The Shrine of Antichrist?

The Dome of the Rock was ordered built by Omar, 2nd Caliph of Islam, and was completed around 691 A.D. making it the oldest Islamic structure in the world. It is said to have been constructed as a piece of anti-christian propaganda and because Omar feared that Moslems might be too impressed by the churches of Jerusalem.

The shrine is believed to be built over the site of the second temple. Muslims believe it is the place where Mohammed ascended to heaven in a vision. In the early days of Islam, muslims used to pray in the direction of Jerusalem, later Mohammed changed this to Mecca. It is definitely located on the temple mount in the immediate area of Herod's temple if not in the exact spot.

Anti-Christ inscriptions (from the Koran) on the inside of the octagonal arcade:

O People of the Book! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning God save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a Messenger of God, and His Word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in God and His messengers, and say not 'Three' - Cease! (it is) better for you! - God is only One God. Far be it removed from His transcendent majesty that He should have a son.

Oh God, bless Your Messenger and Your servant Jesus son of Mary. Peace be on him the day he was born, and the day he dies, and the day he shall be raised alive! Such was Jesus, son of Mary, (this is) a statement of the truth concerning which they doubt. It befitteth not (the Majesty of) God that He should take unto Himself a son. Glory be to Him!

Anti-Christ inscriptions on the outside of the octagonal arcade:

In the name of God, the Merciful the Compassionate. There is no god but God. He is One. He has no associate. Say: He is God, the One! God, the eternally Besought of all! He begetteth not nor was begotten.

In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. There is no god but God. He is One. Praise be to God, Who hath not taken unto Himself a son, and Who hath no partner in the Sovereignty...

He is One. He has no associate. Muhammad is the Messenger of God.

There is no god but God. He is One. He has no associate.

 

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The Koran denies the Trinity, the incarnation of God, the only begotten Sonship and deity of Jesus, the Resurrection of Jesus, the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, and the deity of the Holy Spirit.

Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ?
This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son.
(1 John 2:22 NAS)

On May 12, 2009 Pope Benedict XVI made a visit to the Dome of the Rock in the company of the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem. The 82-year-old pontiff was greeted at the entrance by the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Mohammed Mohammad Hussein and took off his shoes as is tradition when entering a Muslim holy site. The message of the Pope was we should live in peace because we worship the same god.

The Vicar of Christ, and the "Visible Head of the Church Universal," has entered the shrine of the anti-christ prophet Mohammed and declared that he and his followers worship the same god as the 'god' who repeatedly revealed to Mohammed that God has no son, that Jesus was only a man, and that Jesus did not rise from the dead. Read two of the Pope's addresses from this 2009 trip, including his address to the Grand Mufti at the Dome of the Rock here.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says:  "The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day." (841) Perhaps this is just Vatican doublespeak, but a plain reading indicates that Muslims are also 'saved.'

So much for the Words of Jesus Christ: "I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through Me." So much for the stumbling block of the cross.

Are we seeing the foreshadowing of the false prophet, who "has two horns like a lamb, and speaks like a dragon" (Rev 13:11)? Fore-shocks of he who will be a wolf dressed like a sheep, but will say "Has God
indeed said, 'You shall not...?" (Gen 3:1); the "strong delusion" of 2 Thes 2:11?

Perhaps the Pope was only trying to be politically correct, and not offend the Moslems and the Jews, but it sends shivers up my back. Undoubtedly he was doing this in the interest of peace. But what good is peace among men if there is no peace with God. What good is it if "a man gains the whole world but forfeits his own soul?" The sacrifices of the ancient Israelites could never atone for sin, neither can the prayers, good deeds, or martyrdom of Moslems and Jews today. There is only one way to peace with God, and that is through Jesus Christ alone.