Islam - The Summit of Religious Evolution — Page 88
88 documents from the New Testament further testifies to the fact that they differed from the version contained in the current books of the New Testament that was assembled almost three centuries after the event of crucifixion by the Council of Niece in 325 A. D. “Giving up the ghost” has been generally misunderstood to mean that Jesus had died on the cross. However, in view of scientific evidence that has recently come to light this expression acquires a totally different connotation. This will now be discussed in some detail. Incidentally, Jesus commending his spirit into the hands of the Father as mentioned in Luke, is consistent with his righteousness as a prophet, but is not consistent with his alleged partnership in the Godhead. The Gospel account continues: The Jews, therefore, because it was the preparation that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the Sabbath day (for that Sabbath day was an high day), besought Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. Two thieves had also been nailed to the cross at the same time with Jesus. Then came the soldiers, and broke the legs of the first and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they broke not his legs: but one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came thereout blood and water. 42 After this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and though Pilate marveled if Jesus were already dead: being satisfied on the point by the statement of the centurion readily gave his leave. 43 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulcher, wherein was never a man yet laid. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulcher was nigh at hand. 44 God's plan to save Jesus from an accursed death can be clearly discerned during the closing scene of this incident. This plan is also corroborated in the Holy Quran: 45 The enemies of Jesus devised their plans and God devised His plan; God is the Best of planners. Jesus perceived that his end was approaching and cried out: 37 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? The events from the time when the vinegar soaked sponge was offered to Jesus till the time of his giving up the ghost is crucial to the proper understanding of this event and demands a critical analysis. According to the Bible, immediately after Jesus’ above comment, a sponge filled with vinegar was put up to him to drink. This, instead of affording him any relief, caused him to be suffocated and he cried out: It is finished. By that time it was dark and, according to the prevalent