The Difference Between Islam and Christianity
Many youths growing up in family that have migrated from the Middle East, and unsure of their own spirituality. I have heard some of these youths saying that Allah is the same as the God of the Christians. That salvation is primarily an act of being sincere and doing right things. Because Jesus is mentioned in the Qur’an (Koran), therefore He must is a prophet like Mohammed. All of these views are wrong.
It is interesting to see this difference in what we mean by “Salvation.” Ergun Caner Emir Caner writes as an Arabic speaking woman, who grew up in a Muslim community. Her book “Out of the Crescent Shadows” is an excellent starting place for young people unsure of their salvation. She writes particular for young women, but the truths apply to men also.She writes about salvation in Islam: “But after them there followed a posterity who missed prayers and followed after lusts; soon, then, they will face destruction, – Except those who repent and believe, and work righteousness: for these will enter the garden and will not be wronged in the least.” (Surah 19:59-60).
In Islam, salvation is structured precisely upon three conditions: repentance, faith, and works. Without all of these working in tandem, it is not possible for a Muslim to obtain heaven. Yet, by working sincerely through the five pillars of Islam (creed, prayers, almsgiving, fasting, and pilgrimage) and adhering to the six major doctrines of Islam (monotheism, angels, revelations, prophets, judgment, and heaven/hell), the Muslim thus places her hope, however insecure it may be in Allah’s mercy.
Whereas in Christianity repentance (turning away from sin) and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ join together to bring salvation (Acts 20:21, Romans 10:9-10), repentance has a far different connotation in Islam. The Qur’an explains of repentance, “Except for those who repent, mend (their lives), hold fast to Allah, and purify their religion as in Allah’s sight: if so they will be (numbered) with the Believers. And soon will Allah grant to the Believers a reward of immense value” Surah 4:146).
Notice that repentance is only the first step in a lifelong process toward salvation, which is only granted if the woman succeeds in this process. In addition to contrition, the woman herself must supplement her repentance by 1) changing her ways, 2) standing firm in her faith, and 3) purifying her religion in order to earn the rewards of heaven. On the other hand, Christianity declares that salvation by faith results in a changed life and a pure faith. To the Muslim, the work of earning salvation lasts a lifetime; for the Christian, Christ has done the work of salvation. It is a free gift, and the justified then live by faith (Galatians 3:11). The life’s work of a Christian springs from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. But Christ’s gift of salvation is complete, final, and unearned.
A Christian who understands grace believes that the grace that saved you is the same grace that keeps you. The surrendered life of the Christian becomes like a vessel; Christ lives in and through her. A Christian no more woks for sanctification than she does for salvation. Instead, grace works in the life of the open vessel, changing her from within. Whereas in Islam surrendering one’s life to Allah creates a structured salvation based on works, in Christianity, surrendering one’s life to Jesus Christ releases one from the burden of attempting to satisfy God in the Law (Romans 7).
In witnessing to a Muslim, this freedom must be proclaimed. A Muslim believes that “every man’s fate is fastened on his own neck” (Surah 17:13). On the Day of Judgement, Allah will weigh the good works with the bad works. If the good out weights the evil, “they will attain salvation” (Surah 23:102). But to those whose evil works are predominant, even if they call themselves a faithful follower of Allah, they will “have lost their souls; in Hell will they abide” (Surah 23:103).
But one must remember that Jesus Christ did not come to make a bad person good; Jesus Christ came to make a dead person alive (Ephesians 2:1-10). To attempt to work one’s way to heaven is futile, not to mention spiritually exhausting. Perhaps there is no better illustration than from the Qur’an itself. Observe how difficult it is for a man or woman to have a viable chance of Paradise:
“For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah’s praise, for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and great reward” (Surah 33:35).
Within this one verse are no fewer than ten conditions for obtaining a “great reward.”
The contrast is immense. Salvation is through Jesus Christ whom we received by faith through God’s grace.
Never be swayed away from your great Christian heritage.
GORDON MOYES
