“And before him the book of Moses was a guide and a mercy; and this is a book of confirmation [of it] in Arabic, to warn those who do iniquity and bring glad tidings to those who do good.« (Quran 46,12:XNUMX Rassoul)
"He has sent down to you the book...with the truth, which confirms the earlier revelations: the Torah and the Gospel." (Koran 3,3:XNUMX Azhar)

As I studied the Qur'an, I realized that one of its purposes was to confirm God's messages recorded in the Bible. The Koran should not correct, contradict, or supersede the Bible, but should underline its authenticity. The Qur'an uses the word "affirmation" more than a dozen times in connection with the earlier scriptures. He doesn't even speak of correcting them. That is only possible if the Bible also to  of the proclamation of the Koran is still unadulterated. The Koran frequently refers to the Bible and also states that it is its task to confirm the earlier messages.

A look at history shows that the Church was already in the midst of apostasy when the Koran was proclaimed. Instead of preaching the unadulterated gospel and truly converting the Gentiles, the Roman Catholic Church Christianized the Gentile religions and paganized Christianity. The differences became blurred. This made the church more attractive to the citizens of the Roman Empire. As a result, the Catholic Church soon became, and remained so, the most important religion in the Roman world. Another result was that this major form of Christianity was moving further and further away from the true gospel of Jesus Christ and the true proclamation of God's Word. The more I studied the Bible and the Qur'an, the more I realized that both stand in stark contrast to the apostasy in Christianity.

I was under the impression that the Koran is nothing more than an Arabic version of the biblical message - a confirmation of the Torah in Arabic for Arabs.

"Then We gave Moses the Book - fulfilling for him that does good, and as a clarification of all things and as a guide and as a mercy - that they might believe in the meeting with their Lord. And this is a book We sent down - full of blessings. So follow him and beware of sin, that you may find mercy, lest you say: 'The Scriptures were revealed only to two peoples before us, and indeed we had no knowledge of their contents'" (Qur'an 6,154:156 -XNUMX Rasoul)

The essentials become clear here:

These Qur'anic verses testify that God's inspired Book was sent to "two peoples", the Jews and the Christians, before the Qur'an was proclaimed. The Qur'an was sent to the Arabs in their own language so that they might know the biblical messages sent to the Jews and Christians. It was sent to them because the Arabs also needed the message. "Indeed, we had no knowledge of its contents." So the Koran was not sent to correct, contradict, or replace the Bible, but so that the Arabs could hear the biblical message in their own language.

The Qur'an testifies that the earlier scriptures "(are) fulfilling for him who does good, and as a clarification of all things, and as a guide, and as a mercy - that they may believe in meeting their Lord." If the Bible for fulfills the one who does good and makes everything clear, then this verse of the Qur'an confirms the living truth that was written long before the Qur'an. When I, as a Muslim, first read the apostle Paul explaining what inspiration is, it was immediately clear to me that the Koran wants to lead the reader to the Bible. "All Scripture is inspired by God, and useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully prepared, fully equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3,16:17-XNUMX)

Just as God led the Israelites step by step through different stages of understanding, God also follows His own plan in faithfully fulfilling the promises He made to Abraham for Ishmael. Perhaps one day Christians will be amazed to see that Muslims who follow Jesus "wherever he goes" will make up a significant portion of the redeemed (Revelation 14,4:XNUMX).

In order to understand that the Quran is a confirmation of the earlier scriptures, I had to study both the Bible and the Quran, i.e. go back to the sources. But I had to free myself from all traditional interpretations. I realized that the Qur'an speaks very clearly about God's attitude towards the earlier scriptures. He clearly testifies that the scriptures that were in the possession of Jews and Christians at that time - that is, the Bible - are God's true and guarded word.

I also came across this verse that says the Quran vouches for the Bible:

“We have sent you the Book (Quran) with the truth. It confirms the previously revealed scriptures and preserved them.« (Quran 5,48:XNUMX Azhar) Another translation says: »And We sent down to you the Book with the truth, confirming what was of the Book before it, and as Guardian about it.” (Koran 5,48:XNUMX Bubenheim/Elyas)

Or this verse that says Muslims to the Bible believe must.

“The Messenger believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and so do the believers; all believe to Allah, His angels, His books and His messengers - We do not discriminate among any of His messengers. And they say: 'We hear and obey. Grant us Your forgiveness, our Lord! And to you is the exit.‹« (Koran 2:285 Bubenheim/Elyas)

“You believers! believes in God, His Messenger, the Book that He sent down to him and to the previously revealed Scripture! Who visites  God, His angels His books, His Messengers and the Last Day denies, he has strayed far.« (Quran 4,136 Azhar)

The Qur'an says very clearly that those who deny its books are far astray. This isn't his book, it's his books. So anyone who only believes in the Koran and not in the Bible is, according to the Koran, an unbeliever who is threatened with bad luck.

The prayer to Allah

For more than three years I prayed to Allah to guide me in my Bible and Koran study. For more than three years I didn't use the word "God" because Allah was my God, not just any god! Even after the Koran convinced me that the Bible is Allah's Word and that no one can change His Word, I shied away from praying to "God." Again and again I prayed to Allah and only Allah to show me the truth about Jesus. How easy it is to be narrow-minded growing up in a culture. Because every culture has its own characteristics. This ingrained cultural sensibility is not easily ignored. It is difficult for a Muslim to pick up and read a Bible for several reasons. Often pastors, scholars, theology professors and other educated people, as well as ordinary Christians, make it even more difficult for Muslims to read the Bible. Because they insult our prophet and our holy book or confront us with Christian culture or Christian traditions.

The vast majority of Christians believe that Muhammad is a false prophet and that Islam is a false religion. It is generally believed that the Koran and the Bible are absolutely incompatible. Islam is a big lie and completely contradicts the Bible. Yes he is full of demonic lies. There is no common ground. Either you believe in the Bible or in the Koran. The Koran advocates violence, oppression and evil.

But when I read the Gospels, I understand why Gandhi said, "I like your Christ, but I don't like your Christians. Your Christians are so different from your Christ.”

From Christmas to the Cross

Some Christians say that the crescent or moon and star used as symbols in Islamic schools or mosques has its origins in the ancient pagan religion of Babylon. They say Islam has its roots there and Allah is the moon god! With the same logic, however, one would have to come to the conclusion that Christianity also has its roots in paganism. The cross, after all, is a pagan symbol worshiped by the pagans centuries before Jesus was born. It was not until centuries after Jesus' crucifixion that the Roman Catholic Church adopted the cross. From Christmas to the cross, many pagan traditions and symbols have found their way into the Christian world. Does this mean that Christianity has its roots in paganism?

All of these claims definitely did not draw me to the Bible or Jesus. For a Muslim they are nothing but insults against his faith, his holy book and against Allah. It has always puzzled me when I heard Christians pray to Jesus as their God and worship Him as Almighty God. But then I read in John that Jesus revealed God's name to us (John 17,6:4,22). Jesus said, "I have revealed your name to men whom you gave me out of the world" (John 4,22:XNUMX). Some "worship what they do not know" (John XNUMX:XNUMX paraphrases), but "the become true worshipers the father worship in spirit and in truth; then der Vater seek such worshipers.« (John 4,23:XNUMX) This spoke to me and made me curious.

There are millions who have never heard the truth about Jesus. Believe me, they will be as open as I am when they are allowed to discover Jesus through the Koran and the Bible, free from Christian culture and tradition.

"So faith comes from preaching, but preaching is through the Word of God." (Romans 10,17:XNUMX) This Bible verse has been fulfilled in my life as a Muslim and I can only encourage every follower of Jesus to preach only the Word of God instead human explanations and traditions. God's word is powerful. It will do its own work.

Small steps with the people of the book

Years ago, God in His infinite grace led me to an Adventist who studied the Koran with me and explained Bible verses to me. Whenever we didn't agree on something, she always advised me to just pray and read the verse over and over again and keep asking God until he gives us the right understanding at the right time.

This Seventh-day Adventist's Christ-like lifestyle planted its seed in my heart. A humble Seventh-day Adventist explained the book of Daniel to me. An Adventist pastor showed me how a few verses of the Koran related to the Bible. A retired Adventist steelworker showed me my great Muslim Bible story from Genesis to Revelation. Many ordinary Adventists have spent time with me as I took small steps toward the Messiah. It took me years to get to this point.

If I had met one of those Christians who insult Islam and the Koran, I would not have even listened to them. The Bible says that faith comes from hearing God's Word, not by insulting a religion that even calls on its believers to obey the Bible and fix their eyes on Jesus. Because that's what the Koran does.

As an Arabic-speaking Muslim, I discovered that my God is the God of the Bible and that His unadulterated Word is still available to everyone today. It is generally accepted that Jesus and his disciples spoke mainly Aramaic. I knew that Aramaic is much more similar to Arabic than Hebrew. Yes, the two are sister languages. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, says in the Bible: "'Eloi, eloi, lama sabachthani?' That means translated: 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'" (Mark 15,34:XNUMX).

If we translate Jesus' words into Arabic, this is: "Elahi, Elahi, lemadha taraktani: الهي الهي لماذا تركتني

Jesus said these words in Aramaic around 2000 years ago and even today these words sound almost the same when translated into Arabic. Jesus said, "I will ascend to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." (John 20,17:XNUMX) So my Redeemer and I have the same God and Father. We both call him Eloi/Elahi = my God. Means God in Arabic Allah, and "my god" Elahiwhat differs from the word Allah derives, which in turn is from the Aramaic word for God, Allah or Alah comes.

I have studied the Quran, the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy for years now. I have also dealt in detail with the Advent story. My conclusion is that the Advent movement is not just one denomination among many, but a unique, heaven-ordained movement charged with saving the world and moving forward steadfastly in the humility of Jesus. God entrusted the end-time message to the Seventh-day Adventists. Like a mother, Ellen White admonished all Adventists: “As Seventh-day Adventists, we call people away from custom and tradition to a clear 'Thus saith the Lord.' For this reason we do not - nor can we - go with the current that follows the teachings and commandments of men.« (Testimonials 5, 389)

How thankful I am to those true Christians who have given themselves totally to "the one God and Father of all, above all, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" (Ephesians 4,6:22,32; Matthew 4,163:3,84; Qur'an 2,136; XNUMX; XNUMX). You have helped me as a Muslim to understand the gospel from the Koran which led me to the Bible and Allah's representative, his Emir, his Messiah: my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Who is Jesus Christ?

“Therefore I let you know that no one who speaks in the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed; neither can anyone call Jesus Lord except by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12,3:XNUMX) As I read this verse, I understood that without God's Holy Spirit I would never be able to answer the question who Jesus is Christ is real. No man can acknowledge Jesus as his Lord without the Holy Spirit. Another verse explains that God the Father, through his Holy Spirit, revealed this truth to Peter:

"Then he said to them, 'But you, who do you think I am? Then Simon Peter answered and said: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God! And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon son of Jonah; for flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father who is in heaven!« (Matthew 16,15:17-XNUMX)

Here Jesus Christ stood before Peter as a man of flesh and blood and said: »Flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father who is in heaven!« Not even Jesus himself revealed to Peter who he is. But Jesus congratulated Peter for speaking the words, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." He said, Peter, this is not of your own natural thought, but was revealed to you by my Father. This answer to the question Jesus asked the disciples must have been of the utmost importance. For the Holy Spirit spoke through Peter that this truth might be understood.

Jesus asked the disciples directly, "Who do you say I am?" Peter then answered something that he had no intention of doing. Then Jesus said, "This answer is inspired by the only true God." Following this, Jesus says that this truth (Jesus as the Son of the living God) is the foundation upon which he would build his church. This truth, confessed by Peter, states that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. He is not just any prophet, but the divine Word of God made flesh. I found that the Koran, like Peter, recognized Jesus as the Messiah. "Truly the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, is... the Messenger of Allah and His Word." (Quran 4,171:XNUMX Rassoul) Peter confessed that the Messiah is the Son of the living God, that Jesus came forth from God and represents Him. Likewise, the Koran professes the same message by calling Jesus the "Word of God".

»Mary, God announces good news to you through a word from Him. His name is Jesus, son of Mary, the Messiah.« (Koran 3,45:1,14 Azhar) In these verses Jesus Christ, the son of Mary is called the »Word of God« or »Word of God«, which was sent to Mary. Jesus is the Word of God that “became flesh,” as it says in John XNUMX:XNUMX: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”

When Muslims ask, "Who is Jesus?", many Christians reply, "Jesus is the Son of God." While this statement is true in and of itself, it at first seems impossible to the human mind (1 Corinthians 12,3: 2). Christians love to talk about Jesus' divinity, which is incomprehensible to the human heart unless filled with the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, Christians speak little about Jesus' humanity, even though the subject is so important. In God's eyes it is a great sin to deny Jesus' humanity. The apostle John warns us of this sin in his second epistle: "For many deceivers have come into the world, who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh—this is the deceiver and the antichrist" (1,7 John 4,15: 3,21) In John's day, false teachers denied that Jesus really had a human body. It only looked that way. Even today, many Christians do not believe that Jesus was tempted in everything as we are (but without sin). They deny that He could sympathize with our infirmities (Hebrews XNUMX:XNUMX) and do not believe that we can overcome as He overcame (Revelation XNUMX:XNUMX). But as a Muslim I could easily understand precisely this emphasis on the humanity of Jesus.

It was precisely through his human flesh that Jesus opened a new way of life for us. He was so believable and authentically human and yet perfect that the path of his life developed an irresistible attraction. "To him that overcomes I will give to sit with me on my throne, just as I also conquered and have sat down with my Father on his throne." (Revelation 3,21:XNUMX) Jesus did not overcome in His divine nature. Rather, he overcame temptation in his human nature. And that's why he's my role model.

“The humanity of the Son of God is everything to us. She is the golden chain that connects our souls to Jesus and through Jesus to God.« (Our High Calling, 48)

I felt an irresistible attraction to this Jesus. Isn't it amazing that the Koran is consistent with Ellen White's statements? Because the Koran emphasizes again and again the humanity of Jesus as Messiah and son of Mary.

My Quran study brought me to the following conclusion. The Koran, like the Bible, speaks of the virgin birth of Jesus. He calls Jesus the word of God and spirit of him. He acknowledges his divinity and pre-existence when he says that Jesus was God's word sent to Mary. Obviously he must have existed before his conception, otherwise he could not have reached Mary. The many Qur'anic verses that appear to deny Jesus' divinity actually warn us of three things. First, we should not dehumanize Jesus so that he can no longer save us from our sins. Second, we should not deify Jesus in such a way that we think we can disregard God's commandments, his Torah since Calvary. And thirdly, we should not make a pagan idol of Almighty God, thinking that he had begotten a child with Mary, thereby making her a goddess who now reigns with her son on Allah's throne to change God's law and our sins to whitewash.

The Bible and the Koran speak of Jesus' divine and human nature. Jesus is the Son of the living God, and the Son of the living God is our Lord. No one can accept Jesus as their Lord except through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12,3:3,14). The Spirit is obtained by believing the promise (Galatians 10,17:XNUMX) and faith is found by hearing God's Word (Romans XNUMX:XNUMX). So the world must hear God's word in order to find faith, receive the Holy Spirit and through him be able to confess that Jesus is Lord.

Muslim in the truest sense of the word

I am a Muslim and I made a conscious decision to turn my back on my old life of sin and live a new life in Jesus. I've been studying the Bible for years, following God's command in the Koran (2,285:XNUMX). I accept the Bible as my book without rejecting the Koran. How should I? The Koran has been such a great blessing to me. He has led me into deeper truth and brought me into a closer relationship with Allah through his Messiah Jesus. I am a Muslim in the truest sense of the word, totally devoted to God like the disciples of Jesus who were also Muslims!

»And when I inspired the disciples: 'Believe in Me and in My Messenger!' They said: 'We believe. Bear witness that we are Muslims!‹« (Koran 5,111:XNUMX Bubenheim/Elyas footnote)

"But when 'Isa saw their disbelief, he said, 'Who are my helpers to Allah?' The disciples said, 'We are Allah's helpers. We believe in Allah and testify that we are Muslims!‹« (Koran 3,52:XNUMX Bubenheim/Elyas footnote)

Islam is the divine religion and as such its name represents the fundamental principle of God's religion: total surrender to God's will. The Arabic word Islam means submission or surrender of one's will to the only true God worthy of worship. Anyone who does this is called a "Muslim." Islam is not a new religion founded by Muhammad in Arabia in the seventh century. The Koran clearly states that Islam is the only true religion of God, which he himself founded for us and to which Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Mohammed belonged. Those who study the Old Testament, the New Testament and the Qur'an find that the essence of our faith is indeed the surrender and surrender of our will to the one true God.

In the Koran, the disciples of Jesus are not called Muslims because they called themselves Muslims, but because they gave their will completely to God and accepted what he revealed to them. The Koran expects the same from every Muslim. He should believe in all of God's revelation and be devoted (muslim) to it.

"We believe in Allah and in what has been revealed to us and in what was revealed to Ibrahim, Isma'il, lshaq, Ya'qub and the tribes and what was given to Musa and 'Isa, and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them and we are Muslims.« (Koran 2,136 Bubenheim/Elyas footnote)

devotion as a lifestyle

For me as a Muslim, devotion is a way of life. I have found that this is also the foundation of biblical teaching. The Messiah said while on this earth: "If anyone wants to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me!" (Matthew 16,24:2,19) If that isn't a call to surrender! It is not enough to believe in God. Even the demons believe and tremble (James XNUMX:XNUMX). Faith, while essential, is meaningless without devotion.

“Not everyone who says to me: Lord, Lord! will enter the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does the will of my Father in heaven.« (Matthew 7,21:XNUMX)

This dedication is shown in actions, not just words. The problem with Muslims and Christians today is that their faith is paid lip service. This belief is not visible in her life. Muslims and Christians today say one thing and live the other. Jesus is our example and invites us only to do what he himself did: he "humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross" (Philippians 2,8:4,7). He gave himself completely to the Father and expects the same from us. “Submit yourselves now to God! Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4,8:2,186) After encouraging believers to give themselves completely to God, James continues in a reassuring manner: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. « (James XNUMX:XNUMX) The Koran also says of Almighty God: »So I am near; I hear the cry of the caller when he calls me.« (Quran XNUMX:XNUMX Rassoul)

I believe that the Messiah, God's Anointed, is the Savior of the world and I found him in the Quran. The Qur'an speaks with respect of the Torah, the Psalms and the Gospel as the scriptures given to Moses, David and Jesus. The Qur'an repeatedly points the reader to the earlier books where guidance, light, discernment between good and evil, and exhortation are to be found. In this admonition we seek guidance. The Koran calls these writings "God's books" and describes them as signs, light, guidance and mercy. He exhorts believers to read and live them (Koran 2,53:4,136; 5,44:46; XNUMX:XNUMX-XNUMX) and points the believer to the saving Messiah of whom the Bible tells.

Unfortunately, the biggest rejection of this understanding of the Koran comes from some ex-Muslims. Some of you are shocked by how I want to reach my fellow Muslims. Ex-Muslims often have a very negative attitude towards Islam like ex-Christians towards Christianity. But ex-Christians have often abandoned their faith because they have never experienced true biblical Christianity. I understand that you are shocked. But I see in my mind how their families and friends could be saved from their sins if these ex-Muslims showed them the true colors of Islam: total devotion to God and His Messiah and obedience to the entire revelation to which heard the Bible too. Why should I cut off the way to their hearts, which is already paved by the Koran?

God's promise of a great nation

Why do Christians want to turn us against Islam and the Koran when God is speaking to the descendants of Ishmael through this book? In Genesis 1:21,13, Abraham was promised that the descendants of Ishmael would become a great nation. And in Genesis 1:17,20 it says: »But because of Ishmael I also listened to you. Behold, I have blessed him richly and will make him fruitful and greatly increase. He will father twelve princes, and I want him make a great nation.' The word people did not refer to a group of people within the Jewish nation. Ishmael's descendants would become a great people of their own.

So what was the difference between the religions of Ishmael and Isaac? If we study the Bible and the Quran, we conclude that there was no difference. Only the covenant that had to do with the sending of the Messiah was made with Sarah's seed, not with Hagar. Ishmael and his descendants should be aware of this.

We read in the Koran and in the Bible about the creation of this world, the fall of Adam and Eve and the plan of salvation through the sacrificial system, about the flood, the law of God and the Sabbath, the coming of the Messiah, the day of judgment and the reward the righteous in heaven. The same message was preached through Isaac's descendants. The only difference was who was chosen to give birth to the Messiah.

Anyone who reads the Qur'an clearly sees that its aim is to increase faith in one God and that credit is due to him alone. His commandments are to be obeyed and what he forbids is to be avoided. Islam is the religion of which all the prophets that God sent to mankind belonged. The Qur'an says: 'He prescribed for you the religion which He commanded Noah and which We revealed to you and which We commanded Abraham and Moses and Jesus. Namely, to remain faithful to your religion and not to divide yourselves as a result.« (Koran 42,13:41,43) »You will be told nothing other than what was already said to the messengers before you.« (Koran XNUMX:XNUMX Rassoul)

After studying the Koran and the Bible for a long time, I recognized the word Islam as a designation for the pure original faith. Islam (devotion), salam (peace) and salama (salvation) are related. Only those who are reconciled to God find peace and happiness. All unhappiness comes from my enmity to God. Sin that comes from Satan brings enmity against God. Peace with God comes when we become free from sin. "Be reconciled with Him and make peace! Through this good will come upon you.« (Job 22,21:XNUMX)

The faith of Jesus

I needed peace with God. But how could I find him? I found the answer in the Bible: »Here is the endurance of the saints, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.« (Revelation 14,12:XNUMX Elberfelder) The faith of Jesus Christ brings me into harmony with God. Accepting Jesus' words of life, living like him, brings me into alignment with God's will. The result is peace. Because then I stand up for God's works. The Koran and the Bible brought me to this point. I firmly believe that they will lead me even deeper, so that I can better understand and fully participate in the divine nature.

Why do Christians want to get Muslims out of Islam when God intended the descendants of Ishmael to be named that? Why are we pigeonholed and condemned? Nowhere in the Bible do I read that a believer has to call himself a Christian! Even the disciples were not called Christians until the unbelievers in my hometown of Antioch (now Antakya) called them names. Whether I call myself Christian or Muslim is not critical if I only keep the Sabbath from sunset to sunset to return to my sinful life during the week. What matters is whether God's Spirit has touched my heart and it is now burning with love for God.

Muslims believe that the Creator of heaven and earth is called Allah in Arabic. All Arab Jews and Christians (including Seventh-day Adventists) also worship him by this name. Muslims are given basic knowledge, and that is how my journey began. On this basis, as a Muslim, the gospel was preached to me. Based on this, my relationship with the Creator God was restored because the Good News reconciled me to Allah.

Jesus is the Messiah

Muslims believe that Isa al-Masih (Jesus the Messiah) is a Prophet and Messenger of Allah. It is correct that the Koran calls Jesus a prophet and a messenger. The Bible does exactly the same thing. That doesn't mean that Jesus isn't our Messiah, that is, our Redeemer. Muslims also know that not every Messenger can be the Messiah...but the Messiah must also be a Messenger. Likewise, "Son of man" is a title for our Lord. He is mentioned more than eighty times in the Gospels. Most of the time, Jesus uses it when speaking of himself. But that doesn't mean that Jesus wasn't the Son of God at the same time.

The Qur'an says that Isa al-Masih was a prophet who raised people from the dead. Muslims know that Jesus al-Masih performed miracles and will one day return as a sign of Judgment Day. Jesus was both Messenger and the Messiah promised by Allah! What is a messiah? The Messiah has always been understood as redeemer, liberator and saviour. God had promised that the Messiah would pay the debt of sin for all people.

I accepted the Messiah as God's gift to sinful man, my Savior and Redeemer. Torah and prophets foretold his coming. Quran and Bible reveal it! The Messiah...the Savior of the World! Neither the Koran nor the Bible speak of another Messiah! I believe that Muslims will understand him more and more clearly - first as a Prophet and Messenger, then as a Savior and finally as Lord. However, that takes time. But the Holy Spirit will reveal it to them, just as He showed it to Peter (Matthew 16,17:XNUMX).

I believe that the Koran opens the door wide for the gospel. The joint testimony of Christian and Muslim scriptures that Jesus is the long-awaited supremely Anointed One provides a basis upon which Christians can explain the gospel message to Muslims so that they understand what Messiah means in depth.

As soon as we surrender our will to Almighty God, He fills us with the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit lives in us, he guides us into the whole truth about Jesus. "He has written faith in their hearts and strengthened them with the Spirit of Himself." (Koran 58,22:XNUMX Bubenheim/Elyas) The Holy Spirit will enlighten us and we will recognize that Jesus is Lord. I experienced it myself.

Jesus is my example

We read in the Bible that our salvation and our eternal life depend on our knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ: "Now this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and whom you sent Jesus Christ, know.« (John 17,3:7,21) I have often wondered what it means in practice to know Jesus. What does Jesus mean to me personally? I will call Jesus “Lord, Lord” and yet I will be among those to whom he will answer: “I never knew you; Depart from me, you lawless ones” (Matthew XNUMX:XNUMX)?

So often the Qur'an lays out the principles, but the Bible explains them by telling the story in greater detail. Jesus Christ, the Word of God made flesh/man (John 1,14:3,45; Quran 43,57:58), overcame sin as an example for us to follow and follow in His footsteps. “When Jesus son of Mary was given as an example (and compared to Adam), your people turned away from it with a shout. They said, 'Are not our gods better than he?' They gave you the parable only for the sake of controversy. They are a contentious people.« (Koran XNUMX:XNUMX-XNUMX Azhar)

Again, the Qur'an confirms a biblical truth about Jesus Christ. He is our role model. If you want to understand this better, you will find more light in a Bible study. “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us and left us an example so that you may follow in his footsteps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.« (1 Peter 2,21:22-XNUMX)

I realized that the Qur'an and the Bible clearly teach that Jesus set a perfect example for us. No other human has ever lived without sin. Jesus lived without sin because he always had God before his eyes and was totally devoted to him in all things. When I recognized Jesus, I understood that it is about the obedience that Satan wants to prevent in my life. I realized that Jesus came into the world to prove that God is righteous and that faith can keep God's commandments. He came to prove that the commandments were truly given out of love, so that we might obey them out of love.

The Quran teaches that the God of Islam is the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and Jesus (Quran 4,163:3,84; 2,136:4,8; XNUMX:XNUMX). If we put aside the traditional Muslim interpretation of the Koran and also the traditions that most Christians regard as necessary for salvation, a common denominator remains, Abraham's monotheistic belief in the one God whom alone we are to serve and obey. “Draw near to God, and he shall draw near to you! Clean your hands, ye sinners, and sanctify your hearts, ye of divided hearts.« (James XNUMX:XNUMX)

I see in it a clear invitation to rescue. The preconditions are clearly described. Satan only has power when we let him pull us away from the truth. I realize that our arguments about faith take our eyes off God. Human dogma separates us from God and from each other. But when we turn to the guidance that speaks to everyone through our conscience, the kingdom of heaven suddenly becomes within reach, whether we are Jewish, Christian or Muslim.

“But whoever surrenders himself to Allah and does good will have his reward with his Lord; and these shall neither be afraid nor shall they be sad." (Qur'an 2,112:1 Rassoul) "Who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (2,4 Timothy 5:XNUMX-XNUMX)

Ellen White writes: “Will man draw upon divine power and resist Satan with determination and perseverance, as Jesus modeled in his conflict with the enemy in the wilderness of temptation? God cannot save man from the influence of satanic wiles against his will. It is necessary for man to work with his human power and the help of the divine power of Jesus, resisting and defeating himself at all costs. In short, only when man overcomes as Jesus overcame does he become an heir of God and a joint heir with Jesus Christ through the victory he is allowed to win in the almighty name of Jesus. This cannot happen if Jesus alone would take over all overcomings. Man has his job. It is necessary that he becomes victorious at his own expense through the power and grace that Jesus gives him. Man and Jesus are colleagues in the work of overcoming.« (Amazing Grace, 254)

As I study the life of Jesus and the fellowship he had with God, I understand more and more what Jesus' faith means and what faith I need for myself. This is the power that enables me to be an overcomer and obey God's commandments. "To him that overcomes I will give to sit with me on my throne, just as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne." (Revelation 3,21:XNUMX) Through this door that Jesus opened through his death and opened his resurrection to our salvation, I want to go. I want to have Jesus' faith, overcome Satan's temptations as Jesus overcame. Only then am I a Muslim in the truest sense of the word and totally devoted to God.

Read Part 1 here.