Questioning Faith

You write that: ‘No sinful human can keep Gods commandments’.

Whaaww.

So every adult you know – including yourself, of course – worships gods other than God; fashions graven images, which they then bow down to; takes the name of their Lord in vain; couldn’t care less about the Sabbath; fails to show respect and honour to their parents; is either a murderer, or one who is prepared to murder, given the opportunity; commits adultery; steals; and not only lies about their neighbours, but also covets their wives and property!

Good luck!!

Mark12: 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this:There is no commandment greater than these.”
Deut6: 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

These are Gods command and as you know yourself we cannot do this.
No Christian, No Jew, No Muslim has ever done this for more than a few moments.
So how do you in islam, get right with God.

You’re absolutely right: no one–whether Jew, Christian, or Muslim–has ever fulfilled Deuteronomy 6:5 or Mark 12:30–31 perfectly, constantly, from the heart, soul, mind, and strength without failure. That is precisely the dilemma.

In Christianity, here’s the answer:
We do not get right with God by keeping that command—because we can’t. Instead:

Romans 3:20 – “By works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.”
Galatians 3:10 – “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.”
James 2:10 – “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.”

The command to love God wholly is holy, just, and good–but it exposes our inability.
And that’s why we need a Savior, not just a standard.

So how do we get right with God?
Romans 3:21–22 – “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law… the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Ephesians 2:8–9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

What about Islam?
In Islam, a person seeks to get right with Allah by sincerely submitting to his will, performing the five pillars, doing good deeds, repenting for sins, and trusting in Allah’s mercy on the Day of Judgment. But here’s the critical contrast:

In Islam, salvation depends on your obedience outweighing your sin (Surah 23:102–103).

In Christianity, salvation depends on Christ’s obedience being credited to you by faith (Romans 5:19).

One path says, “Do more, try harder, hope for mercy.”
The other says, “It is finished” (John 19:30), and gives mercy freely to those who trust in the finished work of the Messiah.

So if you know you haven’t loved God with your whole being–neither have I–but Christ has, and He offers His righteousness in place of your failure.
That’s grace. That’s the gospel. And that’s how we get right with God.

Johann.

Hi questioning07. Great thoughts! What did Jesus say we must do to have eternal life? If you don’t know, I can help you find it. Please note - I’m only interested in the words of Jesus in the 4 gospels. Thanks! Dave

You claim that no Christian; no Jew; and no Muslim has ever obeyed God’s laws: ‘for more than a few moments.’

Really?

It has been my privilege to know many who were shining examples of loving devotion to God; folk who – by their behaviour – were living proof that it is possible for us to obey the commands of our Lord; and to do so habitually.

If you have never known such folk, then you are truly bereft; and deserving of pity.

God is not a puppet-master, and does not insist on the impossible. The fact that He requires us to behave in a certain way – to avoid sin – makes sense only if we are free to comply.

Everything we do – freely and willingly – should be done for His own sake; and for no other reason. He desires that we should choose to live in His love. Each and every one of us:

'I set before you life or death, blessing or curse. Choose life, then, so that you and your descendants may live, in the love of Yahweh your God, obeying his voice, clinging to him; for in this your life consists…’ (Deuteronomy 30:19-20 – Jerusalem Bible).

We are given a choice. I choose life.

You wish to know how Muslims ‘get right with God’.

By two means: Remembrance of Him, and Repentance.

Concerning Remembrance:

When we love someone – and are loved in return – we long to be remembered by them. A simple card; a letter; a greeting; a phone call to say ‘I love you’.

It is a source of immeasurable wonder that the Beloved – the Master of the Universe – should say to one such as I: ‘Remember Me; I will remember you.’ (Sūrah ‘Al-Baqara: 152’).

One of the Beloved’s ‘Beautiful Names’ is ‘Al-Wali’; meaning the ‘Protecting Friend’; and our relationship with Him is one of closeness; of love; of trust; and of dependence.

He says:

‘We created man – We know what his soul whispers to him: We are closer to him than his jugular vein.’ (Sūrah ‘Qaf:16).

Ms. A. Helwa is a Master of Divinity, with over fifteen years writing and speaking on Islam and spiritual development. She writes:

‘Whether you are in a plane in the sky, in the heart of a desert, or in the depths of a sea where no light can reach, God is with you. Everyone else may leave, everything else may break, but Allah will forever be your most faithful and intimate friend.’ (‘Secrets of Divine Love: A Spiritual Journey into the Heart of Islam’)

The Beloved says:

‘But for those who the friends of God there is no fear, nor shall they grieve. For those who believe and are conscious of God, for them there is good news in this life and in the Hereafter – there is no changing the promises of God - that is truly the supreme triumph.’ (Sūrah ‘Yunus: 62-65’; my emphases).

Remembrance of God leads to taqwa; an active state of consciousness and mindfulness of the Divine.

The Quran mentions taqwa multiple times, underlining its significance in a believer’s life.

Taqwa is described as the best of all garments:

‘Children of Adam, We have given you garments to cover your nakedness and as adornment for you; the garment of God-consciousness is the best of all garments this is one of God’s signs, so that people may take heed.’ (Sūrah ‘Al-A‘raf: 26’).

It is the criterion of honour in God’s sight:

‘People, We created you all from a single man and a single woman, and made you into races and tribes so that you should recognise one another. In God’s eyes, the most honoured of you are the ones most mindful of Him: God is all knowing, all aware.’ (Sūrah ‘Al-Hujurat:13; my emphasis).

Taqwa provides a moral compass, guiding – throughout their daily lives – all who truly love their Lord; and who desire to adhere to His teachings, and to abstain from sinful behaviour.

A person (or community) guided by taqwa values truth, justice, and compassion; values that lie at the very heart of the Beloved’s commands:

‘You who believe, be steadfast in your devotion to God and bear witness impartially: do not let hatred of others lead you away from justice, but adhere to justice, for that is closer to awareness of God. Be mindful of God: God is well aware of all that you do.’ (Sūrah ‘Al-Ma’ida:8).

Taqwa enables the believer to be patient; to persevere; and to trust in God’s plan:

‘You who believe, seek help through steadfastness and prayer, for God is with the steadfast.’ (Sūrah ‘Al-Baqara: 153).

The Beloved acknowledges any good that we do:

‘Anyone who does good of his own accord will be rewarded, for God rewards good deeds, and knows everything.’ (Sūrah ‘Al-Baqara 158’).

And again:

‘If anyone does good, We shall increase it for him; God is most forgiving and most appreciative.’ (Sūrah ‘Al-Shura 23’).

Life’s trials are not to be seen as punishments, but as opportunities to grow spiritually and emotionally. Taqwa helps us to be remain patient and hopeful; to recognise that every hardship is a test of faith; and an opportunity to provide ease to those who suffer hardship.

Continued:

Concerning Repentance:

According to Islam, all will stand before God on the Day of Judgment. Each will be given a record of their lives.

It is said that a record of good deeds is made straight away; but that a record of bad deeds is delayed for some hours, to allow for repentance. Even when a sin is recorded it can be erased by sincere and genuine repentance (tawbah).

When we repent for the love of God alone, and not out of fear of punishment; nor for any other reason. This will suffice.

It is said that God cannot arbitrarily forgive the sinner without satisfying His infinite justice; that alongside forgiveness must come – without exception – punishment.

Forgiveness is nothing less than the act of pardoning somebody for a mistake or wrongdoing. To pardon someone is to release them from all obligations to provide restitution, or to suffer any form of punishment. When someone is forgiven, their debt is wiped out entirely.

The Tanakh tells us that God pardons absolutely:

‘Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.’ (Micah 7:18-19);

And again:

‘I am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins.’ (Isaiah 43:25);

Notice the present tense. God ‘blots out (our) transgressions. The text does not say that He would blot out our sins, if only we could be bothered to ask

And yet again:

‘As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.’ (Psalm 103: 12).

Dr. Omar Suleiman – Founder and President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, and an Adjunct Professor of Islamic Studies in the Graduate Liberal Studies Program at SMU (Southern Methodist University) – writes:

‘We have a Lord that created our past, present, and future. It doesn’t matter what we did in the past because He guaranteed us a better future if we learn how to deal with that past, and that will propel us towards Him. We ask Allah to make us amongst those that are beloved to Him in our repentance and in our sin, and in our good deeds. Āmīn.’ (‘Allah Loves’).

Ms. A. Helwa writes:

‘Do not listen to the voices that say you are too imperfect for a perfect God, that you are too filthy to be cleaned, or too horrible to be redeemed – no matter the life you have led, your mistakes or sins can never be greater than God’s mercy.’ (‘Secrets of Divine Love: A Spiritual Journey into the Heart of Islam’)

How does a Muslims ‘get right with God’? Through taqwa; through sincere repentance; and by means of a simple request: ‘Please forgive me’

SS
Yo said it better than I ever could. (I especially loved the TedTalk, TikTok, TemperTantrum line. Wish I’d said that, The illiteration is dripping…)

I think Jesus said, “The gate is narrow and the path is difficult that leads to eternal life”, but He did not suggest we hire a landscaping company to widen and pave the path, plant some shade trees, install benches every 100 yards and a few refreshment stations along the way. He didn’t suggest we hire a construction crew to replace that old narrow gate with double french doors under a welcoming archway. If the way is difficult, I better just strap on my best shoes (gospel of peace) and get on with it.

Fellow traveler
KP

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The bible says All have sinned and fallen short of Gods Glory.
Paul an apostle wrote my rightousness is like filthy rags.
.

Romans 5: 6, You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

Hebrews 9 says:= But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

What is the punishment for sin?
Adam was thrown out of Gods presecence for committing one sin.
That was at the start of creation, how much worse will being excluded from Gods prescence for ONE sin at the end of the world.

I expect you to disagree with my posts, after all, you are not a Muslim!

Blessings.

Nibo

I am not a moderator, but I would suggest you read the TOS (terms of service) paying specific attention to number 13. Just a friendly reminder of the terms we all agreed to.

Peace
KP

Ahhh. So when it comes to Islam and it’s teachings, I am not permitted to let truth stand in the way of ignorance, or cherished prejudices?

Not to worry. Please ask the Powers to delete my membership.

Blessings.

. Repentance Isn’t Just a Clean Slate-It Needs a Substitute
Allah’s system says you erase your slate through heartfelt repentance. Christianity says sin demands death, someone must die (Romans 6:23). That’s why Jesus came: “Christ died for our sins… according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor 15:3). His blood doesn’t just wipe the slate-it pays the debt.

  1. “Infinite Justice” Was Met on the Cross
    Islamic logic: God must punish alongside forgiving. Christianity says that’s already happenedJesus took the punishment on Himself (Isa 53:5, 1 Pet 2:24). God didn’t dilute justiceHe satisfied it fully in Christ (Rom 3:25–26).

  2. Forgiveness Isn’t Just God ForgettingIt’s God Fulfilling His Promise
    Yes, Micah 7:18–19 and Isaiah 43:25 speak of God cancelling sins. But Hebrews 10:17 explains it’s because “their sins and lawless deeds I will remember no more.” That’s not psychic amnesia-it’s legal cancellation because Christ paid it all.

  3. Works Alone Don’t Secure Forgiveness
    Islam teaches repentance + sincere work = redemption. But Paul says in Ephesians 2:8–9: “For by grace you have been saved… not a result of works.” Even sincere repentance is futile unless we receive Christ as Savior (John 1:12).

  4. Rest righteous-don’t just behave righteous
    Islam says repent and your standing with God improves. Christianity says your standing doesn’t improve because it already changed at salvation (Rom 5:1). You’re declared righteous in Christ, even though you’re still growing.

TL;DR—Christianity doesn’t deny repentance. But:
Topic Islamic View Christian View
Sin forgiveness Erase deeds + repentance Jesus redeems + repentance
Justice served Must punish Punished in Christ
Our standing with God Improves with good deeds Perfect in Christ on day one
Ongoing repentance Required to maintain favor Repentance maintains fellowship, not favor

Bottom line: Islam says “fix your record.” Christianity says “Your record’s fixed-believe in Jesus and live as You’ve been forgiven.” Repentance matters. But only forgiveness through Christ heals perfectly.

Johann.

Sorrey for the delay in replying.

Neither of us have to agree with each other. We may disagree, as we do politly, but our views have to be in line with what God has said is required for us to believe for salvation.

As you are aware Islam and Christianity do not agree about how one is saved.
Islam says:-it is Repentance, Faith and Good Works.
Christianity says it is Repentance and Faith in Jesus.

This is an eternally important issue as our future depends on this.
You are trusting in the teaching of one who is a servant of God, his Prophet.
Christians trust in one who called God his Father and said those who believed had the right to become children of God.
.John 1: 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God..