There are many ways in which God can manifest himself. He can do so through his creation, through miracles, and through his word.
God often manifests himself through his creation. The world around us is a constant reminder of his power and majesty. Every time we see a beautiful sunset or a majestic mountain, we are seeing one of God’s manifestations.
God also often manifests himself through miracles. Miracles are events that go beyond the natural order of things. They are a clear demonstration of God’s power and love for us. Often, when we pray for something, it is because we believe that God can perform a miracle and grant our request.
Now, let’s take a look at the Manifestations of God,
What is Bahá’í Writings?
The Bahá’í Writings are the sacred texts of the Bahá’í Faith. They consist of the teachings ofBahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Faith, and his son ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as well as the writings of the Guardian of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi. The writings also include some poetry and prayers revealed by Bahá’u’lláh.
What is the Kitáb-i-Aqdas?
The Kitáb-i-Aqdas is one of the most important works of Bahá’u’lláh. It is sometimes referred to as the “Most Holy Book”. It was written in Arabic and was first published in 1873. The Kitáb-i-Aqdas contains the laws and ordinances of the Bahá’í Faith. It also contains a number of ethical principles and guidelines for Bahá’ís to follow in their daily lives.
What is the Kitáb-i-Íqán?
The Kitáb-i-Íqán is another important work of Bahá’u’lláh. It was written in Persian and first published in 1861. The Kitáb-i-Íqán is a book of theology that explains the nature of God, the purpose of life, and the relationship between God and humanity.
What is the Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys?
The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys are two works of Bahá’u’lláh that are often studied together. The Seven Valleys was written in Persian and first published in 1857. The work is a mystical treatise that describes the journey of the soul as it progresses from this world to the next. The Four Valleys was written in Arabic and first published in 1872. It is a companion work to the Seven Valleys and explains the different stages that a soul must go through on its journey.
What is the Hidden Words?
The Hidden Words is a book containing a collection of short passages revealed by Bahá’u’lláh. The passages are divided into two sections, one for people of the Muslim faith and one for people of other faiths. Each section contains a number of “hidden words” that are designed to be read and meditated upon.
What is the Book of Certitude?
The Book of Certitude is another important work of Bahá’u’lláh. It was written in Persian and first published in 1873. The book is a theological treatise that explains the nature of God, the purpose of life, and the relationship between God and humanity.
What is Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh?
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh is a collection of passages revealed by Bahá’u’lláh. The book was compiled and edited by Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Faith. It was first published in 1935.
What is Epistle to the Son of the Wolf?
The Epistle to the Son of the Wolf is a work written by Bahá’u’lláh addressed to a Muslim cleric who had persecuted him and his followers. The epistle was written in Arabic and first published in 1891.
What are the Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh?
The Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh are a collection of over 150 works revealed by Bahá’u’lláh. They include letters, essays, and exhortations. The tablets were written in a variety of languages, including Arabic, Persian, and Urdu.
What is the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá?
The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is a document written by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the son of Bahá’u’lláh. The will was written in Arabic and first published in 1902. In the will, ‘Abdu’l-
The Bahá’í Writings explain that the motive force in the development of mankind is the coming of the Manifestation or Prophet of God. Very few people would disagree that human history has been influenced by the Founders of the world’s great religions. The powerful impact on the civilization of Christ, Moses, the Buddha, or Mu˙ammad can be seen both in the collective development of humanity and in the life of every individual. From a historical point of view, the Manifestations of God are a few well-known personages whose existence may be questioned but whose traces are so evident that no man can fail to acknowledge them.
The greatness of the Manifestations of God has been described as follows:
The Manifestation of God is the Archetype, and His life is the supreme pattern. His vision not arrested by time and space encompasses the future as well as the past. He is the only and necessary link between one cycle of social evolution and another. Furthermore, the Manifestation of God releases deep reservoirs of spiritual powers and quickens the forces latent in man. By Him and Him alone, can man attain ‘second birth’? Through Him and Him alone, can man know God?
This powerful statement explains very well who is the Manifestation of God, and introduces a very important concept: that the knowledge of God can only be achieved through the Manifestation of God. Bahá’u’lláh affirms:
The source of all learning is the Manifestation of God, exalted be His Glory, and this cannot be attained save through knowledge of His divine Manifestation.
And in another similar passage He says:
The door of the knowledge of the Ancient Being hath ever been and will continue to be, closed in the face of man. No man’s understanding shall ever gain access to his holy court. As a token of His mercy, however, and as a proof of His loving-kindness, He hath manifested unto man the Day-Stars of His Divine Guidance, the Symbols of His divine unity, and hath ordained the knowledge of these sanctified Beings to be identical with the knowledge of His own self.
The Manifestations of God and Their Function in Human History
Lights of ‘Irfán Book Five stood. Of course, only those who live during the time of a Manifestation of God have the opportunity of observing him directly.
Bahá’u’lláh explains that the essential connection between the individual and God is maintained through the Writings and words of each manifestation.
Bahá’ís believe that the writings of the Messengers of God are the Word of God and it is towards these writings that man should turn to grow closer to God and acquire a deeper knowledge of Him. Bahá’u’lláh writes:
Say: the first and foremost testimony establishing His Truth is his own Self. Next to this testimony is His Revelation. For whoso faileth to recognize either the one the other He hath established the words He hath revealed as proofs of His reality and truth. He hath endowed every soul with the capacity to recognize the sign, God.
We may begin our investigation by studying the common historical aspect of the Manifestations of God. EachManifestation of God comes from a different background: they include princes and noblemen like the Buddha andBahá’u’lláh, priests like Zoroaster, merchants such as Mu˙ammad and the Báb, craftsmen like Jesus, and courtiers like Moses.
Each also brings a message to humanity, a message that is God-given, and which deals with the spiritual aspect of the life of humanity. In the beginning, very few people follow the Manifestations of God, creating great scandals within the population, very often leading to some form of persecution, which sometimes ushers in the violent death of some of the manifestations, and the murder of several thousands of Their followers. However, despite these events, manifestations of God eventually demonstrate their power of renewal: they transform society and usher in a new civilization. The teachings of these personages, unlike the guidance of philosophers, conquer humanity through the power they inherently possess, and through the practice of their teaching flourishing civilizations are created: every civilization we know was born through such a process. In one of His Writings, ‘Abdu’l-Baháexplained that “two calls to success and prosperity are being raised. . . the one is the call of civilization, of the progress of the material world.”
This call belongs to the phenomenal world and helps mankind achieve physical accomplishments. It comprises all the laws and regulations, principles, and lofty ideals which are the result of “sound minds,” and the effort the wise individuals in the course of time. “The propagator and executive power of this call is just government.”
Next, there is “the soul-stirring call of God, Whose spiritual teachings are safeguards of everlasting glory. . . and cause the attributes of mercy to be revealed in the human world and the life beyond. This second call is founded upon the instructions and exhortations of God.”
After a certain period of time, these teachings lose their effectiveness amongst men, and according to the law.
Manifestations of God of evolution, since they offered their contributions, they decline and die.
It is after such events that a new manifestation appears, bringing new laws, announcing a new message so that humanity can grow towards spirituality through a further stage, As we have seen previously, “the circle of existence returns” and the purpose “in them is the evolution of spiritual men.”
The Manifestations of God Differentiate Themselves from the great heroes of history for two reasons:
- Their teachings, set forth mostly by words and deeds, constitute the Magna Charta for the spiritual development of humanity.“Without the teachings of God, the world of humanity is like the animal kingdom.” These teachings,‘Abdu’l-Bahá adds, “are the bestowals specialized for man. . .” and are “the basis of all progress in the history of humanity.”
2. The spiritual energy they give to any person who voluntarily decides to get in touch with this force is the cause of his transformation.
Proofs and Purposes of Their Mission
How can mankind recognize these luminous Beings, these Perfect Mirrors? As we have previously seen there are three steps: the first step establishing the truth is “His Own Self,” the second step“is His Revelation,” and the third is “the words He hath revealed as proofs of His reality and truth.”
Finally, God also manifests himself through his word. The Bible contains stories of how God has intervened in human history. He has spoken to his people through prophets and apostles, and he has revealed himself through the pages of Scripture. When we read the Bible, we encounter one of God’s most powerful manifestations.
When we encounter any of these manifestations of God, we are reminded of his great power and love for us. We are also reminded that he is always with us, no matter what challenges we face in life.