A Word to Muslims About Jesus’ Death

The centrality of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to our faith cannot be minimized. What an amazing and glorious truth! Unfortunately this truth is rejected by 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide. If only they knew the truth it would set them free. Muslims are taught to deny his death for our sins and his divine nature as the Son of God. The death of Jesus is a historical fact that was not disputed by the historians and witnesses of Jesus’ day. The Quran is the first book to dispute this and though it purports to tell us the thoughts of God it tells a lie and has deceived billions on this earth. I pray that God would open your eyes to the glorious reality of Jesus sacrifice for our sin.

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” 1 Corinthians 1:18-24

The Quran states that Jesus was indeed not crucified, but that God tricked the Jews into thinking that they crucified him and God in turn caught Jesus up to him in heaven. This of course means that the apostles made up the story of his crucifixion for our sins and his resurrection. However, look at the historical evidence against this proclamation.

“Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judaea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired. Nero offered his gardens for the spectacle, and was exhibiting a show in the circus, while he mingled with the people in the dress of a charioteer or stood aloft on a car. Hence, even for criminals who deserved extreme and exemplary punishment, there arose a feeling of compassion; for it was not, as it seemed, for the public good, but to glut one man’s cruelty, that they were being destroyed.” – Cornelius Tacitus (55-120 AD), “the greatest historian” of ancient Rome

Indeed, why would religious Jews make up a story that their promised Messiah (who was supposed to overthrow the Roman Empire and restore the Jewish kingdom) was executed by Roman capital punishment after having been handed over by his own people? As Paul said this idea to the Jewish mind was a stumbling block and to the rest of the world it was foolish. If it was a lie this idea would simply be repugnant to anyone. The Lord Messiah was crucified? If they truly wanted to make up a good story to show the glory of Jesus they would simply say, “God tricked the Jews and the Romans and caught him up to heaven. He will return one day to destroy the Roman Empire.” This is a more attractive and easy to understand teaching.

But the truth is God was behind all this. God ordained that his Son be executed for our sins. As Isaiah the prophet stated, “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt…” Isaiah 53:4,5,10

Isaiah prophesied that this would happen roughly 700 years prior to the actual event. Jesus death was fulfilling what God ordained by his determinate counsel. But the death of Jesus was not the end of the story. For as David said of him in Psalm 16:10, “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.” God’s holy one or set apart one is the Messiah. This shows that the Messiah will die and that his body will not rot (corrupt) in the grave, but that God will raise him from the dead.

Both history and prophecy bears out that Jesus was crucified. Prophecy clarifies that he died for the forgiveness of our sins. The New Testament confirms the fulfillment of these prophecies in the life Jesus. This truth is unattractive to the religions and philosophers of this world, but to those who believe it is the power and wisdom of God. There is no historical way to dispute the death of Jesus, though many doubt his resurrection.

Many times those of the Muslim faith use the argument for the validity of the Quran that it has been recited ever since it was given to them by Muhammed and there are multiple people there to ensure that the recitation is done properly. For Christians the same is true, no matter which church you go to several things have been in place since Jesus’ time.

1. belief in his death for our sins

2. belief in his resurrection

3. belief he is the Christ, the Son of God

4. water baptism

5. the Lord’s supper or breaking of bread and drinking of wine to commemorate his death

These traditions have been passed down and unchanged since the beginning. Though there are disagreements on other issues these five things remain constant and unchanging. If the constant recitation of the Quran validates its authenticity then in turn these 5 unchanged issues for Christians validate the truth of the Christian faith. Though I disagree that the Quran is the true word of God I cannot argue that what Muhammed passed down has been changed. As a Muslim one cannot argue that the core of what Christians believe has changed or been corrupted. These five issues cannot be argued against as those who fought against and killed Christians in the first 3 centuries of the church quoted them as facts of what the Christians believed and observed over that entire period.

Though it be foolishness to the world and to Muslims it is the power and wisdom of God to those whom He has chosen to believe. The only way for someone to truly believe and receive these truths is that God would open their hearts to it.

Salvation

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38

After the apostle Peter’s cutting sermon on the day of Pentecost this is what happened;

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Acts 2:37

They were convicted in their hearts and desired to respond to the preaching of Peter. Peter’s response is so stunning. He did not ask them to pray the sinners prayer with him and “ask Jesus into their heart.” He did not put them through new believers classes. These are post-biblical construction. Peter told them if you desire to be saved then first, repent. Turn away from your wicked ways, leave them behind, change your mind from wickedness to the truth of the Lord Jesus. Next, he said to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. This seems very strange to us. Clearly we understand that remission of sins comes through the blood of Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:14 says, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” Here we see that through baptism “in the name of Jesus Christ” we receive the remission of sins. True baptism acted upon by genuine repentance in the heart and then done in faith (“by grace are ye saved through faith” Ephesians 2:8) applies the blood to your heart. And the promise if you walk in this faith is to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Three steps to be saved according to Peter on the day of Pentecost;

1. Repentance
2. Water baptism by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ
3. Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost

This corresponds perfectly to what Jesus told Nicodemus. “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” John 3:5 We must be “born of water” and then “born of the Spirit.” “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” Titus 3:5 This is a verse that corresponds to what Jesus said “the washing of regeneration” is water baptism and the “renewing of the Holy Ghost” is Spirit baptism.

In the English Standard Version notice what Peter writes, “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 3:21 Peter says that baptism corresponds to the salvation of the family of Noah through water. He says, “baptism now saves you.” This does not throw away the scripture that shows us we are saved by grace through faith. It’s nothing we can do that saves us. It is a gift from God period. As part of the process God commands us to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. If we disobey this command we do not have faith and thus Peter writes, “baptism now saves you.”

He writes that it is not as a removal of dirt from the body. Its not a physical bath you are taking but an appeal to God for a good conscience. As you have repented and you are responding in faith to the word of God to enter the waters of baptism you are asking God to give you a good conscience. Keep in mind it is not baptism that gives you a good conscience. Baptism is an act of faith that appeals to God for a good conscience. Only the blood of Christ gives you a good conscience. “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” Hebrews 9:14 The blood of Christ purges your conscience from dead works not baptism.

This is the simple formula for salvation. Most evangelicals simply state that salvation is to come by grace through faith as a gift from God. This is true, but you are missing the steps that the apostles taught the others to take. Paul’s first response to those who had not received the Holy Spirit (the new birth) yet was to baptize them in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 19:2-6) It’s important for our actions to correspond to the actions of the apostles. What they were doing was not simply for another age, but it was the gold standard for all of us to walk in.

Acts 2:38 Evangelism

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38

What we need is more Acts 2:38 evangelism? This is something that the Lord has really been pressing on my heart lately. I have gotten so busy defending the various doctrines that I have pushed to the back burner the central work of the church and its great commission to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” A church without a clear purpose of evangelism will become stagnant because they are not participating in what Jesus has called them to. They are many participating in evangelism, but not doing so with the proper formula that was given to us by the apostles.

After the apostle Peter’s cutting sermon on the day of Pentecost this is what happened;

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Acts 2:37

They were convicted in their hearts and desired to respond to the preaching of Peter. Peter’s response is so stunning. He did not ask them to pray the sinners prayer with him and “ask Jesus into their heart.” He did not put them through new believers classes. These are post-biblical construction. Peter told them if you desire to be saved then first, repent. Turn away from your wicked ways, leave them behind, change your mind from wickedness to the truth of the Lord Jesus. Next, he said to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. This seems very strange to us. Clearly we understand that remission of sins comes through the blood of Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:14 says, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” Here we see that through baptism “in the name of Jesus Christ” we receive the remission of sins. True baptism acted upon by genuine repentance in the heart and then done in faith (“by grace are ye saved through faith” Ephesians 2:8) applies the blood to your heart. And the promise if you walk in this faith is to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Three steps to be saved according to Peter on the day of Pentecost;

1. Repentance
2. Water baptism by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ
3. Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost

This corresponds perfectly to what Jesus told Nicodemus. “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” John 3:5 We must be “born of water” and then “born of the Spirit.” “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” Titus 3:5 This is a verse that corresponds to what Jesus said “the washing of regeneration” is water baptism and the “renewing of the Holy Ghost” is Spirit baptism.

In the English Standard Version notice what Peter writes, “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 3:21 Peter says that baptism corresponds to the salvation of the family of Noah through water. He says, “baptism now saves you.” This does not throw away the scripture that shows us we are saved by grace through faith. It’s nothing we can do that saves us. It is a gift from God period. As part of the process God commands us to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. If we disobey this command we do not have faith and thus Peter writes, “baptism now saves you.”

He writes that it is not as a removal of dirt from the body. Its not a physical bath you are taking but an appeal to God for a good conscience. As you have repented and you are responding in faith to the word of God to enter the waters of baptism you are asking God to give you a good conscience. Keep in mind it is not baptism that gives you a good conscience. Baptism is an act of faith that appeals to God for a good conscience. Only the blood of Christ gives you a good conscience. “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” Hebrews 9:14 The blood of Christ purges your conscience from dead works not baptism.

This is the simple formula for salvation. Most evangelicals simply state that salvation is to come by grace through faith as a gift from God. This is true, but you are missing the steps that the apostles taught the others to take. Paul’s first response to those who had not received the Holy Spirit (the new birth) yet was to baptize them in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 19:2-6) It’s important for our actions to correspond to the actions of the apostles. What they were doing was not simply for another age, but it was the gold standard for all of us to walk in.

Back To The Gospel

In my time of prayer and meditation on the word throughout the day I feel a definite leading in the Holy Spirit that I am not focusing on bringing the word of God to people the right way.

While I do not feel at all convicted for teaching on the deeper things of the word of God I do feel that my focus that back to the Gospel.

What I mean by that is not simply that all I focus on should be the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and proclaiming that to the lost, though that should be a huge focus. I mean focusing as a minister on the Gospel and the major doctrines surrounding that. As in justification by faith alone, sanctification through the Spirit, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the doctrine of Christ, adoption, predestination, the inerrancy of scripture, etc, etc. Brother Branham taught extensively on and focused primarily on these issues. He certainly taught about the 7 seals, the presence of Christ, the 7 church ages, the serpent’s seed, his ministry, etc., but he never left off the preaching of the Gospel to the lost. This is something I’m feeling I have left. My focus is bringing people to the message but in doing that it’s a fine line of balance in my heart. How much different is that than a Pentecostal going out and trying to make people Pentecostal?

You could say, well you have the truth and the Pentecostal does not. However, what is in my heart? Is it a love for that person to bring them to biblical truth or is it a pride in my heart because I believe the message of brother Branham and I want to point people to him?

Certainly it depends on what is in my heart, but really, what is my focus? Are we doing all we can to get people to Christ or are we trying to make them a convert to our religion?
My desire and my purpose has to be to get people to Christ. First, they must know him as their Savior then you can show them what He has done in this day.

The doctrine that William Branham taught was pure and it brings us back to the bible. Somehow I wonder if in proclaiming the message we have lost some of the focus and balance that brother Branham had through the Holy Spirit.

I need to rebuild the foundation of scriptural teaching in my life and to approach others with the leadership of the Holy Spirit in bringing them the Gospel. For those of us who believe this message we have been restored to the pure Gospel as taught by the apostles.

Let’s place our focus on it and bring it to the world. The Bride should have a greater passion and greater desire to bring this pure Gospel to the world because we are being led by the Holy Spirit himself who is here for us in this day. The same Holy Spirit that vindicated the ministry of William Branham is here to work in us and bring the same Gospel to the world.

That is my passion and that is the direction that I want to go in my focus.