Issue 9, Jun 2008
How does the Muslim Faith differ with the Christian Faith on the basic questions of life and death? In the next months we will explore some of the fundamental differences. Our prayer is that we will see clearly the differences and that we will be strengthened in our Christian Faith.

 

We begin with the question: How Can I Have The Certainty of Eternal Life

 

The Qur’an answers that to gain paradise one is to believe in the God of Abraham, who is Allah; be a Muslim, “one who submits” to Allah; acknowledge that Allah is the living God, and that Muhammad is his prophet.

 

This, however, is not all that is required for certainty. According to the Qur’an, you must live the life of a Muslim. That is, you must pray, observing the ablutions and prescribed prayers; you must pay the poor dues; you must observe Ramadan, and you must attend the Hajj once in your life time, if possible. A person’s good works must out-weigh the bad deeds on the scales of justice at the final judgment (Surah 7:42). Those who take their life in Jihad will enter Paradise immediately, “if they have no outstanding debts,” or “major problem.”

 

The certainty of paradise is always in question. How can I be sure that the scales of justice will tip in my favor? All believers in Allah must go over the “bridge of hell” and be purged before they enter Paradise. A Muslim “submits” to the will of Allah, but what has Allah willed? Has Allah willed that I should be in paradise or hell? These questions arise in view of what the Qur’an states: “Allah sendeth astray whom He will, and whom He will He guideth” (Surah 74:31), and “If We [Allah] had so willed, We could have given every soul its guidance, but….I will fill hell with the jinn and mankind together” (Surah 32:13). The question of one’s final destiny remains doubtful.

 

We Christians also ask: How can I Have The Certainty of Eternal Life?

 

The Bible states that one may have certainty of eternal life through Jesus, the Lamb of God, who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins. The question is asked in the Book of Revelations, “These in white robes (before the throne of God) – who are they, and where did they come from?” The clear answer is given, “They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Rev 7:13-15).

 

Jesus’ perfect life and sacrificial death are sufficient atonement to pay for all of the sins of the world. On the cross Christ accomplished the “great exchange.” He took my sins and in exchange gave me forgiveness. He took my condemnation and in exchange gave me his righteousness. He took my death and in exchange gave me life eternal. Through faith in him the “great exchange” becomes mine. This eternal life in Christ is a present reality that continues on to eternity. Through daily repentance and faith, “the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin” (1 Jn 1:7). One can be certain that trusting in Jesus as Savior, he or she shall indeed enter paradise. This gives great “comfort and joy” to one presently and until his or her dying day.

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By Rev. Rick Richter, author of “The Qur’an and the Bible – A Comparison.” www.churchpress.com.