How can a Muslim be assured of paradise?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

While Islam teaches that salvation is earned through good deeds and submission to Allah, the Bible presents a wholly different view. Scripture teaches that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. This assurance is not based on human efforts or religious observances, but on God's grace and the finished work of Christ on the cross. The Old Testament foreshadows this truth through its sacrificial system and prophecies about the Messiah, while the New Testament clearly articulates salvation through faith in Jesus. This biblical perspective offers a stark contrast to Islamic teachings and provides a basis for genuine assurance of eternal life.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Isaiah 53:5–6: "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." This prophetic passage points to the Messiah bearing the punishment for sin, foreshadowing salvation through Christ, rather than human works.
• Psalm 32:1–2: "Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit." This psalm emphasizes forgiveness and righteousness as gifts from God, not earned through human effort.
• Habakkuk 2:4: "Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith." This verse, later quoted in the New Testament, establishes the principle of living by faith rather than works.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Here, it’s clearly stated that eternal life comes through belief in Jesus, not through works or martyrdom.
• Ephesians 2:8–9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Paul outright states that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works.
• First John 5:13: "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life." This verse emphasizes the assurance of salvation for those who believe in Jesus.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The biblical teaching on the assurance of salvation presents a significant challenge to Islamic beliefs and offers hope to those seeking certainty about their eternal destiny. Unlike the Islamic system, which provides little assurance of paradise, except potentially through martyrdom, the Christian gospel offers confident hope based on God's grace and Christ's finished work. Many Muslims may find the concept of assurance through faith alone challenging or even offensive to their understanding of God and righteousness. But this biblical teaching should inspire gratitude and holy living among believers. The assurance of salvation is not a license for sin but a motivation for joyful obedience and faithful service to God. As we rest in the certainty of our salvation in Christ, we are freed to live lives that reflect God's love and grace to a world in need of hope and assurance.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible teaches assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works.
• Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not something earned through deeds or martyrdom.
• Assurance of eternal life is guaranteed to those who trust in Christ for the forgiveness of sins.

REFLECT

• How does the Bible’s assurance of salvation encourage or challenge you?
• What aspects of God’s character are important in remembering when thinking about the assurance of paradise, and what does the Bible reveal about God’s character that is important for this discussion?
• How do you respond to Jesus's statements about being the way to eternal life compared with Islamic views on salvation?

ENGAGE

• Islam teaches that assurance of paradise is achieved through a combination of good deeds, adherence to Islamic principles, and Allah’s mercy, with the outcome ultimately determined by Allah’s judgment. Martyrdom and righteous living are highly valued, but there is no absolute assurance of paradise, except through Allah’s grace. While Allah may or may not accept a person, the Bible is clear on who is accepted by God and guaranteed paradise: the one who trusts in Jesus’s death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. There is no guarantee any other way.
• How can you discuss with a Muslim friend the difference between assurance of paradise in Islam and Christianity, especially considering their beliefs about salvation and grace?
• How can we engage in meaningful dialogue with Muslims about the assurance of paradise?
• INCLUDE ARTICLE LINK: https://www.compellingtruth.org/assured-paradise.html