15/06/87

Dear Mike,

Thank you for your letter of 12/06/87.

First of all, we must get one point clear, bearing in mind that I have very little knowledge of the so-called "New Testament." If the Mosaic law was in force at the time of Christ and he stated that it is "to time indefinite," how come you and thousands—no, millions—of Christians don’t keep the law?

Secondly, you accept that the law was in force as per my first point, so explain why you don’t keep the 613 commandments of the law.

Thirdly, the law requires animal sacrifices to be offered up in the temple, so tell me when humans were offered up to atone for one’s sins and, besides, why should Christ’s blood be any different to that of anyone else?

Fourthly, if you claim that Christ and God are one, then explain Exodus 33:20; Matthew 27:46; Mark 13:32; John 20:17; 17:3 and 1 Corinthians 11:3. So how could Christ be his own father? Explain John 3:16.

Fifthly, If Jesus was Messiah, how come only a minority believe in him, and not the majority of the world?

Sixthly, so far as Isaiah 7:14 goes, what would be the point of a "virgin birth"? Wouldn’t it be a total contradiction of the whole of the Tanach [Hebrew Bible] or of God’s purposes for mankind? Even Matthew 1:19 must have made Joseph highly suspicious!

Seventh, many Christians are aware that Christ was an Essene, but I presume you reject this (see the Babylonian Talmud, it is mentioned in several places!)

Eighth, the term "Moshiach" doesn’t necessarily apply to Jesus. See Isaiah 45:1 amongst other Hebrew Scriptures.

Lastly, how come the following Scriptures have not come about yet?

• Isaiah 2:4 (see also Ezekiel 39:9-10; Hosea 2:20; Micah 4:3 and Zechariah 9:10)
• Malachi 3:24 (4:6)
• Isaiah 11:6 (see also 11:7-8; 65:25; Ezekiel 34:25).
• Isaiah 35:5-6.
• Isaiah 65:19 (see also 25:8)
• Ezekiel 39:25-28
• Isaiah 27:13
• Ezekiel 37:12
• Joel 4:2

Shall I go on? I should think I’ll be fobbed off with the so-called "second coming", but, then, tell me where the Tanach says, "Messiah will return a second time"

Regards,