Islam Exposed | 1 John 5:13
Muslims have no assurance of salvation. Devout Muslims believe firmly in heaven and hell, yet Islam offers no certainty of paradise—even for the very pious. By contrast, Scripture gives believers rock-solid assurance: “that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:11–13). Like workers beneath a safety net, assurance doesn’t make us reckless; it frees us to serve with confidence. In Christ, our safety is eternal (2 Tim. 2:13).
John tells us three profound truths about eternal life (1 John 5:11–13).
First, “eternal” (aionios) is God’s own quality of life, given to us in His Son. Second, “He who has the Son has life.” Life is not in rituals or merit; it’s in Jesus alone. Third, we can know now: the gift was given once-for-all and cannot be revoked. Islam offers no such guarantee—eternity rests on Allah’s undisclosed decision—while Jesus promises His life to all who trust Him.
Islam’s global footprint is vast and growing. Islam is the world’s second-largest religion, numbering two billion adherents across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and North America. Mosques multiply, Muslim communities flourish, and many of our neighbors are Muslims who need to meet the Savior who gives assurance.
A brief history of Islam. Muhammad (AD 570–632), born in Mecca, reported revelations at age 40 that became the Qur’an (“recitations”). Facing opposition, he migrated to Medina in AD 622 (the start of the Islamic calendar), returned to conquer Mecca in AD 630, and unified Arabia under Islam before his death. Early Islam spread by both preaching and the sword; Qur’anic texts and the example of Muhammad shaped attitudes toward Jews and Christians (“People of the Book”), sometimes with hostility. This legacy still influences Islamic societies’ posture on religious liberty and human rights today.
The Five Pillars summarize Islamic practice.
Creed (Shahada): “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger.”
Prayer (Salat): Ritual prayers with prescribed ablutions, postures, and Arabic recitation.
Almsgiving (Zakat): Typically 2.5% given as a religious duty.
Fasting (Sawm/Ramadan): Abstaining from food, drink, and sex from dawn to sunset for a month, honoring the Qur’an’s arrival.
Pilgrimage (Hajj): Journey to Mecca with required rites around the Ka’aba; even after completing Hajj, there is still no guarantee of heaven.
Salvation in Islam: key points.
No assurance: Even the devout cannot be certain of paradise; final destiny rests on Allah’s will (qadar).
Entry through confession and belief: One becomes Muslim by the Shahada, then affirms the six articles of faith (one God, angels, revealed books, prophets—including Jesus—final judgment, and heaven/hell).
Deeds weighed: On Judgment Day, good and bad deeds are weighed; angels record all acts. Muslims hope righteous works, charity (zakat), prayers, fasting, and Hajj will tip the scales.
Repentance (tawbah): Sincere repentance is urged, yet forgiveness remains at Allah’s discretion—not guaranteed.
Intercession and mercy are uncertain: Appeals to Muhammad’s intercession may be hoped for by some, but assurance is still withheld.
Paradise and hell are vivid: Paradise is a reward for the faithful; hell is portrayed as a place of renewed torment for unbelievers and hypocrites.
Martyrdom misunderstood by extremists: Some place outsized hope in dying in jihad; Scripture calls us instead to the cross of Christ.
In short, Islam centers salvation on submission and performance without certainty, while the Gospel centers salvation on Christ’s finished work with certainty (John 10:28–29; Eph. 2:8–9).
Where Islam and biblical Christianity clash.
God’s nature: Allah is not the triune God of Scripture. The Bible reveals one God in three Persons—Father, Son, and Spirit (Matt. 28:19).
Scripture: Christians affirm the Bible’s inspiration and preservation (2 Tim. 3:16); Islam commonly alleges textual corruption.
God’s love: The God of the Bible personally and sacrificially loves the world (John 3:16).
Christ: Jesus is not merely a prophet; He is God the Son, Creator and heir of all things (Heb. 1:1–2).
Cross and resurrection: Islam denies Jesus’ crucifixion and bodily resurrection; the Gospel hinges on both (1 Cor. 15:3–4).
Human condition: Islam views sin primarily as disobedience by act; Scripture teaches we are sinners by nature and by choice (Ps. 51:5; Rom. 3:23).
Our calling: truth with compassion. We must be ready to give reasons for the hope within us, holding fast to the assurance Christ provides while showing Christlike love to Muslim neighbors. Pray for boldness, gentleness, and open doors. Imagine the ripple effect if those zealous for God discovered the grace that guarantees eternal life in the Son.
Discussion Questions
How should assurance of eternal life affect the way we live our lives? Why should we obey God if we know that we are going to heaven anyway?
How should our churches and families respond to growing terrorist activity in the extremist Muslim community? What are practical ways we can “love our enemies” and “pray for those who persecute us?”
Briefly review the section “The History of Islam” in this chapter. Compare and contrast the history of Christianity and Islam. What are the similarities and differences? How would you respond to a Muslim who asserted that Ishmael was God’s chosen one?
What do Muslims believe about the person of Jesus, the crucifixion, and the resurrection?
Muslims live in constant fear of judgment from Allah. Take a moment to reflect on the mercies of God that are new every morning. How should the mercy God has shown us affect how we interact with Muslims?
How would respond to a Muslim friend who said that the Bible has been corrupted and that only the Qur’an preserves the truth about God.
