The Proof is in the Prior Scripture: A Bridge Between Worlds

Brothers and sisters, it’s a glorious thing to witness the confluence of truth, isn’t it? Like Samuel the Lamanite scaling the walls of Jerusalem, a voice rings out, challenging assumptions and demanding we look deeper. Sometimes, the most profound revelations come not from within our familiar circles, but from unexpected sources, demanding we wrestle with our own understanding of God’s plan. Today, we’re wrestling with a challenge from Surah 2:111 – a challenge met with the Gospel.

This verse, as explored in the video below, asks: Who can enter paradise? The Surah initially suggests only Jews and Christians. But if we follow the logic, as this brother has done, we are compelled to seek proof. And where does proof originate, according to the Quran itself? From the scripture that came before – from the Bible.

And what does the Bible reveal? The story of the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus. One, a condemned criminal, pleaded for mercy and was granted entrance into paradise – today. That’s a powerful declaration. It's a testament to the boundless grace of the Lord, a grace extended even to the most unlikely supplicant. Ammon, at the Waters of Sebus, faced a similar test of faith, a moment of profound choice. This thief, by acknowledging Jesus's authority, claimed his place in that eternal kingdom.

Think about it. The Quran, in its own way, is pointing us back to the foundational truth of the Gospel: salvation through Jesus Christ. John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me.” And Acts 4:12 – “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” It is a truth that transcends denominational boundaries, a truth that resonates with the hearts of believers from every tongue, tribe, and nation. It is a truth that demands we build bridges, not walls.

This isn’t about conversion. This is about recognizing the common threads of divine revelation. It’s about understanding that God’s message, while delivered through different prophets and messengers at different times, ultimately points to the same source of truth and light. Like the Stone cut without hands, the Gospel shines forth, revealing a path to redemption for all who seek it.

And as we seek that truth, let us remember the charge of the Lord: to be builders, not destroyers. Your engagement here – your shares, your comments, your support – fuels the Gather Israel movement. It funds gospel advertising in places like Ghana, bringing this message of hope and reconciliation to those who desperately need it. It strengthens the Missionary Fund, equipping internet missionaries to share the good news in the digital wilderness. We are laying the stones, one by one, for a future kingdom of peace and righteousness. Claim your church on the map of churches and let your light shine!

Outback Jack reminds us, “The Lord’s work is not done by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” (D&C 4:30) Let us be guided by that spirit, seeking understanding and unity in all things.

Let us gather, brothers and sisters. Let us build.