FIVE AREAS YOU NEED TO EXPLAIN TO A MUSLIM

There are five major issues which must be explained and worked through with a Muslim before you will be able to go back and say, "Here is how you can become a Christian ":

1. The authenticity of the Bible

2. The consistency of God's revelation

3. Why Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God

4. Did Jesus really die on the cross?

5. The Trinity

Again, you should take the necessary time to explain each of these issues. I have worked with a Muslim for over a period of two years. We would have all day sessions, from morning until evening, discussing these things -- not once or twice, but many times. There will be times when you think you're not getting across to your contact, however this is not true. As someone said, "It's not strange for a Muslim to hear the Gospel more than fifty times before it starts to make sense to him." On the other hand, it is not how many times you share the truth, but how you share it. Let us therefore discuss in detail each of the above issues.

The Muslims claim that both the Old and the New Testaments have been changed, and therefore, the Bible is not trustworthy. For this reason, they believe it was necessary for God to give another book, the Koran, in its place. They believe that the Koran contains the essence of all the heavenly books, including the Old and New Testaments.

In addressing this issue, it is important to direct the Muslim's attention to the fact that the Bible is God's Word. Good questions to ask are:

· If the Bible is God's Word, how can man change it?

· Isn't God able to protect His Word from being changed?

· Since the Bible is God's Word, who are we accusing when we say it's been changed? Aren't we accusing God Himself by saying He was not able to protect It from being changed?

· Who changed the Bible?

· Which parts were changed, and for what reason?

By asking him such questions, you will soon find out that he does not have answers to them. The Muslim simply says, "It was changed," and just shows that he has absolutely no proof or evidence to support his allegations.

Because the Muslim agrees that the Bible is God's Word, you may also direct his attention to what it says about itself:

Matthew 5:18 (Christ speaking) "...until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."

Matthew 24:35 (Christ speaking) "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Word will not pass away."

1 Peter 1 :24, 25 "... The grass withers and the flower falls off,

Isaiah 40:8 but the Word of the Lord abides forever."

2 Timothy 3:16 "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness."

2 Peter 1 :21 ".. for no prophecy was ever make by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God"

The Koran itself does not say the Bible has been changed. In fact, it says that unless one obeys the Torah and the Bible, they are nothing. It mentions the Torah with the Zabur (the Old Testament with the Psalms) and the Injil (which is the New Testament) many times. When the Koran was written, it was not claiming the Bible to be changed. Thus, when Islam began in the 6th century, 600 years after Jesus Christ, the Bible was accepted as true

The Bible we have in our hands today has been translated from the original languages of Hebrew and Greek. Whether it was printed in 1990, 1980, 1970 or 1960, it was translated from the original language. We have a complete Bible that dates back to the third century, 300 years after Christ and 400 years before Islam. It is a complete, original Bible, and we have several of these in existence, one in the museum in London, and another in the Vatican in Rome

Sorneone may say, "Well, maybe it was changed before the year 300." We have thousands of original copies of various sections of the Bible that date back to before the year 300. If these pieces were put together, the result would be hundreds, if not thousands of complete Bibles dating back before the year 300, the oldest dating to 100 AD. We know that the first books of the New Testament were written in 40 or 50 AD. Evidence of this may be found in the writings of the Church Fathers, by whom many books and articles were written which also date back to before 100 AD. The entire New Testament, with the exception of five sentences which have nothing to do with theology or doctrine, may be reconstructed from the quotes of it found in these writings. In essence, we have original copies from the same time as the writings of the Apostles who wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Some Muslims argue that Islam has one Koran, while we have four Bibles. It is important to explain that this is not true. While we have what we call the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, these are not divergent accounts, but rather the same story, told from four different points of view. All of these agree concerning the basics of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, and no one book contradicts any of the others. They do not all record all of the events surrounding the life of Jesus, but together with the other Old and New Testament writings, combine to form one Bible, inspired by the Holy Spirit.

What is interesting is that in the days of Christ, the Middle East region in which Christ was born and raised, where He died and was raised from the dead, was under the influence of Greek civilization. The Greek judiciary system required two witnesses before a judge would have a case tried before him regarding events in question. God, in His sovereignty, has given us four witnesses, all of whom are in agreement concerning the events in the life of Christ. II Corinthians 13:1 says, "...EVERY FACT IS TO BE CONFIRMED BY THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES."

Finally, the Bible is not a scientific book, but where it mentions science, it is true. It is not a history book, but where it mentions anything historic, it is accurate. It is not a geographic book, but where it mentions geography, it too is always true and accurate. The Bible, as it is today in our hands, is, the true Word of God and is able to stand all tests, research and criticism.

In the mind of a Muslim, God has, over the course of history, established three religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It is believed that He first sent Moses to establish Judaism, but because the Jews were a stiff-necked, disobedient people, He scattered them all over the world and sent Jesus, the Son of Mary, to establish Christianity. By the fifth century, however, Christianity had become so corrupt that God sent Mohammed to establish Islam, His final revelation. Muslims believe that Islam includes both Judaism and Christianity and say that even Abraham was a Muslim. In their mind, everything is Islam. What we need to explain to the Muslim, and it is not an easy task, is that God was consistent In His revelation, and will continue to be until the end.

God's primary purpose was not to establish a religion; religions are man-made. Rather, he desired to establish a personal relationship between Himself and man. This is the message of the entire Gospel. The first two chapters of the Bible speak about creation, including that of man and woman. In the third, we read about the fall of man into sin. From the fourth chapter of Genesis, through to the end of the Book of Revelation, God's Word is talking about Salvation.

There is a very important passage in Genesis chapter 3, verses 14-15, in which God confronts Adam and Eve regarding their sin:

"And the LORD God said to the serpent,
'Because you have done this,

Cursed are you more than all cattle,

And more than every beast of the field;

On your belly you shall go, And dust shall you eat

All the days of your life;

And I will put enmity between you and the woman,

And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head,

And you shall bruise him on the heel'"

Take time to explain this passage. (One good practice is to always have your Bible with you and to let the person read it for himself. God's word is living and active and will really minister to him directly. While you may not always have your Bible with you when witnessing opportunities arise, make sure you bring it when meeting again for Bible study or follow-up.)

Muslims already believe in the story of Adam and Eve, the creation and the fall. They also believe that Satan appeared in the shape of a serpent and tried to seduce the woman to eat from the fruit, that she fell and ate and that she gave some to her husband.

The key point here, however, is God's promise: the seed of the woman shall bruise the head of Satan. If you ask a Muslim who, from the time of Adam and Eve, until today was actually born only from "a woman and not from a man and woman, they will say, "Jesus". They know this. Explain to them that that is exactly what the verse says. Explain who the seed of the woman is, and also God's promise -- that from the seed of woman, He would destroy Satan and redeem man. Explain that this promise, given the moment man fell into sin, was fulfilled by Jesus Christ. You may also show how the prophets pointed their prophecies toward the coming of Christ. His coming was from the beginning part of God's plan:

Isaiah 7:14 "Behold, the virgin shall be found with child and bear a son, and she will call his name Immanuel."

Isaiah 9:6 "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on his shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."

Matthew 1 :23 "'BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD, AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME, IMMANUEL,' which translated means, 'GOD WITH US.'"

Appendix A lists 48 Old Testament Messianic prophecies and their fulfillment in Christ.

3. Why we believe Jesus is the Son of God

Is Jesus really the Son of God? The moment you begin speaking with a Muslim, typically he or she will get offended by the fact that you are calling Jesus the Son of God. This is because when we say "Son of God", they think we are talking about a son who was conceived in the traditional, "normal" way, and they believe this assertion is blasphemy. They are right to believe this assertion is blasphemy. You must clarify to the Muslim that when we say, "Son of God', we do not believe that God ever had a physical relationship with a woman to have this son.

The second concept you need to understand and explain is that, especially in the Arabic version of the Bible, there is a big difference between the word "son" of God and "child" of God. In Arabic, there are the words "lbn" and "walad". "Ibn" means "son" and "walad" means "child". "Ibn" refers to the child you adopt; "walad" means it was born of you. This is why we never call Jesus in Arabic "Walad Allah". We call Him "Ibn Allah", meaning He came from God. If the person you are sharing with is an Arab, ask, "What is the difference between "lbn" and "walad"? Let him think, see what he comes up with, and then explain the difference.

There is one other logical illustration you might give the Muslim. In Arabic, the phrase "son of..." is used to signify where one is from. For instance, I am from Lebanon, and am often called "Son of Lebanon". A man from Morocco would be called "Son of Morocco". Because the Nile is the most famous part of Egypt, an Egyptian will often be called "Son of the Nile". One could also be called "Son of Education", meaning that he is a very, very well-educated person. The phrase may also be used to express one's main interest. In the same way, Christ is called "Son of God" because He came from the Spirit of God.

Muslims do not believe that Jesus died on the cross. There is a verse in the Koran which says, "They killed Him not, they crucified Him not, but it was likened unto them. They killed Him not knowingly, but God raised Him and God is the most merciful of merciful." Ninety percent of the time, the Muslim will tell me immediately, "But they killed Him not, they crucified Him not." In the Muslim's mind, this verse is saying that God was so merciful He could never allow a wonderful prophet such as Jesus to be crucified by His enemies the Jews. They believe God saved Him, lifted Him up safely to heaven and, subsequently, punished Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Him the night before, by changing him into the likeness of Christ Muslims believe it was Judas, not Christ, who was crucified, and they say this in defense of a prophet whom they consider to be wonderful. They say this out of zeal and respect for Jesus.

In explaining the second portion of the Koranic verse, which says, "They killed Him not knowingly," you can remind the person you're sharing with of the attitude the Jews held toward Christ. When Jesus was taken to the Roman. governor, they did not believe. He was the Messiah. They wanted to get rid of Him. By saying, "They killed Him not knowingly," the Koranic verse is simply saying they killed Him without knowing He was the Messiah.

In fact, there are other verses in the Koran which say Jesus was killed. There is one in which Jesus is speaking which says, "peace unto Me the day I was born, the day I died and was taken to heaven."

The issue of Christ's death on the cross also brings us back to the verses in Genesis 3:15. In this passage, God promised that the seed of woman would bruise Satan, even though Satan would bruise His heel. Bruising His heel is nothing less than His crucifixion and being nailed to the cross. Though Satan managed to nail Him to the cross, that same death would bruise his own head. Through this death, Christ won the victory over Satan and redeemed mankind.

In Genesis 4, we see how God accepted Abel's sacrifice, the Iamb, but rejected Cain's sacrifice, which was the fruit of his labor. Explain to the person with whom you are sharing that the Iamb is a substitute for man, and represents the coming of Christ. The fruit of Cain's labor was representative simply of good works, and was not sufficient to meet God's requirement.

In Genesis 22, Abraham takes his son in obedience to God's command: "And He said, 'Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac,⁴ and go to the land of Moriah; and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you," (Genesis 22:2). What does this mean? Why would God have asked such a thing? Discuss the passage together, focusing especially on the picture of God providing a Iamb miraculously as a substitute for Abraham's son. Abraham had lifted his knife and was ready to kill his son, but what happened instead? He heard a voice saying, "Abraham!...Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me," (Genesis 22:12). What would have happened had Abraham not listened? His son would have been killed. But Abraham believed and there was a Iamb, which he sacrificed in the place of his son. This Iamb, you can explain, represents Jesus Christ, and we can turn back 2000 years ago and see Him on the cross for you and for me. Turn to John 1:29 where John the Baptist proclaims, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" Jesus is the Lamb of God.

In addressing the issue of Christ's death further, I strongly suggest you read through Isaiah 53, which very clearly speaks about the coming of Christ and the redemption of mankind -- Jesus Himself bearing our sins on the cross, Himself being offered as a sacrifice. The entire chapter is talking about Jesus, but focus especially on verses 4 through 12. Take your time to underline all the prophecies regarding Him. If possible, let the person you're sharing with read the passage first by himself, out loud. I have had dozens and dozens of Muslims read that chapter aloud, and every time I ask them, "Who do you think the prophet Isaiah is talking about here?" No one has ever given a wrong answer. They say, "It is clear; he is talking about the son of Mary, Issa, Ibnou Mariam, " that is, Jesus, the son of Mary. Christian Arabs call Him "Yassoua", which is taken from "Yashoua", the Hebrew name for Jesus, while Muslims call Him "Issa", taken from "Yssus", the Greek name for Jesus. Take this opportunity to show him that that which was prophesied in Isaiah was fulfilled in the person of Christ nearly 600 years later.

An important thing to point out here as well, is that "the LORD was pleased" (verse 10) to offer Christ as a sacrifice for man's sin. God is just; He said in Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death," which is eternal separation from God. But God is also merciful. He would not allow the whole world go to hell. The death of Christ was planned from the moment man fell as a solution for this sin.

Now, there are those who would question the necessity of Christ's death on the cross, citing good works as a means of atonement for one's sin. But suppose I stole your watch, and you caught me, brought me to the police and turned me in. Suppose further, that because of this, the police sentenced me to five days in jail. Could I get out of it by saying, "Wait a minute, I bought him lunch yesterday, paid for his subway and everything!" Would this be sufficient to cancel out my crime? Would the police accept it? Of course not! It's not logical. Works alone are not sufficient payment for one's crimes.

I also often use the illustration of the judge: A judge is sitting in the courtroom, wearing his judicial robe, and a young girl stands before him. She has been charged with driving without a license and speeding down the highway, for which the penalty is ten thousand francs He points his finger at her and says, "Are you guilty or not?" to which she answers, "Yes. Your Honor, but I cannot afford to pay the penalty." The judge, however, tells her, "You must pay," and then closes court. He then steps down from the bench, takes off his robe and gives the girl ten thousand francs. Why? Because he is her father, and while he could not dishonor his name by letting her go free, he is also merciful and loving and could not bear to see her put in jail because of her inability to pay. The only solution, therefore, is for him to pay the penalty himself.

In the same way, we can see how Christ has paid the penalty for our sin in Philippians 2, verses 5 through 11: Christ, being equal with God, nevertheless emptied Himself, taking off the robe of heavenly glory and coming down as a man to bear the cross. At the cross, the justice of God and the mercy of God met together, and both were satisfied. Ask the person with whom you are sharing, "What would you think of God if for thousands of years He promised that Jesus would come and die for the sins of the world, and then, at the last moment, when Jesus was about to be put on the cross, He took Him alive and changed Judas into the image of Christ? Does this description fit the God we know?" Not only would this make God out to be a liar, but there would have been no provision for man's sin! Jesus was the only sacrifice sufficient for man's salvation.

In the Gospel of John, chapter 4, we are told that God is Spirit. In the original Hebrew language, Spirit is roh. From this word, the word rihe is taken, which is also "the air". We can actually say, therefore, that God's Spirit is like the air in the atmosphere. Air is everywhere. Though you cannot see it, you know it is present: you can feel it, you breathe it, even though it has no color or shape. The same thing is true of the Spirit of God; It is present everywhere.

If you take an empty bottle, you know that it is empty of any liquid, yet it's filled with air The air that's inside the bottle, furthermore, has taken the shape of the bottle, even though air has no shape. Because it is inside of the bottle, however, it has taken the shape of the bottle. The characteristics of the air inside the bottle are similar to the characteristics of the air outside the bottle. The fact that there is air inside the bottle, does not mean there is no air outside the bottle, because air exists everywhere in the atmosphere. Now, if you were to take this bottle today, and smash it against the wall, it would break into hundreds of little pieces. It would be shattered. Can we say that the air inside the bottle would also be shattered? No. Only the form that contained the air has been shattered.

The same thing took place when God, who is Spirit, dwelt amongst us in the body of Jesus Christ. God took the likeness of man. That did not mean that He existed no more. Rather, like the air when it filled the bottle, God still existed everywhere. Furthermore, Jesus' crucifixion on the cross does not mean that God was killed, but rather that the body which contained the Spirit of God was killed. God existed always, even during the three days in which Jesus was dead in the tomb. This is exactly what the Apostle Paul has written in his epistle to the Philippians, chapter 2, verses 5-11:

"Have this attitude in yourselves, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men", And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross". Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father"

The final major issue which must be addressed with the Muslim is that of the Trinity", Muslims often say, "You Christians believe in three different gods -- God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. That is blasphemy' One cannot believe in three different gods. "

The task of helping a Muslim to understand the Trinity is not an easy one - - there are even many Christians who have a hard time explaining it. Many people use illustrations such as that of water: it is the same substance, but manifests itself in three different forms, liquid water, solid ice and vaporous steam. Others use the sun illustration: the glowing ball of gases itself, the source, as representing God the Father, the radiating light represents Christ, the light of the world, and the heat that we feel representing the work of the Holy Spirit.

Regardless of which illustration you use, it's important to use the Word of God itself. Begin by establishing our belief in only one God -- I Corinthians 8:4 says, "There is no God but one," -- and then follow up by sharing as many verses as possible which illustrate the Trinity.

Appendix B will help you better communicate the doctrine of the Trinity. Each of the passages cited refer to attributes, such as holy, unchangeable and eternal, which are possessed only by God, as well as functions, such as baptism and salvation, for which only He is responsible. As you share these verses, note that each person of the Trinity is said to possess each of these attributed and to be involved in each of these functions; it therefore follows that either all three persons are God, or all three are One.

Conclusion...
also see:
Appendix B - Sharing the doctrine of the Trinity with Muslims


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