The Baha’i faith is a nineteenth-century religion that teaches Baha’u’llah is a divine messenger and emphasizes progressive revelation through successive prophets. Several components of the religion are contrary to what the Bible teaches. Its followers believe in the unity of all religions, but Scripture shows that Jesus is the only way of salvation (John 14:6). Baha’i teaches world peace, but the Bible shows that true peace is only possible after Jesus establishes His future kingdom (Revelation 21:4). Baha’u’llah claimed to fulfill previous prophecies and presented himself as a manifestation of God, drawing on figures from multiple religious traditions. But Scripture does mention Baha’u’llah, clearly teaches that just one true God exists (Deuteronomy 6:4), and shows that attempts by human beings to elevate themselves to become god-like do not end well (Genesis 11; 2 Chronicles 26:16; Daniel 4). While Baha’is view the Bible as one of many sacred texts, Christianity teaches that Scripture is “God-breathed” (1 Timothy 3:16) and that Jesus Christ is the final and only Savior, whose life, death, and resurrection accomplish salvation once and for all (John 1:1-14, 14:6). Christians are called to test teachings (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and follow Jesus alone for eternal life, rather than relying on a series of human messengers. The Baha’i faith’s inclusivity and progressive revelation contrast sharply with the Christian understanding of God, salvation, and the authority of Scripture.
The Baha'i religion began in the nineteenth century in Iran under the influence of its founder Sayid Ali Muhammad. On May 23, 1844, he declared himself the Bab ("Gate"), the eighth manifestation of God and the first since the Muslim prophet Muhammad.
Because of his claimed supremacy over the prophet Muhammad, the Muslims of his time persecuted Sayid and his followers. Sayid was executed in 1850, only six years after making his claims. Before his death, Sayid spoke of a future prophet through whom God would manifest himself. In 1863, one of his followers, Mirza Husayn Ali, claimed to be the fulfillment of Sayid's prophecy. He called himself Baha'u'llah ("the glory of God") and taught he was also the second coming of Jesus Christ, the promised Holy Spirit, the Day of God, the Maiytrea (from Buddhism), Krishna (from Hinduism), and the fulfillment of the coming prophet in Shia Islam.
Since Baha'u'llah's time, successors have come by appointment rather than through divine manifestation. He first designated his son Abbas Effendi as leader of the Baha'i faith. Later, the Universal House of Justice was founded as the governing body for the religion. This location, constructed in Haifa, Israel, continues to serve as the movement's headquarters and hosts a major annual conference in support of its beliefs.
As an inclusive religion, Baha’i’s views differ from Christianity’s in many ways. Of primary importance is its view of God that does not include the teaching of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Further, its view of salvation is inclusive, in direct contrast with the Bible that teaches Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6) and the only way to the Father (Acts 4:12). Further, its view of the Bible is much different as it views the Bible as one of many holy writings rather than the Bible alone as inspired as sufficient for Christian living.
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