Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq, Jan. 1, 2025 By AimanAbir18plus – Own work, CC BY 4.0, Wikipedia
Introduction
The content of Chapter 2: Entering a Covenant presents a doctrinal framework that emphasizes the perpetual need for human leaders (referred to as divinely appointed prophets, messengers, and Imams) and asserts the establishment of various covenants that require strict allegiance to specific individuals. However, this worldview directly conflicts with biblical teaching, and as a Christian response, we assert that such a perspective ultimately misrepresents God’s plan for humanity and leads to falsehoods that could be seen as anti-Christian in nature. Here we offer a biblical critique of the primary arguments presented in this chapter.
1. The Biblical Concept of Covenant and Jesus Christ as the Fulfillment
The chapter outlines a narrative where successive covenants are made by each of the prominent figures from Adam to Mohammed, each one superseding the former. This is seen in the repeated notion of a “new law” and new divinely appointed leaders emerging through time. However, this view misrepresents the purpose and nature of covenants in Scripture.
- The Final Covenant in Christ: The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of God’s covenant with humanity, rendering the need for further covenants obsolete. In the New Testament, particularly in Hebrews 8:6-13, we see that Jesus Christ brings a “new covenant” which surpasses all previous covenants. This new covenant does not require further human-appointed leaders, as Christ is the eternal High Priest who mediates between God and mankind (Hebrews 7:24-27). By focusing on further human leaders, this teaching disregards Christ’s central and supreme role as the covenant mediator.
- Christ’s Declaration of the Finality of the Covenant: When Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, He said, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:20). This emphasizes the finality of Christ’s work, not a perpetual chain of human-appointed successors. The idea that the coming of future leaders like the Mahdi would usher in yet another covenant contradicts Christ’s declaration that He is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to mankind.
2. The Error of Divinely Appointed Successors
The chapter’s assertion that certain human figures (such as Imam Ali, Imam Mahdi, and others) are divinely appointed successors, beginning with Adam and continuing through Mohammed, is at odds with the biblical view of leadership.
- Leadership in the New Testament: In contrast to the assertion of divinely appointed successors, the New Testament teaches that leadership in the Church is based on Christ’s calling and not through a hereditary or divinely-appointed succession. Apostles and elders are chosen based on godly character, faithfulness, and their ability to serve others (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9). The Bible repeatedly emphasizes that all believers are equal in Christ (Galatians 3:28) and that no human leader has ultimate spiritual authority beyond the direct leadership of Jesus Christ (Matthew 23:8-10).
- The Danger of Idolatry of Human Leaders: The call for unconditional allegiance to specific human figures, as presented in this chapter, mirrors a form of idolatry. The New Testament is clear that our allegiance is to be directed to God alone and to Christ, who is the only head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18). To assert that divine faith and salvation are contingent upon following certain human leaders is to elevate those figures above the authority of Christ, which is both biblically incorrect and heretical.
3. The Misrepresentation of Jesus’ Role and the Concept of Salvation
The chapter outlines a system where salvation is only granted to those who pledge allegiance to specific leaders, with Jesus’ role becoming secondary. This misunderstanding profoundly distorts the biblical concept of salvation and grace.
- Salvation by Faith Alone: The Bible teaches that salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not through human works or allegiance to a human figure. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it clear: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” To place salvation in the hands of human leaders contradicts the doctrine of justification by faith alone, which is central to biblical Christianity (Romans 3:28).
- Jesus’ Exclusive Role in Salvation: Jesus is the only mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). No human leader, regardless of their claim to be divinely appointed, can take the place of Christ as the sole means of salvation. By asserting that allegiance to figures like Abdullah, Ahmed, and the Mahdi is a condition for salvation, this teaching subverts the unique and exclusive role of Jesus Christ in the salvation of mankind.
4. The Problem with Repeated Covenants and New Laws
The chapter asserts that a new covenant, complete with new laws and jurisprudence, is established with each divinely appointed leader, culminating in the seventh covenant with the Mahdi. This view distorts the biblical understanding of God’s law and the nature of divine covenants.
- The Fulfillment of the Law in Christ: Jesus Christ fulfilled the law of the Old Testament (Matthew 5:17) and inaugurated the New Covenant through His death and resurrection. There is no further need for new laws or jurisprudence. The Old Testament law was a shadow pointing to Christ (Colossians 2:16-17), and in Christ, the law is fulfilled. To claim that new laws and jurisprudence are continually needed is to overlook the sufficiency of Christ’s work on the cross.
- The Immutable Nature of God’s Covenant: The Bible presents God’s covenant as unchanging and eternal. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Unlike the repeated covenants mentioned in the chapter, the New Covenant in Christ is eternal and final, and no new laws or leaders are needed to complete it.
5. The Error of Allegiance to the Mahdi and the Denial of Christ
The ultimate claim of this chapter—that allegiance to the Mahdi and his successors is required for salvation—directly contradicts the Christian faith. The Bible repeatedly teaches that salvation is found only in Jesus Christ.
- The Anti-Christ Spirit: The assertion that allegiance to a specific human leader is required for salvation, especially when it supersedes faith in Christ, aligns with the biblical description of the “antichrist” spirit. 1 John 2:22 warns, “Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son.” Any doctrine that leads people away from the sufficiency of Christ and places ultimate authority in human leaders is antichrist in nature.
- The True King: While this chapter speaks of the Mahdi as the divinely appointed ruler, the Bible teaches that Christ is the true King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and His reign is eternal (Revelation 19:16). Christians await Christ’s second coming, not the coming of any other human leader.
Conclusion: A Call to Return to Christ
This chapter’s claims about multiple covenants, divinely appointed successors, and the requirement for allegiance to human leaders, especially the Mahdi, contradict the heart of the Christian faith. The Bible teaches that Christ alone is the mediator of the New Covenant and that salvation is found solely in Him. Any doctrine that detracts from Christ’s ultimate authority or adds further layers of human leadership that require absolute allegiance undermines the gospel and is ultimately a false teaching, aligning with the spirit of the antichrist.
The Christian response to this chapter is clear: We are to follow Christ alone, trust in His finished work, and await His return. All other leaders are to be tested against the truth of Scripture, and no human leader should be placed above Christ or His Word.