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The idea of redemption through the sufferings and death of a Divine Savior, is to be found in almost all the Gentile nations of antiquity. For example, lets begin with the nations of the East, in particular the ancient religions of China. One of their five sacred volumes, called the Y-King, says, in speaking of Tien, the "Holy One": "The Holy One will unite in himself all the virtues of heaven and earth. By his justice the world will be re-established in the ways of righteousness. He will labor and suffer much. He must pass the great torrent, whose waves shall enter into his soul, but he alone can offer up to the Lord a sacrifice worthy of him" (Prog. Relig. Ideas, vol. i. p. 211).
An ancient commentator says: "The common people sacrifice their lives to gain bread; the philosophers to gain reputation; the nobility to perpetuate their families. The Holy One (Tien) does not seek himself, but the good of others. He dies to save the world" (Ibid.).
I cannot read the above without thinking of the Gospel of John.
John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV)
John 5:30
30 I can of mine own self do nothing. I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. (KJV)
John 8:50
50 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. (KJV)
Tien, the Holy One, is always spoken of as one with God, existing with him from all eternity, "before anything was made". Again John comes to mind.
John 1:1-3
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Many will think this is just coincidence. So let us continue to see what we can find.
Osiris and Horus, the Egyptian virgin-born gods, suffered death (Renouf, Religions of Ancient Egypt, p. 178). Mr. Bonwick, speaking of Osiris, says: "He is one of the Saviors or deliverers of humanity, to be found in almost all lands" [only his name was changed from country to country]. "In his efforts to do good, he encounters evil; in struggling with that he is overcome; he is killed" (Bonwick, Egyptian Belief, p. 155).
Alexander Murray says: "The Egyptian Savior Osiris was gratefully regarded as the great exemplar of self-sacrifice, in giving his life for others" (Murray, Manual of Mythology, p. 348).
The writers of the New Testament carry on this same idea.
Matt 20:28
28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
1 Tim 2:6
6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Sir. J. G. Wilkinson says of Osiris: "The sufferings and death of Osiris was the great Mystery of the Egyptian religion, and some traces of it are perceptible among other peoples of antiquity (remember Sun Worship?). His being the Divine Goodness, and the abstract idea of "good," his manifestation upon earth (like a Hindu god), his death and resurrection, and his office as judge of the dead in a future state, look like the early revelation of a future manifestation of the deity converted into a mythological fable" (Rawlinson, Herodotus, vol. ii. P. 171).
Horus was also called "The Savior." "As Horus Sneb, he is the Redeemer. He is the Lord of Life and the Eternal One" (Bonwick, Egyptian Belief, P. 185). He is also called "The Only-Begotten" (Mysteries of Adonai, p. 88).
Attis, who was called the "Only Begotten Son" (Knight, Ancient Art and Mythology, p. xxii.) and "Savior," was worshipped by the Phrygians (who were regarded as one of the oldest races of Asia Minor). He was represented by them as a man tied to a tree, at the foot of which was a lamb (Dupuls, Origin of Religious Belief, p. 255). He is also characterized as a man nailed to the tree, or stake, for we find Lactantius making this Apollo of Miletus (anciently, the greatest and the most flourishing city of Ionia, in Asia Minor) say that : "He was a mortal according to the flesh; wise in miraculous works; but being arrested by an armed force by command of the Chaldean judges (Sadducee like), he suffered a death made bitter with nails and stakes" (Dupuls, Origin of Religious Belief, vol. ii).
In this god of the Phrygians, we again have the same myth of the crucified Savior of Paganism.
By referring to Mrs. Jameson's History of Our Lord in Art, it can easily be seen that a common mode of representing a crucifixion was that of a man, tied with cords by the hands and feet, to an upright beam or stake.
Tammuz, or Adonis, the Syrian Adonai (Lord) was another virgin-born god, who suffered for mankind, and who had the title of "Savior." The accounts of his death are conflicting, just as it is with almost all of the so-called Saviors of mankind (including the Christian Savior). As we progress we shall see that the reason for such variation is the multiple variety of Sun Myths that deal with the dying of the sun. Every nation had their own spin to the story it seems, but the basic story was the same.
As if this was not enough evidence and facts from history and the religions of the world to arouse more than an idle curiosity in the Christian believer, the ancients who honored Tammuz and Adonis as their Lord and Savior also celebrated a feast in commemoration of his death (it was their Lord's Supper). An image, intended as a representation of their Lord, was laid on a bed or bier, and bewailed in mournful hymns just as the Roman Catholics do at the present day in their "Good Friday" mass.
During this ceremony the priest murmured: "Trust ye in your Lord, for the pains which he endured, our salvation have procured" (Higgins, Anacalypsis, vol. ii. p. 114).
The Rev. Dr. Parkhurst, in his Hebrew Lexicon, after referring to what we have just stated above, says: "His other name, Adonis, is almost the very Hebrew Adonai or Lord, a well-known title of Christ."
Prometheus was a crucified Savior. He was "an immortal god, a friend of the human race, "who does not shrink even from sacrificing himself for their salvation."
The tragedy of the crucifixion of Prometheus, written by Eschylus, was acted in Athens five hundred years before the Christian Era, and is by many considered to be the most ancient dramatic poem now in existence. The plot was derived from materials even at that time of an infinitely remote antiquity. Nothing was ever so exquisitely calculated to work upon the feelings of the spectators. "His (Divine Sufferer) sorrows were endured for their salvation." The majesty of his silence, whilst the ministers of an offended god were nailing him by the hands and feet to Mount Caucasus, could only be equaled by the modesty with which he relates, "while hanging with arms extended in the form of a cross," his services to the human race, which had brought on him that horrible crucifixion (Eschylus, Prometheus Chained, Harper and Bros., N.Y.). In the myth relating to Prometheus, he always appears as the friend of the human race, suffering in its behalf the most fearful tortures. More than strange is the unique story of Prometheus' friend, Oceanus, the fisherman, as his name Petrroeus indicates. This Oceanus tries unsuccessfully to influence Prometheus to not die for mankind, but being unable to prevail on him to make his peace with Jupiter, by throwing the cause of human redemption out of his hands, forsook him and flew. Now contrast this with Matt. 16:22
Matt 16:22
22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
None remained to be witness of his dying agonies but the chorus of ever-amiable and every-faithful which also bewailed and lamented him
Luke 23:27
27 And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.
In the words of Justin Martyr: "Suffering was common to all of the sons of Jove." They were called the "Slain Ones," "Saviors," "Redeemers," etc.
Bacchus, the offspring of Jupiter and Semele, was called the "Savior" (Knight, Anct. Art and Mythology, p. 98) He was called the "Only Begotten Son," the "Slain One" (Knight, Ancient Art and Mythology, p. xxii), the "Sin Bearer"(Bonwick, Egyptian Belief, p. 169), the "Redeemer" (Dupis, Origin of Religious Belief, p. 135), etc. Evil having spread itself over the earth, through the inquisitiveness of Pandor, the Lord of the gods is begged to come to the relief of mankind. Jupiter lends a willing ear to the entreaties, "and wishes that his son should be the redeemer of the misfortunes of the world; The Bacchus Savior. He promises to the earth a Liberator..and the universe shall worship him, and shall praise in songs his blessings." In order to execute his purpose, Jupiter overshadows the beautiful young maiden, the virgin Semele, who becomes the mother of the Redeemer."
"It is I (says the lord Bacchus to mankind), who guides you; it is I who protects you, and who saves you; I who am Alpha and Omega." (quoted on the monument of Bacchus)
Hercules, the son of Zeus, was called "The Savior" (Higgins, Anacalypsis, vol. i. p. 322). The words "Hercules the Savior" were engraven on ancient coins and monuments (Celtic Druids, Taylor, Diegesis, p. 153). He was also called "The Only Begotten," and the "Universal Word." He was re-absorbed into God. He was said by Ovid to be the sun "Self-produced," the Generator and Ruler of all things, and the Father of time (Mysteries of Adonai, p. 91, and Higgins, Anacalypsis, vol. i. p. 322).
Esculapis was distinguished by the epithet “The Savior” (Taylor, Diegesis, p. 153). The Temple erected to his memory in the city of Athens was called: “The Temple of the Savior.”
Apollo was distinguished by the epithet “The Savior” as well (Dupuis, Origin of Religious Belief, p. 264). In a hymn to Apollo he is called: “The willing Savior of distressed mankind” (Monumental Christianity, p. 186).
Serapis was called “The Savior” (Higgins, Anacalypsis, vol. ii. p. 15). He was considered by Hadrian, the Roman emperor (117-138 A.D.), and the Gentiles, to be the peculiar god of the Christians (Giles, Hebrew and Christian Records, vol. Ii. p. 86). A cross was found under the ruins of his temple in Alexandria in Egypt (Anacalypsis, vol. ii. p. 15). And notice also that much of the New Testament was written from Alexandria, Egypt along with the translation of the LXX which is corrupted in many places when compared with the Palestinian Masoretic text. It is very evident that the pictures of Christ Jesus, as we know them today, are simply the pictures of some of the Pagan gods. A cursory study of religious art in the early days of Christianity and before will show you the resemblances. One should expect that Jesus of Nazareth to resemble a Jew and have Jewish features and these early pictures do not betray such a fact.
Mithras, who was “Mediator between God and man” (Dunlap, Spirit History, pp. 237, 242) was also called “The Savior.” He was the peculiar god of the Persians, who believed that he had, by his sufferings, worked their salvation, and on this account he was called their “Savior” (Higgins, Anacalypsis, vol. ii, p. 20). He was also called “the Logos” (Dunlop, Son of Man, p. 20). According to the most ancient tradition of the East-Iranians recorded in the end-Avesta, the God of Light (Ormuzd) communicated his mysteries to some men through his "Word" (Bunsen, Angel-Messiah, p. 75).
The Persians believed that they were tainted with “original sin” owing to the fall of their first parents who were tempted by the evil one in the form of a serpent (Wake, Phallism, p. 47).
They considered the law-given Zoroaster to be also a Divine Messenger, sent to redeem men from their evil ways, and they always worshipped his memory. To this day his followers mention him with the greatest reverence, calling him “The Immortal Zoroaster,” “The Blessed Zoroaster,” “The First-Born of the Eternal One,” etc. (Prog. Relig. Ideas, vol. i. pp. 258, 259).
"In the life of Zoroaster the common mythos is apparent. He was born in innocence, of an immaculate conception, of a ray of Divine Reason. As soon as he was born, the glory arising from his body enlightened the room, and he laughed at his mother. He was called a Splendid Light from the Tree of Knowledge, and, in find, he or his soul was hung upon a tree, and this was the Tree of Knowledge" (Malcolm, Hist. Persia, vol. i. pp. p. 494; Nimrod, vol. ii. P. 31; Anacalypsis, vol. ii. P. 649).
How much this resembles "the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints" (Col. 1:26).
Hermes was called "The Savior." On the altar of Pepi (B.C. 3500) are to be found prayers to Hermes…"He who is the good Savior" (Bonwick, Egyptian Belief, p. 102). He was also called "The Logos." The church fathers, Hippolytus, Justin Martyr, and Plutarch assert that the Logos is Hermes (Dunlap, Son of Man, p. 30). The term "Logos" is Greek and signifies literally "Word" (John 1:1). He was also "The Messenger of God" (Bell, Pantheon, vol. ii, pp. 69-71).
Dr. Inman says: "There are few words which strike more strongly upon the senses of in inquirer into the nature of ancient faiths, than Salvation and Savior. Both were used long before the birth of Christ, and they are still common among those who never heard of Jesus, or of that which is known among us as the Gospels" (Inman, Ancient Faiths, vol. ii. p. 652).
Besides the titles of "God's First-Born," "Only Begotten," the "Mediator," the "Shepherd," the "Advocate," the "Paraclete or Comforter," the "Son of God," the "Logos," etc., being applied to heathen virgin-born gods, before the time assigned for the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, we have also that of Christ and Jesus. This terminology can be studied out by you in detail if you acquire copies of Bunsen, Angel-Messiah, p. 119, Knight, Ancient Art and Mythology, pp. xxii and 98, Dunlap, Son of Man, p. 71, and Spirit History, pp. 183, 205, 206, 249, Bible for Learners, vol. ii. p. 25, Isis Unveiled, vol. iii pp. 195, 237, 516, etc.
We now turn our attention to the many uses of the term "Christ" as used long before the time of Jesus of Nazareth and how they were previously connected with the Gentile's "Saviors".
We not continue our study by examining the terms for other Gentiles Savior-gods of which most will be unfamiliar. I am referring tot the use of the terms "Christ" as it was applied to the representative redeemer men that long predated Jesus of Nazareth.
Cyrus, King of Persia, was called the "Christ," or the "Anointed of God" (Bunsen, Bible Chronology, p. 5, Keys of St. Peter, p. 125). As Dr. Giles says, "Christ" is "a name having no spiritual signification, and importing nothing more than an ordinary surname" (Giles, Hebrew and Christian Records, p. 64, vol. ii). The worshippers of Serapis were called "Christians," and those devoted to Serapis were called "Bishops of Christ" long before the birth of Jesus of Nazareth (Ibid. p. 86; Taylor, Diegesis, pp. 202-206, 407). This fact is amazing. Eusebius, the ecclesiastical historian says, that the names of "Jesus" and "Christ," were both known and honored among the ancients (Eusebius, Eccl. History, lib. 1. Ch. iv.).
Mithras was called the "Anointed" or the "Christ;" (Dunlap, Son of Man, p. 78) and Horus, Mano, Mithras, Bel-Minor, Iao, Adoni, etc., were each of them "God of Light," "Light of the World," the "Anointed," or the "Christ" (Ibid. p. 39).
It is said that Peter called Yeshua "the Christ," whereupon "he straightway charged him (the disciples), and commanded them to tell no man "that thing" (Luke 4:21).
The title of "Christ" or "the Anointed," was held by the kings of Israel. "Touch not my Christ and do my people no harm," says the Psalmist (Psalm 105:15).
The tern "Christ" was applied to religious leaders, leaders of factions, necromancers or wonder-workers, etc. This is seen by the passage in Matthew, where the writer says: "There shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" (Matt. 24:24).
The virgin-born Chrishna and Buddha were incarnations of Vishnu, called Avatars. An Avatar is an Angel-Messiah, a God-man, a Christ; for the word "Christ" is from the Greek "Christos," an Anointed One, a Messiah.
Let us continue our study in the veneration of "crosses" by the non-Jews in their worship and portrayal of their Savior gods.