Wisdom And Sound Advice From The Torah

Closeness To God And Depth Of Faith According To The Torah

Closeness to God

The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. (Psalms, 145:18)

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. (Psalms, 62:5)

To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. (Psalms, 25:1)

But your hearts must be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by His decrees and obey His commands, as at this time. (1 Kings, 8:61)

I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me find Me.(Proverbs, 8:17)

... and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life... (Deuteronomy, 30:20)

Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe His commands, His laws and His decrees that I am giving you this day. (Deuteronomy, 8:11)

But you are to hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have until now. (Joshua, 23:8)

Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. (Deuteronomy, 10:16)

Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. (Isaiah, 55:6)

My soul finds rest in God alone... (Psalms, 62:1)

The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them. The Lord watches over all who love Him... (Psalms, 145:18-20)

And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. (1 Chronicles, 28:9)

Now fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness. Throw away the deities your forefathers worshiped... and serve the Lord. (Joshua, 24:14)

Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God... (Deuteronomy, 8:14)

... What does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. (Deuteronomy, 10:12)

Fear the Lord your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name. (Deuteronomy, 10:20)

So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the Lord your God and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.(Deuteronomy, 11:13)

It is the Lord your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Keep His commands and obey Him; serve Him and hold fast to Him. (Deuteronomy, 13:4)

But You are a shield around me, O Lord; You bestow glory on me and lift up my head. (Psalms, 3:3)

My shield is God Most High, Who saves the upright in heart. (Psalms, 7:10)

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalms, 4:8)

... for I hide myself in You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God... (Psalms, 143:9-10)

Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge Him. (Hosea, 6:3)

The Lord says: "These people come near to Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me...." (Isaiah, 29:13)

This is what the Lord says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord. He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes..." (Jeremiah, 17:5-6)

... I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not done evil by turning from my God. (Psalms, 18:21)

Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love... for it is time to seek the Lord... (Hosea, 10:12)

But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always. (Hosea, 12:6)

Return... to the Lord your God. Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to Him: "Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously..." (Hosea, 14:1-2)

Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. (Isaiah, 55:7)

Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate... abounding in love... (Joel, 2:13)

Devotion And Loyalty To God

Fear the Lord your God and serve Him. To Him you will cleave and take your oaths in His name. (Deuteronomy, 10:20)

If you carefully observe all these commands I am giving you to follow—to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and cleave to Him... There will be no man be able to stand before you... (Deuteronomy, 11:20-25)

For I delight in loving kindness, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. (Hosea, 6:6)

It is the Lord your God you must follow, and Him you must fear. Keep His commands and obey Him; serve Him and cleave to Him. (Deuteronomy, 13:4)

Love the Lord, all His saints! The Lord preserves the faithful... Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. (Psalms, 31:23-24)

Solomon answered, "You have shown great kindness to Your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to You and righteous and upright in heart..." (1 Kings, 3:6)

... to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to obey His commands, to cleave unto Him and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul. (Joshua, 22:5)

He cleaved to the Lord and did not cease to follow Him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. (2 King, 18:6)

But all of you who kept faith with the Lord your God are still alive today. See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully... (Deuteronomy, 4:4-6)

But cleave to the Lord your God, as you have been till this day. (Joshua, 23:8)

Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. (Lamentations, 3:40)

Because Abraham obeyed Me and kept My requirements, My commands, My decrees and My laws. (Genesis, 26:5)

He will guard the feet of His saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness. It is not by strength that one prevails. (1 Samuel, 2:9)

To the faithful You show Yourself faithful. With the perfect man you will show yourself perfect. (2 Samuel, 22:26)

"O Lord... You Who keep Your covenant of love with Your servants who continue wholeheartedly in Your way." (1 Kings, 8:23)

... May Your priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, may Your saints rejoice in Your goodness. (2 Chronicles, 6:41)

Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for He guards the lives of His faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. (Psalms, 97:10)

Now fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness. (Joshua, 24:14)

Showing Respect for God

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Revere God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecclesiastes, 12:13)

Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere Him. For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm. (Psalms, 33:8-9)

Therefore stand in awe of God. (Ecclesiastes, 5:7)

You who fear the Lord, praise Him! ...honor Him! Revere Him...! (Psalms, 22:23)

For I delight in Your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to Your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees. (Psalms, 119:47-48)

Have awe of the Lord... my son, and do not join with the rebellious. (Proverbs, 24:21)

... I know that it will go better with God-fearing men, who are reverent before God. (Ecclesiastes, 8:12)

I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere Him. (Ecclesiastes, 3:14)

The Excitement and Joy of Faith

Be glad... rejoice in the Lord your God. (Joel, 2:23)

... I desire to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart. (Psalms, 40:8)

I rejoice in following Your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on Your precepts and consider Your ways. I delight in Your decrees; I will not neglect Your word. (Psalms, 119:14-16)

... The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. (Deuteronomy, 13:3)

Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in Him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! (Psalms, 32:10-11)

... I keep Your precepts with all my heart. Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in Your law... The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. (Psalms, 119:69-72)

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy, 6:5)

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. (Psalms, 1:1-2)

Then Hannah prayed and said: "My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in Your deliverance. There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides You; there is no strength like our God." (1 Samuel, 2:1-2)

... for I delight in Your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to Your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees. (Psalms, 119:47-48)

Trouble and distress have come upon me, but Your commands are my delight. Your statutes are forever right; give me understanding that I may live. (Psalms, 119:143-144)

Great peace have they who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble. I wait for Your salvation, O Lord, and I follow Your commands. I obey Your statutes, for I love them greatly. (Psalms, 119:165-167)

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. (Psalms, 19:7-10)

Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. (Psalms, 111:2)

Though rulers sit together and slander me, Your servant will meditate on Your decrees. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. (Psalms, 119:23-24)

Teach me, O Lord, to follow Your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep Your law and obey it with all my heart.Direct me in the path of Your commands, for there I find delight. (Psalms, 119:33-35)

May Your unfailing love be my comfort, according to Your promise to Your servant. Let Your compassion come to me that I may live, for Your law is my delight. (Psalms, 119:76-77)

But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul. (Deuteronomy, 4:29)

Then I was... at His side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in His presence, rejoicing in His whole world and delighting in mankind. (Proverbs, 8:30-31)

If Your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have preserved my life. (Psalms, 119:92-93)

May my lips overflow with praise, for You teach me Your decrees. May my tongue sing of Your word, for all Your commands are righteous... I long for Your salvation, O Lord, and Your law is my delight. Let me live that I may praise You, and may Your laws sustain me. (Psalms, 119:171-175)

Blessed are they who keep: His statutes and seek Him with all their heart. (Psalms, 119:2)

So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the Lord your God and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains... (Deuteronomy, 11:13-14)

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He Who made us, and we are His... Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. (Psalms, 100:1-4)

The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him... and I will exalt Him. (Exodus, 15:2)

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalms, 37:4)

Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in His commands. (Psalms, 112:1)

I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to Him, as I rejoice in the Lord... Praise the Lord, O my soul. Praise the Lord. (Psalms, 104:33-35)

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, O Lord. They rejoice in Your name all day long; they exult in Your righteousness. For You are their glory and strength, and by Your favor You exalt the strength. (Psalms, 89:15-17)

But may all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, "The Lord be exalted!" (Psalms, 40:16; Psalms, 70:4)

Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise You with the harp, O God, my God. (Psalms, 43:4)

When Your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear Your name, O Lord God Almighty. (Jeremiah, 15:16)

But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. Sing to God, sing praise to His name... (Psalms, 68:3-4)

Accept, O Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me Your laws... Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.(Psalms, 119:108, 111)

I know, my God, that You test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly Your people who are here have given to You. O Lord... keep this desire in the hearts of Your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to You. And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep Your commands, requirements and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided. (1 Chronicles, 29:17-19)

Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob! Begin the music, strike the tambourine, play the melodious harp and lyre. (Psalms, 81:1-2)

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me... Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me...and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. (Psalms, 51:10-15)

But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create... (Isaiah, 65:18)

Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, longing for Your commands.(Psalms, 119:129-131)

I will praise You with the harp for Your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to You with the lyre... My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to You—I, whom You have redeemed. My tongue will tell of Your righteous acts all day long... (Psalms, 71:22-24)

... So they sang praises with gladness and bowed their heads and worshipped. (2 Chronicles, 29:30)

With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord... And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord... (Ezra, 3:11)

... But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, "May the Lord, Who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God—the Lord, the God of his fathers—even if he is not clean according to the rules of the house." (2 Chronicles, 30:19)

My words come from an upright heart; my lips sincerely speak what I know. The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.(Job, 33:3-4)

The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced. (1 Chronicles, 29:9)

... and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. All who were willing, men and women alike, came... (Exodus, 35:21-22)

... [They] brought to the Lord freewill offerings for all the work the Lord through Moses had commanded them to do. (Exodus, 35:29)

Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear Me and keep all My commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever! (Deuteronomy, 5:29)

O Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of this Your servant and to the prayer of Your servants who delight in revering Your name. Give Your servant success today... (Nehemiah, 1:11)

... You made him glad with the joy of Your presence. For the king trusts in the Lord; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken. (Psalms, 21:6-7)

The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang: "He is good; His love endures forever." (2 Chronicles, 5:13)

I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise You. (Psalms, 63:4-5)

Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious! (Psalms, 66:2)

Be exalted, O Lord, in Your strength; we will sing and praise Your might. (Psalms, 21:13)

... They rejoice before You as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder. (Isaiah, 9:3)

... Levites and priests sang to the Lord every day, accompanied by the Lord's instruments of praise. (2 Chronicles, 30:21)

Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together. (Psalms, 34:3)

Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds. (Psalms, 149:5)

My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts, but you will cry out from anguish of heart and wail in brokenness of spirit. (Isaiah, 65:14)

Because you did not serve the Lord your God joyfully and gladly in the time of prosperity, therefore in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and dire poverty, you will serve the enemies the Lord sends against you. (Deuteronomy, 28:47-48)

"... Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah, 8:10)

... to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to obey His commands, to hold fast to Him and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul.(Joshua, 22:5)

The Importance of Deep Thinking

On my bed I remember You; I think of You through the watches of the night. (Psalms, 63:6)

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. (Psalms, 1:2)

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all Your works and consider all Your mighty deeds. (Psalms, 77:11-12)

Though rulers sit together and slander me, Your servant will meditate on Your decrees. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. (Psalms, 119:23-24)

Oh, how I love Your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on Your statutes. (Psalms, 119:97-99)

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in Your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on Your promises. (Psalms, 119:147-148)

I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw. (Proverbs, 24:32)

Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what He has made crooked? When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider...(Ecclesiastes 7:13-14)

... I rejoice in following Your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on Your precepts and consider Your ways. I delight in Your decrees; I will not neglect Your word. (Psalms, 119:13-16)

Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God's wonders. (Job, 37:14)

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Joshua, 1:8)

I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all Your works and consider... I spread out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land. (Psalms, 143:5-6)

Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. (Psalms, 111:2)

But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you. (1 Samuel, 12:24)

... for I delight in Your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to Your commands, which I love, and I meditate on Your decrees. (Psalms, 119:47-48)

My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: "Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life." (Psalms, 39:3-4)

One generation will commend Your works to another; they will tell of Your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and I will meditate on Your wonderful works, they will tell of the power of Your awesome works. (Psalms, 145:4-5)

Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways." (Haggai, 1:5)

"Now give careful thought to this from this day on... I struck all the work of your hands with blight, mildew and hail, yet you did not turn to Me," declares the Lord. "... Give careful thought." (Haggai, 2:15-18)

So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God's hands. (Ecclesiastes, 9:1)

... When I think of all this, I fear Him. (Job, 23:15)

Passages from the Torah Encouraging Examination of the Signs Leading to Faith

For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be. (Psalms, 139:13-16)

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He Who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing... The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. (Isaiah, 40:26-28)

Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, His wonderful deeds in the deep.(Psalms, 107:23-24)

This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, Who formed you in the womb: I am the Lord, Who has made all things, Who alone stretched out the heavens, Who spread out the earth by Myself... (Isaiah, 44:24)

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all Your works and consider all Your mighty deeds. (Psalms, 77:11-12)

Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders You have done. The things You planned for us no one can recount to You; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. (Psalms, 40:5)

Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are His deeds... He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate. (Psalms, 111:2-4)

Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. (Psalms, 107:8-9)

You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has worked wonders for you... (Joel, 2:26)

... I will meditate on Your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of Your awesome works, and I will proclaim Your great deeds. (Psalms, 145:5-6)

For You are great and do marvelous deeds; You alone are God. (Psalms, 86:10)

... Teach me Your decrees. Let me understand the teaching of Your precepts; then I will meditate on Your wonders. (Psalms, 119:26-27)

Praise be to the Lord God... Who alone does marvelous deeds.(Psalms, 72:18)

... He Who made the earth, the Lord Who formed it and established it—the Lord is His name. (Jeremiah, 33:2)

He Who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals His thoughts to man, He Who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth—the Lord God Almighty is His name. (Amos, 4:13)

He Who made the Pleiades and Orion, Who turns blackness into dawn and darkens day into night, Who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land—the Lord is His name. (Amos, 5:8)

... You forget the Lord your Maker, Who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth... (Isaiah, 51:13)

For this is what the Lord says -He Who created the heavens, He is God; He Who fashioned and made the Earth, He founded it; He did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited- He says: "I am the Lord, and there is no other." (Isaiah, 45:18)

I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things. (Isaiah, 45:7)

Did not He Who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same One form us both within our mothers? (Job, 31:15)

Ears that hear and eyes that see—the Lord has made them both. (Proverbs, 20:12)

... The Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them... (Psalms, 146:6)

This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created. When the Lord God made the earth and the heavens—and no shrub of the field had yet appeared on the earth and no plant of the field had yet sprung up, for the Lord God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no man to work the ground, but streams came up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground—the Lord God formed the Adam from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. (Genesis, 2:4-7)

He [the Prophet Solomon (pbuh)] described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon's wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom. (1 Kings, 4:33-34)

For, before the harvest, when the blossom is gone and the flower becomes a ripening grape... (Isaiah, 18:5)

Let us go early to the vineyards to see if the vines have budded, if their blossoms have opened, and if the pomegranates are in bloom... The mandrakes send out their fragrance, and at our doors are all sorts of fruit, both new and old... (Song of Solomon, 7:12-13)

I went down to the grove of nut trees to look at the new growth in the valley, to see if the vines had budded or the pomegranates were in bloom.(Song of Solomon, 6:11)

Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so. (Genesis, 1:11)

... He shall blossom as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive-tree, and his fragrance as Lebanon. They that dwell under his shadow shall again make corn to grow, and shall blossom as the vine... (Hoshea, 14:6-8)

Statements from the Torah Regarding the Transient Nature of This World

All our days pass away under Your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. (Psalms, 90:9-10)

... Our days on earth are like a shadow... (1 Chronicles, 29:15)

Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them... (Zephaniah, 1:18)

Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow... (Psalms, 144:4)

The youthful vigor that fills his bones will lie with him in the dust. (Job, 20:11)

... For death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart. (Ecclesiastes, 7:2)

By the sweat of your brow, you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return. (Genesis, 3:19)

And said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." (Job, 1:21)

He springs up like a flower and withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure. (Job, 14:2)

My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before You. Each man's life is but a breath. Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it. "But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in You." (Psalms, 39:3-7)

For He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust. As for man, His days are like grass, He flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear Him... (Psalms, 103:14-18)

Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in this world, both low and high, rich and poor alike... Those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches? No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for Him—the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough—that he should live on forever and not see decay. For all can see that wise men die; the foolish and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others. Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves. But man, despite his riches, does not endure;he is like the beasts that perish... Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him. Though while he lived he counted himself blessed—and men praise you when you prosper—he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of life. A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish. (Psalms, 49:1-2, 6-20)

They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing You will change them and they will be discarded. But You remain the same, and your years will never end. (Psalms, 102:26-27)

With Me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. (Proverbs, 8:18)

... Riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. (Proverbs, 27:24)

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. (Proverbs, 31:30)

Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. (Proverbs, 11:28)

... The wealth they acquired is gone. (Jeremiah, 48:36)

In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces, the earrings and bracelets and veils, the headdresses and ankle chains and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms, the signet rings and nose rings, the fine robes and the capes and cloaks, the purses and mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls. Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a sash, a rope; instead of well-dressed hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, branding. (Isaiah, 3:18-24)

What will you do on the Day of Reckoning, when disaster comes from afar? To whom will you run for help? Where will you leave your riches? (Isaiah, 10:3)

Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. (Proverbs, 23:5)

Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath... (Proverbs, 11:4)

A man's riches may ransom his life... (Proverbs, 13:8)

He will not enjoy the streams, the rivers flowing with honey and cream. What he toiled for he must give back uneaten; he will not enjoy the profit from his trading... He cannot save himself by his treasure. (Job, 20:17-20)

My spirit is broken, my days are cut short, the grave awaits me. (Job, 17:1)

Then the Lord said, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal..." (Genesis, 6:3)

At the end of your life you will groan, when your flesh and body are spent. (Proverbs, 5:11)

Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he? (Isaiah, 2:22)

... During the few and meaningless days he passes through like a shadow? Who can tell him what will happen under the Sun after he is gone? (Ecclesiastes, 6:12)

No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death... (Ecclesiastes, 8:8)

You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning- though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered. (Psalms, 90:5-6)

I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees... I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone... I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces... I became greater by far than anyone... I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure... Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the Sun. (Ecclesiastes, 2:411)

... Wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, or wealth lost through some misfortune... as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand... As a man comes, so he departs... (Ecclesiastes, 5:13-16)

... for youth and vigor are meaningless. (Ecclesiastes, 11:10)

Remember Him—before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, or the wheel broken at the well, and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God Who gave it. "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Everything is meaningless!" (Ecclesiastes,12:6-8)

Wisdom And Sound Advice From The Torah

Fear Of God According To The Torah

But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear Him... (Psalms, 103:17)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. (Psalms, 111:10)

Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. (Psalms, 2:11)

Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord. (Psalms, 128:1-2-4)

The fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble. (Proverbs, 19:23)

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. (Proverbs, 3:7-8)

He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress... The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life ... (Proverbs, 14:26-27)

... Through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil. (Proverbs, 16:6)

... Always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. (Proverbs, 23:17-18)

... What does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good? (Deuteronomy, 10:12-13)

It is the Lord your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Keep His commands and obey Him; serve Him and hold fast to Him. (Deuteronomy, 13:4)

The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. (Psalms, 19:9)

Moses said to the people "... God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning." (Exodus, 20:20)

He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.(Isaiah, 33:6)

If you do not carefully follow all the words of this law, which are written in this book, and do not revere this glorious and awesome name—the Lord your God—the Lord will send fearful plagues on you and your descendants, harsh and prolonged disasters, and severe and lingering illnesses. (Deuteronomy, 28:58-59)

The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor. (Proverbs, 15:33)

Now fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness. (Joshua, 24:14)

The Lord Almighty is the One you are to regard as holy, He is the One you are to fear, He is the One you are to dread. (Isaiah, 8:13)

Fear the Lord your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name. (Deuteronomy, 10:20)

Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in His ways and revering Him. (Deuteronomy, 8:6)

... so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all His decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. (Deuteronomy, 6:2)

Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in His commands. (Psalms, 112:1)

You who fear the Lord, praise Him! (Psalms, 22:23)

In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared. He is more awesome than all who surround Him. (Psalms, 89:7)

To fear the Lord is to hate evil... (Proverbs, 8:13)

I am a friend to all who fear You, to all who follow Your precepts. (Psalms, 119:63)

Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear Me and keep all My commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever! (Deuteronomy, 5:29)

The midwives, however, feared God... and because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own. (Exodus, 1:17, 21)

In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. (Job, 1:1)

The mountains quake before Him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at His presence, the world and all who live in it. (Nahum, 1:5)

I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel... (Daniel, 6:26)

Who, then, is the man that fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him. He will spend his days in prosperity... (Psalms, 25:12-14)

... You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord. (2 Chronicles, 19:9)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge... (Proverbs, 1:7)

Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God. I am the Lord your God. (Leviticus, 25:17)

If you fear the Lord and serve and obey Him and do not rebel against His commands... But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you. (1 Samuel, 12:14, 24)

Assemble the people—men, women and children, and the aliens living in your towns—so they can listen and learn to fear the Lord your God and follow carefully all the words of this law... [They must] learn to fear the Lord your God as long as you live in the land... (Deuteronomy, 31:12-13)

The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him... (Psalms, 145:18-19)

Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere Him. For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm. (Psalms, 33:8-9)

Fear the Lord your God, serve Him only and take your oaths in His name. Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you. (Deuteronomy, 6:13-14)

Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind,but fear your God. I am the Lord. (Leviticus, 19:14)

... Show respect for the elderly and you will fear the Lord your God. I am the Lord. (Leviticus, 19:32)

My son, if you accept My words and store up My commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom... (Proverbs, 2:1-6)

Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One [God] is understanding. (Proverbs, 9:9-10)

The Lord is compassionate and gracious... so great is His love for those who fear Him... so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. (Psalms, 103:8, 11,13)

The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. (Proverbs, 10:27)

He whose walk is upright fears the Lord... (Proverbs, 14:2)

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them... Fear the Lord... for those who fear Him lack nothing. (Psalms, 34:7-9)

For You are great and do marvelous deeds; You alone are God. Teach me Your way, O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your Name. (Psalms, 86:10-11)

You who fear Him, trust in the Lord—He is their help and shield [protector]... He will bless those who fear the Lord small and great alike. (Psalms, 115:11-13)

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever... Let those who fear the Lord say: "His love endures forever." (Psalms, 118:1-4)

... You who fear Him, praise the Lord. (Psalms, 135:20)

The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love. (Psalms, 147:11)

A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil... (Proverbs, 14:16)

Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. (Proverbs, 15:16)

Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life. (Proverbs, 22:4)

He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart... honors those who fear the Lord... (Psalms, 15:2-4)

Then the Lord said... "Have you considered My servant Job? ... He is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil..." (Job, 2:3)

How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You... (Psalms, 31:19)

But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love. (Psalms, 33:18)

Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. (Psalms, 34:11-14)

Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what He [God] has done for me. (Psalms, 66:16)

Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain... (Exodus, 18:20-21)

May the peoples praise You, O God; may all the peoples praise You... and all the ends of the earth will fear Him. (Psalms, 67:5-7)

If your brother becomes poor and is unable to support himself among you, help him as you would a stranger or a temporary resident, so he can continue to live among you. Do not take interest of any kind from him, but fear your God, so that your brother may continue to live among you... Do not rule over them with rigor, but fear your God. (Leviticus, 25:35-36, 43)

You [My Lord] alone are to be feared... (Psalms, 76:7)

He promises peace to His people, His saints—but let them not return to folly. Surely His salvation is near those who fear Him... (Psalms, 85:8-9)

... The people feared the Lord and put their trust in Him and in Moses His servant. (Exodus, 14:31)

It [a copy of this law] is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to fear the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees and not consider himself better than his brothers and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel. (Deuteronomy, 17:19-20)

For the fear of God kept me back, and because of His power I might not do such things. (Job, 31:23)

Is not your fear of God your confidence, you're your upright way of life your hope? (Job, 4:6)

The Lord commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the Lord our God, so that we might always prosper... (Deuteronomy, 6:24)

But the earlier governors—those preceding me—placed a heavy burden on the people... Their assistants also lorded it over the people. But I did not sobecause of the fear of God. (Nehemiah, 5:15)

Now let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery... Jehoshaphat... gave them these orders: "You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord." (2 Chronicles 19:7-9)

Although a wicked man commits a hundred crimes and still lives a long time, I know that it will go better with God-fearing men, who are reverent before God. Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them... (Ecclesiastes, 8:12-13)

Listen!... to fear Your [God's] name is wisdom... (Micah, 6:9)

Did He not fear the Lord and seek his favor?... (Jeremiah, 26:19)

You are great, and Your name is mighty in power. Who should not fear You... (Jeremiah, 10:6-7)

... so that they will fear You and walk in Your ways all the time they live... so that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name and fear You... (2 Chronicles, 6:31-33)

Wisdom And Sound Advice From The Torah

Love Of God According To The Torah

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy, 6:5)

... The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. (Deuteronomy, 13:3)

... What does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good? (Deuteronomy, 10:12-13)

Love the Lord your God and keep His requirements, His decrees, His laws and His commands always. (Deuteronomy, 11:1)

I love those who love Me... (Proverbs, 8:17)

[The Lord] ... showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments. (Deuteronomy, 5:10)

... Love the Lord your God... (Deuteronomy, 30:20)

... Love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to obey His commands, to hold fast to Him and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul. (Joshua, 22:5)

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to... those who love Him and keep His commands. (Deuteronomy, 7:9)

So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the Lord your God and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul—then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains... (Deuteronomy, 11:13-14)

O Lord, God of Heaven, the great and awesome God, Who keeps His covenant of love with those who love Him and obey His commands. (Nehemiah, 1:5)
I love... O Lord, the place where Your glory dwells. (Psalms, 26:8)

How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!... for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. (Psalms, 84:1-2)

So be very careful to love the Lord your God. (Joshua, 23:11)

Love the Lord your God and keep His requirements, His decrees, His laws and His commands always. (Deuteronomy, 11:1)

... You may love Him [God] with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. (Deuteronomy, 30:6)

Love the Lord, all His saints! The Lord preserves the faithful... (Psalms, 31:23)

I love you, O Lord, my strength. (Psalms, 18:1)

I love the Lord... I will call on Him as long as I live. (Psalms, 116:1-2)

"Because he loves Me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him..." (Psalms, 91:14)

Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for He guards the lives of His faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. (Psalms, 97:10)

For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commands, decrees and laws... and the Lord your God will bless you... (Deuteronomy, 30:16)

... You carefully follow all these laws I command you today—to love the Lord your God and to walk always in His ways... (Deuteronomy, 19:9)

If you carefully observe all these commands I am giving you to follow—to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to hold fast to Him- (Deuteronomy, 11:22)

But let all who take refuge in You be glad; ... those who love Your name may rejoice in You. (Psalms, 5:11)

The Lord watches over all who love Him... (Psalms, 145:20)

Wisdom And Sound Advice From The Torah

Verses From The Qur’an About The Torah Sent To The Jewish People

We sent down the Torah containing guidance and light, and the Prophets who had submitted themselves gave judgement by it for the Jews—as did their scholars [Rabaniyun] and their rabbis [Ahbar]—by what they had been allowed to preserve of Allah's Book to which they were witnesses... (Surat al-Ma'ida, 44)

Then We gave Moses the Book, complete and perfect for himwho does good, elucidating everything, and a guidance and a mercy, so that hopefully they believe in their encounter with their Lord. (Surat al-An'am, 154)

But before it there was the Book of Moses as a model [imam] and a mercy. And this is a corroborating Book in the Arabic tongue so that you may warn those who do wrong, and as good news for the good-doers. (Surat al-Ahqaf, 12)

We sent Moses with Our signs: "Bring your people from the darkness to the light, and remind them of the Days of Allah."There are certainly signs in that for everyone who is steadfast, thankful. (Surah Ibrahim, 5)

He [Allah] said, "Moses, I have chosen you over all mankind for My message and My word. Take what I have given you and be among the thankful." We wrote about everything for him on the Tablets as an admonition and making all things clear. "Seize hold of it vigorously and command your people to adopt the best in it. I will show you the home of the deviators!" (Surat al-A'raf, 144-145)

When Moses's anger abated he picked up the Tablets and in their inscription was guidance and mercy for all of them who feared their Lord. (Surat al-A'raf, 154)

We gave Moses the Book -be in no doubt about the meeting with him- and made it a guidance for the tribe of Israel. (Surat as-Sajda, 23)

Say, "We believe in Allah and what has been sent down to us and what was sent down to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Tribes, and what Moses and Jesus were given, and what all the Prophets were given by their Lord. We do not differentiate between any of them. We are Muslims submitted to Him." (Surat al-Baqara, 136)

He has laid down the same religion for you as He enjoined on Noah: that which We have revealed to you and which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses and Jesus: "Establish the religion and do not make divisions in it."... (Surat al-Shura, 13)

Allah has bought from the believers their selves and their wealth in return for the Garden. They fight in the way of Allah and they kill and are killed. It is a promise binding on Him in the Torah, the Gospel and the Qur'an and who is truer to his contract than Allah? Rejoice then in the bargain you have made. That is the great victory. (Surat at-Tawba, 111)

Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) in the Qur'an, the Torah, the Psalms and the Gospel

Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) in the Gospel

The Events Leading up to the Appearance of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) in the Gospel

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew, 24:3-14)

... [That day will not come] until the rebellion occurs... (2 Thessalonians, 2:3)

But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires." These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the spirit. (Jude, 1:17-19)

For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God [God is beyond that] nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools. and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles... They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things [God is beyond that] rather than the Creator—Who is forever praised. Amen. (Romans, 1:21-25)

For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead...they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. (2 Timothy, 4:3-4)

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, There will be... in the last days treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness, but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. (2 Timothy, 3:1-5)

... You will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name [the name of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh)]... You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. All men will hate you because of me [the Prophet Jesus (pbuh)]... By standing firm, you will gain life. [Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) and his followers will be similarly oppressed.] (Luke, 21:12, 16, 17, 19)

When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away. Then he [the Prophet Jesus (pbuh)] said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven." (Luke, 21:9-11)

There will be signs in the Sun, Moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world... (Luke, 21:25-26)

It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man [the Prophet Jesus (pbuh)] is revealed. (Luke, 17:28-30)

Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man [before the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) coming]. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. (Luke, 17:26-27)

[It] was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other... (Revelation, 6:4)

Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. (Mark, 13:12)

Some of his disciples were remarking about how the Temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, "As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another..." (Luke, 21:5-6)

The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her [Babylon* ] because no one buys their cargoes any more—cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble; cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense... and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages... They will say, 'The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your riches and splendor have vanished...' The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment... and cry out: 'Woe! Woe to you, great city, dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet, and glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls! In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!' Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off. When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, 'Was there ever a city like this great city?' They will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out: ‘Woe! Woe to you, great city, where all who had ships on the sea became rich through her wealth! In one hour she has been brought to ruin!'... With such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found again. (Revelation, 18:11-21)

Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. (1 John, 2:18)

And then the lawless one [antichrist] will be revealed, whom... Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. (2 Thessalonians, 2:8)

The Period of Hazrat Mahdi's (pbuh) Rule in the Gospel

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew, 5:5)

When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. He [the Prophet Jesus (pbuh)] told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near." (Luke, 21:28-31)

Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it [return of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh)] is near, right at the door. (Matthew, 24:32-33)

... [From now on] the city does not need the Sun or the Moon to shine on it, for the Glory of God gives it light... There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the Sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. (Revelation, 21:23-25; 22:5)

I will put My laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, "Know the Lord,"—because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest. (Hebrews, 8:10-11)

For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man [the Prophet Jesus (pbuh)]. [The light of faith will prevail the earth.] (Matthew, 24:27)

Even on My servants, both men and women, I will pour out My Spirit in those days and they will have morals like Prophets. (Acts, 2:18)

But mark this:... in the last days... [those who oppose the truth], men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because... their folly will be clear to everyone. (2 Timothy, 3:8-9)

Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? (James, 2:5)

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain... (Revelation, 21:4)

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, or they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called servants of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven..." (Matthew, 5:1-11)

The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. (Revelation, 21:24-26)

He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. (Luke, 1:69-71)

... As it is written: "The deliverer [Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh)] will come... [and] he will turn Godlessness away from Jacob." (Romans, 11:26)

He threw him [the antichrist] into the abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore... (Revelation, 20:3)

... Through them you may participate in the Divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (2 Peter, 1:4)

Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst... (Revelation, 7:16)

The Word Paraclete Mentioned in the Gospel May Refer to Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) (Allah knows the truth)

Paraclete: Helper, the spirit of truth, comforter

If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask God, and He will give you another Paraclete... (John, 14:15-16)

But the Paraclete whom God will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John, 14:26)

When the Counselor (Paraclete) comes... he will testify about me. And you also must testify about me... (John, 15:26-27)

But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Paraclete will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment. (John, 16:7-8)

In regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to God, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. (John, 16:8-13)

[Jesus]: I will not speak with you much longer, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no hold on me. (John, 14:30)

The mention in the Gospel of 'a man carrying a pitcher of water' refers to Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) (Allah knows the truth)

In astrology, the concept of "a man carrying a pitcher of water" refers to the House of Aquarius. This may be a sign that Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will also be born under the sign of Aquarius. (Allah knows the truth.) The Prophet Jesus (pbuh) advised his disciples and all Christians to obey and heed this reliable person from the House of Aquarius, and counselled them to follow him right to the end. The Gospel refers to this person, an Aquarian, as follows:

Where do you want us to prepare for it?" They [the Disciples] asked. He [Jesus] replied, "As you enter the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters". (Luke 22, 9-10)

... So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him...." (Mark 14, 13)

* Babylon: The name of an ancient city near Baghdad, the capital of today's Iraq.