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Question: Is the same god worshipped by Islam, Jews and Christians? It is an interesting question asked by many Christians. I think the answer lies in the nature of God. Christians believe in a triune god, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Jews rejected Christ. Therefore, they do not worship the triune God of Christianity. The Muslims believe in Jesus as a prophet, not as God in the flesh. Muslims err in their concept of God. A Muslim cannot worship the Christian God and reject Jesus. Their god is therefore different from the God of Christianity. Both Jews and Muslims have the roots of their beliefs in the Old Testament, but their god is shallow, legalistic and harsh. I'd like to hear your answer.

Although I am uncomfortable with the tone of your response, you have described God from a Christian view and I agree with you. I think you think (from an earlier article) I am ushering Jews and Muslims into salvation because the three religions believe in one God of common origin. The crux of our debate may lie in the meaning of believe. Common usages of belief include mental assent, heart commitment, temporary confidence, doctrinal statement, optimism and more. Some people who are Christians by religious adherence show little evidence of a transformed lifestyle or testify to a saving relationship with God. So it is possible to be "Christian" and not "believe" in God? Abraham did not believe in a triune God and yet the New Testament declares he was saved by faith. Right dogma does not place a person in right relationship with God. Trust in Him does.

--Dr. Lyle Pointer, pastor and Professor of Evangelism at Nazarene Theological Seminary, will answer your questions about personal and local church evangelism. Questions and answers will be posted on the website and One-on-One. Send your questions to evangelism@nazarene.org.

Click here to access previous questions from Dr. Pointer.


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