Chapter Twenty-four
Predicted World Events
Preface and Comparison with the Bible
Is Mohammed a Biblical prophet? Knowing the difference between a true and false prophet was a concern of the Jewish people in the time of Moses. The Bible records that God declared that a true prophet will give accurate predictions of future events (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). Does the Qur'an pass this test?
It might seem strange to devote a chapter of this book to a topic that only involves one verse from the Qur'an. The significance of this one verse is that is stands alone. One would expect the Qur'an to be validated through many fulfilled prophecies. However, after an objective study of the Qur'an, only one verse was found that was a prediction concerning world events other than what the Qur'an predicts about what will take place on the Judgment Day. Even this prophecy is vague.
The Qur'an Says ...
Defeat and Victory
The (Romans or Greeks) were defeated in a land close by, but they within (a few years, three to
This prediction is extremely ambiguous. It concerns a defeated army, which will gain some kind of victory in the near future. Some Muslim translations of this prophecy in the Qur'an refer to the army as “Romans” others say “Greeks.” The opposing forces to the Romans or Greeks are left unidentified. The Romans or Greeks will then be victorious in some unidentified manner. This victory is to take place after a period of either a few years, three to nine years or ten years depending on the English translation of the passage. The prediction was not a far-reaching one. It was clear that it had to do with current events of the time of Mohammed.
In comparison, the Bible was revealed to prophets and apostles over a period of about 1,500 years and contains hundreds of specific prophecies which have proven to be completely accurate over the centuries and the predictions are still being fulfilled. The first books were given to the Prophet Moses (1445-1405 BC) and the last revelation was given to the Apostle John (90-96 AD).
One example is the destruction of ancient Tyre. The Bible detailed the events down to the fact that the stones of the city would be thrown into the sea which was done by Alexander (Ezekiel 26:3, 7-14). Another example is the fact that the Prophet Daniel was shown the exact year of the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem by Jesus Christ over four hundred years before it happened. He predicted the year of the destruction of the Jewish temple in AD 70 and the scattering of the Jews around the world. In the same passage he also detailed the career of the Anti-Christ (Daniel 9:20-27). The prophet Daniel also saw a vision of the Second Coming of Christ with people of every ethnic group worshiping him (Daniel 7:13-14).
The Lord Jesus predicted specific details about the destruction of Jerusalem. He said that Jerusalem would have embankments built against it, be encircled and find itself hemmed in on every side. He predicted the violent deaths of everyone within its walls. Jesus went on to predict that even the stones of the great Temple would be removed and thrown away. Jesus explained the reason for this disaster. He proclaimed that it was because the Jewish leaders did not recognize that in him God had become incarnate (Luke 19:41-44).
The historian Flavius Josephus described the fulfillment of this prophecy of the Lord Jesus, about the destruction of Jerusalem, almost 1,900 years ago in The Complete Works of Josephus (published today by Trans. William Whiston. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1981, pages 566-568, 589). Josephus wrote that Titus attacked Jerusalem around AD 70. Titus built embankments and had his troops construct an outside wall around Jerusalem to hem them in. Caesar himself ordered that the Temple be spared, but the troops were so furious that they killed all that were left alive after the siege, plundered Jerusalem and removed the stones of every building, even the great Temple, down to the foundations.
As stated previously in this book, Muslims believe that Jesus failed to establish the true church and Allah had to send Mohammed to correct the confusion the Lord Jesus left behind. Christians believe that the Lord Jesus succeeded. As Jesus predicted, even the gates of Hell would not stop the success of his church (Matthew 16:18). He predicted that he would come again after the Gospel was preached to every nation and language (Matthew 24:14). This was a bold prediction for one who had such a small following with such great opposition. The amazing truth is, this prophecy of the global proclamation may be fulfilled in the very near future.
As the Bible has proved to be reliable in its predictions, Christians believe it will prove true in its prophecies concerning the Second Coming of Christ and the Final Judgment. There are predictions throughout the Old and New Testaments. In addition, the final book of the New Testament (the Book of Revelation) is completely devoted to the subject. Jesus predicted that it would be a long time after his earthly ministry. It will be a day that is unexpected. It will be accompanied by natural disasters, resurrection of the dead and the defeat of Satan. It will be a terrible day for the ungodly but a wonderful reward for those who are saved as they see the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus will be announced with the trumpet call of God, seated on the heavenly throne in glory to judge the world. By God’s grace, some will be surprised that they are saved as they have expressed their faith in Christ as Lord by extending kindness to believers in Jesus (Matthew 10:40-42 and 25:31-46). Those who enter God’s eternal reward will rejoice because the cross and resurrection of Christ has fully paid for their sins.
