( In the beginning? How long ago? Was there religion since the start of mankind?)
2:213″ (At the start) The people used to be one community, when GOD sent the prophets/ messengers as bearers of good news as well as warners. HE sent down with them a scripture ( The word of GOD only!) bearing the truth ( submission to HIM and total loyalty.) to judge among them in their disputes ( to correct those who have deviated from the truth). Ironically those who received that scripture ( and deviated) were the ones who rejected any new scripture ( that is meant to correct them) despite clear proofs (that it is from GOD) given to them. This is due to jealousy and division ( and arrogance). GOD guides those who believe ( submit and are loyal) to the truth that is disputed by all others ( all the other religions), in accordance with his will.”
2:253″ These prophets/ messengers; (that GOD has been sending) We blessed some of them more than others .( it is up to GOD) For example one was spoken to ( by GOD), and We raised some of them to higher ranks. And We gave Jesus, son of Mary, profound miracles, and supported him with the Holy Spirit. Had GOD willed, their followers would not have fought with each other, after the clear proofs have come to them. Instead, they disputed among themselves; Some of them believed ( submitted and stayed loyal to GOD) and some disbelieved. ( and took on other gods/ idols- prophets as idols) Had GOD willed they would not have disputed. ( But HE tests the loyalty of everyone) Everything is in accordance with the will of GOD.”
2:214″ Do you expect to enter paradise ( be part of the kingdom of GOD) without being tested? ( for your loyalty to HIM?)
2:256″ There is no compulsion in religion. ( You cannot force anyone to submit and be loyal, they are free to decide for themselves) The right way is now distinct from the wrong way. ( We humans opted for the freedom of choice, that is why we are here living this life) Anyone who denounces idol worship ( and disbelief) has grasped the strongest bond; ( submission to GOD and total loyalty to HIM) One that never breaks. ( A connection to GOD) GOD is Hearer OMNISCIENT.”
( Is this the true religion? The only religion? The choice is yours?)
2:257″ GOD is the Lord of those who believe. ( Submit and are loyal) HE leads them out of darkness into the light. As for those who disbelieve, ( or have other idols) their idols are their lords; They lead them out of the light into darkness.”
( Who is your Lord?)
2:272″ You are not responsible for guiding anyone. GOD is the only one who guides whoever chooses.( to be guided)”
( Did GOD give conflicting messages to these prophets/messengers? Was there one consistent message?)
2:285″ The messenger/prophet has believed in what was sent down to him from his Lord ( any prophet /messenger that GOD sent) and so did the believers. They believed in GOD , HIS Angels, HIS Scripture, and HIS past prophets/messengers(The ones that proceeded them).” We make no distinction among any of HIS prophets/messengers” They say ” We hear and we obey”…( They all brought the same message Submission and total loyalty to GOD ALONE) “
( The same GOD sends the same message?)
3:2″ GOD ,there is no god except HE; The LIVING, the ETERNAL.”
3:3″ HE sent down to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming all previous scripture and HE sent down the Torah and the Gospel”
3:4″ Before that, to guide the people, and HE sent down the Statute book. Those who disbelieve in the revelations of GOD incur severe retribution; GOD is ALMIGHTY…”
3:5″ Nothing is hidden from GOD, on earth or in heaven.”
( ONE GOD? Why the emphasis on ONE?
3:18″ GOD bears witness that there is no god except HE; And so do the Angels and those who possess knowledge. Truthfully and equitably, HE is the absolute ONE; There is no other god but HE, the ALMIGHTY, MOST WISE.”
( ONE GOD, one religion one authority? All power belongs to GOD?)
3:19″ The only religion approved by GOD is submission. ( and total loyalty to HIM ALONE) Ironically, those who have received the scripture are the ones who dispute this fact, despite the knowledge they have received due to jealousy. ( and division) For such rejecters of GOD s revelations, GOD is most strict in reckoning.”
3:29″ Say :” Whether you conceal your innermost thought or declare it, GOD is aware of it. HE is fully aware of everything in the heavens and the earth. GOD is OMNISCIENT.”
3:31″ Proclaim:” If you love GOD , you shall follow me”. ( in my submission and total loyalty to GOD ALONE) GOD will then love you (and guide you) and forgive your sins; GOD is forgiver Most MERCIFUL.”
( One GOD, one religion, one set of believers, is this the truth?)
3:62″ Absolutely, this is the truth; Absolutely there is no god except GOD; Absolutely GOD is the ALMIGHTY, the WISE.”
Hope you can join me in post TEN, GOD willing.