This method is a modification of that used by veteran

missionary Kevin Greeson with some additional suggestions.

.

Introduction

Debating religious tenets with Muslims is a waste of time. Muslims are taught to memorize the Qur’an in Arabic, not analyze it. In Pakistan, boys are not allowed to ask what anything means. They are told the words are too holy for them. Their job is to simply memorize. When you find a “person of peace,” don’t make him join your church, comb his hair different and make him like you. Disciple him, but don’t make him go through an eight-week discipleship program. Messy people start movements. Don’t try to clean them up.

Keep in mind that Muslims don’t believe that Jesus is the Son of God, or that He rose from the dead. They do not accept the Bible as authoritative, so starting off by quoting Scripture won’t change their minds (although it may change their heart). To be effective, you have to start with something that won’t cause them to shut down. We will start with an Arabic greeting, and then move directly into their holy book, the Qur’an. After the groundwork has been laid, we will transition into Scripture.

You are probably aware of some of the Qur’an’s verses that prove what a violent religion Islam really is. On the other hand, you will probably be amazed at the verses that actually pave the way for a presentation of the gospel. As you will see, we will use the Qur’an to

1. Give credibility to those who study the Bible.

2. Give credibility to the Bible.

3. Disprove that the Bible was corrupted.

4. Reveal who Jesus really is.

5. Reveal the meaning of Jesus’ sacrifice.

6. Present the gospel.

Synopsis

Here’s a summary of our method:

We will use Sura 10:94 to show that Allah told Muhammad that if he had doubts about things he had been told, he should ask those who had been reading the “before scriptures.” That’s us. This opens the door. We then use Sura 4:136 to show that Allah expects his followers to read and believe the “before books,” (Old and New Testaments). To counter the charge that the Bible has been corrupted, we use Sura 6:115 which says that no one can change His words. With no changes, there could be no corruption. We are, for the moment, playing along with their belief that Allah wrote the Bible as well as the Qur’an. We ask for examples of so called corrupted passages. Expect no answer. We ask why Allah would require Muslims to read the Old and New Testaments if they had been corrupted.

We then turn the focus the focus to Isa (Jesus) whom the Qur’an refers to as Messiah Jesus (Sura 3:45). We explain that this means “anointed one” and that no other prophet was given this title. We proceed to show that Jesus is holy, that he has the power over death, and that he knows the way to heaven. Sura 3:46 verifies that Mary was a virgin, thus, Jesus was not of the sinful line of Adam. He is, therefore holy. We use Bible verses that support what the Qur’an says. Matthew 1:18 and Luke 1:26-34 verify that Jesus had no earthly father. We use 2 Cor. 5:21 to support the claim the Jesus was sinless. We have now shown that JESUS IS HOLY.

Next, we use Sura 3:49 to show that Jesus brought the dead back to life. Thus, JESUS HAS THE POWER OVER DEATH. Now, we show them that JESUS KNOWS THE WAY TO HEAVEN. Sura 3:55 says that Allah would cause Jesus to die and would raise him up through resurrection. This contradicts their claim that Jesus never died on the cross. The verse goes on to say that Allah would make those who followed Jesus superior to those who disbelieved.

We remind them that no other prophets were taken to heaven as Jesus was. He has been to heaven and, therefore, knows the way. Since Jesus knows what happened to Him when He died, He knows what will happen to His followers when they die. We contrast this with Sura 46:9 where Muhammad states that he has no idea what will happen to him or his followers when they die. To further support the fact that Jesus knows the way to heaven, we quote John 14:2-3 and point out that 700 years before Isa (Jesus) was born, the prophet Isaiah said that Messiah would be born and his name would be called Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” We discuss the significance of this.

From here, we discuss the blood sacrifice rituals in Islam, There are several, but the two most prevalent are the annual feast of Sacrifice in Mecca and the sacrament of initiation when a child is born. We show that in Islam, there is no fulfillment of the blood sacrifice requirement. In Sura 22:37 Allah says that the blood of sacrificed animals does not reach him. We point out that the Injil (New Testament) agrees that the blood of bulls and goats can never take away sins (Heb. 10:4). Yet, the Injil also says that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22).

So, if animal blood is ineffective, whose blood is it that brings forgiveness? We use Hebrews 10:19-22 to show that only the blood of Jesus can bring forgiveness. We remind them of how special Jesus is (Sura 3:45-55). We show the significance of blood by quoting Leviticus 17:11. It says that the life is in the blood.

At this point we begin a brief discussion of the main points of the gospel and we start showing the distinction between Allah and Jehovah. We ask why Jesus had to die on the cross (as Sura 3:55 attests). According to the Injil (NT), it was because Jehovah God of the Bible is both merciful and righteous. Because of His mercy, He didn’t want to punish us. But because He is also righteous, He had to punish our sin. But how could He punish our sin without punishing us? By transferring our sin onto Messiah Jesus and pouring out His wrath on Him. Jesus became our substitute.

For Jesus to have qualified to be our substitute, He had to be a perfect, sinless, and holy sacrifice. We show this to be true and that He was 100% God and 100% man. We discuss the significance of His resurrection and point out that of all the world’s religious leaders, Jesus is the only one that still lives. All the others are still in the grave.

We discuss the ugliness of our sin and the beauty of its removal. We point out that heaven is a free gift that cannot be earned or deserved and that we receive it by faith.

Here, we re-stress the differences between Allah and Jehovah. Allah says that the blood does not reach him (22:37). Jehovah declares that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Heb. 9:22) and that only the blood of Isa (Jesus) will reach Him (Hebrews 10:19).

This is why Allah god and Jehovah God cannot be nor will they ever be the same! Allah God requires “the guarding against evil on your part and doing good to others.” Jehovah God requires “having our hearts sprinkled by the blood of Jesus” in order to draw near to God.

We conclude with John 14:6 and ask if we can lead them in a prayer such as:

Dear Lord Jesus,

I see now that you are more than just a prophet. You are fully man and fully God. You died as my substitute, offering heaven to me as a free gift. I now know that there is nothing I can do to earn heaven. You have done it all for me. Forgive me of my sins and make me a child of God- Jehovah God. Change me O God into your image. Make me into the man (or woman) you created me to be.

Help me to understand your mercy and grace. These are new to me, but I want to show to others the same love you have shown to me. I give myself to You. Amen

Preparation To be better equipped, you’ll need to so some preparation. I will lead you step by step, showing you exactly what to do. Your first step will be to purchase a copy of the Qur’an. You can do this fairly inexpensively on Amazon. The version I use is The Qur’an, A new translation by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem, published by Oxford World Classics.

Next, I recommend that you place 6 tabs along the right margins. Each tab should have a number starting with 1. Numbers 6 & 7 should be on the same tab. Turn to Sura 10:94 (page 135 in my translation) and highlight it. It starts with So if you [prophet] are in doubt… Underline ask those who have been reading the scriptures before you. Place tab 1 near the top of the page.

Then go to Sura 4:136 (page 63 in my translation), highlight it and underline as well as what He sent down before, place tab 2 on this page next to tab 1. At the top of this page write “Before books show the way to eternal life.” At the bottom of this page write “Why would Allah require Muslims to read the OT & NT if they had been corrupted?”

Next, turn to Sura 6:115 (page 89 in my version), highlight the verse and underline No one can change His words. Place tab 3 as before and at the top of the page write “Islam: Allah wrote all the holy books including OT & NT. They’re all his words.” At the bottom write “Ask for examples of corrupted verses” and “Jews & Christians made no changes” and “Jews kept ‘Jesus’ passages.”

Next, turn to Sura 3:45 (page 37 in my version) highlighting the verse from The angels said to son of Mary. Underline Messiah, Jesus and below it write “Anointed one (unique to Jesus).” Place tab 4 on this page as before, and at the top of the page write “100th name for Allah- Jesus (Isa).” At the bottom write “Isa is holy”, “Isa has power over death,” and “Isa knows way to heaven.”

Go to verse 47, highlighting and underlining when no man has touched me? Near this verse (at the top of the page in my version) write “Injil-Jesus-no earthly father (Mt. 1:18),” All descendents of Adam-sinful (Rom. 5:14),” and “Isa-sinless (2 Cor. 5:21)-HOLY.” Draw a box around HOLY. (I assure you that his will all make sense.)

Go to verse 49 and highlight I will heal the blind and the leper, and bring the dead back to life with God’s permission, underlining as shown. In the margin beside this verse write “POWER OVER DEATH and draw a box around it. Above it write “Laz.” (Tell him the story of Lazarus.)

Go to verse 55, highlighting and underlining as shown: God said, Jesus, I will take you back and raise you up to Me: I will purify you of the disbelievers. To the Day of Resurrection I will make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieved. In the margin beside this verse write “TAKE TO HEAVEN” and draw a box around it. Above the box write “Jesus on cross.” Below it write “Any other prophets?”

Next, turn to Sura 46:9 (page 327 in my version) highlighting and underlining as shown: Say, I am nothing new among God’s messengers. I do not know what will be done with me or you. In the margin beside this verse write “Jn. 14:2-3.” Place tab 5 on this page. In my version, there is a blank portion at the bottom of the previous page. In this space I have taped in the following (10 pt font):

In My Father’s house are many dwelling places: if it were no so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also (John 14:2-3)

ISA KNOWS

THE  WAY

TO HEAVEN

Over 700 years before Isa was born, Isaiah made the following amazing prophecy:

Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she shall call His name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14).

In Hebrew, Immanuel means “God with us.” What does this tell us about who Isa is?

If you are using a different version, and no such space is available, simply insert a sheet with this written on it.

Next, turn to Sura 22:36 (page 211 in my version), highlighting and underlining as follows: so mention God’s name over them as they are lined up for sacrifice. In verse 37 highlight and underline It is neither their meat not their blood that reaches God but your piety. Place tab 6&7 on this page.

Finally, print the following (everything up to the *****) and insert in page with tab 6&7:

Allah’s plan: one perfect person to be sacrificed for sins of the world.

Quran: A blood sacrifice is needed to cover sins. (No fulfillment of blood sacrifice requirement in Islam.)

Blood sacrifice (in Islam) is primarily seen in:

1. The annual Feast of Sacrifice in Mecca (part of the pilgrimage) (begun by Muhammad) and celebrated worldwide (commemorative like Last Supper). Based on the Qur’an (22:33-38), it includes the killing of a sheep, goat, camel, or other clean animal…

2. Birth of a child (‘aqiqi) (sacrament of initiation) The child’s head is shaved and a sheep or goat is killed as a sacrifice. No bone can be broken. This prayer is offered:

“O God, here is the ‘aqiqa for my son [giving name], its blood for his blood, its flesh for his flesh, its hair for his hair and save my son from the fire…

These and other Islamic rituals show the need for a blood atonement.

Ask why a Muslim child needs blood atonement?

The Feast of Sacrifice is obligatory for Muslims. The slaughtered animal is to cover their sins. However, according to the Qur’an (22:37), the blood of animals does not reach Allah.

The Injil (NT) agrees saying For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins (Heb. 10:4). Yet, it also says, And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22).

So, if animal blood is ineffective, whose blood is it that brings forgiveness?

Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water (Heb. 10:19-22).

What’s the big deal about blood?

For the life of the flesh is in the blood and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement (Leviticus 17:11).

Why did Jesus have to die on the cross (as Sura 3:55 attests)? According to the Injil (NT), it was because Jehovah God of the Bible is both merciful and righteous. Because of His mercy, He didn’t want to punish us. But because He is also righteous, He had to punish our sin. What kind of a judge would He be if He consistently let law breakers go free? But how could He punish our sin without punishing us? By transferring our sin onto Messiah Jesus and pouring out His wrath on Him. Jesus became our substitute.

For Jesus to have qualified to be our substitute, He had to be a perfect, sinless, and holy sacrifice. Both the Qur’an and the Bible confirm this. The Bible takes it a step further, showing who He really is. He is the infinite, eternal God-man, 100% God, 100% man.

His name shall be called Immanuel [God with us] (Isaiah 7:14).

In the beginning was the Word (Jesus)…and the Word was God. And the Word (Jesus) was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” (John 1:1, 14)

So we see that Jesus was way more than just a prophet, and he did many things no other prophet did, including overcoming death. His resurrection (Sura 3:55, Luke 24:5-6) showed that God accepted His sacrifice. Of all the world’s religious leaders, Jesus is the only one that still lives. All the others are still in the grave.

To better understand why Jesus came to earth, we must understand sin. It is an important issue here, because our sin is what has separated us from God and kept us from heaven.

Demonstrate “Record Book of Sin” illustration (described in audio presentation).

Since Jesus removed our sin, we are able to have an intimate relationship with God, just as Adam and Eve enjoyed before sin entered the picture. We don’t have to work our way into heaven. In fact, we can’t. With our sin removed, God grants us eternal life (including heaven) the moment we receive Messiah Jesus (John 1:12) by believing that He has purchased heaven for us with His own blood, saving us from God’s wrath, which our sins deserved.

Think about that. Because of Jesus’ death on the cross (Sura 3:55), heaven has become a free gift to those who believe. We can never earn it because we’re all sinners and we can’t pay for our own sins.

For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

And we will never deserve it. It is a gift by God’s grace.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing and renewing of the Holy spirit (Titus 3:5-6).

This is why Isa (Jesus) is called Messiah Jesus (3:45). He was anointed as the sinless one who would save His people (and all those who would believe in Him) from their sins. All the previous animal sacrifices pointed to His “once for all” sacrifice. Believers in Him don’t have to “do enough” or be good enough” to enter paradise. It’s theirs as a gift because of God’s love for them.

So, if Jesus knows the way to heaven and is offering heaven (eternal life) to us as a gift, how do we get this gift?

Yet to all who receive him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, not of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God (John 1:12).

Jesus made it very clear when He said, “He who believes has eternal life” (John 6:47).

When we truly believe (in both who He is and what He did), we receive the gift of eternal life by faith. What kind of faith are we talking about? Certainly not just head knowledge of the facts or a temporary faith that deals with a temporary crisis. We’re talking about saving faith: trusting in Jesus alone for our salvation.

By now we see a stark difference between Allah of the Qur’an and Jehovah of the Bible. Allah says that the blood does not reach him (22:37). Jehovah declares that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Heb. 9:22) and that only the blood of Isa (Jesus) will reach Him (Hebrews 10:19).

This is why Allah god and Jehovah God cannot be nor will they ever be the same! Allah God requires “the guarding against evil on your part and doing good to others.” Jehovah God requires “having our hearts sprinkled by the blood of Jesus” in order to draw near to God.

Jesus said, “I am the Way (of life), and the truth (of life) and the life (of life). No man comes to the Father (God) but by Me” (John 14:6).

Would you like to receive Messiah Jesus as your Lord and Savior, receiving the free gift of eternal life? If so, let me lead you in a prayer.

Dear Lord Jesus, I see now that you are more than just a prophet. You are fully man and fully God. You died as my substitute, offering heaven to me as a free gift. I now know that there is nothing I can do to earn heaven. You have done it all for me. Forgive me of my sins and make me a child of God- Jehovah God. Change me O God into your image. Make me into the man (or woman) you created me to be.

Help me to understand your mercy and grace. These are new to me, but I want to show to others the same love you have shown to me. I give myself to You. Amen

*****

 

The Presentation

Using selected verses from the Quran, this method doesn’t teach or lecture, but asks questions. The main point you’re trying to make is that the “Before Books” (Before Kotob), which Muhammad commands them to read, show the way to eternal life. Muslims believe that Allah wrote the Before Books (Old and New Testament) as well as the Qur’an. The verses to cover are highlighted. The main points are underlined.

1. Open with “Salaam-Alaikum” (peace be to you). “Let’s read the Quran together about Jesus.”

2. TAB 1 Start with 10:94- And if you Muhammad are in doubt concerning the things we have revealed unto you, then question those who read the Scripture (Bible), (the before books) that was before you. Verily, the truth from thy Lord has come to you. So be not thou of the waverers.

3. TAB 2 Go to 4:136- One must read the “before books” (books that came before the Qur’an). (Why would Allah require Muslims to read the Old and New Testaments if he knew they had been corrupted?)

4. TAB 3 Go to 6:115- None can change His words. If he claims that this applies only to the Qur’an, remind him that Islam teaches that the same god wrote both the Bible and the Qur’an. Then, point out that Jews and Christians have been at odds for many years. Yet the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament of the Christian Bible are identical. If Christians really wanted to change something, they would have changed the Hebrew Scriptures. Yet, they didn’t. Likewise, the Jews could have removed some “embarrassing” prophecies about the Messiah that seem to point to Jesus. Yet, they didn’t.

5. TAB 4 Point out that the verses we will look at will show that

1. Isa, or Jesus, is holy

2. Isa has power over death

3. Isa knows the way to heaven.

Go to 3:45 (verse 40 in some versions). It addresses Jesus as “Masih Isa” (Messiah Jesus). Ask him, “What does “Masih Isa” mean? Names are important in Islam, but most don’t know this. Tell him it means “Messiah” or “Anointed One.” Next, ask if any other of the 124,000 prophets the Muslims revere was given that designation. None were. This demonstrates the uniqueness of Christ.

Go to 3:47 (verse 42 in some versions). Mary the mother of Jesus testifies she never had been touched by a man. The Qur’an gives Jesus special status- the only prophet born of a virgin. The Injil (New Testament) verifies that Isa had no earthly father. Ask if any other prophet was born without a father, and Muslims typically will answer, “Adam.” Let them tell the story of the Garden of Eden until the point where Adam is forced to leave paradise because of his sin. Note all of Adam’s and Eve’s descendents likewise have been sinful, but Jesus wasn’t included in that line. Only Isa was sinless.

Therefore, Isa is holy.

Go to 3:49 (verse 43 in some versions). ’Isa, or Jesus, has the power to “bring the dead to life,” give sight to the blind, and heal the leper. Tell story of Lazarus. What other prophet could do these things? (Not even Muhammad). At this point, say, “My greatest fear is death, and I’m grateful there is one who has power over it.

Therefore, Isa has power over death.

Go to 3:54 & 55 (verses 48 & 49 in some versions). God has a plan, and verse 55 describes that plan. It says that Allah will cause Isa to die (take him back) and then will exalt him (raise him up to Allah) (take Him directly to heaven where Allah is). It goes on to say that those who deny the truth that ’Isa proclaims will be far below those who follow his truth. Ask if any of the 124,000 prophets can help a person get to heaven. Most will say, “Only Isa.”

[Here, your friend may bring up Sura 4:157-158 which says that Jesus did not die. Your answer is :

1. Sura 3:55 speaks of resurrection. To have a resurrection, you must first have a death.

2. We have given credibility to the “Before Books.” Read Hebrews 2:9, Mark 10:34, John 19:16-33, which clearly say the Jesus died before He was resurrected.

3. We have just shown that Jesus is holy and sinless, and, therefore incapable of lying  when he speaks of His own impending death (John 18:32).]

4. As a last resort, keep Sura 3:54 in mind. It says that Allah is the Best of Schemers. Some translations say the Greatest of all Deceivers. This clearly shows Allah’s deceptive nature in contrast to Jehovah’s faithrulness.

6. TAB 5 Even Muhammad had no idea what would happen to him (or us after death (See 46:9, verse 8 in some versions). Isa had no earthly father. He came from Allah and returned to him. He is with him now. The Injil records these words of Isa:

In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it  were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also (John 14:2-3).

Therefore, Isa knows the way to heaven.

Over 700 years before Isa was born, Isaiah made the following amazing prophecy:

Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a

virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she shall call His

name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14).

In Hebrew, Immanuel means “God with us.” What does this tell us about who Isa is?

7. TAB 6&7 The Significance of the Blood Sacrifice Let them know Allah’s plan was for one perfect person to be sacrificed who would take on the sins of everyone who would ever live. The Quran points out that a blood sacrifice is needed to cover sins. While this isn’t a major point in the Qur’an, you should stress its importance. Many Muslims are unaware of this. Those who are aware of the sacrifices do not understand the concept of redemption that is foundational in Christianity. We will have to do some explaining here. Islam, in fact, offers no fulfillment of its blood sacrifice requirement.

There are many occasions calling for a blood sacrifice in Islam: at the tombs of saints to secure their intercession, on the sea for a safe voyage, at the eclipse of the sun or moon, on the threshing floor to bless the harvest, on taking a solemn oath, to consecrate a new market place in the village. Blood sacrifice (in Islam) is primarily seen in:

A. The annual Feast of Sacrifice in Mecca (part of the pilgrimage) (begun by Muhammad) and celebrated worldwide (commemorative like Last Supper). Muhammad claimed that it commemorates Abraham’s faith and willingness to sacrifice his son. Actually, it was simply a continuation of the ancient pagan ritual that had been practiced for years. Based on the Qur’an (22:33-38), it includes prayers, a brief exhortation, the killing of a sheep, goat, camel, or other clean animal partaking of the sacrifice, ablution, and shaving their hair.

B. Birth of a child (‘aqiqi) (sacrament of initiation) The child’s head is shaved and a sheep or goat is killed as a sacrifice. No bone can be broken. This prayer is offered:

“O God, here is the ‘aqiqa for my son [giving name], its blood for his  blood, its flesh for his flesh, its hair for his hair and save my son from the fire…

Ask why a Muslim child needs blood atonement?

You can recite the following verbatim:

The Feast of Sacrifice is obligatory for Muslims. The slaughtered animal is to cover their sins. However, according to the Qur’an (22:37), the blood of animals does not reach Allah.

The Injil (NT) agrees saying For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins (Heb. 10:4). Yet, it also says, And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22).So, if animal blood is ineffective, whose blood is it that brings forgiveness?

Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water (Heb. 10:19-22).

What’s the big deal about blood?

For the life of the flesh is in the blood and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement (Leviticus 17:11).

Why did Jesus have to die on the cross (as Sura 3:55 attests)? According to the Injil (NT), it was because Jehovah God of the Bible is both merciful and righteous. Because of His mercy, He didn’t want to punish us. But because He is also righteous, He had to punish our sin. What kind of a judge would He be if He consistently let law breakers go free? But how could He punish our sin without punishing us? By transferring our sin onto Messiah Jesus and pouring out His wrath on Him. Jesus became our substitute.

For Jesus to have qualified to be our substitute, He had to be a perfect, sinless, and holy sacrifice. Both the Qur’an and the Bible confirm this. The Bible takes it a step further, showing who He really is. He is the infinite, eternal God-man, 100% God, 100% man.

His name shall be called Immanuel [God with us] (Isaiah 7:14).

In the beginning was the Word (Jesus)…and the Word was God. And the Word (Jesus) was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” (John 1:1, 14)

So we see that Jesus was way more than just a prophet, and he did many things no other prophet did, including overcoming death. His resurrection (Sura 3:55, Luke 24:5-6) showed that God accepted His sacrifice. Of all the world’s religious leaders, Jesus is the only one that still lives. All the others are still in the grave.

To better understand why Jesus came to earth, we must understand sin. It is an important issue here, because our sin is what has separated us from God and kept us from heaven.

Demonstrate “Record Book of Sin” illustration. (Listen to audio)

Since Jesus removed our sin, we are able to have an intimate relationship with God, just as Adam and Eve enjoyed before sin entered the picture. We don’t have to work our way into heaven. In fact, we can’t. With our sin removed, God grants us eternal life (including heaven) the moment we receive Messiah Jesus (John 1:12) by believing that He has purchased heaven for us with His own blood, saving us from God’s wrath, which our sins deserved.

Think about that. Because of Jesus’ death on the cross (Sura 3:55), heaven has become a free gift to those who believe. We can never earn it because we’re all sinners and we can’t pay for our own sins.

For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

And we will never deserve it. It is a gift by God’s grace.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing and renewing of the Holy spirit (Titus 3:5-6).

This is why Isa (Jesus) is called Messiah Jesus (3:45). He was anointed as the sinless one who would save His people (and all those who would believe in Him) from their sins. All the previous animal sacrifices pointed to His “once for all” sacrifice. Believers in Him don’t have to “do enough” or be good enough” to enter paradise. It’s theirs as a gift because of God’s love for them.

So, if Jesus knows the way to heaven and is offering heaven (eternal life) to us as a gift, how do we get this gift?

Yet to all who receive him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, not of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God (John 1:12).

Jesus made it very clear when He said, “He who believes has eternal life” (John 6:47).

When we truly believe (in both who He is and what He did, we receive the gift of eternal life by faith. What kind of faith are we talking about? Certainly not just head knowledge of the facts or a temporary faith that deals with a temporary crisis. We’re talking about saving faith: trusting in Jesus alone for our salvation.

8. Conclusion

By now we see a stark difference between Allah of the Qur’an and Jehovah of the Bible. Allah says that the blood does not reach him (22:37). Jehovah declares that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Heb. 9:22) and that only the blood of Isa (Jesus) will reach Him (Hebrews 10:19).

This is why Allah god and Jehovah God cannot be nor will they ever be the same! Allah God requires “the guarding against evil on your part and doing good to others.” Jehovah God requires “having our hearts sprinkled by the blood of Jesus” in order to draw near to God.

Jesus said, “I am the Way (of life), and the truth (of life) and the life (of life). No man comes to the Father (God) but by Me” (John 14:6).

Would you like to receive Messiah Jesus as your Lord and Savior, receiving the free gift of eternal life? If so, let me lead you in a prayer.

Dear Lord Jesus, I see now that you are more than just a prophet. You are fully man and fully God. You died as my substitute, offering heaven to me as a free gift. I now know that there is nothing I can do to earn heaven. You have done it all for me. Forgive me of my sins and make me a child of God- Jehovah God. Change me O God into your image. Make me into the man (or woman) you created me to be.

Help me to understand your mercy and grace. These are new to me, but I want to show to others the same love you have shown to me. I give myself to You. Amen

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(This section is for those who are ready to learn and use this method. To simply learn more about it, skip the entire “Preparation” section, going directly to “The Presentation.”)