Tag: Atonement

Good Friday, Despite What Muslims Say

On By Mona SabahIn Uncategorized
crucifixion

Today is the traditional day for Good Friday. When I was a new Christian, I was still not sure why it was called “Good Friday” when it was held that Jesus Christ was crucified on that day (the day after the Jewish Passover). Many people did not know but others understood the importance of this day.

Good Friday is the day that Christians remember the debt that Jesus Christ paid on the cross for our sins. He endured so much suffering that a new word originated — “excruciating.” The word comes into our language as a combination of 2 words: ex = out of + cruciare = to crucify (crux means cross). Cruciare referred to the torture on the cross done primarily by the Romans.

excruciate (v.)

1560s – from Latin excruciatus, past participle of excruciare “to torture, torment, rack, plague;” figuratively “to afflict, harass, vex, torment,” from ex “out, out from; thoroughly” (see ex-) + cruciare “cause pain or anguish to,” literally “crucify,” from crux (genitive crucis) “a cross” (see crux) (from Online Etymology Dictionary)

There were many who were crucified before Jesus. Research shows varying opinions of who exactly started the practice (Babylonians, Assyrians, Persians) but all agree that it dates back to around 6th Century BC. The research also shows that all considered this to be one of the most shameful ways to die. The Bible stated in the Old Testament that it was a divine curse to die on the tree (referring to hanging or crucifixion). Deuteronomy 21:22–23  “And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. You shall not defile your land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance” (ESV).

The National Center for Biotechnical Information (NCBI) has an article that explores the history and pathology of crucifixion… if you are interested in the Scientific details. The article outlines that death was the inevitable result but the idea behind crucifixion was prolonged agony due to scourging beforehand with whips that had bone fragments and metal on the ends that would grip and tear the flesh. There was dehydration from loss of blood and profuse sweating due to torture and shock from the pain. Finally, when the person was too tired to hold his body up on the cross, as he would relax his muscles, he would aspyxiate himself.

The medical article noted that the Roman guards were only allowed to leave after the death of the victim, which they would sometimes hurry by breaking larger bones of the legs, by puncturing the heart or lungs with a spear or by building a fire underneath so the victim could not breathe at all.

These are all truths we find in the death account of the Gospels. Jesus Christ went willingly to the cross – not as a victim of the Pharisees, of the Roman Governor Pilate, or the crowds. No… He had predicted his death and resurrection numerous times in Scripture.

Luke 13:33; Matthew 16:21; Matthew 17:22; Mark 8:31

Luke 13:33 Nevertheless, cI dmust go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that ea prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’

Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection

Matthew 16:21 pFrom that time Jesus began to show his disciples that qhe must go to Jerusalem and rsuffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on sthe third day be raised.

Jesus Again Foretells Death, Resurrection

Matthew 17:22 mAs they were gathering1 in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men,

Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection

Mark 8:31 uAnd he began to teach them that vthe Son of Man must wsuffer many things and xbe rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and yafter three days rise again.

Why am I belaboring the point?

Well, because Muslims do not believe that Jesus Christ died on the Cross.

Why do they not believe that Jesus died on the Cross?

Because the Quran tells them so… but the Quran says other things as well:

Q3:55—Allah said, ‘Jesus, I will take you back and raise you up to Me: I will purify you of the disbelievers. To the Day of Resurrection I will make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieved. Then you will all return to Me and I will judge between you regarding your differences.

Q5:117—[Jesus said,] I was a witness over them during my time among them. Ever since You took my soul, You alone have been the watcher over them: You are witness to all things.

Q19:33—[Jesus said,] Peace was on me the day I was born, and will be on me the day I die and the day I am raised to life again.’

*Q4:157 – Main Verse for the belief (presented here in 2 forms)

Sahih International—And for their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.’ And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but another was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain.

Yusuf Ali—That they said (in boast), ‘We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah’; – but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not.

*If you would like to see a deeper discussion of these verses, please read this article “It was made to appear like that to them: Islam’s Denial of Jesus’ Crucifixion” by Gregory R. Lanier -Assistant Professor of New Testament
Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando.

The main point here is that we believe that Jesus Christ suffered and died on the cross. There are historical records of this occurrence. The apostles were terrified of the Romans coming after them, yet they boldly proclaimed His death and resurrection. It is this truth that Christianity can boast of the Good News of the Gospel – that Jesus Christ came into this world, died on the cross for the remission of our sins and He rose again from the dead, thereby defeating sin and death.

His last words on the Cross confirm this truth “It is finished.”

Colossians 2:13-14 says: “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” When we say that Jesus Christ’s blood has covered us, it means that He has paid the debt we owed God Almighty – for every big or small trespass (transgression, slip, error, or false step). When God looks at us on Judgment Day, He will only see the blood of Christ over us. He has us covered in every way, shape and form. Jesus Christ has completely removed our debt. We do not have to pay the penalty. He already did. We do not have to worry about where we are going after we die – that has been decided (by giving us the free gift of eternal life).

It is finished.

As a Christian, do you believe this to be true for you?

If you do not, let today be the day you bow your knees in gratitude and humility to the God who saved you. Repent of your trespasses and all the wrong you have done. Confess your heart’s secrets to the Lord and watch what He does with your life. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord so that you may live!

Good Friday is a day of the Good News of the Gospel. May it be so!

Genesis for Muslims?

On By Mona SabahIn Bible, Islam, Jesus Christ

A few weeks ago, I had a conversation that went like this:

Muslim: I have a question for you. Muslims believe Allah is “noor” (light) and He has no physical body. Do you believe this?

Me: Yes, we believe God is light (did not share 1 John 1:5)

Muslim: So if God is light and the sun and moon are light, why can’t we worship them? Why can’t we say God is in them?

Me: We believe God is the Creator and He created the sun, moon and stars. We have to be careful NOT to worship the created – that would be idolatry and isn’t Islam absolutely against that?

Muslim: Yes. True. So, how do you know God created the sun and moon?

Me: It’s written in Scripture. What’s written in Scripture is truth and I believe it completely.

Muslim: Where? What Scripture?

Me: The Bible, in the book of Genesis. Would you like me to share what the creation of the world looked like? There is definite order to God. Did you know that light was there before the sun was made? Isn’t that interesting?

Muslim: yes. Tell me more.

**********

The rest of the conversation went back and forth, until the discussion basically ended with the person wanting to know more, but telling me that they cannot believe what is in the Bible, since they believe it is not credible.

As Christians, there are numerous reasons to watch out in a discussion about Genesis. The Quran does not have a comprehensive chapter on how the world was formed, but contains bits and pieces scattered through the entire Quran. This makes it very complicated and difficult to glean important differences in beliefs.

There are a few things I would like to point out. The Quran does not believe in original sin. They believe that if Adam sinned, that’s his to own. No one else suffers because of his mistake. They do not understand that God made all these things and “it was good” and that the sin that entered the garden had eternal consequences that impacts the world even today. Therefore, no fallen nature, no need for a Savior.

Here’s one of the sections of the Quran that provides an insight. It’s from Surah Fussilat 41:8-12–

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds – for them is a reward uninterrupted. Say, “Do you indeed disbelieve in He who created the earth in two days and attribute to Him equals? That is the Lord of the worlds.” And He placed on the earth firmly set mountains over its surface, and He blessed it and determined therein its [creatures’] sustenance in four days without distinction – for [the information] of those who ask.

Then He directed Himself to the heaven while it was smoke and said to it and to the earth, “Come [into being], willingly or by compulsion.” They said, “We have come willingly. And He completed them as seven heavens within two days and inspired in each heaven its command. And We adorned the nearest heaven with lamps and as protection. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing.

If you are counting, there are 2 days, then 4 days, then 2 days. The account is not clear on what came first or second or when humans were made. Contrast this with the account in Genesis where there is a clear order to what came first, second and how (Genesis 1-11). Also, the Quran states that Adam was created in Janna (Paradise) and not on earth (Quran 2:35).

There is a good article at creation.com titled “Koran vs. Genesis” that has a chart clearly showing the differences. There are also citations of verses from the Quran to help figure out where things go.

Here is a list that might be helpful to know when sharing about Genesis with a Muslim:

  1. No original Sin (Quran): We believe Sin entered the garden and thus the world. We live in a place polluted. God not only created the world but provided the remedy for Adam’s sin of disobedience in Genesis 3:15. The remedy promised to man is Christ Jesus, the sinless lamb of God who was sacrificed on the cross. Romans 3:23 states clearly that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
  2. No Savior – You’re on Your Own (Quran 2:48 – And fear a Day when no soul will suffice for another soul at all, nor will intercession be accepted from it, nor will compensation be taken from it, nor will they be aided.). The Bible says that only the sinless Jesus Christ (John 14:6, Acts 4:12) can bridge the great divide and make peace between us and God. The Quran teaches that only through Islam (works Surah 41:8 & obedience to Allah and his prophet Muhammad) can one avoid the ‘Blazing Fire’ (Surah 3:85; 48:13- And whoever has not believed in Allah and His Messenger – then indeed, We have prepared for the disbelievers a Blaze). NOTE: Islam goes further by saying that even Muhammad’s own family members (mother, father and Uncle Talib who adopted him) were going to hell: Muslim (203) narrated from Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that a man said: “O Messenger of Allaah, where is my father?” He said: “In Hell.” When he turned away he called him back and said: “My father and your father are in Hell.”  His Uncle’s fate was a bit lighter, since he would only burn up to his feet in hell: Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 5.224 Narrated by Abu Said Al Khudri That he heard the Prophet (saws) when somebody mentioned his uncle (i.e. Abu Talib), saying, “Perhaps my intercession will be helpful to him on the Day of Resurrection so that he may be put in a shallow fire reaching only up to his ankles. His brain will boil from it.”Sahih Muslim Hadith 413 Narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas -The Prophet of Allah (saws) said: Among the inhabitants of the Fire AbuTalib would have the least suffering, and he would be wearing two shoes (of Fire) which would boil his brain.
  3. There are degrees of sin & you can work them off (Quran): The Bible does not differentiate (Romans 6:23). All sin separates us from God. The Quran says that Muslims can work off their bad deeds by performing salat (prayers) and wadu (ritual washing) (al-Bukhari 10:504; al-Muslim2:437). Allah may even decide to hide someone’s sin: “The messenger of Allah said, “All my followers’ sins will be forgiven except those made public. That is, when a man commits a sin at night and then makes known during the day, even though Allah has screened him at night…” (al Bukhari 73:95). The Bible states clearly that God is HOLY. There is no darkness in Him. Isaiah 59:2 states “but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” All things will come to light on judgment day!

Another good article to read is “Sin According to Muslims” by the Zwemer Center. They have a simple way of putting key differences together and explaining complexities between Christianity and Islam.

Remember that no matter what, a dialogue about the Word of God is a good place to start. We need to be respectful, loving and gracious in our interactions. If someone is curious, our job is to help answer the questions with the best information we have – our Bible. In order to do that, however, we need to open it, read it, and study it!

Join me for Bible study if you don’t have a group. I would welcome it!