The Gospel for Muslims

Defending the Christian Faith from a Reformed Christian Perspective in Dialogue with Muslims.

Christianity and Islam, as two of the world’s major religions, share certain commonalities but also diverge in significant ways. Both affirm belief in one God, recognize Abraham as a central figure, and honor Jesus Christ in some capacity. However, from a Reformed Christian perspective, there are crucial differences that lead to theological conflict, especially concerning the nature of God, the person of Jesus, and the means of salvation. When engaging in a respectful dialogue with Muslims, it is important for Christians to be equipped with a robust understanding of their own faith, particularly in areas where Christianity differs sharply from Islam.

In this blog, we will examine key aspects of Christianity that need to be defended and articulated clearly in response to common Islamic objections. A Reformed Christian approach places special emphasis on Scripture, the sovereignty of God, and the centrality of Christ's atoning work, making these elements particularly significant in discussions with Muslims.

1. The Trinity: Defending the Triune Nature of God

One of the primary objections Muslims raise against Christianity is the doctrine of the Trinity. Islam is strictly monotheistic and views the Christian belief in one God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—as a form of shirk, or the associating of partners with God, which is considered blasphemy in Islamic theology.

From a Reformed Christian perspective, the Trinity is foundational to the understanding of God’s nature. Christians do not believe in three gods but one God who exists eternally in three persons. This is a mystery that transcends human understanding but is clearly revealed in Scripture. Key passages such as Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands His disciples to baptize “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” affirm the unity of the three persons in the Godhead.

When defending the Trinity, Reformed Christians emphasize that God is incomprehensible and beyond human logic in certain respects. However, this does not mean that the doctrine is irrational. Rather, the Trinity reflects the profound nature of God as He has revealed Himself. It is important to explain that Christian monotheism is different from Islamic monotheism, but it is still monotheism. The essence of God is one, even though there is a relational distinction within the Godhead.

Moreover, the Trinity is crucial to the Christian understanding of salvation. The Father plans redemption, the Son accomplishes it through His death and resurrection, and the Holy Spirit applies it to believers. Without the Trinity, the Christian conception of salvation becomes incoherent.

2. The Person of Jesus: Affirming His Divinity and Atoning Work

Islam acknowledges Jesus (known as Isa in Arabic) as a prophet, born of a virgin, and performing miracles, but it denies His divinity, crucifixion, and resurrection. Instead, the Qur’an asserts that Jesus was a mere human prophet who pointed the way to Allah, and that someone else was crucified in His place (Qur’an 4:157).

In response, Reformed Christians must defend the deity of Christ as essential to the gospel. The Bible teaches that Jesus is not just a prophet but the Son of God, fully divine and fully human. John 1:1 declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The belief that Jesus is both God and man is critical because only a divine Savior could bear the infinite wrath of God for humanity’s sins. 

Reformed theology teaches that salvation is entirely of God’s grace, accomplished through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The cross is central to this message. Without Jesus’ atoning death, there is no reconciliation between God and humanity (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24). In contrast to the Islamic teaching that downplays sin and denies the need for a mediator, Christianity emphasizes that sin is an offense against a holy God and requires a perfect substitute. Jesus, as the God-man, is the only one who could meet that requirement.

Muslims often argue that God is too merciful to require a blood sacrifice for forgiveness, but Reformed theology responds by emphasizing both the justice and mercy of God. God cannot simply overlook sin without compromising His perfect justice. The cross is where God’s justice and mercy meet—His justice is satisfied by Christ’s sacrifice, and His mercy is extended to all who believe (Romans 3:25–26).

3. The Authority of Scripture: Defending the Bible’s Integrity

Muslims generally believe that the Bible has been corrupted over time and that the Qur’an is the final, uncorrupted revelation from God. This objection requires a strong defense of the inspiration, preservation, and authority of Scripture from a Reformed Christian perspective.

Reformed theology holds that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, divinely inspired and preserved throughout the ages. While textual variations exist in ancient manuscripts, none of these variations affect any core doctrine or the message of salvation. The reliability of Scripture has been affirmed through centuries of manuscript evidence, archaeological findings, and internal consistency.

In contrast to the Islamic view, Reformed Christians believe that God has been faithful in preserving His Word. Jesus Himself affirmed the authority of the Old Testament (Matthew 5:18) and promised that the Holy Spirit would guide the apostles into all truth (John 16:13). The early church recognized the New Testament writings as Scripture (2 Peter 3:15–16), and God’s providential hand has safeguarded these texts through history.

When Muslims question the integrity of the Bible, Reformed Christians can point to the historical evidence for the Bible’s reliability and challenge the assumption that the Qur’an is more reliable. They can also emphasize the internal testimony of the Holy Spirit, who works through Scripture to bring conviction and understanding to believers (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

4. Salvation by Grace Alone: Contrasting with Works-Based Salvation

Another critical area where Christianity and Islam diverge is the doctrine of salvation. Islam teaches a works-based approach, where one’s deeds are weighed on the Day of Judgment to determine eternal destiny. Muslims hope that their good deeds will outweigh their bad, but there is no guarantee of salvation.

In contrast, the Reformed understanding of salvation is centered on the biblical teaching of sola gratia (grace alone) and sola fide (faith alone). Salvation is not something that can be earned by human effort but is a gift of God’s grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9). Because of human sin, no one can merit God’s favor or meet His perfect standard of righteousness. Instead, salvation is accomplished entirely by Christ’s work on the cross, and it is applied to believers through faith in Him.

Reformed theology emphasizes the assurance that comes from trusting in Christ’s finished work. Unlike the uncertainty in Islam regarding one’s standing before God, Christians can have confidence in their salvation because it rests on Christ’s righteousness, not their own efforts (Romans 8:1). This assurance is a profound comfort and hope for believers and stands in contrast to the uncertainty of works-based systems.

5. God’s Sovereignty and Grace: Addressing the Nature of God

Both Islam and Reformed Christianity affirm the sovereignty of God, but the way this sovereignty is understood differs significantly. In Islam, Allah’s sovereignty is absolute, but often disconnected from personal relationship or covenant faithfulness. Allah’s will is inscrutable, and His actions are not bound by any promises or revealed character beyond sheer power.

Reformed theology, while affirming God’s absolute sovereignty, presents a more relational and covenantal view of God’s nature. God’s sovereignty is coupled with His covenantal love and faithfulness to His people. He is both transcendent and immanent, governing all things but also intimately involved with His creation, particularly His people through the work of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Reformed Christians also emphasize God’s grace as foundational to salvation. In contrast to the Islamic focus on submission to God’s will through works, Reformed theology teaches that God sovereignly initiates salvation, calling sinners to Himself and enabling them to respond in faith. This view of grace underscores the radical difference between Christianity and Islam regarding how one relates to God—not through human striving, but through divine initiative.

Conclusion

In engaging with Muslims from a Reformed Christian perspective, it is essential to do so with both truth and grace. While theological differences are significant, respectful dialogue can open doors to share the hope of the gospel. Defending key doctrines such as the Trinity, the deity and atonement of Christ, the authority of Scripture, and salvation by grace alone helps clarify the Christian faith in contrast to Islamic teachings. 

Ultimately, the Reformed Christian response centers on the person and work of Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. By pointing to the sufficiency of Christ’s atoning sacrifice and the assurance of salvation by grace through faith, Christians can offer Muslims not just theological answers but the transformative message of God’s love and grace.

Books for reference:

What every christian needs to know about the Qur'an by James R. White

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi