I am a Muslim. Why should I consider becoming a Christian?
As a Muslim, you likely already believe in one God, the prophethood of Muhammad, and the truth of the Quran. However, there are several important reasons why you may want to consider following Jesus Christ as a Christian. Here are some key things to think about:
1. Jesus claimed to be God. Unlike Muhammad who never claimed to be divine, Jesus made radical claims that He was God in the flesh (John 8:58, John 10:30-33). If Jesus really is God, that has huge implications. You would be remiss to not look more into His claims.
2. Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. This is central to the Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Many modern scholars affirm Jesus’ crucifixion as a historical fact. And there are strong evidences for His resurrection, like the empty tomb, His post-resurrection appearances, and the dramatic change in the disciples. If Jesus conquered death, He validates His teachings and identity.
3. Salvation is by grace, not works. In Christianity, salvation is a free gift of God received by faith alone. It is not earned by our own merit or works (Ephesians 2:8-9). The Bible teaches we are saved by grace which allows anyone, regardless of background, to receive Christ’s forgiveness and eternal life.
4. A personal relationship with God. Christianity teaches that you can know God in a personal, intimate way (John 17:3, James 4:8). Through Christ, we have access to communicate with God our Father and walk with Him (1 John 1:3). Islam focuses more on submitting to Allah’s will, but Christianity emphasizes knowing God deeply as His child.
5. Assurance of salvation. Muslims can hope they are saved, but the Quran doesn’t guarantee paradise except for martyrs. But the Bible says every Christian can know they have eternal life by trusting in Christ (1 John 5:13). This assurance provides peace.
6. The indwelling Holy Spirit. Christians believe God lives in them through His Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). The Spirit transforms believers to become more like Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). Muslims do not experience this closeness and power of God living within.
7. God’s love. Christianity teaches that God loves humanity sacrificially and intimately (John 3:16, 1 John 4:10). Many verses proclaim God’s profound love for us which allows a deep connection with Him. God’s love displayed through Christ draws Christians into relationship.
8. Women are valued. While Islam teaches women should submit to men, Jesus brought dignity and value to women (John 4, Luke 8:1-3). The Bible teaches that in Christ there is neither male nor female (Galatians 3:28). Christian women have played vital roles in the faith.
9. Marriage relationship. Christian marriage between one man and woman reflects Christ’s relationship with the church (Ephesians 5:22-33). It’s a partnership that fosters openness, intimacy and growth as a couple. While Islamic marriage allows polygamy which can cause pain and neglect.
10. Forgiveness and justice through Christ. On the cross Jesus bore the penalty for sin once for all (1 Peter 3:18). God’s just wrath was satisfied through Christ’s sacrifice. By trusting in Christ anyone—murderer, adulterer, liar— can receive total forgiveness and a new start.
11. Christianity has strong historical support. From early non-Christian sources to archaeology, the historicity of Jesus, the Bible, and the growth of Christianity have strong evidentiary support. This gives the factual backing to examine Christianity’s claims about Jesus further.
12. Biblical prophecies fulfilled. The Bible contains countless prophecies about the Messiah and the future that were later fulfilled (Isaiah 53, Daniel 9). The accuracy of these prophecies supports the credibility of Christianity. Even Muhammad recognized Jesus as Messiah in Quran 3:45.
13. Worldwide impact. While Islam remains largest in Middle East and Asia, Christianity has become a global faith. Christianity has shaped societies worldwide in education, humanitarianism, equality, freedom, and more. Its broad impact is due to lives changed by Christ.
14. A reasoned faith. While Islam is based on the authority of the Quran alone, Christianity utilizes reason, philosophy, history, science, and more to support its beliefs. This enables Christians to continually present reasons why their faith is true and engage skeptics.
15. Love over violence. Whereas early Islam spread by military conquest, Christians shared the Gospel peacefully while willing to die as martyrs. While abuses have occurred in history, Christianity itself teaches nonviolence and sacrifice over aggression and vengeance.
16. Community and service. The Bible calls Christians to serve sacrificially (Matthew 28:19-20), see everyone as equal (Galatians 3:28), care for the needy (Matthew 25:31-46), and build community among believers (Acts 2:42-47). This emphasis on loving both God and neighbor shapes Christianity.
17. Grace over legalism. Christianity provides freedom from trying to earn one’s salvation by rules and rituals. The New Testament teaches that the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament are fulfilled in Christ (Romans 10:4). Obeying religious laws is not required to receive eternal life.
18. Ethical teachings. Jesus’ moral teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and His modeling of profound love for God and others provide Christians a framework for living. Christian ethics anchored in the Bible have stood the test of time.
19. Applies to all cultures. While Islam is heavily tied to Arabic language and Middle Eastern culture, Christianity transcends cultural barriers. Christianity explodes globally because its teachings apply to people of every culture equally without discrimination.
20. Human rights. Basic human rights like religious freedom, free speech, equal treatment, and life’s value arise historically from a Christian worldview more than any other belief system. Christian ideas fostered reforms like ending slavery, child labor, and apartheid.
21. Value on truth. While Islam practices Taqiyya which permits deception, Jesus said He is the truth (John 14:6) and the Bible emphasizes truthfulness (Proverbs 12:22). Truth and honesty are Christian virtues since Christianity is based on historical truth claims.
22. Improved lives. Practicing Christians who closely follow Jesus’ teachings experience improved marriages, lower rates of suicide, better health, greater wellbeing, more charitable giving, less criminal activity, and related benefits. This gives credibility.
23. Testimonies. Throughout history, followers of Jesus testify how He brought purpose, joy, peace, healing, freedom from addictions, and other benefits that radically improved their lives (2 Corinthians 5:17). These testimonies continue today.
24. Near death experiences. Some Muslims and people of all backgrounds report after death or near death experiences of meeting Jesus and finding Him full of love, light and grace. While subjective, their shared experiences are intriguing.
The claims of Christianity deserve thoughtful consideration. Jesus is too important to dismiss without taking the time to examine His life, teachings, death and resurrection objectively.
If Christianity is true, it has profound implications for your life now and eternally. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
The Bible also teaches, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) These are bold claims, but millions have found them to be true.
Jesus promises, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) He welcomes you to bring your questions and doubts and check out His claims personally.
If you sincerely seek answers, Jesus assures that you will find them, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)
Pray and ask God to guide you to the truth. Read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and New Testament with an open mind and open heart.
Talk to some Christian friends and visit a local church to learn more about following Jesus. Christianity has been transforming lives for over 2,000 years now. Discover for yourself the joy, peace, and purpose that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. The truth is waiting for you!