What does the Quran say about Jesus (Isa)?

The Quran contradicts the Bible (even though it was only compiled 600 years after Jesus)  That said, ignoring the differences and questions of the Quran's claims to somehow contradict thousands of copies of the Bible that were all exactly the same for close to 600 years, it is important to think through what the Quran says about Jesus (Isa) as that has given and still gives many Muslims pause for further thought.  So, here are some of the Quran's key claims about Jesus.

     1.    Spoke as a baby:
    •    Surah Maryam (19:29-30): When Maryam (Mary) was questioned about her child, Jesus spoke in the cradle to defend her.
    •    Verse 30: “He [Jesus] said: ‘Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.’”

    2.    Made a clay bird come to life:
    •    Surah Al-Imran (3:49): Jesus performs miracles, including creating a bird from clay.
    •    Verse 49: “And [make him] a messenger to the Children of Israel, who will say, ‘Indeed I have come to you with a sign from your Lord in that I design for you from clay that which is like the form of a bird, then I breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by permission of Allah.’”
    •    Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:110) also mentions this miracle: “And when you designed from clay [what was] like the form of a bird with My permission, then you breathed into it, and it became a bird with My permission…”

    3.    Performed miracles:
    •    Surah Al-Imran (3:49): Apart from creating the bird, Jesus is described as performing other miracles such as healing the blind and the lepers, and bringing the dead to life.
    •    Verse 49: “And I cure the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead - by permission of Allah.”

    4.    Never sinned:
    •    The Quran does not explicitly state that Jesus never sinned. However, it presents him as a prophet of high standing and righteousness. Prophets in the Quran are regarded as models of moral and ethical perfection, and there is no mention of Jesus committing any sin.
    •    Surah Maryam (19:19) refers to him as “pure” (زَكِيًّا, zakiyy), which some interpret as a reference to his sinless nature.
    •    Verse 19: “He [the angel] said, ‘I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you [news of] a pure boy.’”

    5.    Never died:
    •    Surah An-Nisa (4:157-158): The Quran denies the crucifixion and asserts that Jesus was not killed, but instead, he was raised up to Allah.
    •    Verse 157: “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…”
    •    Verse 158: “Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise.”

    6.    Went to Heaven and is coming back:
    •    Although the Quran does not explicitly mention Jesus’ second coming, it is implied through interpretations of various verses, particularly Surah An-Nisa (4:158), which speaks of Jesus being raised up to Allah.
    •    The second coming of Jesus is a widely held belief in Islamic tradition (Hadith literature), where it is said that Jesus will return near the end of time.

    7.    Is the Word of God:
    •    Surah Al-Imran (3:45) refers to Jesus as Kalimatullah (Word of Allah).
    •    Verse 45: “When the angels said, ‘O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary…’”


These Quranic references highlight the miraculous nature of Jesus’ life.  The Prophet Mohammed however was clearly a man and only a man.  He died and is buried, according to Muslim tradition in Mecca.  The Prophet Mohammed never performed miracles.  The Prophet Mohammed didn't give life to anything, let alone a clay bird.  The Prophet Mohammed did not raise the dead, heal the blind, heal lepers.  Jesus did.  The Prophet Mohammed is not the Word of God or a word of God.  So, it is clear from the Quran that Jesus (Isa) is very different.  Perhaps, we would argue, far greater than the Prophet Mohammed.  But who is Jesus (Isa)?  How can Jesus (Isa) be the Word of God (Kalimatullah)?  It seems that the Quran makes a strong case for the Christian teaching that Jesus (Isa) is God.

 

This has caused many Muslims to investigate further.   It is interesting to hear how and why they came to believe that God is indeed One (btw, Christians don't believe in three Gods) but that God is actually a real, living and perfect person, Jesus.

 

 #lux vita caritas

#luxvitacaritas

Understanding more with Tim Keller

Pastor Timothy Keller died in May 2023, one of his gifts was an ability to communicate the Christian faith with love and compassion.  Among the many famous quotes, are these:

 

“[These are] Christianity’s unsurpassed offers—a meaning that suffering cannot remove, a satisfaction not based on circumstances, a freedom that does not hurt but rather enhances love, an identity that does not crush you or exclude others, a moral compass that does not turn you into an oppressor, and a hope that can face anything, even death.” 

 

“Everything in the Hebrew worldview militated against the idea that a human being could be God. Jews would not even pronounce the name ‘Yahweh’ nor spell it. And yet Jesus Christ—by his life, by his claims, and by his resurrection—convinced his closest Jewish followers that he was not just a prophet telling them how to find God, but God himself come to find us.” 

 

 “When you come to Christ, you must drop your conditions. You have to give up the right to say, ‘I will obey you if . . . I will do this if . . .’ As soon as you say, ‘I will obey you if,’ that is not obedience at all. You are saying: ‘You are my adviser, not my Lord. I will be happy to take your recommendations. And I might even do some of them.’ No. If you want Jesus with you, you have to give up the right to self-determination. Self-denial is an act of rebellion against our late-modern culture of self-assertion. But that is what we are called to. Nothing less.”

 

“When you say, ‘Doctrine doesn’t matter; what matters is that you live a good life,’ that is a doctrine. It is called the doctrine of salvation by your works rather than by grace.”

 

“It’s in death that God says, ‘If I’m not your security, then you’ve got no security, because I’m the only thing that can’t be taken away from you. I will hold you in my everlasting arms. Every other set of arms will fail you, but I will never fail you.’ Smelling salts are very disagreeable, but they are also very effective. But as you’re waking from your illusions, be at peace, because here’s what Jesus Christ offers to us if by faith we have him as our Savior.”

 

“If you want to understand your own behavior, you must understand that all sin against God is grounded in a refusal to believe that God is more dedicated to our good, and more aware of what that is, than we are. We distrust God because we assume he is not truly for us, that if we give him complete control we will be miserable. Adam and Eve did not say, ‘Let’s be evil. Let’s ruin our own lives and everyone else’s too!’ Rather they thought, ‘We just want to be happy. But his commands don’t look like they’ll give us the things we need to thrive. We’ll have to take things into our own hands—we can’t trust him.’”

 

To read some of the many others, visit https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/50-quotes-tim-keller/

Understanding Christian Judgmentalism (Through the Lens of Tim Keller)

One of the perplexing questions many people grapple with is: If Jesus is indeed God and the embodiment of love, why do some Christians appear so judgmental? To delve into this, we must first understand the essence of Christian faith through a few key biblical passages.

John 3:16 (ESV) tells us, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Similarly, 1 John 4:16 (ESV) asserts, "So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him." Moreover, 1 John 4:8 (ESV) states, "Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."

### The Motivation Behind Sharing Faith

At the heart of Christianity is the profound transformation that believers experience through knowing Jesus. This transformation compels Christians to share the gospel—not out of a desire to judge, but from a place of love and concern. Tim Keller, a renowned pastor and theologian, often emphasizes that Christians share their faith because they believe it has the power to change lives both now and for eternity.

Christians genuinely believe that knowing Jesus offers immense benefits in this life and promises an eternal life to come. John 3:16 encapsulates this belief, highlighting that those who believe in Jesus are saved from eternal separation from God.

### The Eternal Perspective

The urgency that Christians feel in sharing their faith stems from their understanding of eternal consequences. According to Christian doctrine, to be separated from God is to face eternal punishment. This belief in the stakes of eternity drives Christians to speak up, hoping to guide others away from what they see as perilous paths. Keller would argue that this is an act of love, not judgment—a desire to rescue others from impending danger.

### The Nature of Sin and Judgment

Many find it perplexing that Christians focus on pointing out sin. To understand this, one must appreciate the Christian view of sin and God's nature. Christians believe that God, being perfect and just, cannot tolerate sin. Every act against God's will, no matter how minor it seems to us, is significant in His eyes. This perspective is rooted in the belief that God's standards are far higher than human standards.

God’s justice means that everyone gets what they deserve, but His mercy means He offers forgiveness. The Christian message is about turning away from sin and embracing this offer of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:27 (ESV) warns, "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment," underscoring the urgency of seeking God's forgiveness now.

### The Path to Forgiveness

For Christians, obtaining God's forgiveness is the most critical need in life. They believe that God has provided a way to avoid eternal separation through Jesus Christ, who took on the punishment for sin. This is seen as the ultimate act of love—God providing a means for humanity to be reconciled to Him.

Isaiah 53 prophesies about Jesus as the one who would take away the sins of the world, a prophecy Christians believe Jesus fulfilled. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are viewed as the ultimate solution to sin, offering new life and eternal hope to those who believe.

### The Love That Compels

Christians are called to love their neighbors and to share the good news of God's forgiveness. This mission is rooted in the love they have experienced from God and their desire for others to share in this transformative relationship. Despite the message sometimes being perceived as judgmental, the intent is one of rescue and reconciliation.

### The Relationship with Jesus

Beyond the warning of judgment, Christians earnestly want others to experience the joy and peace of knowing Jesus. For believers, Jesus is not only a savior but a source of profound joy, contentment, and peace. This relational aspect of faith is something they deeply cherish and desire others to know.

If you find yourself curious about God or seeking something more, Christians encourage you to explore this relationship. They believe that if you genuinely seek God, He will reveal Himself to you, offering a transformative and eternal relationship.

In summary, while it may seem that Christians are judgmental, their actions are driven by a profound love and concern for others' eternal well-being. Understanding this motivation can help bridge the gap between perception and intention, highlighting the heart of the Christian message: love, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God.

Understanding Syncretism, Heresy, and Christianity (Through the Lens of Tim Keller)

Syncretism, as defined by Wikipedia, is the practice of combining different beliefs and various schools of thought. For Christians, the purity of their faith as taught by Jesus is of utmost importance. This is why they have developed Creeds—statements summarizing essential Christian truths.

### The Role of Creeds in Christianity

The Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed are among the most well-known and widely accepted Creeds. These Creeds serve as foundational summaries of Christian beliefs, encapsulating the core tenets of the faith handed down by Jesus and his apostles.

Tim Keller often emphasizes that these Creeds are not just historical documents but living testimonies of faith. They provide a concise framework that helps Christians understand and articulate their beliefs, ensuring that the teachings remain consistent with the original gospel message.

### Summarizing Biblical Teaching

In addition to Creeds, Christians have created detailed summaries of biblical teaching. One of the most famous of these is the Westminster Confession. This document, along with others like the Thirty-Nine Articles, aims to offer a comprehensive guide to understanding Scripture.

Keller would highlight that these summaries are crucial in helping believers navigate the complexities of the Bible, ensuring that their interpretations align with the historical and theological foundations of Christianity. They serve as guardrails against misunderstandings and misinterpretations that could lead to doctrinal errors.

### The Danger of Heresy

Heresy, defined as any belief or theory strongly at variance with established beliefs, is a significant concern for Christians. The Bible warns against adding or subtracting from God's Word, underscoring the importance of adhering to the original teachings (see Deuteronomy 4:2 and Revelation 22:18-19 for biblical warnings against altering Scripture).

Keller often addresses the issue of heresy by stressing the need for doctrinal purity and faithfulness to the gospel. He argues that deviations from core Christian teachings can lead to confusion and spiritual harm, both for individuals and the broader faith community.

A contemporary example of syncretism and resulting heresy can be seen in the teachings of figures like Desmond Tutu. While Tutu is respected for his work in social justice, some of his theological views have been criticized for straying from orthodox Christian doctrine.

Keller would approach this topic with a balance of truth and grace, acknowledging the positive contributions of such figures while also warning against their theological errors. He would emphasize that while Christians should engage with the world and other belief systems, they must do so without compromising the core truths of their faith.

### Maintaining Doctrinal Integrity

In summary, the importance of maintaining doctrinal integrity cannot be overstated. The Creeds and Confessions serve as essential tools for preserving the purity of Christian teaching. By adhering to these foundational documents, Christians can guard against the dangers of syncretism and heresy, ensuring that their faith remains true to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

### Concluding Thoughts

Keller's approach to syncretism and heresy underscores the need for a robust and well-articulated faith. He encourages Christians to deeply engage with their theological heritage, understanding the Creeds and Confessions as vital resources for spiritual growth and doctrinal fidelity. By doing so, believers can navigate the challenges of modernity while remaining steadfast in their commitment to the unchanging truths of Christianity.

In an era where blending different beliefs is increasingly common, Christians are called to uphold the integrity of their faith with love, wisdom, and discernment, reflecting the grace and truth of Jesus Christ in all they do.

Understanding the Christian Perspective on Homosexuality (Through the Lens of John MacArthur)

We live in the midst of a sexual revolution that asserts homosexuality as normal, yet traditional Christian teachings consider it to be a deviation from God’s design for human sexuality. Pastor John MacArthur is a prominent voice in explaining the biblical stance on this issue.

### The Biblical View of Homosexuality

According to Scripture, homosexuality is viewed as perverse, abnormal sexual behaviour. The Bible consistently presents sexual relations as intended to be between one man and one woman within the covenant of marriage. Verses such as Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, and Leviticus 18:22 clearly articulate that homosexual behavior is contrary to God's design and commandments.

John MacArthur emphasizes that this stance is not based on personal prejudice but on the authority of Scripture. Christians believe that all forms of sexual immorality, including homosexuality, are sins that separate individuals from God.

### The Transforming Power of the Gospel

Despite the Bible's clear stance on homosexuality, the core message of Christianity is one of redemption and transformation. Many people who have engaged in homosexual behavior have turned away from this sin and found liberty and healing in Jesus Christ. According to Christian doctrine, this transformation is available to all sinners, regardless of the nature of their sins.

MacArthur underscores that through repentance and faith in Jesus, individuals are forgiven, saved, delivered, sanctified, and washed. 1 Corinthians 6:11 affirms this truth: “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

### The Role of the Church

John MacArthur teaches that the church’s role is to uphold biblical truth while extending Christ’s love and grace to all individuals, including those who identify as homosexual. The church must preach the gospel, which calls for repentance and promises new life in Christ. This involves addressing sin honestly while also offering the hope and healing found in Jesus.

MacArthur often highlights that the church must avoid compromising on biblical teachings to conform to cultural trends. Instead, it should stand firm in the truth of God's Word, offering a message of salvation that is transformative and redemptive.

### Compassion and Truth

While maintaining a firm stance on the biblical view of homosexuality, John MacArthur advocates for approaching individuals with compassion and love. Christians are called to share the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), pointing people to the forgiveness and new life available in Christ.

The gospel message is one of hope. It proclaims that no sin is beyond God’s forgiveness and that anyone can be made new in Christ. MacArthur's teachings emphasize that true Christian ministry involves both upholding biblical truth and demonstrating Christ-like compassion.

### Concluding Thoughts

In summary, the Christian perspective on homosexuality, as articulated by John MacArthur, is rooted in the authority of Scripture and the transformative power of the gospel. Homosexual behavior is considered sinful, but the message of Christianity is one of redemption and hope. Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, anyone can experience forgiveness, deliverance, and a new life.

Christians are called to stand firm in their biblical convictions while extending grace and compassion to all. By doing so, they faithfully represent the truth and love of Jesus Christ in a world that often misunderstands and misrepresents biblical teachings on sexuality.

For a more detailed exploration of this topic, you can listen to John MacArthur's teachings on homosexuality [here](https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/80-50).

  #luxvitacaritas

Lux Vita Caritas: Understanding Its True Meaning (Through the Lens of John Piper)

The words and the phrase "Lux Vita Caritas" are devoid of their true and deepest meaning unless they are understood as describing Jesus, the Christ, also known as Yeshua (ישוע) or Isa (عيسى).

### Lux Vita Caritas: Rooted in Jesus Christ

Next time you think of the phrase "Lux Vita Caritas," remember Jesus, about whom these words were written. Jesus is the embodiment of Truth and our one and only Savior. In John 14:6-7, Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

### The Cornerstone of Salvation

Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith. Acts 4:11-12 proclaims, “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Piper would emphasize that Jesus's life, sacrificial death, and resurrection reveal the profound meanings of Lux (Light), Vita (Life), and Caritas (Love).

### LUX [Light]

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Jesus did not merely claim to be a light; He declared that He is the light of the world. This light represents the truth of God, illuminating our path and revealing the reality of our condition and God's provision for salvation. John Piper often highlights that only those who put their hope and trust in Jesus have this true light and walk in His truth.

### VITA [Life]

Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35). Piper would underscore that Jesus alone meets our deepest needs and longings. All other pursuits fall short of the joy and fulfillment that come from following Him. Jesus is not just a source of life; He is the source of life, satisfying our spiritual hunger and thirst.

### CARITAS [Love]

The Bible teaches, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8). Jesus is love because He is God. This love is demonstrated through His sacrificial actions, culminating in His death on the cross for our sins. Piper frequently speaks of how God's love is supremely manifested in Christ's atoning sacrifice, which saves everyone who turns from their selfish ways and follows Jesus by obeying His commands and trusting entirely in Him.

### Jesus: God the Son

Jesus showed by His life and words that He is God the Son. In John 10:22-38, Jesus explicitly states, “I and the Father are one.” Despite the opposition and accusations of blasphemy from His contemporaries, Jesus affirmed His divine identity and mission. He is the Messiah, the Son of the living God, as revealed to Peter in Matthew 16:13-17.

Jesus also prayed for His followers, saying, “I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one” (John 17:10-11). His unity with the Father and His mission to bring believers into that unity is central to His identity and work.

### Concluding Thoughts

The phrase "Lux Vita Caritas" finds its true and profound meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the light that guides us, the life that sustains us, and the love that redeems us. John Piper would urge us to see these words as not just theological concepts but as living realities embodied in the person of Jesus. Let us remember that in knowing and following Jesus, we experience the fullness of light, life, and love.

#luxvitacaritas

The Way, The Truth, and The Life: Understanding Jesus as our one and only Saviour (Through the Lens of Billy Graham)

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

In Greek and Hebrew it reads:

Λέγει αὐτῷ ‹ὁ› Ἰησοῦς “Ἐγώ εἰμι ἡ ὁδὸς καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια καὶ ἡ ζωή· οὐδεὶς ἔρχεται πρὸς τὸν Πατέρα εἰ μὴ δι’ ἐμοῦ.

 

John 14:6

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The ONLY way. It follows, then, that salvation and the knowledge of God cannot be found in any other worldview or religion. Not Islam, not Judaism, not Roman Catholicism, not Hinduism, not Buddhism, not Confucianism, etc.

### Jesus as Lux Vita Caritas

Why then do we speak of Jesus as Lux Vita Caritas (Light Life Love)?

### Lux (Light)

The Lux, or Light, refers to Jesus being the ultimate Truth. He illuminates our understanding and restores us to God. Just as a light in the darkness shows the way, Jesus shows us the way to God and exposes the reality of our condition and need for salvation.

### Vita (Life)

The Vita, or Life, refers to the eternal life found in Jesus alone. He said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25). In Jesus, we find life that is both abundant and everlasting, a life that overcomes the power of sin and death.

### Caritas (Love)

The Caritas, or Love, refers to the way in which Jesus is the only means to be reconciled to the Father in His love and by His love for us. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Through Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection, we experience the profound love of God that redeems and restores us.

### Why Jesus Alone Can Save Us from Our Sins

Billy Graham consistently emphasized the uniqueness and sufficiency of Jesus Christ for our salvation. Let's delve deeper into why Jesus alone is able to save us from our sins:

**1. Jesus' Sinless Life:**
Billy Graham often spoke about the sinless life of Jesus as the foundation of His ability to save us. Jesus, being fully God and fully man, lived a perfect and sinless life. Hebrews 4:15 tells us, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” Because Jesus was without sin, He was the only one qualified to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins.

**2. The Atoning Sacrifice:**
Billy Graham highlighted the significance of Jesus' death on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. In 1 Peter 2:24, it says, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” Jesus took upon Himself the punishment that we deserve, satisfying the justice of God and demonstrating His profound love for us.

**3. The Power of the Resurrection:**
The resurrection of Jesus is central to the Christian faith and was a frequent focus of Billy Graham's preaching. Romans 4:25 states, “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” Jesus' victory over death through His resurrection confirms His divine nature and His power to grant eternal life to all who believe in Him. The resurrection assures us that Jesus has conquered sin and death, providing us with the hope of eternal life.

**4. The Exclusivity of Christ:**
Billy Graham often emphasized the exclusive nature of salvation through Jesus Christ. In Acts 4:12, we read, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Jesus Himself declared that He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6). This exclusivity is not about excluding others but about recognizing the unique role of Jesus as the Savior of the world.

**5. The Transformative Power of Faith in Jesus:**
Billy Graham witnessed countless lives transformed by faith in Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” When we place our faith in Jesus, we are made new, forgiven, and reconciled to God. This transformation is a testament to the power of Jesus to save and change lives.

Billy Graham’s message was always rooted in the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. He urged people to come to Jesus, to repent of their sins, and to receive the free gift of salvation that Jesus offers. Lux Vita Caritas – Light, Life, and Love – are found in their truest, deepest sense in Jesus Christ alone.

#luxvitacaritas