From my study of what Muslims teach, there appears to be some disagreement as to what is the meaning of the word "Allah". Some teach that the word Allah means "the God". Muslims emphasize "the God" to underline that there is only one true God. Those who believe Allah means "the God" would understand it in much the same as the term "God" used by Christians, or G-d used by Jews. Once again, Muslims of this viewpoint consider it a general reference to the supreme being or deity.

Other Muslims teach that "Allah" is the proper name of God. This would be similar to the Jewish use of YHWH (Yahweh) as the proper name for God.

NOTE:   Many Jews consider saying the name of G-d is sinful.

Many Christians, when asked what the name of God is, would say that His name is Jehovah.

To be clear, when I selected the name for this site, I relied upon the explanation for "Allah" as a general reference to the deity. Therefore, when I say that "Jesus is Allah", I am saying that Jesus is "the God". I will be reviewing the portions of the Bible that lead me to believe that.

I will be discussing the "name" of "the God" further as I believe that to be a subject specifically addressed by the Christian bible.

Before we consider the differences between what Christians and Muslims believe, lets see if we can find any common ground.

From the Qur'an (Koran):

"Say: He is Allah,
The One and Only.
"Allah, the Eternal, Absolute.

Al-Qur’an 112:1-2

From the Jewish Bible (aka Torah/Septuagint):

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:

Deuteronomy 6:4 (NASB)

From the Bible (Christian New Testament):

And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

Mark 12:29 (NASB)

Now I don't know about you but all that sounds the same to me. There is ONE God and only ONE God. He is "the God". That's what Jesus believed and said when he quoted the Jewish Old Testament. Christians believe Jesus is the leader of the faith and Jesus said quite emphatically that there is "one God".

And Jesus said further:

And He [Jesus] said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ Lord:

Matthew 22:37 (NASB)

The Koran is well aware of what Jesus said, when it says:

the Messiah has said, “O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.”

Surah 5:72-73

NOTE:   The Bible makes no reference or use of the proper name "Allah". If the word Allah is taken to mean "the God", and not used as a proper name for God, then the quotation from Jesus is accurate. Otherwise, there is no reference to "Allah" as the proper name for God in the Bible.

As you consider what the Bible teaches about God, versus what the Koran teaches about God, there are other similarities. Consider the story of the creation of the world.

From the Qur'an (Koran):

Indeed, your Lord is Allah , who created the heavens and earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne. He covers the night with the day, [another night] chasing it rapidly; and [He created] the sun, the moon, and the stars, subjected by His command. Unquestionably, His is the creation and the command; blessed is Allah, Lord of the worlds.

[Al-Qur’an 7:54]:

From the Bible:

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

Genesis 2:1-2

It is quite clear that the Bible and the Koran are relying on similar stories to explain creation. The logical question is which story came first?

The Koran, according to Wikipedia:

Muslims believe the Quran was verbally revealed by God to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel (Jibril),[3][4] gradually over a period of approximately 23 years, beginning on 22 December 609 CE,[5] when Muhammad was 40, and concluding in 632, the year of his death.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quran

I found nothing to dispute that chronology. The Koran dates to about 600 years AFTER Jesus and the writing of the Christian New Testament.

By contrast, there is quite a bit of dispute as to when Genesis was actually written. This example says:

Bible scholars believe that Genesis was written by Moses, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, during the forty years that the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness (1450 - 1410 B.C.).

http://www.allaboutcreation.org/when-was-genesis-written-faq.htm

On the other hand:

Tradition credits Moses as the author of Genesis, as well as Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and most of Deuteronomy, but modern scholars increasingly see them as a product of the 6th and 5th centuries BC.[4][5]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Genesis

Regardless of which account you believe, it means that the first 5 books of the Old Testament, which includes Genesis and Deuteronomy, had been around 1,000 to 2,000 years before the Koran was written.

I personally believe that the first 5 books of the Old Testament were written by Moses. I disagree with the more liberal scholars who think that someone else was the author, or that it was written hundreds of years after Moses.

The Christian New Testament, written in the first century by those who were alive at the time of Jesus, makes many references to the Old Testament. That is only logical. The Jewish Old Testament preceded the New Testament. Jesus, himself a Jew, frequently quoted and taught from the Old Testament. The apostle Paul, a Jew, proclaimed himself a scholar of the Jewish scriptures and talked at length about them in his letters to churches. In fact each person who wrote a portion of the Christian New Testament was a Jew and each quotes the Old Testament.

The Christian New Testament had been around about 500 to 600 years before the Koran.

Needless to say, there is no possible way that the authors of the Old Testament relied upon anything that was found in the Koran. Further, there is no possible way that the authors of the New Testament relied upon anything that was found in the Koran. It should surprise no one that there is nothing in the Bible that refers to the Koran.

By contrast, the author of the Koran was well aware of the teachings of the Bible. Remember again what the Koran says:

He [Allah] has sent down upon you [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He [Allah] revealed [sent down] the Torah and the Gospel.

Surah 3:4

Once again, the Torah is the "Old Testament" Bible and the Gospel is the "New Testament" Bible.

While it is unlikely that the author(s) of the Koran had access to an actual Christian Bible such as we have today (the time frame preceded the mass publication of books) it is quite clear that the author(s) of the Koran were well aware of the teachings of Judaism and Christianity at the time (about 600 AD).

Why do I say that?

The Christian doctrine of the trinity had been well formed and was commonly being taught by the Christian church at the time of the writing of the Koran. With that in mind, consider these texts of the Koran:

O followers of the Book! do not exceed the limits in your religion, and do not speak (lies) against Allah, but (speak) the truth; the Messiah, Isa son of Marium is only a messenger of Allah and His Word which He communicated to Marium and a spirit from Him; believe therefore in Allah and His messengers, and say not, Three. Desist, it is better for you; Allah is only one Allah; far be It from His glory that He should have a son, whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth is His, and Allah is sufficient for a Protector.

Surah 4:171 – Shakir

and

They have certainly disbelieved who say, “Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary”, while the Messiah has said, “O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.” Indeed, he who associates others with Allah – Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers. They have certainly disbelieved who say, “Allah is the third of three.” And there is no god except one God. And if they do not desist from what they are saying, there will surely afflict the disbelievers among them a painful punishment.

Surah 5:72-73

It is quite clear that the writer of the Koran was focusing attention on the trinitarian teachings of the Christian church. The teachings of the trinity are then used to contrast Islamic belief with Christian belief.

It is on this subject where I expect to make a significant number of Christians unhappy.

Before explaining my view, I believe as did Martin Luther that the Bible alone should be the sole foundation for Christian teaching.

It is quite clear that the early church, following the time period of the Disciples and Paul (the writers of the New Testament books), added to the teachings found in the New Testament Bible. Many, in particular the Roman Catholic church, consider those post-Bible teachings to be as divinely inspired as the Bible itself. I do not share that view. I believe that where such church teachings contradict the teachings of the Bible that the Bible should be taken as the correct and final authority.

Back to the teachings about the trinity. The term "trinity" is believed to have been first used in the last two decades of the second century, over a century and a half after the death of Jesus.

From this page:

plato.stanford.edu/entries/trinity/trinity-history.html#Tertul


The terms we translate as “Trinity” (Latin: trinitas, Greek: trias) seem to have come into use only in the last two decades of the second century; but such usage doesn't reflect trinitarian belief. These late second and third century authors use such terms not to refer to the one God, but rather to refer to the plurality of the one God, together with his Son (or Word) and his Spirit. They profess a “trinity”, triad or threesome, but not a triune or tripersonal God. Nor did they consider these to be equally divine. A common strategy for defending monotheism in this period is to emphasize the unique divinity of the Father. Thus Origen (ca. 186-255)

The more modern meaning of the word "trinity" began to "firm up" by the time of the First Council of Nicaea, in 325. That resulted in the production of the Nicene Creed, which says:

We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of all things visible and invisible; And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begotten from the Father, only-begotten, that is, from the substance of the Father, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten not made, of one substance with the Father, through Whom all things came into being, things in heaven and things on earth, Who because of us men and because of our salvation came down, and became incarnate and became man, and suffered, and rose again on the third day, and ascended to the heavens, and will come to judge the living and dead,

And in the Holy Spirit.

Another council followed in 381, which further modified the creed with this addition, in place of the last sentence about the Holy Spirit:

And I believe in the Holy Ghost the Lord, and Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, Who spake by the Prophets. And I believe in One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the Resurrection of the Dead: And the Life of the world to come. Amen.

While the word "trinity" was not used in the actual creed, you can see the evolution of the teaching of the trinity.

My first response to whether this is Biblical is quite simple. The following words and terms are NOT found in the Christian New Testament:

Trinity
Three Persons
Three in One
God the Son
God The Holy Spirit
Name of the Father, Name of the Son, Name of the Holy Spirit
etc.

I believe that these terms were added to the teachings of the New Testament. While portions of the New Testament are referenced to support the teaching of the Trinity, I think the use of those scriptures is simply wrong, and that there is a better and more simple explanation for what those verses mean.

Why did the Christian church come up the teaching of the Trinity?

The answer is simple. The church had great difficulty comprehending what the Bible itself refers to as a "mystery".

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh

1 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)

The fact that Jesus Christ was a human being is no mystery. He was born of his mother Mary, He ate, He slept and He died. No one questions or doubts the humanity of Jesus Christ. Those who are not religious may doubt that he ever existed, and many argue that the story of his existence is fictional. But both Christians and Muslims accept that Jesus is a real historical person and is a significant religious figure.

The idea that Jesus is/was God is where things get tricky. Let's keep in mind what the Jewish Bible clearly teaches:

“God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent;

Numbers 23:19 (NASB)

and it was repeated here:

Also the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind; for He is not a man that He should change His mind.”

1 Samuel 15:29 (NASB)

OK, so that seems very simple and categorical. God is NOT a man. So if Jesus is a man, how can he possibly be God?

Let's stick with the Old Testament Bible (Torah) for a moment. Read what the prophet Isaiah said:

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 (NASB)

Things were looking so simple until the Bible said that. A child, a son, will be "born" and he will be called the Mighty God.

How can the idea of Jesus being a man, and also being God (who is not a man) be reconciled? So we do not forget, the Bible plainly refers to it as a "mystery".

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh

1 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)

Why is it called a "mystery"? Because it is hard to figure out. It is perplexing. In fact I don't believe that these apparent contradictions can be reconciled without divine revelation, but let me try to help by looking at other portions of the Bible. The Christian Bible teaches that the mother of Jesus was Mary, no problem there. The Koran also teaches that Mary was the mother of Jesus. Just another example of something the Koran and the Bible agree on.

But who was the father of Jesus? In other words, who got Mary pregnant?

The Bible says:

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”

Matthew 1:18-23 (NASB)

So let me summarize the story. Mary was engaged to be married to Joseph. The two had not yet had sex. Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant. Joseph assumed that Mary had sex with another man and decided to cancel the engagement. An angel appears in a dream to Joseph and says, relax, Mary did not have sex with another man, God got her pregnant.

To summarize, the father of Jesus was God, NOT a man.

Was this a radical new concept introduced by Christians? Not at all. The last line of the story says:

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”

Matthew 1:23 (NASB)

Was that some new idea invented by followers of Jesus? No, Isaiah the prophet foretold it:

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14 (NASB)

To review, what does the name "Immanuel" mean? It means "God with us".

Now you will recall that this was from the same Isaiah who said:

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NASB)

So the mother of Jesus was human, and according to the Bible, the father of Jesus was God.

If you mate a dog with a dog, you do not get a cat. If you mate a cat with a cat, you do not get a dog. They are incompatible species. Some species, while different can be mated to produce a result. The example I commonly use is the mating of a horse with a donkey, the result of which is a mule. The mule is NOT a horse and the mule is not a donkey. Part of the mule came from the horse and part of the mule came from the donkey. The part of the mule that came from the horse did not come from the donkey, and the part of the mule that came from the donkey did not come from the horse.

Jesus is the God-man. He is God, which he inherited from his Father (God), and he is man, which he inherited from his mother Mary (human/man).

The Bible says:

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

Colossians 2:8-9 (KJV)

Let's consider the same thing from a different translation:

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, Colossians 2:8-9 (NASB)

But none of that changes the fact that it is still a "mystery". I believe that while the early church correctly believed the New Testament teaching that Jesus was both man and God, it had a great difficulty trying to explain it. Why was it hard to explain? Because it was a mystery and it is still a mystery. Christians still have great trouble understanding it. Why? Because there are some things that appear to be great contradictions.

Does God sleep? No, God doesn't sleep. OK, so why did Jesus sleep?

Does God get hungry? No, God doesn't eat. OK, so why did Jesus eat?

Can God die? No, God is eternal, He cannot die. OK, so what happened when Jesus died?

And this beauty, "When Jesus prayed, was He talking to Himself?"

These distinctions between God and man go on and on. How can they be explained, if in fact Jesus is God?

The answer is quite simple, but no less a mystery.

Jesus is man, Jesus is God. When the Bible talks about Jesus sleeping, eating or dying, it is talking about the "man" that is Jesus Christ. The God that is in Jesus did not sleep, did not eat, and did not die.

It is even more difficult for the modern Christian to accept the simple truth, given that the teachings of the Trinity are rattling around in their head and have distorted the simplicity of what the Bible really teaches. Let me give you an example. Early in my studies of this I recall reading a book that posed the simple question, "Is Jesus in the Godhead, or is the Godhead in Jesus?" Christians raised with the trinitarian explanation for God will have to admit that the term "Godhead" is often used interchangeably with the term "Trinity". Further, if they are honest, they will admit that they believe that Jesus is part of the Godhead. But consider again what the King James Bible said about the "Godhead" and Jesus.

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

Colossians 2:8-9 (KJV)

One again, Jesus is NOT in the Godhead, the Godhead is in Jesus. Clearly the word "Godhead" is not a reference to trinity as I don't know of anyone one believes that the "trinity" is in Jesus.

Getting your head around the fact that Jesus is God is still tough. When Jesus prayed in the Garden, was God talking to himself? No, or course not, the man Jesus Christ was speaking to God.

The challenge (mystery) to understanding what was going on is what the teaching of the trinity attempted to resolve. When Jesus prayed to his Father, who was talking to who? While the trinitarian explanation meant well, it did not clear up the mystery. The trinitarian explanation is often itself referred to as a mystery. Why is it a mystery? It's is a mystery because how can God be one and be three at the same time? Unfortunately the early church, in trying to explain how Jesus is God, moved the mystery to the wrong place. The mystery is not, "How is God three in one?", the mystery is "How is Jesus two in one"?

Remember, the term "three in one" is not used in the Bible the way you think it is. Go ahead, look it up.

Consider again what the Bible says about this mystery:

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh

1 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)

It does not say the second person of the trinity was manifest in the flesh, it says God was manifest in the flesh.

To summarize, Jesus received all of his humanity from his mother, who was not God, and all of his deity from his Father, who was not human. Jesus was the only begotten Son of God. Here is what the Christian New Testament clearly teaches.

No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

John 1:18 (KJV)

Consider the same verse from another translation:

No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

John 1:18 (NIV)

Rather than clear up the "mystery", the concept of the trinity made things much more confusing.

Consider the problem with the previous question, "Who got Mary pregnant?" The passages I quoted earlier said that she was impregnated by the "Holy Spirit". In trinitarian belief that would be the third person of the trinty. But the trinitarian believes that the Father of Jesus is the first person of the Trinity. So who is the real father of Jesus?

These are the mental gymnastics created by a non-Biblical explanation for God and the person of Jesus. The father of Jesus Christ is "the God", period. The God that is in Jesus Christ is the same and only God, one God, "the God". What distinguishes the person of Jesus from His Father God is not the deity, it is the humanity. The Deity in Jesus is the same deity and there is only one deity. The humanity of Jesus makes Jesus unique from God.

I know, it's hard to understand. That's why the Bible calls it a mystery.

I believe the teaching of the trinity created a weakness in the teachings of Christian church. It set up a stumbling block for Christians when they try to explain the person of Jesus to those who are not Christians. Muhammed and the Koran pounced upon that weakness and Muhammed went directly after it.

Why am I convinced that "the trinity" is a weakness?

There are two sects commonly linked to Christianity which deny the deity of Jesus. The one sect is the Jehovah Witnesses and the other sect is the Mormons. Both reject the notion of the trinity and both reject the deity of Jesus. Another thing that they have in common is that they like for the members of their faith to go door to door sharing their particular messages with others. I am always ready to talk with them when they arrive at my door. Before the conversation gets too far I like to tell them that I believe that Jesus is "the Mighty God" and I ask them what they believe.

At that point the discussion rapidly becomes a discussion of the subject of the trinity. Strangely, it is not me who raises the subject of the trinity. The Jehovah Witness or Mormon explains to me why they think the teaching about the trinity is wrong. I quickly agree and I explain that I don't believe that there is a trinity.

I then explain what Isaiah said, that a son would be given and called the "Mighty God" and "Everlasting Father". I ask them, "When Isaiah refers to the the "Mighty God" and "Everlasting Father" what is Isaiah referring to?" When they hesitate, and they always hesitate, I ask them aren't those two terms "Mighty God" and "Everlasting Father" both references to God? They admit that they are. I then ask, "Who is the son that is given, who will be called the Mighty God?" Remember, I didn't say it, Isaiah said it.

Inevitably the Mormon or Jehovah Witness returns to the subject of the trinity and tries to convince me that I must believe in the trinity. It's strange to watch them try to convince me that I believe in the trinity when they themselves don't believe it. But in order to explain their belief that Jesus isn't God, they have been taught to target the teaching of the trinity. They know what to do with a trinitarian explanation for the Deity of Jesus, they just don't have a clue what to do with a person who believes in the deity of Jesus but who does not believe in the trinity.

My experience and study convince me that the teaching of the trinity does more harm than good. It is a man made explanation for something that the Bible doesn't say. Trying to explain the trinity weakens the Christian message that Jesus is God.

And it is the teaching about the trinity that the Koran exploits. In teaching that the trinity is wrong it begins by emphasizing what Jesus himself said:

And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

Mark 12:29 (NASB)

In this regard I believe that the Koran says is accurate and quotes Jesus accurately. God is not three, God is one God. There is no need for a clever explanation for how God can be three and also be one.

But here is the sad realty. Muhammand used the flaw of trinitarian belief as a stepping stone to tear at the truth about who Jesus is and what he did. Consider this verse of the Koran again:

O followers of the Book! do not exceed the limits in your religion, and do not speak (lies) against Allah, but (speak) the truth; the Messiah, Isa son of Marium is only a messenger of Allah and His Word which He communicated to Marium and a spirit from Him; believe therefore in Allah and His messengers, and say not, Three. Desist, it is better for you; Allah is only one Allah; far be It from His glory that He should have a son, whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth is His, and Allah is sufficient for a Protector.

Surah 4:171 – Shakir

So while the average Muslim sees this as a moment of exposing the Christian belief in the Trinity as false, the Koran is actually planting a much more destructive idea about Jesus. What do I mean?

If the Koran had said, "the Messiah, Isa son of Marium is a messenger of Allah", then the statement would have been accurate. But the Koran says: "the Messiah, Isa son of Marium is only a messenger of Allah". What does the word "only" refer to? It is clear what Muhammad is going after when he adds: far be It from His glory that He should have a son

So while many might see the reference to the trinity as being the primary target, it is the denial that Jesus is the Son of Allah (God) that is the most damaging assault.

Who do Christians believe Jesus to be? They believe that Jesus is the "Son of God". What are Muslims taught? God has no son and the idea that God has a son is false and wrong.

On the flip side of this ask the average Christian what Muslims believe about Jesus. They will say Muslims believe Jesus is a prophet (messenger) of God. What Christians don't appreciate is that the Koran teaches plainly that Jesus is NOT the Son of God. Sadly, some Christians don't see that as a big problem. Why? Because they themselves have not really considered the importance of what being the Son of God really means.

Am I wrong in this assessment? Consider this second reference from the Koran:

They have certainly disbelieved who say, “Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary”, while the Messiah has said, “O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.” Indeed, he who associates others with Allah – Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers. They have certainly disbelieved who say, “Allah is the third of three.” And there is no god except one God. And if they do not desist from what they are saying, there will surely afflict the disbelievers among them a painful punishment.

(Surah 5:72-73)

In this passage there is the clear focus against trinitarian teaching. Note that the passage says:

Indeed, he who associates others with Allah – Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire.

The reference to "associates others with Allah" is a reference to those who say that Jesus is the second person of the trinity, and/or, that Jesus is God.

It goes on to clarify that point by saying:

They have certainly disbelieved who say, “Allah is the third of three.”

Translation: If you believe in the trinity you won't be going to heaven. Instead, those who believe in the trinity are on the road to Hell Fire.

And the Koran adds:

And if they do not desist from what they are saying, there will surely afflict the disbelievers among them a painful punishment.

So beyond the fact that these trinitarians won't be getting to heaven, if they keep "saying" (ie. spreading their story) then they will be afflicted with a painful punishment. I do not believe that this is merely reiterating the punishment of a firey hell which is clearly a painful punishment. I think the added comment about punishment, for those who do not desist from what they are saying, must be a reference to punishment in this life and this world. It is likely a basis for the hostility that we see inflicted on Christians by some Muslims.

While I happen to share the view that the trinitarian belief is wrong, I also believe that each person should be free to believe as they choose. As an American I believe people should not be "forced" to change their beliefs and I don't believe that they should be kept from expressing or sharing their beliefs, even if they are wrong. Jesus never taught the idea of "forcing" the Christian belief on others. He emphasized that people must choose, he did not emphasize action to be taken against those who did not agree with him. Clearly, as per this passage from the Koran, that is not a Muslim thought process. And the rights to "freedom of speech" and "freedom of religion" do not exist in most Muslim nations. Say something that is perceived to be contrary so the teachings of Islam, and you are charged with blasphemy and punished.

Back to the Koran. The following is the most troubling portion of the above passage:

They have certainly disbelieved who say, “Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary”

And that, quite simply, is the dagger to the heart of what the Bible teaches Christians to believe.

If a Christian says, "Jesus is the Messiah" they are being referred to as "certainly a disbeliever", a nice way of saying a person who is wrong and outside the true religion (Islam).

I should note that I did find that rather difficult to reconcile with the next line which said:

while the Messiah has said, “O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.”

This passage is rather odd. It seems to be acknowledging Jesus as "the Messiah". It does correctly attributes the quote from Jesus. Here is what the Bible records Jesus saying:

And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

Mark 12:29 (NASB)

I am going to concede that the Koran referring to Jesus as the Messiah is a bit of a slip by the author of the Koran. On the one hand the Koran says you go to hell for calling Jesus the Messiah, and then the Koran itself refers to Jesus as the Messiah. I think the writer got lost on the fact that he was trying to stress that Jesus himself didn't believe in the trinity.

I would invite you to consider this passage from the Bible:

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.” Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father;

John 14:6-9 (NASB)

for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father. I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again and going to the Father.”

John 16:27-28 (NASB)

Now consider the reaction of the Jews, to the claims that Jesus made:

But He answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.” For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.

John 5:17-18 (NASB)

The significance of the fact that Jesus called God His Father is often lost on Christians, who will recall what Jesus said here:

“Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

Matthew 6:9 (NASB)

But Jesus wasn't simply calling God his Heavenly Father, as he encourages Christians to do when they pray. Jesus many time refers to God as "literally" His Father. The Jewish religious leaders understood the significance of that claim and it made the Jewish teachers want to kill him for blasphemy. Consider this:

So they were saying to Him, “Where is Your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father; if you knew Me, you would know My Father also.” These words He spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one seized Him, because His hour had not yet come.

John 8:19-20 (NASB)

Once again, the reference to "no one seized him" is referring to the fact that they wanted to kill him. Why did they want to kill him, because he was "making Himself equal with God".

And further on in the same story, Jesus is confronted by the Jewish teachers:

Surely You are not greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets died too; whom do You make Yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God’; and you have not come to know Him, but I know Him; and if I say that I do not know Him, I will be a liar like you, but I do know Him and keep His word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple.

John 8:53-58 (NASB)

Why did the Jewish teachers want to stone and kill Him? It is the same reason again. Jesus made the claim that he equal with God.

NOTE: The reference to "I am" was from this passage of the Bible which said:

Then Moses said to God, “Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

Exodus 3:13-14 (NASB)

And why did Jesus say that he was "I am"? Because Jesus believed that He was God. He believed that God was His Father.

Even Jesus as a young boy understood and believed that God was His Father. Consider this from the Bible:

Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast; and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it,

Luke 2:41-43 (NASB)

Mary and Joseph returned to Jerusalem to find Jesus. When they did, they confronted Him. Pay attention to what he said:

Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.” And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?”

Luke 2:46-49 (NASB)

Even as a 12 year old Jesus believed that he was the Son of God, making Himself equal with God.

Discarding the trinitarian explanation for the Deity of Jesus is like lifting a veil to more clearly see and understand the plain teaching of the Christian Bible, that Jesus is God. These verses all take on much more clear and rich meaning:

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form,

Colossians 2:8-9 Bible (NASB)

And consider these often referenced passages in light of what you have read so far:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God

John 1:1 (NASB)

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14 (NASB)

No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.

John 1:18 (NASB)

And these passages are much more clearly understood:

By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God;.

1 John 4:2 (NASB)

giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

Colossians 1:12-15 (NASB)

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

Hebrews 1:1-2 (NASB)

It is on the subject of the cross and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ that the Koran makes its most direct and outrageous assault on the Christian religion. The Koran clearly contradicts the plain teachings of the Christian New Testament. The Koran says:

And [for] their saying, "Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah ." And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain. Surah 5:72-73

In the light of this conspiracy theory about the death of Jesus on a cross, please remember this verse from the Koran:

He [Allah] has sent down upon you [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He [Allah] revealed [sent down] the Torah and the Gospel.

Surah 3:4

It is my suspicion that Muhammed was aware of the teaching of Christianity, but did not study a copy of the Christian New Testament. That's not particularly hard to believe as it had not been gathered together and printed as a single book by his period. If he had a copy of the Christian Bible, he would have had to deal with this passage:

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18 (NASB)

How important is the teaching of the cross to Chrisitianity? It is of the utmost and highest importance. No cross, no Christianity. It is referred to over and over again in the New Testament Bible.

Remember the Koran's emphatic denial that Jesus died on a cross, as you read these portions from the Bible.

First, the historical account of the event from the Disciple Matthew:

And when they came to a place called Golgotha, which means Place of a Skull, they gave Him wine to drink mixed with gall; and after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink.

And when they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments among themselves by casting lots. And sitting down, they began to keep watch over Him there. And above His head they put up the charge against Him which read, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

At that time two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left. And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. He trusts in God; let God rescue Him now, if He delights in Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” The robbers who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him with the same words.

Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” And some of those who were standing there, when they heard it, began saying, “This man is calling for Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink. But the rest of them said, “Let us see whether Elijah will come to save Him.” And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many. Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

Matthew 27:33-54 (NASB)

Second, the historical account of the event from the Disciple Mark:

Then they *brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. They tried to give Him wine mixed with myrrh; but He did not take it. And they *crucified Him, and *divided up His garments among themselves, casting lots for them to decide what each man should take. It was the third hour when they crucified Him. The inscription of the charge against Him read, “THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

They *crucified two robbers with Him, one on His right and one on His left. And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And He was numbered with transgressors.”] Those passing by were [m]hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads, and saying, “Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!” In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes, were mocking Him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. Let this Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe!” Those who were crucified with Him were also insulting Him.

When the sixth hour came, darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour. At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” When some of the bystanders heard it, they began saying, “Behold, He is calling for Elijah.” Someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink, saying, “Let us see whether Elijah will come to take Him down.” And Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed His last. And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. When the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

Mark 15:22-39 (NASB)

Third, the historical account of the event from the Disciple Luke:

When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.” The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine, and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!” Now there was also an inscription above Him, “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour, because the sun was obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last. Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent.” And all the crowds who came together for this spectacle, when they observed what had happened, began to return, beating their breasts. And all His acquaintances and the women who accompanied Him from Galilee were standing at a distance, seeing these things.

Luke 23:33-49 (NASB)

Fourth, the historical account of the event from the Disciple John:

So he then handed Him over to them to be crucified.

They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. There they crucified Him, and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between. Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It was written, “JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Therefore many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin and in Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews’; but that He said, ‘I am King of the Jews.’” Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”

Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His outer garments and made four parts, a part to every soldier and also the tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece. So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be”; this was to fulfill the Scripture: “They divided My outer garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.” Therefore the soldiers did these things.

But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He *said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her into his own household.

After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, *said, “I am thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

John 18:16-30 (NASB)

What we have just read are the lengthy historical accounts of the death of Jesus on a cross. Each account was from four of Jesus's twelve disciples who were actually there when it happened. Contrast those accounts with the claim of Muhammed in the Koran, who was not present:

And [for] their saying, "Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah ." And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain.

(Surah 5:72-73)

Muhammed's analysis of the event is that someone else took Jesus place, and it was the person who took Jesus place who was crucified. It's an interesting conspiracy theory, about which there is NO REFERENCE in the Bible. It is quite clear to me that Muhammed never read the stories that I have quoted above, and even more clear that Muhammed never read these comments about the importance of the cross to Christianity:

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:5-8 (NASB)

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void. For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:17-18 (NASB)

But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Galations 6:14 (NASB)

I am convinced that Muhammed did not read those passages either, or he would not have been so quick to dismiss the story of the death of Jesus on a cross or come up with such an outrageous conspiracy theory.

Here is the most remarkable part of this, and an enormous contradiction with the Koran. Remember that the Koran says:

1. Jesus is a prophet of Allah
2. That the "gospels" were revealed by Allah.

With that in mind, consider this "prophesy" of Jesus:

When Jesus had finished all these words, He said to His disciples, “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be handed over for crucifixion.”

Matthew 26:1-2 (NASB)

If the death of Jesus was a conspiracy theory, then Jesus was the chief conspirator. Is that what prophets do, foretell events they fulfill by a deceitful act?

Let me summarize this up, because it is important:

Here we have the "prophet" Jesus, giving a prophesy about his own death on a cross. How do we reconcile that with the claim in the Koran that Jesus did not die on a cross? It can't be reconciled. In the face of the four disciples and Jesus himself, Muhammed is calling them all liars. Despite this, the Koran calls Jesus a prophet and says the gospels were inspired by God.

Of course the hardened Muslim will simply dismiss it by saying the Bible is corrupted, and all these bible references to the cross were not in the original Gospels. Does that pass the smell test?

In truth there is no significance in the cross itself. It would not have mattered if Jesus had been executed by being stabbed with a sword or having had his head chopped off.

What is significant is that Jesus was put to death by men for a crime he did not commit. Jesus was made to die under false accusations and pretenses. His death involved the shedding of his innocent blood. Why was that so important? The Christian New Testament has much to say about it.

this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

Matthew 26:28 (NASB)

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

Ephesians 1:7 (NASB)

but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 1:7 (NASB)

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Romans 5:8-10 (NASB)

But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.

Ephesians 2:13-16 (NASB)

While the cross was the instrument of the death of Jesus, the significance of the cross is that Jesus shed his blood upon it. No cross, no death, no shedding of blood, NO salvation.

And what does the Koran say about the blood of Jesus? Nothing, absolutely nothing. Why? Because Muhammed never understood or appreciated the importance.

Who is our Savior?

The Old Testament says:

Is it not I, the Lord? And there is no other God besides Me, A righteous God and a Savior; There is none except Me.

Isaiah 45:21 (NASB)

Yet I have been the Lord your God Since the land of Egypt; And you were not to know any god except Me, For there is no savior besides Me.

Hosea 13:4 (NASB)

The New Testament says:

And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

Luke 1:46-47 (NASB)

This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

1 Timothy 2:3 (NASB)

But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,

Titus 3:4 (NASB)

For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

1 Timothy 4:10 (NASB)

looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,

Titus 2:13 (NASB)

Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:

2 Peter 1:1 (NASB)

The Bible is quite clear. There is ONLY one savior of men, and that is God. The Bible is equally clear, our great God and Savior is Jesus.

Jesus is much more than a prophet.

What is it that man needs to be saved from? The Bible is quite clear:

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 3:23 (NASB)

Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins.

Ecclesiastes 7:20 (NASB)

For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

Isaiah 64:6 (NASB)

If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:8 (NASB)

You've made your point. All men are sinners. Why do men need to be saved from sin?

But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.

Isaiah 59:2 (NASB)

Your eyes are too pure to approve evil, And You can not look on wickedness with favor.

Habakkuk 1:13 (NASB)

For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; No evil dwells with You. The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who do iniquity. You destroy those who speak falsehood; The Lord abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.

Psalm 5:4-6 (NASB)

Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 10:28 (NASB)

I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed; and they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it; and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Revelation 21:22-27 (NASB)

All men are sinners. There is no one who is righteous, NOT ONE. How can the problem of our sin be resolved? How can men be forgiven.

The next day he *saw Jesus coming to him and *said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

John 1:29 (NASB)

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Romans 5:9 (NASB)

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23 (NASB)

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:6 (NASB)

And they *came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men. Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. And Jesus seeing their faith *said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?” Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, said to them, “Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He *said to the paralytic, “I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home.” And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

Mark 2:3-12 (NASB)

that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

Romans 10:9 (NASB)

Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”

Acts 10:43 (NASB)

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 10:13 (NASB)

Up to this point I was writing to address Muslims who beleive that "Allah" means "the God", a generic reference to God. For Muslims who believe that "Allah" is the proper name of "the God". And to review, Jews believe that the proper name of God is YHWH, and most Christians would say the proper name of God is Jehovah.

So what is the "name of God"?

I believe that the answer to that question is quite simple: Jesus is the name of God.

Consider the following prayer of Jesus:

John 17:11 (New American Standard Bible)

"I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are.

Which is completely consistent with this:

Hebrews 1:2-4 (New American Standard Bible)

in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.

The first point is quite simple, Jesus (the son of God) was named after his Father (God). Jesus inherited His Name from His father. This means that Jesus is the name of the Father; Jesus is the name of God.

Most Christians will then respond that God has many names. I don't disagree, but consider this passage:

Philippians 2:9-11 (NASB)

For this reason also, God highly exalted Him [Jesus], and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

"Jesus", the name of God, is the name which is above every name.

On an important side note, Jesus is not what Mary (the mother of Jesus) said when she called her son to dinner. Mary did not say "Jesus, supper's ready", she said "Yeshua,it's time to eat". Yeshua means "Yahweh (Jehovah) Savior" or "Yahweh Salvation". Jesus is the name above every name of God because that name describes how God most wants us to know him. God is our Savior.

OK, you've made your point. Jesus is the name of God; why is that so important? Knowing the name of God is VERY important. Here is what the Bible says:

Romans 10:13 (NASB)

for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.

That is a very simple statement and it is made several times:

Acts 2:21 (NIV)

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

And that is actually not a new promise, but an old one that was first made to the Jews. Consider this:

Joel 2:32 (NIV)

And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved;

Oh come on now, it can't be that easy. Are you telling me that if anyone just calls upon the name of the Lord they are saved? That's what it says. But you have to call upon God by the correct name. Calling upon God, while denying that Jesus is God, is a complete contradiction. If you want to be saved, you must call upon God by His name: Jesus (Yeshua).

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at: