Comparing Forgiveness in the Quran and the New Testament Print E-mail
 
The Quran (the Muslim holy book)
The New Testament

When someone wrongs you

Forgiving those who wrong you is a good thing. But if you take revenge instead, you will not be blamed. Repaying evil with an equal evil is allowed (Quran Sura 42:37-43; 2:194).

Jesus commands His followers to forgive those who have wronged them. (See Matthew 5:44).

When you have done wrong

Muslims worship Allah. The Quran says, “Allah…punishes whom he pleases and forgives whom he pleases” (Quran Sura 5:40).

The New Testament says, “If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Jesus’ forgiveness

Muslims believe Jesus was a prophet and nothing more. He would not have the authority to forgive sins. (See Quran Sura 4:171.)

Jesus has the authority to forgive sins. (See Luke 5:18-26.)

Salvation

Muslims believe people are born sinless. They do not seek a Savior. They depend on their own good works to please Allah, and they hope Allah forgives their sins.

Christians believe that sin is part of human life (Romans 5:12). “Christ died for sins... to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18). By the grace of God through faith in Jesus, people can be forgiven of the sins that separate them from God. (See Ephesians 2:8.)

 

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