The Persian prophet Zoroaster lived and wrote at least 1200 years before the Christian era. From his teachings some of the most important doctrines of Christianity, as well as of Judaism, were derived.
According to the Persian theology the universe is ruled by two great powers, Ormuzd (God) and Ahrimanes (Satan). The one represents light, the other darkness; the one is good, the other evil. Between these two powers there is perpetual war. The center of battle is man, each striving for his soul. God created man with a free will to choose between good and evil. Those who choose the good are rewarded with everlasting life in heaven; those who choose the evil are punished with endless misery in hell; while those in whom the good and evil are balanced pass into an intermediate state (purgatory), to remain until the last judgment.
To save mankind God sent a savior in the person of Zoroaster with a divine revelation, the “Zend Avesta.” Like Christ, Zoroaster was of supernatural origin and endowed with superhuman powers. Like Christ, he believed that Satan would be dethroned and cast into hell; like Christ he believed that the end of the world and the kingdom of God were at hand; like Christ, he taught his followers to worship God; like Christ he declared that God heard and answered prayer; like Christ he was tempted by Satan; like Christ he performed miracles; like Christ he was slain by those whom he had come to save.
McClintock and Strong’s “Cyclopedia” gives a summary of the principal doctrines of Zoroaster among which are the following:
“The principal duty of man in this life is to obey the word and commandments of God.
“Those who obey the word of God will be free from all defects and immortal.
“God exercises his rule in the world through the works prompted by the Divine Spirit, who is working in man and nature.
“Men should pray to God and worship him. He hears the prayers of the good.
“All men live solely through the bounty of God.
“The soul of the pure will hereafter enjoy everlasting life; that of the wicked will have to undergo everlasting punishment” (Art. Zoroaster).