A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
|
Proofs of Prophethood |
|
Bahá’u’lláh asked no one to accept His statements and His
tokens blindly. On the contrary, He put in the very forefront
of His teachings emphatic warnings against blind acceptance
of authority, and urged all to open their eyes and ears, and use
their own judgement, independently and fearlessly, in order to
ascertain the truth. He enjoined the fullest investigation and
never concealed Himself, offering, as the supreme proofs of
His Prophethood, His words and works and their effects in
transforming the lives and characters of men. The tests He
proposed are the same as those laid down by His great predecessors.
Moses said:—
|
|
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s
clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall
know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of
thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth
forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil
fruit. … Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.—Matt. vii, 15–17, 20
|
|
In the chapters that follow, we shall endeavor to show
whether Bahá’u’lláh’s claim to Prophethood stands or falls by
9
application of these tests: whether the things that He had
spoken have followed and come to pass, and whether His fruits
have been good or evil; in other words, whether His prophecies
are being fulfilled and His ordinances established, and whether
His lifework has contributed to the education and upliftment
of humanity and the betterment of morals, or the contrary.
|
Print Selection