’an 3:42-58 ( http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/frames/ch3.html ):
[3:42] The angels said, “O Mary, GOD has chosen you and purified you. He has chosen you from all the women.
[3:43] “O Mary, you shall submit to your Lord, and prostrate and bow down with those who bow down.”
[3:44] This is news from the past that we reveal to you. You were not there when they drew their raffles to select Mary’s guardian. You were not present when they argued with one another.
[3:45] The angels said, “O Mary, GOD gives you good news: a Word from Him whose name is ‘The Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary.‘ He will be prominent in this life and in the Hereafter, and one of those closest to Me.
[3:46] “He will speak to the people from the crib, as well as an adult; he will be one of the righteous.”
[3:47] She said, “My Lord, how can I have a son, when no man has touched me?” He said, “GOD thus creates whatever He wills. To have anything done, He simply says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is.
[3:48] “He will teach him the scripture, wisdom, the Torah, and the Gospel.”
[3:49] As a messenger to the Children of Israel: “I come to you with a sign from your Lord—I create for you from clay the shape of a bird, then I blow into it, and it becomes a live bird by GOD‘s leave. I restore vision to the blind, heal the leprous, and I revive the dead by GOD’s leave. I can tell you what you eat, and what you store in your homes. This should be a proof for you, if you are believers.
[3:50] “I confirm previous scripture—the Torah—and I revoke certain prohibitions imposed upon you. I come to you with sufficient proof from your Lord. Therefore, you shall observe GOD, and obey me (Jesus).
[3:51] “GOD is my Lord and your Lord;* you shall worship Him alone. This is the right path.”
[3:52] When Jesus sensed their disbelief, he said, “Who are my supporters towards GOD?” The disciples said, “We are GOD’s supporters; we believe in GOD, and bear witness that we are submitters.
[3:53] “Our Lord, we have believed in what You have sent down, and we have followed the messenger; count us among the witnesses.”
The Death of Jesus*
[3:54] They (Jews) plotted and schemed, but so did GOD, and GOD is the best schemer.
[3:55] Thus, GOD said, “O Jesus, I am terminating your life, raising you to Me, and ridding you of the disbelievers. I will exalt those who follow you above those who disbelieve, till the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me is the ultimate destiny of all of you, then I will judge among you regarding your disputes.
[3:56] “As for those who disbelieve, I will commit them to painful retribution in this world, and in the Hereafter. They will have no helpers.”
[3:57] As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, He will fully recompense them. GOD does not love the unjust.
[3:58] These are the revelations that we recite to you, providing a message full of wisdom.
Reaching Africa's Unreached 