Jesus Versus Christianity: Doctrine of Salvation

The fundamental and central tenet of modern Christianity essentially posits that the key to salvation is essentially the acceptance of Jesus Christ (as) into one’s heart as their personal lord and savior, and that it is thus no longer necessary to follow the traditional Judaic Law. This idea then results in the belief that the criteria for both forgiveness and damnation are but the belief to which one subscribes, relegating one’s deeds and actions to what generally becomes an inconsequential role in the eternal state of the human soul. In light of what is happening is currently happening in the world today (and in reality what has been happening for centuries), particularly with regards to the ongoing ethnic cleansing and genocide in Palestine, as well as the myriad of other illegitimate wars and conflicts that have been perpetrated by the nominally “Christian” western world, I felt it was time to take a closer look at this basic belief upon which modern Christianity is based, as well as to point to the danger of an ideology the divorces deeds from piety by reducing salvation to but one’s professed identity. In this post, I share a clear and unambiguous statement by Jesus (as) from the Gospel of Matthew in which he himself invalidates this specific idea, i.e. that those who simply claim to believe in him will be saved. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father Who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity Jesus (as), Matthew 7:21—23 I reiterate in this post that Islam does not require the conversion of Christians, but only that they actually live up to the principles they claim the faith is based upon, and thereby avoid the descent into hypocrisy that results when our deeds and actions are inconsistent with our professed and stated beliefs. In truth, the Holy Qur’an states clearly that they who do believe and do righteous works in reality from the People of the Book shall have their share of God’s divine mercy and forgiveness in the hereafter. Verily, they who believe and they of the Jews and Christians and others who believe in God and the Last Day and who act righteously by doing good shall have their reward with their Lord, and no fear shall be upon them nor shall they grieve. Surah al-Baqarah, 2:62 May Allah Almighty, the Lord of the heavens and the earth, guide us to goodness, to purity, to righteousness and to peace. Ameen. To your divine and eternal success.