One of the clearest tests in all of Scripture for spiritual truth is found in a short but powerful passage I was reading this morning:
“But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here.”
— 1 John 4:3 (NLT)
That verse doesn’t leave much room for confusion.
It tells us that everything rises or falls on who Jesus is.
Not sincerity.
Not popularity.
Not influence.
Not morality.
Not impact.
The dividing line is always Christ.
So when we ask honest spiritual questions about major religious leaders, we don’t start with opinions—we start with Scripture. And that leads us to an uncomfortable but necessary question:
What does Islam teach about Jesus—and how does it measure up to the Bible?
The Biblical Test: Who Is Jesus?
John gives a simple spiritual filter in 1 John 4:2–3:
Do they confess the truth about Jesus Christ—God in the flesh, Savior, and Lord?
The New Testament is unmistakably clear:
- Jesus is God incarnate (John 1:1, 14)
- Jesus is the Son of God (John 3:16)
- Jesus died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3)
- Jesus rose again (1 Corinthians 15:4; Romans 10:9)
- Jesus is the only way to salvation (John 14:6)
Christianity does not begin with morals. It begins with a Person. Everything flows from Christ.
What Islam Teaches About Jesus
Islam speaks respectfully of Jesus (Isa). He is honored as a prophet. He is considered righteous. He is revered.
But Islam does not affirm Jesus as:
- The Son of God
- God in the flesh
- The Savior
- Crucified for sin (in the biblical sense)
- Risen as Lord (as the New Testament proclaims)
So while Islam honors Jesus as a prophet, it rejects the Jesus revealed in the New Testament. And according to John’s test, that’s not a small difference—that’s the difference.
Why This Is So Significant
Here’s what makes this conversation bigger than a theological footnote: in terms of influence, few figures in history compare.
Islam is the world’s second-largest religion. Recent demographic research estimates there were about 2.0 billion Muslims worldwide as of 2020—roughly about a quarter of the world’s population—and the number has been growing.
That means Muhammad’s message has shaped:
- Entire civilizations
- Legal systems
- Cultures
- Nations
- And the spiritual framework of billions of people
No other religious leader outside of Christ Himself has influenced so many lives.
That’s why this is not a small debate. If a message is wrong about Jesus, then it is wrong at the center. And when the center is wrong, the eternal impact is massive.
Paul’s Warning Still Applies
The apostle Paul anticipated this exact kind of moment:
“Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse.”
— Galatians 1:8 (NLT)
In other words: spiritual experiences do not override Scripture. Popularity doesn’t confirm truth. And “another gospel” is not an upgrade—it’s a trap.
This Is Not About Hatred—It’s About Love
Let me say this clearly: this is not an attack on Muslims.
Many Muslims are sincere, devout, moral, family-oriented people. But sincerity does not equal salvation. You can be sincere and still be sincerely wrong.
And love does not hide truth. Love speaks it—without arrogance, without cruelty, without treating people like projects.
We don’t compromise truth.
We don’t dehumanize people.
We point to Jesus.
Why Muhammad Fails the New Testament Test
Using Scripture’s own standard in 1 John 4:2–3, the issue isn’t merely “prophet or not.” The issue is the confession of Jesus.
If a message denies the New Testament revelation of Christ, it does not align with Apostolic Christianity. This includes His deity, His cross, His resurrection, and His lordship.
John calls that spirit “Antichrist”—not a cartoon villain, but anything that replaces, reduces, or redefines Jesus.
The Real Issue Is Always Jesus
Every worldview answers one central question:
Who is Jesus?
- Christianity: God and Savior
- Islam: Prophet only
- Secularism: Moral teacher or myth
- New Age: Spiritual guide
Only one aligns with Scripture.
And eternity hangs in the balance.
A Prayer to Receive Christ as Savior
If you’re reading this and you’re ready to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior—I invite you to pray this from your heart:
“Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and You rose again. I confess that I have sinned, and I need Your forgiveness. Today I turn from my old life and I put my trust in You. Wash me, change me, and make me new. I receive You now as my Savior and I surrender to You as my Lord. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and help me follow You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
If you prayed that—congratulations! Jesus doesn’t just forgive you. He restores you. He adopts you. He gives you a brand-new beginning.
Let’s Talk
I’d love to hear from you in the comments:
- What stood out to you most in 1 John 4:2–3?
- Have you ever wrestled with the question of who Jesus really is?
- If you prayed that prayer, tell me—so we can celebrate with you.
If this helped you, please share it. Someone you know may be one honest conversation away from encountering the real Jesus.
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