The Difference Between Christianity and Islam
The Difference Between Christianity and Islam
Islam, as revealed in the recent actions of the Ayatollah, is a religion of legalistic demands and merciless vengeance. True Christianity, on the opposite side of the spectrum, is characterized by love, forgiveness, and internal obedience to the indwelling Holy Spirit. Christianity will overcome the power of Islam by coming in an opposite spirit of love and forgiveness, rather than hatred, control, and vindictive violence.
In comparing Islam and Christianity, a good beginning is to examine the lives of Jesus and Mohammed. Jesus lived a sinless life, whereas Mohammed prayed earnestly and frequently for forgiveness of his sins. Jesus never conducted any bloody crusades, however, Mohammed fought or led in 66 battles. Jesus never ordered the death of anyone; Mohammed ordered the death of many men and women who refused to be converted to Islam.
Jesus’s goal was to establish His kingdom internally in the heart of man first, and then let it affect the world; Mohammed wanted an earthly empire built by external obedience. Christianity is based on mercy and love for its enemies, whereas Islam requires the sword for its enemies. Jesus was crucified for the sins of the world and was resurrected on the third day. Mohammed died from pneumonia at age 62.
The Koran accurately describes the life, ministry, and divinity of Jesus Christ; however, the importance of the Cross is devalued because of the belief that Jesus “cast his likeness onto another man and that another man was crucified instead of Jesus.“3 Redemption and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ are irrelevant to most Muslims, whereas for Christians it is a fundamental belief.
Muslims believe salvation is by works and repentance from sin. Therefore the power of atonement resident in the Cross is of no relevance. The Cross is just an empty religious symbol. For Christians, however, the cross is the avenue to becoming a new creature in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17). The sinful nature of man, which can’t be changed by good deeds, must be dealt with, and a sinless sacrifice is needed to present to God. Thus the Cross is not only significant for atonement; it is the place of reconciliation between God and man.
How will the “Satanic fury” of militant Islam be stopped? There is only one force in the world which has the power to deliver man from hatred and violence – and that is the Christian gospel. The message of Jesus Christ’s love and atonement has, in past centuries, tamed the barbarians of northern Europe, civilized the West, caused wars to cease, and liberated nations from dictatorship. It will be no different in the Muslim world. One day Christian liberty will blanket the Middle East, and the world will be a much safer place as a result.
Islam, as revealed in the recent actions of the Ayatollah, is a religion of legalistic demands and merciless vengeance. True Christianity, on the opposite side of the spectrum, is characterized by love, forgiveness, and internal obedience to the indwelling Holy Spirit. Christianity will overcome the power of Islam by coming in an opposite spirit of love and forgiveness, rather than hatred, control, and vindictive violence.
In comparing Islam and Christianity, a good beginning is to examine the lives of Jesus and Mohammed. Jesus lived a sinless life, whereas Mohammed prayed earnestly and frequently for forgiveness of his sins. Jesus never conducted any bloody crusades, however, Mohammed fought or led in 66 battles. Jesus never ordered the death of anyone; Mohammed ordered the death of many men and women who refused to be converted to Islam.
Jesus’s goal was to establish His kingdom internally in the heart of man first, and then let it affect the world; Mohammed wanted an earthly empire built by external obedience. Christianity is based on mercy and love for its enemies, whereas Islam requires the sword for its enemies. Jesus was crucified for the sins of the world and was resurrected on the third day. Mohammed died from pneumonia at age 62.
The Koran accurately describes the life, ministry, and divinity of Jesus Christ; however, the importance of the Cross is devalued because of the belief that Jesus “cast his likeness onto another man and that another man was crucified instead of Jesus.“3 Redemption and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ are irrelevant to most Muslims, whereas for Christians it is a fundamental belief.
Muslims believe salvation is by works and repentance from sin. Therefore the power of atonement resident in the Cross is of no relevance. The Cross is just an empty religious symbol. For Christians, however, the cross is the avenue to becoming a new creature in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17). The sinful nature of man, which can’t be changed by good deeds, must be dealt with, and a sinless sacrifice is needed to present to God. Thus the Cross is not only significant for atonement; it is the place of reconciliation between God and man.
How will the “Satanic fury” of militant Islam be stopped? There is only one force in the world which has the power to deliver man from hatred and violence – and that is the Christian gospel. The message of Jesus Christ’s love and atonement has, in past centuries, tamed the barbarians of northern Europe, civilized the West, caused wars to cease, and liberated nations from dictatorship. It will be no different in the Muslim world. One day Christian liberty will blanket the Middle East, and the world will be a much safer place as a result.
Hey... I think we all need this lesson!!!