In today’s world, understanding the differences between Christianity and Islam is important for informed dialogue and clear witness. Both religions claim to worship the one true God and have significant followings worldwide. Yet, when we compare the teachings of the Bible and the Quran, we find crucial differences in theology, revelation, and salvation.

The Foundation of Salvation: Faith in Jesus Christ Alone

The Bible clearly teaches that all humans are sinners deserving of God’s judgment (Romans 3:10, 23). However, salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again (Romans 6:23; I Corinthians 15:3-4). Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

In contrast, the Quran teaches that one must have more good deeds than bad to enter paradise (Quran 7:8-9), a standard impossible for fallen humanity (Romans 3:19). Moreover, Muhammad’s own writings express uncertainty about his final destiny (Quran 46:9), while the Bible assures believers eternal life through Christ alone (I John 5:13).

The Nature of Revelation: Bible vs. Quran

The Bible is a collection of divinely inspired writings given progressively by God through prophets, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2). It is internally consistent and historically reliable.

The Quran, on the other hand, claims to be the final revelation from Allah delivered by Muhammad. However, it contains historical and scientific inaccuracies and internal contradictions that raise questions about its divine origin. For example, the Quran offers differing accounts of creation (Quran 7:54 vs. 41:9-12) and contradicts well-established historical events, such as the crucifixion of Jesus (Quran 4:157).

The Person of Jesus Christ

Christianity declares Jesus to be fully God and fully man, the eternal Son of God who took on human flesh (John 1:1-3, 14). Jesus is the Savior and Lord, worthy of worship (Philippians 2:5-11).

Islam regards Jesus (Isa) as a prophet but denies His deity and rejects the crucifixion, teaching that He was not crucified but taken up to heaven (Quran 4:157). The Christian doctrine of the Trinity—one God in three Persons—is also rejected by Islam (Quran 4:171), although the Bible affirms the unity and triune nature of God (Deuteronomy 6:4; I John 5:7).

The Character of God: Loving Father vs. Arbitrary Deity

The Bible reveals God as perfectly loving, just, and merciful (I John 4:8, Romans 5:8). He desires all people to be saved (I Timothy 2:4) and lovingly disciplines His children (Hebrews 12:6).

Islam’s concept of Allah includes aspects of justice and mercy but also presents God as selectively guiding some and leaving others astray (Quran 6:125), which challenges the biblical understanding of God’s impartial love. The Bible commands believers to love even their enemies (Matthew 5:44), reflecting the character of a God who is love.

The Prophet Muhammad: A Historical Overview

From a biblical perspective, prophecy ceased with Christ, the final and perfect Prophet, Priest, and King (Hebrews 1:1-3). Muhammad, who lived centuries later, does not fit the biblical criteria for a true prophet, particularly in light of his teachings which conflict with Scripture.

While Islam honors Muhammad as the “Seal of the Prophets,” the Bible warns against false teachers and prophets who lead people away from Christ (Matthew 24:24; Galatians 1:8-9). Christians are called to test all teachings by Scripture (Acts 17:11).

Understanding and Faithfulness to Scripture

Respectful dialogue requires understanding these foundational differences without hostility. Christians affirm that salvation is found only through Jesus Christ, the final revelation of God to mankind. While Islam shares some common ground as a monotheistic faith, its teachings about God, Jesus, and salvation differ significantly from biblical Christianity.

As believers, we are called to lovingly proclaim the gospel and patiently explain the truth in gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15), always grounded in the authority of Scripture.