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Apologetic

Is Pauline doctrine in contradiction with the original Gospel of Jesus?

By Mark Andrew

 

Let us examine the life history of Paul beforehand in order to know his identity and ministry. 

Apostle Paul (formerly known as Saul) is preaching on whose authority? Here is his personal testimony. Saul encountered with Jesus Christ personally and became blind while on the way to Damascus on his mission to capture the Christians and bring back to Jerusalem for punishment. As he personally heard from the Lord Jesus, he was qualified to be given the title Apostle.  

In Acts 22:3-18, Apostle Paul testifies:

22:3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.
22:4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.
22:5 As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.
22:6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.
22:7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
22:8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
22:9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.
22:10 And I said, What shall I do, LORD? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.
22:11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.
22:12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
22:13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
22:14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.
22:15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
22:17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;
22:18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

 

Did Apostle Paul lie to bring glory to God? 

Rebuttal to Muslims who misinterpret Romans 3:7 that Paul was a liar -- For IF the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?” As the question was asked with "IF", the answer is not affirmative that Paul was lying in his preaching about the truth of God for His glory. To understand this verse (Romans 3:7), let the context of the passage be made known. Read the text intelligently, attentively and accurately. Then refer to the context and also refer to the cross-text in the Bible will interpret this verse. The Bible is able to interpret itself. If in doubt, then ask the Christians who read the Scripture and not from Muslims. Sura 10:94 specifically says, "And if thou (Muhammad) art in doubt concerning that which We reveal unto thee, then question those who read the Scripture {Bible} (that was) before thee. Verily the Truth from thy Lord hath come unto thee. So be not thou of the waverers."

In Romans 3:5-9, Apostle Paul says,

3:5

But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)

3:6

God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?

3:7

For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?

3:8

And NOT rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

3:9

What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

The answer is straight from the scripture in Romans 3:8 that it was a slanderous report. So the verse Romans 3:7 was taken out of context and twist to mean what it did not mean to say. 

To seek further justification, let us refer to the cross-text regarding Paul's preaching about the Gospel of Jesus. In Galatians 1:7-20, Apostle Paul testifies:  

1:7

Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

1:8

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

1:9

As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

1:10

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

1:11

But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

1:12

For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1:13

For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

1:14

And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

1:15

But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,

1:16

To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

1:17

Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

1:18

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.

1:19

But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.

1:20

Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.

 

In Romans 9:1-5, Apostle Paul also says,

9:1

I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

9:2

That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.

9:3

For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

9:4

Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

9:5

Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

 

Conclusion

Pauline's doctrine is a revelation from Jesus Christ and not doctrines of man nor was taught by angel: "For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Now look at Muhammad who receive the so-called revelation from angel which is in doubt because he preaches another Gospel of Jesus. 

 

Other Articles of Interest:

a) Christian Views - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Did Jesus exist?

Is Jesus Divine or God? (Size: 371.1KB)

Is Bible the Word of God? (Size: 47.4KB)

Salvation Plan of God

 

b) Muslims Views - FAQ

Life history of Muhammad

What Indeed Jesus said?

Is Jesus the Son of God? (Size: 374.8KB)

 

c) Christianity & Islam Views

Is Jesus Son of God? And Is He the all-powerful God?

Is Trinity Concept Biblical?

Is there original Sin?

Is Muhammad a true prophet of God?

Is Allah not the same GOD of the Bible?

Is the Holy Bible truly corrupted as commonly claimed by Muslims?

Is Pauline doctrine in conformity with Jesus' Gospel?

Are there contradictions in Quran?

Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus

Fundamental beliefs of Christianity and Islam

Gospel of Barnabas -- Is it a Gospel to prove that Quran or Bible is in error?

Why Muslims should not believe Gospel of Barnabas?

Is the Holy Bible from inspiration or from revelation?

 

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