Christ is greater than Moses
Aspects where Christ is superior to Moses[edit]
Christ was counted worthy of more glory than Moses[edit]
“For this man (Christ Jesus) was counted worthy of more glory than Moses.”
The messianic effulgence was far greater than the Mosaic[edit]
“If, in the days of Jesus Christ, the Jews had forsaken imitation and investigated reality, they would assuredly have believed in and accepted Him, for the messianic effulgence was far greater than the Mosaic. The Sun of Reality, when it appeared from the dawning point of Christ, was in the midsummer sun in brilliancy and beauty.”
Christ achieved greater results than Moses[edit]
“Likewise, must we set aside prejudice in considering other divine Educators by investigating reality. For instance, let us take Christ. He achieved greater results than Moses.”
Manifestations of God have two stations; in one They are the same, and in another they are different with specific limitations (and Moses' Revelation was more limited than Christ's)[edit]
“These Manifestations of God have each a two-fold station. One is the station of pure abstraction and essential unity. In this respect, if thou callest them by one name, and dost ascribe to them the same attribute, thou hast not erred from the truth ... The other is the station of distinction, and pertaineth to the world of creation and to the limitations thereof. In this respect, each Manifestation of God hath a distinct individuality, a definitely prescribed mission, a predestined Revelation, and specially designated limitations.”
- (Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Íqán, p. 152, 176)
Note[edit]
- Therefore, in one station, that of “pure abstraction and essential unity” Moses and Jesus are the same. But in the other station the “messianic effulgence” was greater in Jesus and “...He achieved greater results than Moses.”
From another angle, Moses' station was equal to Christ's[edit]
(God gives events in the life of the Manifestation that are contrary to the standards of conduct the people expect so that the hearts of the true believer can be known and tested before God; in this regard Moses was not inferior to Christ)[edit]
"Moses struck down an Egyptian to prevent an act of oppression, became known among men as a murderer—especially since the victim belonged to the ruling nation..."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, Chapter 5, par. 6)
“Reflect upon the strange and manifold trials with which He doth test His servants. Consider how He hath suddenly chosen from among His servants, and entrusted with the exalted mission of divine guidance Him Who was known as guilty of homicide... Likewise, reflect upon the state and condition of Mary .... How could she claim that a Babe Whose father was unknown had been conceived of the Holy Ghost?”
- (Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Íqán, pp. 55-56)
“... why should the Qiblih have been changed, thus casting such dismay amongst the people, causing the companions of the Prophet to waver, and throwing so great a confusion into their midst? Yea, such things as throw consternation into the hearts of all men come to pass only that each soul may be tested by the touchstone of God, that the true may be known and distinguished from the false.”
- (Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Íqán, p. 52)
Though outwardly addressed to the Prophets, such rebukes are directed to Their followers (so the rebuke of Moses was not an indication of a lesser station)[edit]
"Every divine utterance that takes the form of a rebuke, though it be outwardly addressed to the Prophets of God, is in reality directed to Their followers..."
"...every Prophet is the representative of the entire body of His followers. Therefore, the covenant that God makes with Him and the words that He addresses to Him apply to all His people.
"Now, the divine reproach and rebuke tends to burden and afflict the hearts of the people... the Israelites rebelled against Moses, saying: “We cannot fight the Amalekites, for they are mighty, fierce, and courageous.” God then spoke with rebuke to Moses and Aaron, although Moses was in complete obedience and not in rebellion."
"Furthermore, in Numbers 20:23–4 it is said: “...for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against My word at the water of Meribah...”
"Observe that it was the people of Israel who had rebelled, but the reproach was outwardly addressed to Aaron and Moses, as it is said in Deuteronomy 3:26: “But the Lord was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the Lord said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto Me of this matter.”
“Now, this reproach and rebuke was in reality addressed to the children of Israel...”
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, Chapter 44, pars. 2-10 passim)
See also[edit]
Table Of Contents
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1.1 Aspects where Christ is superior to Moses
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1.1.2 Christ was counted worthy of more glory than Moses
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1.2.3 The messianic effulgence was far greater than the Mosaic
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1.3.4 Christ achieved greater results than Moses
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1.4.5 Manifestations of God have two stations; in one They are the same, and in another they are different with specific limitations (and Moses' Revelation was more limited than Christ's)
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1.4.1.6 Note
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1.4.1.6 Note
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1.1.2 Christ was counted worthy of more glory than Moses
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2.7 From another angle, Moses' station was equal to Christ's
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2.1.8 (God gives events in the life of the Manifestation that are contrary to the standards of conduct the people expect so that the hearts of the true believer can be known and tested before God; in this regard Moses was not inferior to Christ)
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2.2.9 Though outwardly addressed to the Prophets, such rebukes are directed to Their followers (so the rebuke of Moses was not an indication of a lesser station)
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2.1.8 (God gives events in the life of the Manifestation that are contrary to the standards of conduct the people expect so that the hearts of the true believer can be known and tested before God; in this regard Moses was not inferior to Christ)
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3.10 See also