Luke 16:19-31
Naaji, you are very correct in what you say. God did speak to us through his prophets and it says so in these verses, infact we believe it is as it says in verse 16, the Law and the Prophets WERE proclaimed until John. (Speaking of John the Baptiser, who was Jesus's cousin and who baptised people in the River Jordan and told people that things were soon going to change with the coming of "one who's sandal's I am not worthy to tie" (Luke 3:16)
Now the interesting thing about John is that prior to the baptism of Jesus, John had spoken out very sharply against the religious Jews who were coming to him to be baptised. He told them very clearly that they were relying on their relationship to Abraham to provide their salvation. (Luke 3:8). He told them
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance and do not begin to say to yourselves "We have Abraham as our father. For I tell you, out of these stones, God can raise up children for Abraham".
Until John, yes the Jews had the Law and the prophets to reveal God to them. But then came John, who baptised Jesus, who spoke of the coming of one greater and more mighty who would baptise with the spirit and with fire. (and the one every prophecy given by the prophets and every law that was ever given pointed to).
Now, back to Luke 16:16 and having said that the Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John, Jesus (who is speaking ) tells the disciples a story.
He tells them of a richman and a poor man both whom die. The poor man is taken straight to Abraham's side but the rich man was buried and went to hell.
The discussion between the richman and Abraham is well worth reading, but is not within the scope of this forum to discuss, however, it's interesting to note, that at the end of the discussion, the richman asks Abraham to allow the poor man (Lazaraus) to go and warn his five brothers so they too won't join the rich man in the place of torment.
Notice Abraham's reply... They have Moses and the Prophets, let them listen to them. The richman replied "no.. let someone from the dead goes to them and they will repent." Abraham said, "if they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced, eve if someone rises from the dead."
You see Naaji, here we see the VERY reason why God came in the flesh. No matter what happens, NO ONE listens to the Prophets and responds to God in a way that will lead to repentence. It's impossible. Hebrews 1:1 says and we have read it before
" 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..."
Now I KNOW for you to acknowledge that God did become a man, is blasphemy to you. I respect the reason why you think that.. you hold Allah "God" in such high esteem that I can understand why and how you feel Christian teaching completely undermines who God is to you. But please, let me challenge you just for a few minutes to try and see it from the opposite perspective.. That rather than being blasphemy, it actually exalts God more. Let me explain...
For now we need to look at Philippians 2:6-8. Yes.. what the prophets and the Law had told the world prior to the coming of Jesus was adequate but not perfect. it was but a foretaste of what was to come. These verses now say it much better than I ever could. Please.. don't let your bias against the New Testament prevent you reading these words.. but read them over and over again and then please tell me what you think of them. I will leave them with no explanation clouded by my thoughts.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus
Who, being in very nature, God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness
And being found in appearance as a man,
He humbled himself
and became obedient to death, even death on a cross
Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place
And gave Him the Name that is above every Name
That at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow
in heaven and on earth and under the earth
And every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord
To the glory of God the Father.