“Basic Differences Between Islam and Christianity”

            To show the basic differences between Islam and Christianity, all I would need to do is post a picture of the twin towers of the Trade Center on September, 11, 2001.  Muslims try to convince us that this was done by a small radical fringe element and that the Muslim people worship the same God that we do.  They claim they only want peace and harmony with Christians.  However, the Qur’an teaches Muslims that Christians are the enemy.  “Fight those who believe not in God (That’s us –DAB) nor the last day…..nor acknowledge the religion of truth (that’s them-DAB)…..until they pay the Jizya (tribute tax-DAB) with willing submission.” (Qur’an 9:29)  The very name “Islam” is an Arabic word for “submission.”  In 5:52 and 9:23 they are PROHIBITED from taking Christians for friends, and those who do will be counted as wrongdoers.

            Obviously space prohibits an in depth study of the differences between the Islamic beliefs and the Bible.  Here are some of the key points.

            Muslims claim that “Ishmael,” rather than Isaac, was the son promised  to Abraham and that God’s promises would flow through him.  The Qur’an claims that Ishmael purified God’s house and raised its foundations (2:126, 128); that he was one of the patriarchs (2:137; 3:85); that he was exalted with Elisha, Jonah and Lot (6:87); and that he was a messenger and prophet (19:55).  However, the Bible says that Ishmael would be “a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward his brothers.” (Gen. 16:12)

            The Muslims claim to be believers in Jesus when they talk with Christians.  They offer a booklet, “We Believe in Jesus.”  But nothing could be further from the truth!  The Qur’an declares,  “Allah has not taken on a son nor is there any deity along with Him…” (23:91)  The Qur’an denies that Jesus is God’s son, it denies His resurrection, and Muslims discount His message and call it lies.

            The Bible teaches that there are three persons in the Godhead (Matt. 28:19; 1 John 5:7; Rom. 15:15) and they are the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (John 1:1-2; Acts 5:3-4).  The Qur’an teaches, “….So believe in ALLAH and HIS Messengers, and say not, ‘they are three.’  Desist, it will be better for you.  Verily, ALLAH is the only One God.  Holy is HE, far above having a son.” (4:172)  Further, the Bible teaches that Jesus was, is, and forever will be, God (John 1:1-2, 14;  5:18; 10:30; 14:9; 1245; 20:28; Mk. 2:5-10; Rom. 9:5; Col. 2:9; 1 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 1:3).  The Qur’an teaches that one who confesses Jesus as God is an “unbeliever” and is “forbidden heaven” and deserves “fire” and “grievous punishment.” 

            The Muslim disposition toward those who disagree with them is ISLAMIC JIHAD.  They consider all who are non-Muslims the enemy and give only three choices for us; 1) Convert to Islam; 2) Pay the protection tax and agree not to oppose Islam; 3) or die.

            The Nation of Islam is not a far away place that is insignificant to us.  It is a religious system with religious ideals that has become the greatest threat, not just to our way of life, but to our ability to function in peace as Christians.  Over one fifth of the world is now Muslim and it is the fastest growing religion in the United States.  Don’t be duped into thinking that they desire peace with Christianity.  We need to fight back, not with violence and hatred, but with the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Every Christian MUST be actively engaged as a soldier of our Lord.  Eph 6:10-17,  Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual [forces] of wickedness in the heavenly [places.] Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,

and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil [one.] And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.