The title of this chapter is misleading. Muslims are not saved. Every Muslim
would acknowledge this fact because there is no real concept of salvation in
Islamic teachings as the following collection of twenty-eight verses
demonstrates. Salvation is a purely Christian experience because only Jesus
Christ taught that he was “God with us” to save all those who believe in him.
The Qur'an does not portray Mohammed as a Savior.
Without a Savior, the Muslims must depend on their own good deeds, which may
be rewarded by a dispensation of Allah’s mercy. Christians believe that the Lord
Jesus Christ suffered the cross in their place so that they might have the “free
gift” of eternal life (Ephesians 2:8-10). They have received this gift by faith
and are baptized into communion with the Holy Spirit of God and the global
church. Most Muslims feel this belief is dangerous to society. They believe that
the threat of Hell is necessary to prompt righteous living and good deeds. If
salvation is a gift, then they wonder what could possibly motivate a person to
live a good life.
Yet, Christians are famous for their good deeds as seen in the multitude of
Christian hospitals, schools, orphanages and other programs around the world.
These good deeds are not done to earn entrance into God’s Kingdom but rather as
a response to God’s saving grace in the cross and victorious resurrection of
Christ. Christians report that the Holy Spirit of God living in them motivates
them.
The Qur'an offers only one way that a Muslim may feel assured of his place in
the Eternal Gardens. This “way” still depends on one’s works. It teaches that
the person who dies fighting for Islam is permitted into the Gardens of sensual
delights.