Truth Magazine

By Brooks Cochran

In this section we want to examine some of the teachings of Islam with that of the Bible.

God

The Koran teaches “there is no God but God (Allah), and Mohammed is his prophet.” The belief in one God is the corner-stone of the Islamic religion. Mohammed believed the trinity of the Christians to be three Gods and therefore idolatry.

If it is the same God who speaks through the Bible and the Koran then He is a God who contradicts Himself. For in the Bible, He states that Christ is His Son and all are to hear and obey Him; while in the Koran, He states that Mohammed is His prophet and all are to hear and obey him.

Christ, not Mohammed, is God’s spokesman today (Matt. 17:1-5; 28:18-20; John 1:1-3, 14; 5:22, 27; 10:30; 14:8-10; Acts 2:36; 3:13-26; Col. 1:15-17; Heb. 1:1-4; 1 Tim. 2:5-6). Actually, all one needs to do is read the gospel of John. If one is honest and sincerely seeking the truth that ought to convince him, whether he be Jew or Moslem, that Christ is the final authority in religion today.

While it is true that there is only one God, the Bible uses such language as to convey the idea that there are three separate and distinct beings which make up Deity or the Godhead (Matt. 28:19; John 1:1, 14; 17:1, 3, 5; Acts 5:3, 4; Gen. 1:26; 3:22; 11:7; John 17:20-21; Eph. 4:4-6; John 20:26-31).

Christ

Moslems deny that Christ is God. To them, He is not the Son of God, but just a servant of God who prepared the way for Mohammed. They also deny the fact that Christ died by crucifixion. They believe He was delivered by a miracle from the death intended for Him and that the Jews slew a person who looked like Jesus by mistake. They claim that Jesus, in John 14:16, predicted the coming of Mohammed.

Most of the scriptures used in the above section can be used to prove that Christ is the Son of God. Jesus claimed to be the Son of God; He proved His claim; God endorsed His claim; and the Jews condemned Him to death because He made the claim (2 Pet. 1:16-19; Rev. 2:18; 1:10-12; Matt. 11:27; 16:13-17; 26:63-65; John 5:19-43; 9:35-37; 10:36; Acts 2:22; John 3:1-2; Matt. 17:1-5; 3:16-17; Rom. 1:4; Matt. 26:63-64; John 20:30-31).

Jesus plainly taught that He would be killed and that His death was a necessity. John and Peter, as well as the rest of the apostles, were witnesses to the fact that Christ died, was buried, and arose from the grave (Mk. 8:31; Matt. 16:21; 20:17-19, 28; 26:28; John 3:14; 8:28; 12:32, 33; 19:31-35; Acts 2:23; 1 Cor. 15:1-8).

A study of John 14-16 will show that the Holy Spirit is the promised Comforter and not Mohammed. In John 16:7-14, Jesus describes the work of the Comforter (or Holy Spirit). Mohammed certainly never did any of these things; i.e. “convict the world in respect of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” The Moslems confuse the word “paracletos” with “periclytos” in John 14:16.

Holy Spirit

Moslems teach that the Holy Spirit is the angel Gabriel. Gabriel, being an angel, was created (Psa. 148:2, 5). The Holy Spirit is Deity and was not created. He has always been (Acts 5:3, 4). Furthermore, if Gabriel did reveal the Koran to Mohammed, he is accursed for revealing a different gospel and Islam is certainly that; i.e. a different gospel (Gal. 1:8-9).

Marriage

Polygamy is tolerated. At one time, a man could have up to four wives and there are no restraints upon getting a divorce, in Islam. God from the very beginning intended for a man to have only one wife (Gen. 2:24-25; Eph. 5:31-33; 1 Tim. 3:2). As far as divorce is concerned, unfaithfulness on the part of one of the marriage partners is the only cause for divorce and then in such cases only the innocent partner has the right to remarry (Matt. 5:32; 19:9).

Heaven

“The Moslem is promised a heaven in which he can partake of pleasures denied him in this world; he may drink, gamble, and enjoy the company of beautiful black-eyed maidens, who are mentioned several times in the Koran as rewards promised to the most worthy members of the faith.”(1) “A moment of pleasure will be prolonged to a thousand years,” and one’s “faculties will be increased a hundred fold.”(2)

Such a concept of heaven is one that appeals to the lust of the flesh. Heaven is a spiritual place and all such fleshly desires will be done away with there (Matt. 22:23-30; 1 Cor. 15:50-58; 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Rev. 21:8).

War

Mohammed praised what he called the Holy War (Jihad) against unbelievers. “The sword,” we. are told in the Koran, “is the key of heaven and hell; whosoever falls in battle, his sins are forgiven.” This is the belief of the current leadership in Iran.(3)

Again, such indicates the fleshly nature and thinking of the Islamic religion. Christ taught His disciples to fight in a war, but it is not a physical conflict. It is a spiritual conflict and the weapons used are spiritual (John 18:36-38; 1 Cor. 1:18-31; 2 Cor. 10:5; Eph. 6:10-20; Rom. 1:16-17).

The Koran

All Moslems recognize the Koran as their sacred book. To them, it is the word of God brought to the world by Mohammed. However, the New Testament is God’s final revelation (Jude 3). There is no need for the Koran; for all the Truth that man needs in order to be well-pleasing to God has been revealed to us in the New Testament (John 16:13; 2 Pet. 1:3; 2 John 9; Gal. 1:7-9; 2 Tim. 3:16).

Conclusion

Philip Schaff gives what I believe to be an excellent summary of Islam: “Islam is a compound or mosaic of preexisting elements, a rude attempt to combine heathenism, Judaism and Christianity, which Mohammed found in Arabia, but in a very imperfect form. It is professedly a restoration of the faith of Abraham, the common father of Isaac and of Ishmael. But it is not the genuine faith of Abraham with its Messianic hopes and aspirations looking directly to the gospel dispensation as its goal and fulfillment. Still less did Mohammed know the pure religion of Jesus as laid down in the New Testament, but only a perversion and caricature of it, such as we find in the wretched apocryphal and heretical Gospels. This ignorance of the Bible and the corruptions of Eastern Christianity with which the Mohammedans came in contact, furnish some excuse for their mischief and stubborn prejudices.”(4)

One final thought: as one studies Islam and the arguments that Moslems make to justify its existence, one soon discovers a parallel between it and Mormonism; i. e. the same arguments that are used by Moslems to prove that Mohammed and the Koran are inspired are used by Mormons to prove that Joseph Smith and the book of Mormon are inspired. So, in dealing with a Moslem, many of the arguments used against Mormons can be used against them.

Endnotes:

1. Cantor, Medieval History, p. 150.

2. Schaff, p. 189.

3. U.S. News and World Report, 11/26/79, p. 33.

4. Schaff, p. 183-184.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 7, pp. 119-120
February 14, 1980

By Larry J. Curry

As I write this article, fifty American citizens are being held hostage in Iran. Their fate is yet to be decided by their captors in spite of world outrage at their outrageous crime of seizure of previously protected property and lives. At the onset, let me state that I will not be considering this from apolitical standpoint. Rather, as we ponder this crisis together let us notice some of the lessons to be learned. Frequently, a crisis situation helps us in our understanding of people and their attitudes.

Concern For Captives

As the crisis continues, the concern of the American people becomes greater. Such things as their health, safety, and even their lives seem to be in greater peril with each passing day. Perhaps of greater significance is the fact that this concern is being shown by the majority of Americans.

You ask, “What can I learn from this?” The answer is simple. How concerned are we about those who are being held captive by Satan. We recognize that the Iranian captives are involuntary captives, while Satan’s captives volunteer to be such – John Calvin and followers notwithstanding (Rom. 6:16-18). Aside from that difference the outcome is the same – captivity. Christian friend, do we not see that something more valuable than this life is at stake here (Mt. 10:28)?

If we recognize the real danger involved, why are we so apathetic? The danger is real (1 Pet. 5:8)! The time is now (2 Cor. 6:2; John 4:35, 36)! The responsibility is ours! Did not our Lord come to proclaim release to the captives (Luke 4:18, 19)?

Concern Produces Unity

Our nation has suffered some very perilous and divisive times in the past few years. Bitterness and alienation resulted from our struggles over civil rights, the Vietnam conflict, and numerous other issues of the past. As a result, many people both young and old have been disillusioned about American values and world involvement. Yet, now as this crisis is upon us, people of all ages are united in their concern for the safety of the hostages. Differences are cast aside so that our unity may be seen and felt by the captors. The American people are demonstrating their readiness and willingness to do what is necessary to effect the release of the captives.

How wonderful it would be if that unity of mind and purpose were to exist in the church. To be more specific think of unity in the local church. By showing united concern we could restore the fallen (Gal. 6:1), instead of relying on a faithful few to accomplish the task. How long will it take for us to realize that we as Christians are a family? We are to comfort the mourning, rejoice with those who rejoice, and, in general, care of one another (Rom. 12:15; 1 Cor. 12:25, 26).

We must focus our attention upon others – not self (Gal. 6:2; Phil. 2:4). Concern for the kingdom and its citizenry must predominate our life (Mt. 6:33). Until then, until I improve and you improve, brethren will suffer alone, and fall away unnoticed, and yes, we will be lost.

Consequences Of A False Religion

The Moslem religion claiming about 700,000,000 followers today is a false religion. Its foundation rests on Mohammed who lived from 570-632 A.D., and claimed to have a series of visions over a twenty-three year period. Due to his own illiteracy, he relied upon others to write down the things revealed to him. Thus, the Koran is the sacred book of the Moslems. In many ways there is no difference between Mohammed and the “latter day prophets and prophetesses” of our day including Joseph Smith, Mary Baker Eddy, Ellen G. White, Herbert W. Armstrong and others.

As with all man-made religious systems false doctrine is the order of the day. The cause is extended often by force, either physical and/or mental. Yet, the Christian recognizes the spiritual nature of our warfare (Eph. 6:11ff; Lk. 8:4ff; Jn. 18:36). These false religions seek an earthly head and leader while faithful Christians honor Jesus Christ as the only head of the one body (Eph. 1:22, 23). Many of these “great spiritual leaders” do nothing more than exploit their followers. This too is condemned in the inspired word of God (Rom. 16:18; 1 Thess. 2:5; 2 Pet. 2:3). The apostles of our Lord did not act that way nor would they.

How can this happen? It happens when people have no love for the truth as revealed by God. Herein lies the warning for us. When we reject the truth of God, only a lie remains (2 Thess. 2:11, 12). Latter-day revelations are accepted only by those who refuse to believe that God’s will for man today was completed long ago (Jude 3). You ask, “Can it happen today? In our country?” Yes! Witness the followers of Jim Jones, the Moonies, and others. Do you love truth? Do you seek knowledge (2 Tim. 2:15)? Can you give answer (1 Pet. 3:15)? If the answer to the above questions is no, then you or I are prime candidates for the philosophies of men (Col. 2:8).

Conclusion

In the midst of this crisis, there is much to be learned. The cause of Christ must be advanced vigorously by wielding the sword of the Spirit in battle. Remember that the souls of men and women are at stake. The time for action is now while opportunities come our way.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 7, p. 118
February 14, 1980

By Mike Willis

It is my firm conviction that the revelation of God in the Bible is the best preventive to suicide which can be found. The man who understands what the Scriptures record is better equipped to face life’s problems than the man who has not sought to build a relationship with God based on the Scriptures.

A Case In Point

The sixteenth chapter of Acts not only records the conversion of the Philippian jailor, it also contains the record of an attempted suicide. As a matter of fact, the New Testament record provides a refreshing contrast between two life-styles – that of New Testament Christianity with that of paganism.

The Apostle Paul and his associate Silas were beaten and thrust into prison following a miracle in which, through the power of God, they cast out a spirit of divination from a young lady. When her masters saw that their hope of financial gain through selling the woman’s ability to divine the future was gone, they brought charges against Paul and Silas. The result was that they were beaten, thrust into the inner prison, and put in stocks. How would they handle this serious setback? Would they go into a spirit of depression? Did they need a double dose of Valium? Would they contemplate suicide? None of these reactions are recorded. Rather, the record states, “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God” (Acts 16:25). Their spirits were indomitable. They were able to handle these kinds of problems in life without sinking into the depths of emotional despair.

The record continues to relate that an earthquake was sent from God which loosened the bonds of the prisoners and caused the prison doors to be opened. “And the keeper of the prison awaked out of his sleep, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled” (Acts 16:27). Without a doubt, the jailor was responsible for these prisoners with his life. In the event that they escaped, he would be killed.

Nevertheless, when problems confronted him in his life, he handled them differently than did Paul and Silas. When Paul and Silas sat in the inner prison fastened in bonds, they sang praises to God. When the jailor thought that the prisoners had escaped, he was ready to commit suicide. I suggest to you that these two attitudes toward facing the problems in one’s life manifest the superiority of Christianity toward meeting the problems of life over that of paganism.

The Basis For Life In Paganism

Paganism has a different concept toward life than does Christianity. The differences in these concepts toward life, affects one’s outlook on life. Let us consider some of the attitudes which paganism has toward life. Remember that by “paganism,” I mean any non-Christian approach toward life.

1. The life is considered in relationship to the number of pleasurable experiences. Some forms of paganism measure life on the basis of the proportionate number of pleasant and unpleasant experiences. When the number of unpleasant experiences exceeds the number of pleasant experiences, life is not considered to be worth living anymore. Hence, suicide then becomes a viable option. Christians are not taught to so measure life. Life must be weighed in relationship to a judgment day with everlasting consequences (heaven or hell).

2. Life is considered without regard to future existence. Secularism is not concerned with life after death. Our secular society has generally destroyed any concern for the hereafter. No one is talking about heaven and hell anymore. Hence, the modern pagan does not decide his present conduct on the basis of how it will affect his future existence.

3. Man is considered to be merely an animal. Our evolutionist friends have perpetuated their doctrine of men; it is taught in practically every school in America. Our children are taught that man is merely a highly developed animal. He is not told that he has a soul which is immortal and which is created in the image of God; rather, he is told that man has simply progressed on the evolutionary scale at a more rapid rate than has other animals. This certainly colors ones disposition toward his life.

4. Why not commit suicide? From the pagan point of view, why should a man not commit suicide? What logical reason can a person give for a man not taking his life? Pagans have rejected the Bible as their standard of morality; they have rejected a belief in life after death. Hence, why should a pagan not take his life when life on this earth becomes more unpleasant than pleasant? There is no answer to these questions if one accepts the premises of modern paganism.

Christian Ethics: The Solution to Suicide

The advantage of Christianity over paganism becomes exceedingly apparent just at these points. Notice how Christian ethics give an individual a reason for not taking his life.

1. Murder is sinful. The first step which I would take in dealing with a potential suicide victim would be to tell him that the taking of human life in such an act is murder self-murder, but murder nonetheless. Murder is still murder if the victim consents to it. The taking of one’s life is sinful (Rev. 21:8); it is destruction of the body which is the dwelling place of the Spirit of God (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

2. Life is sacred. Man is created in the image of God. The Genesis account states the following:

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them (Gen. 1:26-27).

The sacredness of human life is also seen in the punishment which is given to those who take another’s life. When one is trying to show the importance of any given item, he prices it highly. When a particular ordinance is being emphasized, the punishment for disobedience is made particularly harsh. For that reason, the punishment for a parking violation and that for murder are different; life is more precious than a parking violation. God’s evaluation of human life is seen in the punishment that he gives to the man who takes another’s life. He stated, “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man” (Gen. 9:6). Hence, life is exceedingly precious in the sight of God.

To this must be added the statements relative to the manner in which a Christian is a part of God’s purchased possession, the church. Paul instructed us concerning the proper usage of the body in his comments regarding fornication. Notice the several arguments that he made: (1) The body is for the Lord (1 Cor. 6:13). Our bodies are to be used to the service of God; they are to be presented as living sacrifices to God (Rom. 12:1-2; Phil. 1:20). (2) My body shall be raised from the dead in the likeness of Christ’s resurrected body (1 Cor. 6:14; cf. Phil. 3:21). (3) My body is a member of Christ (1 Cor. 6:15). Under the figure of the church as a body, Paul argued that the body of Christ is made up of individual members of the church. Hence, my body is a part of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:14-26). (4) My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and (5) the possession of Christ. Paul wrote, “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s ” (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Hence, the body of man is sacred. The Christian cannot take his life because it is a violation of these principles.

3. Sin separates a man from God throughout all eternity. The Scriptures are quite clear in revealing that the punishment for sin is eternal life in Hell (Rom. 6:23; Rev. 21:8). Hence, the man who is contemplating suicide because of

horrible circumstances in this life should be told that he is headed for something worse by taking his life. He will not be improving his circumstances by taking his life. Rather, he will simply be hastening an entrance into eternal punishment.

4. There is hope for a better tomorrow. The hopelessness of the potential suicide victim can be dealt with through the Christian’s blessed hope for an eternal inheritance “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith” (1 Pet. 1:4-5). Regardless of how bad one’s circumstances might be in this life, there is hope for a better life beyond the grave. No one’s situation is totally hopeless.

One’s circumstances in this life might become unpleasant to the degree that he has no desire to continue to live on this earth below. Paul’s circumstances became that way. Sitting in a prison in Rome, Paul wrote, “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better” (Phil. 1:23). His circumstances in life were not pleasant. To die would be an improvement for him. Yet, not once did he consider taking his own life. Rather, he fixed his hope in God and on heaven. He said, “For our conversation (politeuma citizenship) is in heaven; from when also we look far the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself” (Phil. 3:20-21).

Christianity Is Profitable

Understanding the temptations which face the potential suicide victim, we see Christianity alone has the answers for him. We are therefore reminded that Christianity is profitable not only for the life which is to come but also for the one which presently exists (1 Tim. 4:8). (concluded next week)

Truth Magazine XXIV: 7, pp. 115-117
February 14, 1980

By Eugene Crawley

By inspiration we are told, “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat” (Heb. 5:12). In other, scriptures, we also note the fact that Christians are to grow, are to put away childish things and become men (1 Cor.13:14), and thus become an asset to the cause of Christ. In other words, we are to grow up and be able to help others, instead of demanding attention ourselves. We are to help solve problems that arise, not be a problem or a contributing factor.

After the Corinthians had been Christians for some time, Paul wrote to them saying, “I have fed you with milk, and not with strong meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able” (1 Cor. 3:2). They were yet “babes in Christ” (v. 1); they just had not grown up, had not made the progress that they should. The time had come that they ought to be teachers, but they were not ready for such work; they had not prepared themselves and, thus, made it necessary for Paul to write to them as “unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ” and not as “unto spiritual” (stronger). The fact that they had failed to grow as they should had contributed to the existing weakness and problems in the church at Corinth (I Cor. 3:1-4), that demanded attention and instruction from Paul, which he should have been able to direct to others, even with help from these very ones.

The Lord expects us, after we have been Christians for some time, to be able to help in His work instead of being a hindrance or a problem that necessitates attention and encouragement if we are to remain faithful. Yet, sad as it may be, there are those who have been Christians (members of the church, anyway) for many years who still demand, as much as they ever did, attention and effort from others to keep them attending as they should. My brethren, these things ought not so to be! We should make the proper use of our time and opportunities so that we would soon be able to help others, instruct them in the way of truth – yes, he teachers!

If you wonder why it is that some who have been Christians only a few years have advanced more than you, and others who have been for many years, it might do well for you to “take stock.” You might well ask yourself such questions as: Have I attended regularly all the services possible? Have I attended Bile classes as I should? Have I really been interested in learning more and being, able^.to do more in the Lord’s work? Have I contented myself with attending only the Lord’s Day morning worship? One’s attitude toward spiritual things determines the .time and effort he will use in them.

Is it “time you, ought to be” teaching, leading singing, presiding at the Lord’s table, leading prayer, serving as an elder or deacon, or any number of other important works? If so, and you are not, then you need to ask yourself some searching questions. Possibly it is “high time to awake out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Rom. 13:11). Be one who worlds, not one who makes work! If all of us “do what we ought” and be what we ought then the church will grow, souls will be saved, and God will be glorified, and we’-shall be greatly blessed.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 7, p. 114
February 14, 1980