Jesus and Islam (Chapter 2: Original Sin)

Christians believe in the concept of Original Sin, meaning that humanity is born sinful because of the Original Sin of Adam and Eve. This original sin nature requires Redemption and Atonement. This, of course, is the reason for the need of a Saviour, a Messiah, Jesus Christ. For humans to be reconciled to God, a sacrifice had to be made in the form of Jesus Christ through His work on the cross.

Muslims believe that every person will be held accountable before God for their actions and thus responsible for their own salvation. Therefore, Muslims believe they will not be able to rely upon anyone else, not even Jesus or Muhammad, to save us from our sins. This puts the entire burden on the individual to save himself/herself (Qurán 99:7-8). In Islam, it’s up to each person to strive to remain sinless, and their salvation depends on their successful personal striving (Qurán 2:286)

Islam believes babies are born pure and that no one is born bearing the sin of anyone and no one bears the burden of another. Qurán 17:15 says "Whoever is guided is only guided for [the benefit of] his soul. And whoever errs only errs against it. And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. And never would We punish until We sent a messenger." In other words, there is no call for someone to bear the burden of our sins. We must bear the burden alone.

The Bible sheds light on a different path, one in which salvation is gained through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans Chapter 3 says, "This righteousnessis given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. This last bit, in verse 23, highlights the difference. Christians believe that all have sinned and all have fallen short of Gods glory. This means that no amount of personal effort is sufficient to attain salvation and that our righteousness comes only through faith in Jesus Christ.

Christians accept that it would be impossible for a person to attain sinlessness on their own, therefore a Savior is required to atone for their sins and make a way for their personal salvation. In our own power, Christians believe it is impossible to please God or to live a life that is blameless before Him. Christians also believe that each person will be held accountable for their actions, but Christians are different in that we do not believe we are responsible for our own salvation. We must have a Savior; someone to atone for our sins. We believe that person is Jesus Christ.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20