What's the Difference Between Islam and Christianity, Part I

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE

Between Islam and Christianity, Part I

INTRODUCTION

Paul Harvey said that the Muslim clergy condemn the same things about America that many

Christian ministers condemn. There is a lot of truth in that statement but it leaves out some very

important information. As we begin this series of sermons, let me remind you of two very important

issues we Christians must balance:

(1) We must be tolerant and loving toward people of other religions and

(2) We must stand firm on the truth of the Gospel.

Islam and Christianity agree on many very important issues but disagree on several key issues

that both religions believe to be absolutely essential. Let’s begin with some general comments

and then check out Islam by the three “tests”Christians should use for any religious group.

Islam and Christianity both teach that there is only one true God

Islam and Christianity both are worldwide religions -- there are about one and one-half billion

Christians in the world today and about one billion Muslims (Over 5 million in America)

Islam and Christianity both claim to be a religion of peace but both accuse the other of using war and

military actions to spread their religious views

Islam and Christianity both teach there will be a future judgment with only one of two results -- heaven

or hell

Islam and Christianity both are strong on the importance of the family

Islam and Christianity both condemn sex outside of marriage

Islam and Christianity both condemn abortion (with some exceptions)

Islam and Christianity both condemn homosexuality

Islam and Christianity both teach the sanctity of human life and, therefore, condemn murder

Islam and Christianity both believe that they have a God given responsibility to evangelize and convert

every other person on earth to their one true religion. (Muslims want to convert Christians to

Islam and Christians want to convert Muslims to Christianity.)

Islam and Christianity both have “extremists”and “fanatics”who go too far in promoting their religion

and “hurt”the public image of their religion

I. ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY DISAGREE ABOUT WHO JESUS IS

1. Islam teaches that Jesus was a prophet who was born of a virgin, revealed God’s

message to man but was not crucified on the cross as an atonement for sins nor was He

resurrected from the dead

(1) Muslims teach that God does not and cannot have a son or a partner

(2) Muslims teach that someone else died in Jesus place (some say it was Judas)

(3) They do not believe in the resurrection of Jesus

2. Christianity teaches that Jesus is the Son of God and that His death, burial and

resurrection are essential doctrines of the Christian faith

(1)

that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,

(2)

received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He

was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

I Corinthians 15:3-4 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also

II. ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY DISAGREE ABOUT WHAT IS GOD’S FULL AND

FINAL REVELATION TO MAN

1. Islam teaches that the Koran (Qur’an) is God’s full and final revelation

(1) Muslims believe God revealed His will through many prophets including

Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad but that they have all been corrupted by

the Jews and the Christians except the the prophecies in the Koran

(2) Muslims believe that the Koran is God’s full, final and perfect revelation and it

overrules all the others (The contents of the Koran are said to be revelations

made to Muhammad by the one true God, Allah through the angel, Gabriel.)

2. Christianity teaches that the Bible is God’s full, final and perfect revelation to man

(1)

teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the

man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

II Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for

(2)

moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

II Peter 1:21 For no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men

III. ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY DISAGREE ABOUT THE WAY OF SALVATION

1. Islam teaches that it is through good works

(1) Islam teaches that each person has two angels assigned to him or her -- one

records your good deeds and other records your bad deeds

(2) At the judgment, if your good deeds outweigh your bad deeds (and God is

merciful to you) you will go to heaven--otherwise you go to hell

2. Christianity teaches that eternal salvation is only available through Jesus and His

atoning sacrifice for sins

(1)

comes to the Father but through Me.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I amthe way, and the truth, and the life; no one

(2)

of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may

boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not

(3)

the Lawbut through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus,

so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law;

since by the works of the Lawno flesh will be justified.

Galatians 2:16 Nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of

CONCLUSION

Islam and Christianity are two worldwide religions who agree on several very important issues but

disagree totally on three essential doctrines of Christianity.

They disagree about:

1. Who Jesus is and the nature of God

2. Which book is the inspired Word of God and His full and final revelation to man

3. How a person is eternally saved (goes to heaven instead of hell)