Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein died not on Islamic terms, as they had undoubtedly hoped—but on scriptural[1] grounds—with an outcome very different than anticipated.
The Judeo-Christian God is the only true God—and He is the final arbitrator of all life, even if one believes and follows a false entity such as Allah[2] who is not god at all.
The God of the scriptures is not a respecter of persons. He is consistent in His dealings with all of His creation, whether one believes, follows or worships Him or not. He judges all flesh, both here on earth and eternally, based on a principle consistently observed throughout scripture. Although there are many passages expressing the basis of judgment, it is perhaps most lucidly set out below:
The heart is deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked; who can know it? 10 I, the Lord, search the heart, [I] test the mind, [in order to] even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.[3] [4]
Notice what this passage teaches: (1) it refers to man’s inner being—his heart and mind—not what man projects or reveals to others, (2) it states the condition thereof as being deceitful, and (3) desperately wicked, but that God (who cannot be fooled and sees us for who we truly are) (4) searches and tests man’s innermost feelings and thoughts and, (5) deals with man accordingly.
It teaches that we, in effect, judge ourselves in relation to the precepts of God.
One’s deeds or works are important because one deliberates and acts upon what drives one on the inside. All the issues of life flows out of one’s inner being.[5] If you want to know who someone truly is observe his/her deeds or works. We are not judged on what we say or profess, but on what we do, i.e. our works or deeds
The aforementioned passage not only perfectly describes all of us (and our desperate need to be redeemed of our sins!); it very accurately describes the evil permeating the lives of Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein and that the Judeo-Christian God dealt with them accordingly.
In the gospels we learn that God has handed judgment to Jesus:
Then Jesus answered and said to them [the Jews to whom he was talking], “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to [them], even so the Son gives life to whom He will[6]. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23 that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. 24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life [because of Jesus’ work on the cross].”[7]
This text reveals that it is Jesus who is the Judge. Elsewhere, in clarifying eternal life, Jesus said this:
…“Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, [simply] that they may know You, the only true God, and [know] Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” [8]
Here we learn that eternal life is embodied in a Being, Jesus who not only is God—but life itself. This is borne out by what He said elsewhere as recorded in the gospel of John concerning Himself:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” [9]
Jesus referred to Himself as Life itself. In 1 John 5.20 we see exactly the same truth:
19 We know that we [who have come to salvation] are of God, and the whole world lies [under the sway of] the wicked one. 20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding [through His redemption], [in order] that [through reconciliation with God] we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This [i.e. Jesus Christ] is the true God and eternal life. [10]
Proving from the scriptures that Jesus is God fall outside the ambit of this article, but, perhaps, for the sake of Islam,[11] a lost world, and uninitiated Christians, we need to quote the following texts to prove that He truly is God:
5 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise to David[12] a Branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. 6 In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel
In this passage the prophet Jeremiah prophesies that at some future date in Israel’s unfolding history (1) a King will arise, (2) emanating from David’s unbroken bloodline of Kings who had ruled over the (two) southern tribe(s) of Judah (and Benjamin). This coming King will (3) succeed (where others have failed), act (4) righteously (where others have not), (5) and execute judgment—(6) on the earth. His name will be known as THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, or transliterated from Hebrew (יְהוָֹה צִדְקֵנוּ) as Jehovah-Tsidkenu.
In other words, there can be no doubt whatsoever that this King will be known as God Himself. This passage tells us, in no uncertain terms, that Jesus will rule as God. Moreover, He will rule on the face of the earth.
Isaiah, another well known Jewish prophet, also prophesied concerning his divinity:
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin [Mary] shall conceive and bear a Son [Jesus], and [she] shall call His name Immanuel [meaning God with us], and[14]
For unto us a Child [Jesus] is born, unto us a Son [God’s] is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of [His] government and peace [there will] be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever…[15]
From the aforementioned texts there can de no doubt whatsoever that both of these passages refer to the same person Jesus Christ—and that he is God!
Just yesterday someone who didn’t believe Osama bin Laden had been responsible for the 9/11 atrocities in America , yet who considers himself as a believer in Jesus, and a born again Christian,[16] asked me why America
My off the cuff response was, “I do not know, ask them. Besides, other than those directly involved, we will probably never know what truly unfolded during the incident (whether he could have been extricated alive, which this person though aught to have been possible, possibly by means of teargas, etc.)” And then (as an afterthought), “They probably didn’t want to go through a protracted legal process for the next then years.” But this was a bad answer, one not revealing knowledge of the ways of our God.
The real reason is found in the reality of the revelation of scripture, which any true believer would recognize so intelligibly expressed in Jesus’ own words:
“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” [17]
Both Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein killed indiscriminately and (especially, in case of the latter, at times, deliberately) as though they could kill with impunity in the advancement of their evil agendas.
Without, perhaps, realizing it, they were truly advancing the cause of the god they inadvertently served. Jesus contrasted himself to this evil being thus:
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” [18]
His words accurately describe what occurred on 9/11 in New York and elsewhere in America on that day
The preceding passage says we will all not only be held responsible for our judgments, or the thoughts we turn into deeds, but that the yardstick we use will also apply to us.
bin Laden killed and he got killed. Hussein had others executed and this turned out to be his exact fate. They were both dealt with in line with God’s written word and not as they thought the Koran taught.
They were deceived by the deceiver Satan and reaped the fruit of their and his doing. In the book of Revelation we read:
10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet [are]. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. 11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is [the Book] of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades [19]delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.[20]
This reveals a contemporary scriptural perspective, accurately summing up their collective fates.
Postscript:
Perhaps two more Scriptural references need to be added:
Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences, and [1]
Since heaven and earth will pass away, but the words of Jesus will stand forever, this article will conclude with His words:
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” 14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. 16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. [2]
This blogger believes that all mankind, Christian or otherwise, will appear before the judgment seat of Jesus the Messiah to be judged. He does not subscribe to the theological viewpoint that Christians will not be held accountable for their deeds or works. This will be dealt with more thoroughly on another blog more suitable to that type of article.
[1] Scriptural refers to the so-called bible, in itself not a scriptural term. By it the blogger means what is commonly known as the Judea-Christian writings, since all other Scriptures is, by definition false.
[2] Allah of the Koran is a demonic entity serving Satan, God’s enemy. (He may be referred to thus in the Arabic translation of the scriptures—but he most certainly is not the same god as the Judeo-Christian God.)
[3] Textual annotations and emphasis have been added by the blogger, for the sake of clarity, and so throughout all other scriptural references.
[4]The New King James Version. 1996, c1982 (electronic ed.) (Je 17:9). Nashville
[5] Jesus said: “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” (Mk 7.20-23)
[6] Through the forgiveness of sin and new birth of John 3.3-5
[10]The New King James Version . 1996, c1982 (electronic ed.) (1 Jn 5:19-20). Nashville
[11] Who, of its own volition, are always quick to recognise the validity of the Hebrew prophets as revealed in the Old Testament, but unfortunately usually with little insight as to the significance of their prophesies!
[12] i.e. a Jewish King and not the bloodline of some unknown forebear propagating another religion.
[16] Both of which I doubt as there is nothing whatsoever in his life which leads me to believe either is true. In fact, there is abundant evidence to the contrary, that he is a habitual liar and a deceiver who has consistently used the cloak of Christianity for his own perverse and evil ends, misleading and deceiving the redeemed.
