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The Lord Jesus in contrast with Muhammad
A concise comparison of Muhammad and the Lord Jesus Christ, the Quran and the Bible, who the Lord Jesus is and what He did, their respective messages of salvation, and means of spreading such faith.
Does the Quran agree with the Bible, or is it proven to contradict such, especially concerning Who Christ was and What He Did? Did Muhammad promote physical violence in the name of Islam, or is it a religion of peace? What does the Bible say about the Lord Jesus Christ, and what did He say concerning these things. This issue is a cause of much controversy today, yet sadly very few seem to be willingly to carefully examine what both original sources declare on such subjects. It is indeed of critical importance know what the overall statements of both are, as it relates not only to the present controversy of physical violence, but above all to ones eternal destiny.
As regards the former, if Muhammad did indeed promote “Jihad” and retaliation by physical force and blood shed, then it would be disobedience for a true Quran-believing muslim to NOT practice physical violence and brutality in retaliation against enemies and in seeking to "establish submission to Allah. "
Likewise it would wrong for a true Bible-believing CHRISTian to practice physical violence or coercion in bringing souls to yield to their Lord and Saviour, JESUS CHRIST in the true light of the Biblical Gospel of CHRIST.
In regard to the ones soul, the necessity of trusting in Christ and His death and resurrection for salvation is made clear by Him, while Muhammad's denials of both (the Biblical Christ and His work of redemption) and instead his message (often by the sword) of salvation through submission to Islam is the ultimate theme of the Quran.
This study will be divided into five main sections, comparing what the Bible says versus that of the Quran.
1. The manifest identity of the Lord Jesus
2. The message of salvation (each one's gospel).
3. His message concerning retaliation and means of proclaiming His message of salvation
4. Type of kingdom and distinction made between “church and State.”
5. Heaven and Hell and the choice to be made.
A compilation of many of the clear statements concerning who and what the Lord Jesus did, and His commands given by the Holy Spirit of GOD concerning the conduct of Christians towards each other, the lost, enemies, and the secular government
(Words in parenthesis within Bible scriptures are mine; likewise words within the Quran in brackets are also added for clarification ).
Christ's Identity
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten (very own, unique, one of a kind; uncreated) Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. Jn. 1:1, 14; 3:16, 17, 36
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation (final, complete payment) for our sins.
And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1Jn. 4:10, 14-16
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1Tim. 3:16
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2Cor. 5:19.
The true Gospel versus “another gospel,” against which the Holy Spirit expressly warns (Gal. 1:6-9; 2Cor. 11:1-4, 13-15).
A false gospel always distorts or denies the revelation of the one True and Living GOD of Creation and of the Bible.
The devil. who lusts after God's honor and power, works to misrepresent the Lord Jesus Christ and misconstrue His true gospel.
If man can somehow gain eternal life with God and escape Hell on some merit of his own, or if God will allow man into Heaven without the required righteousness (which no man has of himself), or escape the just punishment of Hell without the required atonement, then God would not be a absolutely Holy and perfectly Just as own statements declare Him to be. But if sinful, but repentant-believing man can be forgiven on His Sons expense (His blood shed in death for our sins), and be accepted on Christ's account (His righteousness), THEN man is reconciled to God justly and righteously, and empowered to live practically according to his gifted position by the power of the Holy Ghost; and progressively so.
Only the Son sent from the Father, because of Who He is and what He did, is able to do what no religion nor secular power can do.
Death and Resurrection proclaimed; the central facts of the gospel
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures (as predicted); And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 1Cor 15:3-6
Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that He should be holden of it.
This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. Acts 2:23, 24, 32, 33
Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth:
Who his own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him. 1Pt. 2:22, 24, 3:18, 22
For He (God the Father) hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 2Cor. 5:21
The basic gospel message that the original apostles (approx. 35-90 AD.) preached:
"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that GOD is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him. The word which GOD sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (He is Lord of all:)
That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How GOD anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him GOD raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of GOD, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of GOD to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify GOD.
Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid these men that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." Acts 10:34-48
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. .. did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. (Acts 2:42, 47).
Muhammad denies all of the above
They misbelieve (are infidels) who say, 'Verily, Allah is the Messiah the son of Mary;' but the Messiah said, 'O children of Israel! worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord;' verily, he who associates aught with Allah, Allah hath forbidden him Paradise, and his resort is the Fire, and the unjust shall have none to help them.
They misbelieve who say, 'Verily, Allah is the third of three;' for there is no Allah but one, and if they do not desist from what they say, there shall touch those who misbelieve amongst them grievous woe. Will they not turn again towards Allah and ask pardon of Him? for Allah is forgiving and merciful.The Messiah the son of Mary is only a prophet: prophets before him have passed away; and his mother was a confessor; they used both to eat food.- See how we explain to them the signs, yet see how they turn aside! 5:76-79
....... and for their misbelief, and for their saying about Mary a mighty calumny, and for their saying, 'Verily, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, the apostle of Allah,'... but they did not kill him, and they did not crucify him, but a similitude was made for them. And verily, those who differ about him are in doubt concerning him; they have no knowledge concerning him, but only follow an opinion. They did not kill him, for sure! nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; for Allah is mighty and wise! 4:155-56
[The accusation of Islam is that the Bible was changed to say such things as Jesus being the Son of God, and that He died and rose again, However, such a change would require an almost complete rewriting of the entire New Testament, and substantial changes of the Old; neither of which suppositions the abundant manuscript evidence, experiential proofs, or logic will in any way support in the light of the facts. Not one of the over 5,000 partial or full Biblical manuscripts that have been found (dating back as early as the first century), in any way supports the above charge of Islam. True believers can offer abundant cause-effect testimony to Christ's resurrection power. And if the predominant religion after the 4th century (Romanism) changed the Bible, then they did a very poor job as the Bible (which they once forbade the public to read) soundly reproves the aberrations of Christianity which the Roman church has historically manifested. (MT. 15:1-14; 24; 2Cor.11:1-4, 12-15; Gal.1:6-9; etc.).]
And we followed up the footsteps of these (prophets) with Jesus the son of Mary, confirming that which was before him and the Law, and we brought him the Gospel, wherein is guidance and light, verifying what was before it of the law, and a guidance and an admonition unto those who fear. Then let the people of the gospel judge by that which is revealed therein, for whoso will not judge by what Allah has revealed, these be the evildoers.
We have revealed to thee the Book in truth verifying what was before it, and preserving it; judge then between them by what Allah has revealed, and follow not their lusts, turning away from what is given to thee of the truth. 5:48-52
[If Muhammad here appeals to the Bible as a verifying source of Truth, how can Islam now say the Bible was altered to declare the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, the Son of GOD, when abundant Biblical manuscript evidence from before the time of Muhammad exists, all of which testifies to the claims of CHRIST as being the Divine Son of GOD, and that He died for our sins and rose again to glory, as Savior and Judge? There simply is no evidence to support these claims of Islam. See Lk.1:1-4; Acts 1:1-11; 10:34-44; 1Cor.15:1-7; 1Pet. 2:24; 3:18-22]
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Response to enemies and means of spreading the faith
The Lord forbids unforgiveness and retaliation, as well as "waging war after the flesh" in spreading His Kingdom (as it is spiritual, and to enter into it ye must be born of the Spirit: Jn.3:3-7).
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of GOD.
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
.. if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Mt.5:39-44; 6:15
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Rom 12:19-21
For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not
steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Rom.13:9,10
For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with GOD.
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. 1Pt. 2:20-25
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2Cor. 10:3-5
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places Eph. 6:12
Note the response to opposition manifest in Christ Himself and His chosen apostles:
And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots Lk. 23:33, 34
Steven's reproof of the Pharisees, etc.
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep Acts 7:51-60.
A compilation of the consistently contrasting (with Christ) commands of Muhammad relative to all the above (verse numbers vary by translations).
Misbelievers-infidels defined
They misbelieve (are infidels) who say, 'Verily, Allah is the Messiah the son of Mary; Sura 5:76
They would fain that ye misbelieve as they misbelieve, that ye might be alike; take ye not patrons from among them until they too flee in Allah's way; but if they turn their backs, then seize them and kill them wheresoever ye find them, and take from them neither patron nor help, - save those who reach a people betwixt whom and you is an alliance - or who come to you while their bosoms prevent them from fighting you or fighting their own people. Sura 4:91
And fight for the cause of Allah against you: but commit not the injustice of attacking them first: Allah loveth not such injustice:
And kill them wherever ye shall find them, and eject them from wherever they have ejected you; for civil discord is worse than carnage: yet attack them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they attack you therein; but if they attack you, slay them. Such is the reward of the infidels.
Fight therefore against them till there be no more civil discord, and the only worship be of Allah: But if they desist, then verily Allah is gracious, merciful The sacred month for the sacred month; for all sacred things demand retaliation; and whoso transgresses against you, transgress against him like as he trans-gressed against you; but fear ye Allah, and know that Allah is with those who fear. 2:186-187, 189, 190,191
Those who believe fight in the way of Allah; and those who disbelieve fight in the way of Taghut; fight ye then against the friends of Satan, verily, Satan's tricks are weak 4:78
And when ye knock about in the earth ( more lit. when ye go forth to war in the land), it is no crime to you that ye come short in prayer, if ye fear that those who disbelieve will set upon you verily, the misbelievers are your obvious foes. 4:103.
The reward of those who make war against Allah and His Apostle, and strive after violence in the earth, is only that they shall be slaughtered or crucified, or their hands cut off and their feet on alternate sides, or that they shall be banished from the land;- that is a disgrace for them in this world, and for them in the next is mighty woe; save for those who repent before ye have them in your power, for know ye that Allah is forgiving, merciful. 5:36, 37
[War against Allah" can be understood to be non-submission to Islam and the active practice of other religions, esp. Judaism and Christianity (Sura 8:39,40): thus the justification of violence against them by fundamental Islam, when it rules the land]
The truest meaning of Islamic submission is too often manifest: the suppression by force of all that is actively contrary to Islam, rather than persuading souls by spiritual means to seek the truth.]
Say to those who misbelieve, if they desist they will be forgiven what is past; but if they return,- the course of those of former days has passed away. Fight them then that there should be no sedition, and that the religion may be Allah's; but if they desist, then Allah on what they do doth look. 8:39,40
Give to those who misbelieve glad tidings of grievous woe! - Except to those of the idolaters with whom ye have made a league, and who then have not failed you at all, and have not backed up any one against you. Fulfil for them then your covenant until the time agreed upon with them; verily, Allah loves those who fear.
But when the sacred months are passed away, kill the idolaters (which they identify as Christians] wherever ye may find them; and take them, and besiege them, and lie in wait for them in every place of observation; but if they repent, and are steadfast in prayer, and give alms, then let them go their way; verily, Allah is forgiving and merciful. 9:3b-5
[While many muslims sincerely insist their religion is a religion of peace, the ultimate Quranic means for such required a compelled peace (once in power) that did not accommodate true seekers and followers of truth that therefore did not submit to Islam.
Sadly, history reveals that Muhammad's theology adapted to his needs (as did that of the Roman "church too often). Initially when he was weak he allowed for peaceful co-existence by ways of treaties, etc., but when he gained power he progressively sought to enlarge his kingdom by force. ]
But if they break faith with you after their treaty, and taunt your religion, then fight the leaders of misbelief; verily, they have no faith, haply they may desist.
Will ye not fight a people who broke their oaths, and intended to expel the Apostle? They began with you at first, are ye afraid of them? Allah is more deserving that ye should fear Him! If ye be believers, kill them! Allah will torment them by your hands, and disgrace them, and aid you against them, and heal the breasts of a people who believe; and will remove rage from their hearts; for Allah turns unto Him whomsoever He pleases, and Allah is knowing, wise! 9:11-14
Fight those who believe not in Allah and in the last day, and who forbid not what Allah and His Apostle have forbidden, and who do not practice the religion of truth from amongst those to whom the Book has been brought, until they pay the tribute by their hands and be as little ones 9:29
O thou prophet! strive strenuously against the misbelievers and the hypocrites, and be stern [be rigorous] against them; for their resort is hell, and an ill journey shall it be. 9:74
O ye who believe! fight those who are near to you of the misbelievers, and let them find in you sternness; and know that Allah is with those who fear. 9:124
To believe in Allah and His Apostle, and to fight strenuously in Allah's cause with your property and your persons; that is better for you if ye did but know! He will pardon you your sins, and bring you into gardens beneath which rivers flow, and goodly dwellings in gardens of Eden;- that is the mighty bliss! 61:11-12
And when ye meet those who misbelieve-then striking off heads until ye have massacred them, and bind fast the bonds! Then either a free grant (of liberty) or a ransom until the war shall have laid down its burdens 47:5
[In the light of Muhammad's constant admonitions to physical violence and blood shed in retaliation for wrongs and in furthering Islamic rule, it is inconsistent for a true muslim to not practice such as need may be.
Unlike the New testament, which makes clear the meanings of war and the use of violence which it forbids in defending or spreading the faith, , the Quranic text relating to such at best generally lack the kind of clarity that would prevent a even a careful devout reader from believing that such texts promote the kind of retaliatory and offensive persecution against those who refute Islam, etc. At worst they, following examples of Islamic conquest, can be legitimately used to support Bin Laden types of warfare." This includes promoting violence and the killing of those who will not worship according to the dictates of Islam in their countries, but who instead actively practice a faith contrary to that of the Quran; primarily Jews and Christians.
This is daily seen in every country or area where orthodox Islam is in control. Even in a moderate muslim country like Egypt, churches cannot be repaired or built without the express permission of the president (rarely given) and conversion to Christianity is against the law.
Fortunately, most muslims do not obey such injunctions according to their original intended literal meanings but instead spiritualize such away - something Muhammad did not do..
Likewise it is impossible for a true Bible-believing CHRISTian to practice physical violence or coercion in bringing souls to yield to the Only Lord and Saviour, JESUS CHRIST in the true light of the Biblical Gospel of CHRIST. To do so represents either ignorance concerning both the clear statements in this regard, or the willful wresting of the same from their respective contexts cf. (2Pt. 3:16). It is exceeding clear that the new covenant disallows waging "war after the flesh" (2Cor.10:3) in adding souls or territory to the spiritual kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ (Jn.18:36; Eph.6:12).]
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Distinctions between the Church and the State.
Since Christ came and established the New Covenant there is a distinction made between a present earthly kingdom and a present yet future spiritual one, and between the church and the civil government.. Believers in the Lord Jesus are placed into Christ's spiritual kingdom the moment they turn to Him from sin and receive Him as their Lord and Savior. It is therefore that true Christians do not seek to expand the kingdom of God by bloodshed or other means of physical coercion, instead they do so by decidedly spiritual means: prayer and preaching of the gospel in word and deed.
As for the roles of “church and state,” it is the true Christian church that is to works to bring souls to be governed by the Spirit of Christ (and conscience) dwelling within, while the civil government is (ideally)is to govern men from without, when they will not be so governed from within, and instead walk contrary to that which is Biblically- morally wrong. The church deals first with the hearts and soul s of men, while the civil government deal more with man's actions, corporeally as need be.(But woe to the people when their government calls “good evil and evil good!” (Is. 5:20).
And though the Roman Catholic Institution has done much harm to the Name of Christ (both by her false gospel which seeks to make souls dependent upon herself for salvation rather than directly in Christ, and her historical presumption of secular power by force) it is entirely inconsistent with the words of the Lord Jesus to exercise personal vengeance or physical coercion against unbelievers, such as Muhammad explicitly taught and practiced.
In Islam, the church and the state are both one, and in the Quran physical retaliation as well as aggression is both allowed and encourage in defending and expanding it's rule.
Biblical texts related to the above:
Ye are the salt (preservative, flavoring) of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light (truth-revealer) of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.
And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give?
But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. And they brought it. And he (Jesus) saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
And they said unto him, Caesar's.
And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar (the civil government) the things that are Caesar's, and to GOD the things that are GOD's. And they marvelled at him (Mt. 5:13, 14; 12:15-17).
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear GOD. Honour the king (1Pt. 2:13, 14, 17).
But if ye do that which is evil, be afraid, for he (the civil gov.) beareth not the sword (an instrument of death) in vain. (Rm.14:4).
For though we (true Christians) walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds (2Cor. 10:3, 4).
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Eph. 6:12)
By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left .. ( 2Cor. 6:6, 7).
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God's Heaven, prepared for the saved, and Hell and the Lake of Fire, ” prepared for the devil and his angels;” as described in God's Word - the Bible
Heaven of an ultimately spiritual nature”
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Rom. 14:17
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Rev. 21:1-8
The Quran: a carnal, sensual Paradise and boiling Hell.
But those who believe and do aright, we will make them enter gardens beneath which rivers flow, and they shall dwell therein for ever and aye, for them therein are pure wives [virgins], and we will make them enter into a shady shade. 4:60
This again is in clear contradiction with what the Lord taught, both in that only on Christ's expense and merit can sinful man be saved, and that the after life is a spiritual reality. "Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of GOD. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of GOD in Heaven" (Mt.12:30,31).
What was originally applied to the Sadducees, is likewise applicable to Muhammad, who officially allowed up to 4 wives (4:3), though he had more himself according to the Hadith.
O ye who believe! shall I lead you to a merchandise which will save you from grievous woe?
Then we know best which of them deserves most to be broiled therein.
There is not one of you who will not go down to it, - that is settled and decided by thy Lord. Then we will save those who fear us; but we will leave the evildoers therein on their knees.19:69-73 [It is stated here 2 things; That none one can have true assurance of Eternal Life, and that every one will first go to Hell; with those whom the Quran defines as evil doers staying there, wherein it is latter declared they will drink boiling water, while their skin is broiled (new skins will be given them to perpetuate their broiling, according to Muhammad).]
These are two disputants who dispute about their Lord, but those who misbelieve, for them are cut out garments of fire, there shall be poured over their heads boiling water, wherewith what is in their bellies shall be dissolved and their skins too, and for them are maces of iron. Whenever they desire to come forth there from through pain, they are sent back into it: 'And taste ye the torment of the burning!' 22:22-25
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The sure Biblical end of those who sin away their day of grace loving darkness more than light, even the Son sent from the Father to be the propitiation for our sins," and thus "the Savior of the world" (1Jn.4:10,14). All that the Bible has promised, has come to pass in their time, both good things and evil; in mercy as well as justice:
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Mt. 25:41, 46
And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Rev. 14:11
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Rev. 20:10
"In flaming fire taking vengeance upon them that know not GOD, and that obey not the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the LORD, and from the glory of His power."
The constant call to choose God over sin and be saved, by “the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Gal. 2:20
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Col. 1:13
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out." "That if thou shall confess thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe that GOD hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved" "For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved" (2Ths. 1:8,9; Rom. 10:9, 13
“If GOD "spared not His own Son (having the same eternal nature), but delivered Him up for us all," "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation? Rm.10:9,13;. 8:32; Heb.2:3
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice (Jn. 14:6; 18:27).
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall, not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Jn. 5:24
Summary:
Muhammad was not without some knowledge of the Bible, which is reflected in his reiterating certain Biblical texts and allusions to certain Biblical events and concepts .
But Muhammad invariably not only skews and denies historical events of the Bible, but also produces an admixture of sensuality spirituality (sensual soft-eyed reclining virgins in a muslim Paradise, waiting for their men to copulate with, etc.) and sanctified seventh century Arabic culture.
Man without the Holy Spirit works to make a distorted image of GOD. In Muhammad's case a distant deity who cannot condescend to mans estate to redeem him, but instead communicated a modicum of morality through a monologue with Muhammad. Though this was superior to the polytheism of his day (as it was closer to the Bible in that some respects), it does not reveal the wholly Holy, and perfectly Just, yet sacrificially Merciful and ultimately Benevolent Almighty GOD of Abraham.
The True and Living God neither abrogated his Holiness nor Justice in reconciling sinful, Hell-bound man to Himself; rather in the person of Christ He took upon flesh, and "suffered once for sin, the just for the unjust to bring us to GOD, being put to death in the flesh, but quick-end (resurrected alive) by the Spirit" (1Pt.3:18).
And the rather bold but true statements in this treatise are designed to help one to better perceive the stark reality of evil - even in the form of religion - and to therefore turn from sin to the Lord Jesus. It was He Himself that was the object of the wrath of such religion, but Who laid down His life as the only perfect and acceptable payment for our sins. And being risen to glory, He is "able to save them to the uttermost that come unto GOD by Him" (Heb.7:25). He did not promote the shedding of blood to further His kingdom, but instead His shed His own to pay for all mankinds sins, so that by “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21) whosoever will come may be saved. Praise the Lord.
It is God who commands you, "this is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him."
And it is Christ 's Words that promise you, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abideth on him" (Mt.17:5; Jn.3:36).
That is the simple, yet eternal truth and plea. May you who hear receive it for thy souls sake.
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