Share the Gospel
with Muslims
Conditions of use:
The tracts on the CD contained in this book are for the owner of this book and to the Muslims they personally wish to give. The tracts may not be sold, exchanged, traded, rented, copied, quoted etc, except as allowed under Australian and international copyright laws or where written permission has been obtained. An example where permission will be given, is for mass distribution by a particular evangelistic group conducting evangelism amongst Muslims. This licence does not extend to copying portions of this book; we would greatly appreciate that all members of such a group or Bible study group purchase a copy of this book and study the references carefully before using the tracts.
Copyright information:
Copyright © 2009 by Ibrahim Ministries International Inc.
Share the Gospel with Muslims
by Daniel Scot and Michael Abdulhaq Printed in India.
ISBN: 978-0-9803244-1-9
All rights reserved solely by the publisher. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise – except for brief quotations for the purpose of review or comment without the permission of the publisher.
Bible quotations are taken from the Revised Standard Version (RSV). Copyright 1971 by the American Bible Society.
Cover photograph by Toby Barnes, Creative Commons licence Cover design by Michael Abdulhaq
Additional Copies and Resources:
Ibrahim Ministries International Inc. PO Box 1447 Stafford, Queensland AUSTRALIA, 4053 +61 7 3357 8853 (Brisbane) +61 2 8005 7590 (Sydney) +44 20 3286 5990 (UK) +1 720 897 7929 (USA) +61 7 3357 3820 (fax) email: books@imi.org.au http://imi.org.au
Our unreserved thanks goes to the many people who made this book possible; our families &
friends and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Many others made contributions far beyond what was asked or expected – too many to list here.
This book is dedicated to the men and women who want to share the Gospel with Muslims for
the glory of God and his Son Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Preface
Welcome in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. We hope and pray that you will find this book and accompanying tracts useful for strengthening your own faith and those around you and instrumental in equipping you to reach out to Muslims with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This work has been several years in the making and is born from our desire to see Christians reach out to Muslims, people whom the Son of God died for, sinners like us.
This book will be berwildering to many and sometimes a point just doesn’t seem to be substantiated. As you can imagine with a work this detailed, points are bound to be overlooked and so we ask that you work with us to create a second edition with more tracts and refined tracts. If you have a tract and would like to see it included in the next edition or would like to aid in translation, please contact us at office@imi.org.au or write to us at the address below.
Daniel and Mariat Scot, founders of Ibrahim Ministries International (IMI), have been equipping and training evangelists for more than 40 years. Daniel and Mariat fled from Pakistan after Daniel was charged with blasphemy against Muhammad for merely quoting the Qur’an and asking the question, “How can Muhammad save me?”. Students at the university where Daniel taught, sought to kill him, but God’s soverign protection kept him and his family of five children safe. They endured several years of separation before settling in Australia where Daniel’s love for the Lord and his desire that Muslims know Jesus Christ and him crucified compelled him to reach out to them and equip Christians to do the same.
The work of teaching and training takes Daniel and Mariat all over the world. Many countries where they teach are countries where teaching the truth about Muhammad is a death sentence. We greatly value your prayers and support, especially to help Christians in Islamic nations to receive books like these to help them grow and be fruitful in their faith.
May the peace of Jesus Christ guide you,
Daniel Scot and Michael Abdulhaq July, 2009
Table of Contents
Preface ...4
Part 1 – Pre-Evangelism for you...7
How to use the Tracts ...9
Sharing the Gospel...13
Preparing your testimony...19
Part 2 – Social Issues ...25
The Straight Path ...27
Sin in Christianity and Islam ...33
Islam and Christianity...45
Jews and Christians in Islam...53
Jihad...59
Truth in Islam ...63
Dhimmitude ...71
Women in Islam...77
Part 3 – Theological Differences ...85
The Crusades ...87
Authenticity of the Bible ...93
Contrasting Jesus and Muhammad ...99
The Life of Muhammad...119
Allah vs. Yahweh...129
Contradictions in the Qur’an ...141
Jesus in the Qur’an...153
The Messiah in Prophecies ...163
Glorified Messiah in Prophecies...177
The Messiah & His Deity ...191
Reference Index...202 Hadith References...203 Bible References...205 Qur'anic References...215
How to use the Tracts
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We hope and pray that this series of tracts will be uplifting to you and to those with whom you share the truth. Allow us to explain our purpose in publishing these tracts and to give you some general guidelines in our approach.
Purpose
Our approach and purpose have many facets:
• To bring awareness of various aspects of Islamic teachings from the Qur’an, ahadith [plural for Hadith], Muhammad’s practice and life, and their outworking in the lives of Muslims today, and to contrast these with the teachings and practice of Jesus, and their outworking in the lives of Christians today.
• To challenge the notion of pluralism and multiculturalism. Not all beliefs teach the same things but everyone’s beliefs about good and bad and right and wrong, are the primary motivations behind our actions. Where these differing beliefs are incompatible, conflict will result. It is important to identify these areas and to attempt to resolve areas of potential conflict. In the long run society will self-destruct if the real issues are covered up in the name of pluralism, tolerance and multiculturalism.
• To stimulate the hearts and minds of Christians and Muslims to know and follow the real Jesus—the Jesus of the Bible.
General Information
These tracts are an attempt to show the real teaching of Islam and of the real Muhammad, the founder of Islamic faith, in the light of the teachings of the Qur’an, Hadith (plural is ‘ahadith’), and earliest biographies of Muhammad by classic Muslim scholars. This is important because, just as Christians are told to follow the example of Jesus Christ, so too, Muslims are told to follow the example of their prophet Muhammad. Islam teaches that Muhammad did everything by inspiration and in obedience to Allah (Sura 53:2-41); thus obedience to Muhammad is obedience to Allah (Sura 4:802). Obviously then, it will be necessary to observe the life and practice of Jesus and of Muhammad if we are truly to understand Christianity and Islam.
Just as Christians differ in their devotion and zeal to become like Jesus, Muslims differ in their devotion and zeal to become like Muhammad. Just as some Christians have much Biblical knowledge whilst others have little, Muslims also vary in their knowledge of the Qur’an, ahadith, and Muhammad’s life and practice.
Additionally, it is important to recognize that, just as Christians have different denominations, varying in orthodoxy and practice, so do Muslims. Islam is not a monolithic faith; there are a variety of beliefs, teachings and practices amongst Muslims. There are many sects: Sunni (approx. 80%), Shia (approx. 15%), Alawi, Alevi, Ismaili, Druze, Bohra and Ahmedi. Sufis are not a sect as such, but are mystics and represented in all sects. Ummah refers to the Islamic community in general. Islam means ‘submission to Allah,’ and a Muslim is someone who has submitted.
NOTE: Islam and Christianity share many similar teachings. However, the majority of these
teachings have only a superficial similarity. The real difference comes in the practices and examples set by Muhammad and Jesus. The only effective way to evaluate a religion is not to look at its followers who differ in their zeal and knowledge, but to look at the teaching and example set by their founder. To differentiate between the real and counterfeit currency you need to focus on the differences, because focusing on similarities and ignoring the difference can be very deceptive.
The Authoritative Texts
Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an, Hadith and earliest biographies of Muhammad. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different translations). A Sura (or Surah) is identical to the concept of a chapter so a reference to Sura 1:6 is a reference to chapter one, verse (aya) 6: ‘Guide us to the Straight Way.’ The Qur’anic chapters are not organized according to chronology, but to the size of the chapter, with the exception of Sura 1. Within each chapter, there is minimal organisation. This means that careful study is required and caution must be applied as some passages have been abrogated (cancelled out) by later revelations, and there is rarely an indication from the text itself that this is the case.
Muslims believe that Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called a Hadith. There are six authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. There are many other lesser ahadith that are not considered authoritative. The majority of Muslims believe the “authentic” ahadith as true accounts of the sayings and practices of Muhammad, but there is a small minority who consider them myths.
Each chapter in this book corresponds to a tract; the text is almost exactly the same however the book contains all the references in full. Please make sure you read the tract and book and assiociated references carefully before you give it to your Muslim friend. Each tract contains a disclaimer at the start, please read and take notice as it contains vital information that will assist you in your evangelism.
The Framework of Islamic Living
The framework of a Muslim’s life is directed by the five pillars: confession of faith (the Shahada), prayer (Salat—5 times a day), alms (Zakat) to purify their earnings and help the poor, fasting (Swam), and pilgrimage (Hajj). Some Muslims believe Jihad to be another pillar of Islam, however one must always remember that Muslims are not a monolithic, united, group. They vary in their understanding and commitment to Islamic faith, teaching and practice.
How to use these tracts
1. Pray. Prayer is vitally important to protect your own mind and heart; for getting wisdom; and remembering that it is the righteousness of Jesus Christ that redeems and clothes you. Pray also for the commitment that it will take to follow this through. Pray for love (I Corinthians 13:13) for the person with whom you share the Gospel.
2. Read carefully the tract that you intend to use; read all the accompanying references. In this way, you can identify the context and are less susceptible to charges of context wresting. 3. Ask us to clarify any point, and get more information and related material. It is impossible to
include all the relevant references, examples, arguments, and other material in a two-page tract. Be as equipped as you possibly can.
4. Know the Biblical position intimately and spend more time in Scripture and prayer, rather than studying Islamic material.
5. Pray that the Holy Spirit will:
• enlighten the mind of your friend to the truth;
• free them from spiritual, cultural and social bondages that will prevent them from following the truth;
• convict them of their need of a saviour, and the righteousness of Jesus Christ; • free you from fear of Muslims and give you a love for them; and
• give you boldness, wisdom and opportunity in sharing the truth.
Be prepared to explain Christianity
Just as there are myths about Islam, so to Muslims have many misconceptions about Christianity, the concepts of the Trinity and Mary being chief among them. Be prepared to explain these concepts in detail. It would be helpful, when talking to your friend, to find out his views on Christianity and understanding of its basic truths. At the same time, get to know his/her level of understanding of Islam; get to know how seriously they follow Islam and what their beliefs and traditions are.
Always be prepared to share the Gospel
Presenting one of these tracts is no substitute for sharing the Gospel; these tracts are designed to strengthen believers in Jesus and to challenge Muslims about their faith and understanding of Islam and Muhammad. Lift Jesus high - by your attitudes, words and deeds and do not fear, because no one can compare with Him, even from the Qur’an!
Do not distribute these tracts indiscriminately. The ideal way is that the Muslim first comes to know you and witnesses Christ working through you first hand. These tracts are intense, and a person needs considerable motivation to read one. They will challenge core beliefs and the person will throw the tract away without a motivating factor of your witness pressing them to read. Discuss the topic, explore the issues; do not simply hand out a tract and think that your work is done.
Your motivation is love …
The love of Jesus Christ compels us to share the Gospel with Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and everyone else who lives and breathes. Remember that, whilst they reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ, so did you at one stage. Our goal is to make Jesus Christ not just acceptable, but irresistible. He is the only Saviour for the entire human race. The tracts attempt to highlight the standard of Allah/ Muhammad and the standard of Jesus Christ.
Some other pointers:
• Do not enter a debate - for the simple reason that it becomes a contest of wills. Discuss, answer his/her questions, but do not argue; in winning an argument, you may lose a soul. • In general share with people of the same sex (i.e., male to male and female to female).
Muslims often already view Christians as sexually immoral, so do not put yourself in such a compromising position; we are to avoid even the appearance of evil.
• Train yourself to answer from the Qur’an and not just from logic or the Bible. Provoke him/her to think.
• When asked what you think about his/her beliefs, be very wise and ensure you don’t
compromise the Gospel. Avoid insulting Muhammad, Islam, Allah etc.
• Show respect even though you may not agree with what he/she believes. Muslims usually want to know God; this is your opportunity to share the love of God.
• Do not be arrogant; it is not the strength of your arguments that will win the person, but the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
• Discuss and do not preach. Muslims have many misunderstandings, so clarify rather than preach. Remember that most Muslims will not have the years of learning, teaching and terminology that you have, so don’t use complicated terms.
May you grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ; may He grant you wisdom and boldness in sharing the life-changing Gospel of God. We hope and pray that you will be blessed by reading and using these tracts and that the Lord Jesus will draw many people to Himself through these tracts and your love for Muslims.
References
1 Sura 53:2-4, “Your comrade errs not, nor is deceived; Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. It is
nothing save an inspiration that is inspired.”
2 Sura 4:80, “He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad), has indeed obeyed Allâh, but he who turns
away, then we have not sent you (O Muhammad) as a watcher over them.”
3 I Corinthians 13:1, “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am
Sharing the Gospel
Sharing your faith is essential as a believer, it is not an optional extra. Jesus commanded his disciples to go into all the world and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-201). Additionally you are, along with
Timothy, told to preach the Gospel in season and out of season (II Timothy 4:22) and told to have
“your feet shod with the Gospel of Peace” (Ephesians 6:153). There are many other passages that
make it abundantly clear that you are required to share the Gospel. Of course, beyond all that, the love of Jesus compels you to share the grace of God with others.
Let us say at the outset that there is no ‘saving formula’ - no special rules, sayings, arguments, tracts or prayers that will guarantee that an unbeliever becomes a Christian. Secondly, people are not saved through the earnestness of your beliefs, fervor, or arguments, but as the Holy Spirit convicts them of their need for a saviour, and the righteousness of Jesus. These are not things that you can do; it is a sovereign work of God - which leads us to ponder how to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with Muslims.
How to Share the Gospel with Muslims
• Prayer. Because only the Holy Spirit can save someone, we need to spend time in prayer. Revivals in a country or in a heart never came without prayer.
• Love. You must love the person with whom you want to share the Gospel. If you don’t love them, remembering that, while you were an enemy of God, Christ loved you enough to die for you, then go back to step one and ask that the love of Jesus will fill your heart and also fill you with compassion for the lost and dying.
• Hospitality. There are numerous examples in Scripture where people were hospitable. In fact, through the example and teachings of Jesus, we know that God expects us to be hospitable. Being hospitable, welcoming people into our homes, sharing our lives, is exactly what Jesus wants to do with Muslims. Share male to male, and female to female, or else you open up the charge of immorality! Do not make friends just to share the Gospel, be genuine in your desire to care for them. Remember that we are to be a blessing to the world in word and deed.
• Understand them. Seek to understand their customs, beliefs, food, clothing and values. Understand that how they communicate is probably very different from the way you do. Seek to understand their attitude to Christ and Christianity, Allah, Muhammad and Islam. Where are they in their search for truth?
• ‘Know thyself.’ Understand your own culture from a Biblical perspective. How close is our “Christian” country to the standard that Jesus demands? Prepare your testimony.
• Identify points in common. Islam and Christianity do have some common teachings due to Muhammad’s exposure to Judaism and Christianity.
• Dialogue not debate. Do not preach! Debating pits you against him. Remember you are for him and are praying for him. Arguments that you win are likely to be souls that you lose. • Pray continually. Salvation is a sovereign work of the Holy Spirit; it cannot be timed, rushed
or manipulated. Overcoming decades of false teaching is an extremely difficult thing you are asking them to do; coupled with the fact that, if they convert, there is the strong possibility that their own families will reject them, and in some cases attempt to kill them. This is a monumental hurdle, something through which only the Holy Spirit can carry them. Pray that He will guide them and protect them.
Salvation
As you engage with the Muslim in love, and as they learn that they can trust you completely, ask probing questions regarding salvation:
1. On what basis do you expect to go to heaven?
2. If you have sinned, how should a just and moral God deal with you? 3. What does the Qur’an teach about forgiveness?
4. Do you have assurance that God will accept you? • Muhammad had no assurance (Sura 46:8-94)
• Abu Bakr had no assurance
• Allah only forgives whom he wants to forgive (Sura 2:2845; 3:1296 etc)
• Allah sends astray whom he wants (see tracts on The Straight Path, Sin, and Truth) • Good deeds bring no assurance (Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 5777 and Vol. 8, Hadith
No. 4748)
5. May I tell you what the Bible says on these things?
God and Spirit
Muslims do not like to attribute any earthly characteristics to Allah. Thus, to say that Allah must act in a righteous manner is to limit Allah’s sovereignty. The God of the Bible, on the other hand, says that He only acts in a righteous manner, in love, truth, holiness, and justice.
God desires to know us and wants us to call Him ‘Father.’ He wants fellowship and goes to great lengths to have fellowship with us because He is love. This concept is completely foreign to a Muslim.
The Christian God is Spirit, infinite, uncreated, uncaused, eternal, omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent. His nature is always and completely love, justice, holiness and mercy. He cannot be seen or comprehended by sinful man.
When differences emerge
When entering topics that have potential for argument, agree on the following rules.
• Listen, without interruption, unless there is something that isn’t clearly understood. Ask genuine questions related to the topic under discussion.
• Do not criticize each other despite differences.
• Only agree with each other when you believe the point being made is true.
• Discussions of this nature are often complex, so only deal with one topic at a time – write other topics or questions down to discuss later.
• Summarize what you have learnt from each other at the end of the discussion.
Other Challenges
Logical: Westerners and many others do not follow the same reasoning patterns as Muslims. This is
important to understand. Westerners follow logic laws: a + b = c, whereas Muslims usually follow associative laws. For example: Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country; you come from Saudi Arabia; you must be a Muslim. Or, Christianity is a Western religion; you are a Westerner; you must be a Christian.
This different way of thinking will cast many a spanner in your discussions with him, through no fault of his. Remember to keep praying and ask that the Lord will open the eyes of his heart.
Theological: Muslims do not accept that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. That is not to say they don’t
respect Him, but in their mind, to associate someone with Allah is blasphemy and unforgivable (Sura 4:489, 11610). It is critical to gently teach your friend that no Christian believes that Jesus is the result of a physical, sexual union between God and Mary. In fact, Christians, will find this just as abhorrent as Muslims will. The sonship of Jesus refers to an eternal intimate relationship between the Father and Jesus. If your friend calls himself ‘a son of the oneness of Allah,’ they will have a similar idea. Thus, it is very important to understand the doctrine of the Trinity and how to explain it in such a way that it opposes the idea of belief in three (3) gods. Also, you need to understand the Muslim’s views on Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Muslims do believe that Jesus was sinless and that He ascended into heaven (unlike Muhammad), and will return at the end of the age. Even though they believe that Jesus was sinless, they also believe that all the prophets were sinless. You need to gently show them that Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jonah, David, and Muhammad all sinned (Sura 2:35-3711; 7:22-2312; 26:8213; 28:15-1614; 37:14215;
38:24-2516; 47:1917; 48:1-218; 33:36-3819). The Qur’an records Jesus as being sinless (Sura 19:1920),
therefore do not be afraid to exalt Jesus.
Our Scriptures, Muslims believe, have been corrupted. (See our tract on the Authenticity of the Bible for further insight and help.) They believe that the Qur’an is perfect and infallible because it was revealed letter by letter by Allah to an illiterate prophet. Thus, they believe that the Qur’an is perfect in every way, although they will allow that some of the ahadith may contain errors.
In Islam the concept of original sin and the gravity of sin are completely different from that of Christianity. In Islam, there is no inherited sin and sin is a relatively minor thing that is easily forgiven. The idea of someone atoning for your sins is repugnant to Muslims, and especially the idea of a sinless person dying in your stead.
Finally, be genuine and prayerful in your approach. It is important that Muslims see the character of Christ Jesus in you. Give them a copy of the Gospel according to Luke or John and encourage them to read it for themselves. Do not denigrate the Qur’an, Allah or Muhammad, as we would not like it if they denigrated Jesus. Above all, trust that Holy Spirit will work in your friend’s life— in His time, not yours! We hope and pray that these tracts will be useful in understanding Islam and evangelism.
References
1 Matthew 28:18-20, “And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been
given unto me in heaven and on earth. 19Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations,
baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost: 20teaching them to
observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”
2 II Timothy 4:2, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with
all longsuffering and teaching.”
3 Ephesians 6:15, “And having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.”
4 Sura 46:8-9, “Or say they: He hath invented it? Say (O Muhammad): If I have invented it, still ye
have no power to support me against Allah. He is Best Aware of what ye say among yourselves concerning it. He sufficeth for a witness between me and you. And He is the Forgiving, the Merciful. Say: I am no new thing among the messengers (of Allah), nor know I what will be done with me or with you. I do but follow that which is inspired in me, and I am but a plain warner.”
5 Sura 2:284, “Unto Allah (belongeth) whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth;
and whether ye make known what is in your minds or hide it, Allah will bring you to account for it. He will forgive whom He will and He will punish whom He will. Allah is Able to do all things.”
6 Sura 3:129, “Unto Allah belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. He
forgiveth whom He will, and punisheth whom He will. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”
7 Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 577, “Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "The
good deeds of any person will not make him enter Paradise." (i.e., None can enter Paradise through his good deeds.) They (the Prophet's companions) said, 'Not even you, O Allah's Apostle?' He said, "Not even myself, unless Allah bestows His favor and mercy on me." So be moderate in your religious deeds and do the deeds that are within your ability: and none of you should wish for death, for if he is a good doer, he may increase his good deeds, and if he is an evil doer, he may repent to Allah."”
8 Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 474, “Narrated 'Aisha: The Prophet said, "Do good deeds properly,
sincerely and moderately, and receive good news because one's good deeds will not make him enter Paradise." They asked, "Even you, O Allah's Apostle?" He said, "Even I, unless and until Allah bestows His pardon and Mercy on me."”
9 Sura 4:48, “Lo! Allah forgiveth not that a partner should be ascribed unto Him. He forgiveth (all)
save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners to Allah, he hath indeed invented a tremendous sin.”
10 Sura 4:116, “Lo! Allah pardoneth not that partners should be ascribed unto Him. He pardoneth all
save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners unto Allah hath wandered far astray.”
11 Sura 2:35-37, “And We said: O Adam! Dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden, and eat ye freely (of
the fruits) thereof where ye will; but come not nigh this tree lest ye become wrong-doers. But Satan caused them to deflect therefrom and expelled them from the (happy) state in which they were; and We said: Fall down, one of you a foe unto the other! There shall be for you on earth a habitation and provision for a time. Then Adam received from his Lord words (of revelation), and He relented toward him. Lo! He is the relenting, the Merciful.”
12 Sura 7:22-23, “Thus did he lead them [Adam & Eve] on with guile. And when they tasted of the
tree their shame was manifest to them and they began to hide (by heaping) on themselves some of the leaves of the Garden. And their Lord called them, (saying): Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell you: Lo! Satan is an open enemy to you? They said: Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If thou
… (references continued from previous page)…
forgive us not and have not mercy on us, surely we are of the lost!”
13 Sura 26:82, “And Who, I [Abraham] ardently hope, will forgive me my sin on the Day of
Judgment.”
14 Sura 28:15-16, “And he [Moses] entered the city at a time of carelessness of its folk, and he found
therein two men fighting, one of his own caste, and the other of his enemies; and he who was of his caste asked him for help against him who was of his enemies. So Moses struck him with his fist and killed him. He said: This is of the devil's doing. Lo! he is an enemy, a mere misleader. He said: My Lord! Lo! I have wronged my soul, so forgive me. Then He forgave him. Lo! He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.”
15 Sura 37:142, “And the fish swallowed him [Jonah] while he was blameworthy.”
16 Sura 38:24-25, “(David) said: He hath wronged thee in demanding thine ewe in addition to his
ewes, and lo! many partners oppress one another, save such as believe and do good works, and they are few. And David guessed that We had tried him, and he sought forgiveness of his Lord, and he bowed himself and fell down prostrate and repented. So We forgave him that; and lo! he had access to Our presence and a happy journey's end.”
17 Sura 47:19, “So know (O Muhammad) that there is no God save Allah, and ask forgiveness for thy
sin and for believing men and believing women. Allah knoweth (both) your place of turmoil and your place of rest.”
18 Sura 48:1-2, “Lo! We have given thee (O Muhammad) a signal victory, That Allah may forgive
thee of thy sin that which is past and that which is to come, and may perfect His favour unto thee, and may guide thee on a right path,”
19 Sura 33:36-38, “And it becometh not a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His
messenger have decided an affair (for them), that they should (after that) claim any say in their affair; and whoso is rebellious to Allah and His messenger, he verily goeth astray in error manifest. And when thou saidst unto him on whom Allah hath conferred favour and thou hast conferred favour: Keep thy wife to thyself, and fear Allah. And thou didst hide in thy mind that which Allah was to bring to light, and thou didst fear mankind whereas Allah hath a better right that thou shouldst fear Him. So when Zeyd had performed that necessary formality (of divorce) from her, We gave her unto thee in marriage, so that (henceforth) there may be no sin for believers in respect of wives of their adopted sons, when the latter have performed the necessary formality (of release) from them. The commandment of Allah must be fulfilled. There is no reproach for the Prophet in that which Allah maketh his due. That was Allah's way with those who passed away of old - and the commandment of Allah is certain destiny.”
20 Sura 19:19, “He said: I am only a messenger of thy Lord, that I may bestow on thee a faultless
Preparing your testimony
Your testimony is not a story about you as much as it is about how God met you, and is and has been molding you. In other words, you are privileged to have the living God working in your life and should be eager to share that good news with others.
Jesus told His disciples to bear witness of Him to all the earth. Be honoured to be a witness of the grace of God! Furthermore, Jesus says in Matthew 10:33, ‘But whoever denies Me before men, I will
also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.’ In Matthew 10:32 Jesus promises, ‘Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven.’
The disciples undoubtedly were called upon frequently to testify how Jesus had changed them; Paul frequently told what God had done. Jesus himself told people to testify about what He had done (Mark 5:191). And you are commanded to always be ready to answer unbelievers. In short, your
testimony is a testimony to the power and faithfulness of God in your life (I Peter 3:152).
Your testimony is not a substitute for the Gospel even though it may concisely contain the Gospel. There are numerous dangers in confusing the two. If your testimony is particularly spectacular or powerful, and the person with whom you are sharing doesn’t have a similar experience, they may think they are not saved.
• Read numerous examples of testimonies from Scripture (Acts 26:2-29 ; I Samuel 1:9-2:4; II Kings 5:2-34; Daniel 3:16-305; John 1:38-426; Mark 5:19-207; etc).
• Ask God for guidance and wisdom (James 1:5-68);
• Talk about your past—things that people can relate to and understand. Find an interesting opening line to capture attention.
• How did you come to know that you were in need of a Saviour? How did you know that only Jesus could be that Saviour? Quote relevant Scripture verses.
• What were the main hindrances for you to become a Christian? • How has God changed your life? What are the differences now?
• How do you know that you have the forgiveness of sins? How does God enable you to overcome sin? How are you aware that you have fellowship with God? How do you know that you are going to heaven when you leave this earth?
• Ensure God gets the glory, not you!
• Practice, practice, practice. Prepare two or three different versions that emphasize different aspects of your life and conversion. Then practice, practice, practice.
• Introduce this material to a few people from your Church/Bible study/cell group or other Christian friends, and have people prepare and share their testimony with each other. Later extend your group and again have each one share his/her testimony.
Possible Pitfalls
There are some potential pitfalls in developing a personal testimony. Consider the following tips carefully:
• Don’t speak negatively about other Christians, the Church or Christian organizations. Remember you aren’t a perfect Christian. Do mention false assumptions or beliefs that you had about the Church if this is appropriate.
• This is your testimony and not a sermon. It should be natural, concise and yours. Remember it is the Lord working in your life; it doesn’t matter whether it is spectacular or not. (1 Kings 19:7ff 9cf. Mark 1:16-1810).
• Try to avoid jargon. Words that you may think are easy to understand, i.e., Bible. (There are many people today, even in the West, who do not know what a Bible is, nor that Christians consider it the Word of God.)
• Make sure it is not more than 3-5 minutes.
• Use your testimony at appropriate times and junctures. Do not foist your testimony on people who are unwilling to hear it.
Generally speaking, strangers, acquaintances and friends do not ask for your testimony without you letting them know that you are a Christian and speaking to them in such a way as to impart a knowledge of God and His love for them. This is frequently done through times of struggle, encouragement, kindnesses, practical help etc.
Living your testimony is not the same, and will never be the same, as telling someone. Imagine that your neighbour’s house is on fire. Do you first run inside your home, have a shower and put on clean clothes, have a shave etc., and then parade up and down outside their house, trying to entice them out by your lifestyle? NO! If you have concern for them you will shout at the top of your voice that they are in danger and need to get out. Simply being good will never bring someone into the Kingdom; you must have the testimony as a Christian who is led by Jesus. Without the Gospel, no one can be saved. The Bible says that God has chosen the “foolishness” of the Gospel to save (I Corinthians 1:1811, 2112
that comes through Jesus, they cannot be saved.
The general structure of your testimony should provide a before and after snapshot—how you were convicted of your sin, how you knew that Jesus alone could atone for you, plus how God is working in you today.
Final points:
Pray that God’s holiness and glory will be revealed through your testimony both in words and deeds. This is to be our priority as we have been bought at a great price and are no longer our own. It must be evident in our lives or we make God a liar and the Gospel becomes fiction to your hearer.
Be humble. You are also a sinner. The difference between you and them is that God has opened your heart. Pray that He will open their hearts.
God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (I Peter 5:513). When Jesus was confronted with
someone who was proud of their status, achievements etc, He always used the law. When Jesus was confronted with someone who knew of their state before God, He used grace. Pray that the Lord will show the person his/her need for Jesus Christ and convict him/her that righteousness is found in Jesus alone—He is the only Saviour for all!
It is God who works in you and through you. You cannot live a life that is pleasing to God apart from His enabling. Since the God of this universe lives in you, He can and will give you the courage and ability to testify about Him since that is His revealed will for everyone. God is glorified most when we are weak and rely on His grace and power!!
Pray that the Lord will give you boldness, wisdom and the opportunity to share what He has done! Be genuine.
Refresh your memory by reading the example of Paul before King Agrippa (Acts 26:2-2914). Paul
appealed to the knowledge that Agrippa had of the law; he told some positive aspects of his own life before conversion – such as his strict observance of the law. But he also told some of the negative aspects as well, i.e. that he killed the saints! He told of his conversion and his subsequent life after seeing Jesus—an inspiring and courageous presentation! Use this page to make notes and prepare your own testimony. Write Scriptural references that you know that will support your story. Remember! Your testimony should be only 3-5 minutes and is about how Jesus has been faithful to His Word.
References
1 Mark 5:19, “And he suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go to thy house unto thy friends, and tell
them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and how he had mercy on thee.”
2 I Peter 3:15, “But sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every
man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear.”
3 Acts 26:2-29, “"I think myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am to make my
defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, because you are especially familiar with all customs and controversies of the Jews; therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently. "My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and at Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee. And now I stand here on trial for hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king! Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead? "I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the
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name of Jesus of Nazareth. And I did so in Jerusalem; I not only shut up many of the saints in prison, by authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme; and in raging fury against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities. "Thus I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining round me and those who journeyed with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, `Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It hurts you to kick against the goads.' And I said, `Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, `I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you to serve and bear witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from the people and from the Gentiles -- to whom I send you to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' "Wherefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those at Damascus, then at Jerusalem and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and perform deeds worthy of their repentance. For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer, and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to the people and to the Gentiles." And as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are mad; your great learning is turning you mad." But Paul said, "I am not mad, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking the sober truth. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak freely; for I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe." And Agrippa said to Paul, "In a short time you think to make me a Christian!" And Paul said, "Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am -- except for these chains."
4 II Kings 5:2-3, “Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little maid from the land of
Israel, and she waited on Na'aman's wife. She said to her mistress, "Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Sama'ria! He would cure him of his leprosy."”
5 Daniel 3:16-30, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego answered the king, "O Nebuchadnez'zar, we
have no need to answer you in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up." Then Nebuchadnez'zar was full of fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times more than it was wont to be heated. And he ordered certain mighty men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. Then these men were bound in their mantles, their tunics, their hats, and their other garments, and they were cast into the burning fiery furnace. Because the king's order was strict and the furnace very hot, the flame of the fire slew those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego, fell bound into the burning fiery furnace. Then King Nebuchadnez'zar was astonished and rose up in haste. He said to his counselors, "Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?" They answered the king, "True, O king." He answered, "But I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods." Then Nebuchadnez'zar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace and said, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego, servants of the Most High God, come forth, and come here!" Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego came out from the fire. And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king's counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men; the hair of their heads was not singed, their mantles were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them. Nebuchadnez'zar said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set at nought the king's
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command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God. Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins; for there is no other god who is able to deliver in this way." Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego in the province of Babylon.”
6 John 1:38-42, “Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, "What do you seek?" And
they said to him, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying; and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, "So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas" (which means Peter).”
7 Mark 5:19-20, “But he refused, and said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them how much
the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decap'olis how much Jesus had done for him; and all men marveled.”
8 James 1:5-6, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and
without reproaching, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”
9 I Kings 19:7, “And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said,
Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.”
10 Mark 1:16-18, “And passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of
Simon casting a net in the sea: for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they left the nets, and followed him.”
11 I Corinthians 1:18, “For the word of the cross is to them that are perishing foolishness; but unto us
which are being saved it is the power of God.”
12 I Corinthians 1:21, “For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not
God, it was God’s good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe.”
13 I Peter 5:5, “Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with
humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.”
14 Acts 26:2-29, "I think myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am to make my
defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, because you are especially familiar with all customs and controversies of the Jews; therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently. "My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and at Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee. And now I stand here on trial for hope in the promise made by God to our fathers to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king! Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead? "I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And I did so in Jerusalem; I not only shut up many of the saints in prison, by authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme; and in raging fury against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities. "Thus I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining round me and those who journeyed with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, `Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It hurts you to kick against the goads.' And I said, `Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, `I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you to serve and bear witness to the things in which you have seen me
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and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from the people and from the Gentiles -- to whom I send you to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' "Wherefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those at Damascus, then at Jerusalem and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and perform deeds worthy of their repentance. For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer, and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to the people and to the Gentiles." And as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are mad; your great learning is turning you mad." But Paul said, "I am not mad, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking the sober truth. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak freely; for I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe." And Agrippa said to Paul, "In a short time you think to make me a Christian!" And Paul said, "Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am -- except for these chains."
The Straight Path
Sometimes, in the busyness of our daily lives, we forget that our lives are mere wisps in the span of time. We forget that there is an eternity and a God to whom we must give an account.
On Judgment Day, who are you trusting to gain your entry to heaven? Where will you be? The path you are treading, will it take you to Heaven or Hell? Scripture says:
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
All People Are Sinners
All have sined and come short of the glory of God1. This is why Muhammad was commanded by
Allah to pray for his own sins and the sins of others.
So know (O Muhammad) that there is no God save Allah, and ask forgiveness for your sin and for believing men and believing women. Allah knows (both) your place of turmoil and your place of rest.
Al Bukhari, Vol. 8 Hadith No. 407: Narrated by Abu Musa: “The prophet used to call upon Allah
saying: “O my Lord! Forgive my sins and my ignorance and my exceeding the limits (boundaries) of righteousness in all my deeds and what you know better than I. O Allah! Forgive my mistakes, those done intentionally or out of my ignorance or (without) or with seriousness, and I confess that all such mistakes are done by me. O Allah! Forgive my sins of the past and of the future which I did openly or secretly. You are the One Who makes things go before, and You are the One Who delays them, and You are the Omnipotent.”
Sahih Al-Bukhari in Vol. 8 Hadith No. 319: Narrated by Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Apostle saying,
"By Allah! I ask for forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a
day."
You cannot save yourself
Even Muhammad, knew that obedience does not guarantee entry to heaven. We read in the Qur’an: Say: I am no new thing among the messengers (of Allah), nor know I what will be done with me or with you. I do but follow that which is inspired in me, and I am but a plain Warner.” (Sura 46:9) Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 266: ...He [Muhammad] said, "As to him, by Allah, death has overtaken
him, and I hope the best for him. By Allah, though I am the Apostle of Allah, yet I do not know what Allah will do to me." By Allah, I will never assert the piety of anyone after him.
Muhammad Cannot Save You
The word ‘saviour’ does not appear in the Qur’an. For someone to save a drowning person, the saviour must be able to swim. Not just passably well, but well enough for two people. From the above quotes we have seen that Muhammad couldn’t “swim” for himself, so he can’t save you either.
When we read in Sura 26:214, “And warn your nearest kindred”, we see that Muhammad was commanded to warn his relatives. To understand this verse let us look at the following Hadith:
Muslim, Vol. 1, Hadith No.398 and Muslim, Vol. 1, Hadith No.402: Abu Huraira reported: When this
verse was revealed:
“And warn your nearest kindred” (26:214), the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) called the Quraish; so they gathered and he gave them a general warning. O sons of Hashim (name of Muhammad’s great grand father), rescue yourselves from Fire; O sons of ‘Abd al Muttalib (name of Muhammad’s grand father), rescue yourselves from Fire; O Fatimah (name of Muhammad’s most
Q. Sura Muhammad (47:19) says that Muhammad committed a sin. What sort of sin?
A. Muhammad committed various sins. Some Muslims will try and argue that they weren't real sins. But Sura 47:19 which says "“So know (O Muhammad) that Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh (none as the right to be worshipped but Allâh), and ask forgiveness for your sin [this is a big sin - lithanbika], and also for (the sin of) believing men nd believing women…." This is possibly alluding to the time when Muhammad was trying to entice converts but not many were coming. So he received a "revelation" that allowed his followers to worship other gods alongside Allah (Life of Muhammad, Ibn Ishaq, pp.165-167). The revelation was later recanted and Muhammad was told that Sura 22:52 "Never did We send a Messenger or a Prophet before you, but; when he did recite the revelation or narrated or spoke, Shaitân (Satan) threw (some falsehood) in it. But Allâh abolishes that which Shaitân (Satan) throws in. Then Allâh establishes His Revelations. And Allâh is All-Knower, All-Wise."
beloved daughter), rescue yourself from Fire, for I have no power (to protect you) from Allah in anything except this that I would sustain relationship with you. O Safiya (aunt of the Messenger of Allah) I can’t avail you at all against Allah; O Fatimah, daughter of Muhammad, ask me whatever you like, but I can’t avail you at all against Allah.
The nature of Allah makes assurance of salvation even more difficult. Abu Baker the first RightlyGuided Caliph said: “I swear to Allah that I do not feel safe from Allah’s cunning (deceit) even
if one of my feet is already in Paradise.” (Khalid Muhammad Khalid, Successors of the Apostle, p.
114, quoted by Anwar al-Jundi, Mizan al-Islam, p. 170).
Muhammad tells people to rescue themselves from fire, but as we have already seen, Muhammad could not save himself; he did not know what Allah would do to him.
Who is sinless, who can save us?
The Qur’an says that Jesus was sinless: “The angel said: I am only a messenger from the Lord that I
am bestowing on you (Mary) a sinless/pure (Zakia) son.” (Sura 19:19) Satan did not touch Jesus and
His mother Mary (Sura 3:36).
The Holy Bible says: “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,
but One [Jesus] who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)
“Therefore He [Jesus] is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)
The Qur’an says that Jesus is the Word of God and Spirit of God (Sura 3:452; 4:1713; 19:344; 21:915);
as such, He has immense value! God creates everything through His Word (Sura 2:1176; 3:477, 598;
6:739; 16:4010; 19:3511; 36:8212; 40:6813). The Holy Bible confirms the same in Psalm 33:614. Therefore, The Word is both creative and eternal. Furthermore regarding the Word of God, the Holy Bible says:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) Before you say that the Holy Bible has been corrupted, you need to ask yourself: Can a mortal man
change the words of the Almighty? Before you say that Christians worship three gods, you need to ask
yourself; Do Christians really worship three gods? Have you ever read the Holy Bible? A suspect should be considered innocent until proven guilty!
Salvation in the Holy Bible
...But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
(Romans 5:8)
If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)
But as many as received Him [Jesus], to them gave he power to become the sons of God, to them that
believe on his name. (John 1:12)
Jesus said: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
But even though we are sinners, guilty before a Holy God, God loves us very much, and has lavished His love upon us by sending Christ Jesus, the Word of God, into this world to identify with us as a man, and to die in our place as payment for our sins! Even while we were still in our sins, enemies of God, He did this for us! What a marvellous love God has for us; He paid our ransom by the voluntary death of Jesus on the cross!
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans
The penalty for our sin is death, but Jesus, being sinless, and the eternal Word of God, came into this world to die for our sins. Were Jesus only sinless and a perfect prophet, He could only have died for the sin of one person. But being the eternal Word of God, his sacrifice is able to pay for the sins of all mankind. He also offers us the gift of eternal life and invites us to live with Him for eternity!
Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins and rose again on the third day, victorious over death, winning the ultimate victory in history; but each one of us must choose to receive this free gift. If you refuse to receive this gift, you cannot enjoy the benefits of the gift. A gift is given, not earned – indeed, the giver would have the right to be offended if you attempted to offer some form of payment. You cannot put God in your debt! God desires us to humbly receive this gift with a thankful heart. To “confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord” means that you must agree with God that: 1) you are a sinner and that you deserve to die; 2) You cannot save yourself from hell fire; 3) The Lord Jesus paid the penalty for your sins on the cross and He bought you with His precious blood; and 4) You need Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour. If you wish to receive the forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ by faith, you need only to open your heart and ask God in your own words, similar to the following:
Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I admit that my good works can’t take away my sins and I receive You as my
Lord and Saviour. Cleanse me from my sins with your precious blood, and help me to walk according to your will. Thank you for providing a way for me to draw near to You. Amen.
References
1 Romans 3:23 “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
2 Sura 3:45, “(And remember) when the angels said: O Mary! Lo! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a
word from him, whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, illustrious in the world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (unto Allah).”
3 Sura 4:171, “O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught
concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not "Three" - Cease! (it is) better for you! - Allah is only One Allah. Far is it removed from His Transcendent Majesty that He should have a son. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is sufficient as Defender.”
4 Sura 19:34, “Such was Jesus, son of Mary: (this is) a statement of the truth concerning which they
doubt.”
5 Sura 21:91, “And she who was chaste, therefore We breathed into her (something) of Our Spirit and
made her and her son a token for (all) peoples.”
6 Sura 2:117, “The Originator of the heavens and the earth! When He decreeth a thing, He saith unto
it only: Be! and it is.”
7 Sura 3:47, “She said: My Lord! How can I have a child when no mortal hath touched me? He said:
So (it will be). Allah createth what He will. If He decreeth a thing, He saith unto it only: Be! and it is.”
8 Sura 3:59, “Lo! the likeness of Jesus with Allah is as the likeness of Adam. He created him of dust,
then He said unto him: Be! and he is.”
9 Sura 6:73, “He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in truth. In the day when He saith: Be! it
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is. His Word is the Truth, and His will be the Sovereignty on the day when the trumpet is blown. Knower of the Invisible and the Visible, He is the Wise, the Aware.”
10 Sura 16:40, “And Our word unto a thing, when We intend it, is only that We say unto it: Be! and it
is.”
11 Sura 19:35, “It befitteth not (the Majesty of) Allah that He should take unto Himself a son. Glory
be to Him! When He decreeth a thing, He saith unto it only: Be! and it is.”
12 Sura 36:82, “But His command, when He intendeth a thing, is only that He saith unto it: Be! and it
is.”
13 Sura 40:68, “ He it is Who quickeneth and giveth death. When He ordaineth a thing, He saith unto
it only: Be! and it is.”
14 Psalms 33:6, “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all
Sin in Christianity and Islam
Many people think that all religions teach the same set of moral values with only minor variations. Factual understanding of the major doctrines of Jesus and Allah/Muhammad reveal superficial similarities but also that the teachings are often very different. As a result, the actions that stem from these beliefs are also different.
The Source of Sin
In Islam, the origin of sin is Allah. Islam claims that humans were created in a state of equilibrium;
sinless at birth (Sura 16:781; Pickthall 30:302 & 98:53) and with pure Islamic faith (Bukhari, Vol. 8,
Hadith No. 5974). The Qur’an makes it perfectly clear that no person is really free to choose good or
evil, Allah leads people astray.
Sura 7:178, ‘Whomsoever Allâh guides, he is the guided one, and whomsoever He sends astray, those!
They are the losers.’ (see also Sura 7:1795; 13:316 95:4-57; 4:1428; 39:579).
Thus, in Islam, Adam did not bring sin into the world. Indeed Allah had destined Adam to sin—40 years before he created him (Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 61110; see also Sura 9:5111).
In Christianity, humans are believed to be born sinners by virtue of Adam’s sin We inherit a sinful
Definition of Sin
In Islam, sin is sometimes intention of heart (except unbelief) (Sura 33:513; Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith
No. 114; cf 2:28415); but other times it is only wrong actions (Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith 49816).
The Qur’an recognizes that all living persons are inherently good, and it is their actions and devotion to Allah that enables them to obtain salvation. Even demons are capable of regaining salvation (Ibn Kathir on 55:7117)
In Christianity, sin includes actions, but is primarily wrong thoughts, desires and inclinations, a
rebellious defiance of God (Exodus 20:1718; Matthew 5:2819; Romans 1:2120; I John 2:1521) as these
are the source of your actions (Matthew 12:3422; Luke 6:4523).
The Seriousness of Sin
In Christianity, there is no changing standard regarding sin: the standard is always God’s holiness. Be holy for I am Holy (Leviticus 11:4524; 19:225; I Peter 1:1626); I the Lord do not change (Malachi 3:627; Hebrews 13:828); and All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:2329).
For example, adultery is completely forbidden (Matthew 5:27-2830), whereas in Islam, limited
prostitution is permitted (Sura 24:3331; 4:2432; 33:3733).
Unlike Christianity Islam does not consider all sin equally wrong. Sins are divided into different categories, but are most usefully separated into greater and lesser sins. There are several lists of great sins (albeit conflicting), which can be summarized as:
1. To join partners in worship with Allah; 2. To practice sorcery;
3. Murder without just (legal) cause;
4. To charge usury (money lent at high interest); 5. To consume the property of an orphan; 6. To be a coward in battle;
7. To be undutiful to one's parents; 8. To give a false witness (lying);
9. To kill your child lest he should share your food with you (i.e. poverty);
10. To commit illegal sexual intercourse with the wife of your neighbour (a.k.a., adultery);
11. Alcohol; and
12. Gambling.
Even though these are listed as great sins, they are obviously not seen as very serious according to Muhammad’s teachings.
As seen above, though adultery is forbidden, prostitution (Sura 24:3334) and limited (temporary)
marriage are permissible (Sura 4:2435). Thus, in Islam, the seriousness, and even the definition of sin
varies. For example, alcohol is forbidden on earth (Sura 5:90-9136) but in Islamic Paradise, alcohol is
allowed (Sura 56:1837; 76:538, 1739; 78:3440). On earth, Islam forbids more than 4 wives (excepting
temporary wives, and concubines) and adultery (Sura 4:341), but in Islamic Paradise, 72 virgins
(at-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 106742, 149443 [Alim Software]; see Sura 56:22-4044; Ibn Kathir on 55:72**45)
and boys (Sura 52:2446; 56:1747; 76:1948).
Lying is generally forbidden, but the doctrine of Al-Taqiyya [legal right of a Muslims to deceive non- Muslims] permits lying. Muhammad believed that lying was acceptable and said,
‘Allah willing, if ever I take an oath to do something, and later on I find that it is more beneficial to do something different, I will do the thing which is better, and give expiation for my oath.’ (Bukhari, Vol. 4., Hadith No. 361). Allah had taught in the Qur’an that, Muslims are not bound by their oaths (Sura 66:249).
Lying is permitted because Allah can deceive. In fact, Allah calls himself the greatest of deceivers [Allaahu Khayrul-maakiriin]. (Sura 3:5450; 8:3051) and leads people astray (Sura 4:8852, 14353; 7:17854,18655; 13:2756, etc). Murder, even though it is a great sin, is actually commanded to prevent or
