Christianity is sometimes treated as a “comparative religion.” All beliefs are basically the same, we are told. Man is good at heart, but has an innate desire to be even better. He can do it himself, but needs a generous incentive program to spur him on to full acceptance with God. Whether counting beads, feeding idols (with seemingly little appetite for the menu), or donating stained glass windows, the theme is self-help for imperfect but fundamentally good people. Anyone who presents this as the message of the Bible is either deceiving or being deceived. Like a mighty rock looming above the shifting sands of human invention, the gospel stands, solitary in its message of assurance and certain hope.
Harry Ironside was street-preaching in Oakland, California, when a passerby called out, “Hey, mister, with all the religions in the world, how do you expect an ordinary man like me to know what to believe?”
“I only know of two beliefs in the world.”
“Only two? There’s Confucianism, Hinduism, Judaism, Taoism, Islam . . .”
“No, sir, there are only two beliefs in the world. There are those who believe they can save themselves, and those who believe they need a Saviour.”
That’s it, isn’t it? Many object to the exclusive claims of the Lord to be the only Saviour. But every other religion agrees, you know. No other religion offers you a Saviour–they don’t think you need one.
Of course, its hard to argue with history. As the generations stagger across the landscape of their little lives, who among them can satisfy even their own aspirations, let alone the inflexible standards of God?
There has been only one incomparable Man who, standing before His friends and foes, could throw out the challenge: “Which of you convinces Me of sin?” Only One heard, in the presence of a multitude, the approbation of the God of Heaven, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” Only One could, by Himself, take His body back from the chill embrace of death because it had no claim upon Him.
A recent convert to Islam had been invited out by a workmate to a gospel meeting where I was preaching. He didn’t come to the meeting, but he and the man who had won him to follow Mohammed were waiting for me at the end of the service. Both well-built, weight lifters, dressed in sweat suits, on their way to the gym. But I was first.
“We want to speak with you,” the one I’ll call the Missionary said. There was an edge to his voice. It seemed he took it personally that I would propagate anything other than Islam. I asked for a few moments to greet those who had attended the meeting.
Legs spread, arms akimbo, they watched and waited as the crowd filed past on their way homeward. When the last had gone, I turned my attention to them.
The two men could not have been more different in their attitudes. The Missionary was confrontational, ready for battle. The Convert was gracious, ready to listen. Sometimes the Missionary would, intentionally or not, twist what I had said. The Convert would come to my aid with, “That’s not what Mr. Nicholson said.”
Had Mohammed lived a perfect life? I inquired. No? Then what assurance did they have that he had the answer for sinful men who must some day stand before a God whose standard could only be perfection itself? Had Mohammed risen from the dead? Then how could they be sure that he had the answer to life after death? Does Islam give certainty of sins forgiven, of a home in heaven? Does it provide any basis for a personal relationship with a perfect God?
Both men grew quiet, but for different reasons. The Missionary abruptly responded, “I see we’re getting nowhere. We might as well leave.” Did he sense that he not only was not converting me, but was in danger of unconverting his friend?
“Oh, I think we have made progress,” added his friend. “I’ve really appreciated the discussion. I suppose we might say that while Christianity and Islam have many things in common, there is one main difference–you have a Saviour, and we don’t.”
“You’re right there! If you think you can save yourself, any religion will do. But if you come to the end of your own efforts, and finally realize you need a Saviour, there is only One–Jesus, the Son of God.”
With Islam, as with every other religion, there is no comparison. Jesus is the Way. The only Way.