I once had a conversation with a young Moslem lady about... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2023

Jesus … said to them, Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in me has everlasting life.
John 6: 43.47.

I once had a conversation with a young Moslem lady about questions of faith. The young woman spoke about the Islamic tradition, by which people hoped for the forgiveness of their sins when fasting in the month of Ramadan. That applied when one prayed sincerely at night, seeking the approval of Allah. She of course realised that after the period of fasting further transgressions could come about. So I asked her: “What happens if you suddenly die without the forgiveness of your sins?”

She replied: “I have learned that our good deeds are important. We should do as many as possible during our life to outweigh evil deeds, and Allah will probably open Paradise for us.” I clearly sensed that that Moslem woman took her faith seriously. But she found no rest, no assurance for her conscience and no true peace, as she admitted. She also mentioned that she had a Christian friend with whom she spoke about faith. She then referred to things that Islam and Christianity had in common, e.g. the commandment to honour one’s father and mother. She also stated that Jesus Christ appeared in the Koran.

I then explained two crucial points that distinguished the Bible from the Koran. The Bible alone shows the righteous basis on which God can forgive sins, since Jesus Christ suffered God’s punishment as the substitute for guilty sinners. Secondly, only the Bible shows us that all who believe in Jesus Christ and His atoning death will not be judged for their sins. God is just: He will not punish twice those offences for which Christ died on the cross. Therefore faith in Jesus Christ alone can give the sinner security and peace.

Today‘s reading: Deuteronomy 9: 18 – 29 · Matthew 24: 1 – 14