Overcoming Common Objections When Sharing the Gospel with Muslims

When sharing the gospel with Muslims, you will likely encounter several common objections to Christianity. These objections often arise from deeply held beliefs within Islam and can be challenging to address. However, with a respectful and well-informed approach, you can respond to these objections thoughtfully and help open the door for deeper conversations about Jesus. This guide will help you navigate some of the most common objections and offer practical ways to respond with grace and clarity.

### **1. "Jesus Was Just a Prophet, Not the Son of God"**

One of the most common objections Muslims have is the belief that Jesus (Isa) was a prophet, not the Son of God. In Islam, Jesus is respected as one of the greatest prophets, but the idea of God having a Son is seen as contradictory to the belief in one God (tawhid).

#### **How to Respond:**

- **Acknowledge Their Belief**: Start by affirming their respect for Jesus as a prophet. You can say, “I understand that in Islam, Jesus is seen as a prophet, and I appreciate the high regard that Muslims have for Him.”

- **Explain the Christian View**: From there, gently explain that Christians believe Jesus is more than just a prophet—He is the Son of God, fully divine and fully human. Use Scripture to show that Jesus claimed divinity, such as in John 10:30, where He says, "I and the Father are one."

- **Clarify the Concept of Sonship**: Emphasize that Christians do not believe God had a literal, physical son, but that "Son of God" is a title that reflects Jesus’ unique relationship with the Father and His divine nature.

- **Bible Verse**: John 1:1, 14 – "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us."

### **2. "The Bible Has Been Corrupted"**

Another common objection is the belief that the Bible has been altered or corrupted over time, and therefore cannot be trusted as the Word of God. Muslims believe the Quran is the final and unaltered revelation from God, while they view the Bible as having been superseded.

#### **How to Respond:**

- **Ask Questions**: Gently ask them to clarify what they mean by "corruption." Are they referring to specific changes or contradictions they’ve heard about? Understanding their concerns will help you respond more effectively.

- **Provide Historical Evidence**: Share that the Bible has been carefully preserved over the centuries, with thousands of ancient manuscripts that confirm its reliability. Explain how the Bible’s consistency across time and translations supports its authenticity.

- **Focus on the Message**: Emphasize that the core message of the Bible—God’s love for humanity and Jesus’ offer of salvation—has remained unchanged. Encourage them to explore the message of the Bible for themselves, rather than relying on secondhand information.

- **Bible Verse**: 2 Timothy 3:16 – "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."

### **3. "Jesus Didn’t Die on the Cross"**

Islam teaches that Jesus was not crucified but was taken up to heaven by God, and that someone else was made to appear like Him and was crucified in His place (Surah 4:157). This belief directly contradicts the central Christian teaching that Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world.

#### **How to Respond:**

- **Respectfully Acknowledge Their Belief**: Begin by acknowledging that Muslims have a different view of the crucifixion. You might say, “I understand that in Islam, the belief is that Jesus didn’t die on the cross. I’d like to share why the crucifixion is so important in Christianity.”

- **Explain the Importance of the Cross**: Explain that the crucifixion is central to the Christian faith because it represents the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. Jesus’ death on the cross was necessary to atone for humanity’s sins and to reconcile us to God.

- **Point to Historical Evidence**: Share that the crucifixion is a well-documented historical event, confirmed by both Christian and non-Christian sources. Encourage them to consider the evidence for the crucifixion and why it matters for salvation.

- **Bible Verse**: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures."

### **4. "Salvation is Through Good Works, Not Grace"**

In Islam, salvation is believed to be achieved through good works and following the Five Pillars of Islam (faith, prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage). Muslims believe that on the Day of Judgment, their deeds will be weighed, and if their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds, they will enter paradise.

#### **How to Respond:**

- **Acknowledge Their Commitment**: Begin by recognizing the commitment that Muslims have to living a moral and righteous life. You might say, “I admire the dedication that Muslims have to following God’s commands and doing good deeds.”

- **Share the Christian View of Grace**: Explain that while Christians also believe in living a righteous life, salvation is not something that can be earned through good deeds alone. Instead, it is a gift of God’s grace, given freely through faith in Jesus Christ. Emphasize that good works are the result of being saved, not the means to salvation.

- **Use Scripture to Support Your Point**: Share verses like Ephesians 2:8-9, which explain that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. This can help clarify that Christians believe in the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice for salvation.

- **Bible Verse**: Ephesians 2:8-9 – "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

### **5. "Muhammad is the Final Prophet"**

Muslims believe that Muhammad is the final prophet, sent by God to complete the message that was previously revealed to prophets like Moses, David, and Jesus. They view Muhammad as the "Seal of the Prophets" and believe that the Quran is the final revelation.

#### **How to Respond:**

- **Acknowledge Their Belief**: Respectfully acknowledge that Muslims believe Muhammad is the final prophet. You might say, “I understand that Muhammad is considered the final prophet in Islam. I’d love to share more about why Christians believe that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s plan for humanity.”

- **Explain Jesus’ Unique Role**: Emphasize that Christians believe Jesus is not just a prophet, but the Son of God and the fulfillment of all the prophecies that came before Him. Jesus’ role is unique because He didn’t just bring a message from God—He *is* the message, the Word of God made flesh (John 1:1).

- **Highlight the Finality of Jesus’ Work**: Share that Christians believe Jesus’ work on the cross and His resurrection completed God’s plan for salvation. There is no need for further revelation or prophets because Jesus is the final and complete revelation of God’s love and salvation for humanity.

- **Bible Verse**: Hebrews 1:1-2 – "In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom also He made the universe."

### **6. "God is Too Great to Become Human"**

Muslims believe that God (Allah) is far above human beings and that it would be degrading for God to take on human form. The idea that God could become a man is seen as incompatible with Islamic beliefs about God’s transcendence and majesty.

#### **How to Respond:**

- **Acknowledge Their Reverence for God**: Begin by acknowledging the reverence that Muslims have for God’s greatness. You might say, “I understand that Muslims believe God is far above human beings, and I share that belief in God’s greatness and majesty.”

- **Explain the Incarnation as an Act of Love**: Share that Christians also believe in God’s greatness, but that His greatness is shown not only in His transcendence but in His willingness to humble Himself out of love for humanity. The incarnation—God becoming human in the person of Jesus—is seen as the ultimate act of love, not a limitation of God’s power.

- **Highlight Jesus’ Divine Nature**: Emphasize that while Jesus took on human form, He did not cease to be God. The incarnation reveals both God’s love and His power, as He entered into the world to redeem it without losing His divine nature.

- **Bible Verse**: Philippians 2:6-7 – "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."

### **Conclusion: Engaging in Thoughtful and Respectful Dialogue**

Overcoming common objections when sharing the gospel with Muslims requires patience, humility, and a deep understanding of both Christian and Islamic beliefs. By addressing these objections with respect and clarity, you can open the door to deeper conversations about Jesus and His message of salvation.

Remember that these conversations are part of a larger journey, and it’s important to listen, ask questions, and engage with genuine love and concern. Trust that the Holy Spirit is at work in these