Issue 10, Jul 2008
How does the Muslim Faith differ with the Christian Faith on the basic questions of life and death? We are exploring 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.

 

This month we ask: What is the nature of humankind?

 

The Qur’an presents human beings as basically upright, like Adam was when he was created. Human beings are “weak” and may sin in time of testing and temptation, but Allah is merciful. He does not demand more than human beings are able to accomplish. The inner motive of what “proceeds from the heart” is not emphasized. The commandments and Allah’s justice do not demand perfection. Good deeds outweigh the bad. Allah diminishes his justice to accommodate man’s weakness. He is forgiving. Sin is softened. Allah's justice is dampened.

 

However, the Qur’an states repeatedly and frequently that human beings will face judgment. They must “surrender” to Allah, must observe the Five Pillars of a godly life, and must ask for forgiveness before they die. Hopefully the scales of justice will balance in one’s favor. If not, one will endure purging by fire over the bridge of hell.

 

The Bible presents human beings as created in the image of God. In that perfect state they reflected the glory of God. However, they fell from that state because of the temptation of Satan. They “fell” into a state of sin; henceforth all humankind is born sinful (cf. David's confession after his adultery with Bathsheba, Ps 51:5).

 

This explains why every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood (Genesis 8:21). It explains why it is “human nature” to be rebellious and indifferent to God; selfish and neglectful to our fellow human beings. It is not hard to sin. Sin is not a weakness, merely an inclination to disobey. One does not have to think, “Now I will think or do something that is wrong.” Sinning comes naturally. Since “out of the heart proceed evil thoughts” (Genesis 6:4-6), quite naturally. Human beings are sinful and unable in any way to rescue themselves from their predicament.

 

In view of this, how does God save humankind? Does he diminish his justice and accommodate himself to man’s weakness? Does he deny his love and condemn all sinners to eternal death? How does God satisfy both his love and his justice? The Bible reveals that God, in mercy, out of pure, undeserved love, came in the person of his Son. The Lord God became a human being, lived our life, died our death, and paid the price we could not pay. He atoned for our sins; thus, he fully satisfied both his love and his justice (cf. John 3:16-21).

 

This amazing grace of God in Jesus, his Son, has freed us from the curse of God’s holy Law; has given to us forgiveness of our sins and eternal life as gifts. God’s love met his justice in the life, death, and resurrection of his Son. God remains God. God remains merciful and righteous. Neither God’s love nor his justice are compromised, nor is humankind abandoned. In his amazing grace God found a way for humankind to have friendship and intimate fellowship with him. It is by God’s grace through faith in his Son (cf. Romans 3). _____________________________________________________

 

Rick Richter is the author of “The Qur’an and the Bible – A Comparison.” www.Churchpress.com.