Similarities and Differences Between Biblical and Muslim Eschatology by Joel Rosenberg
Some of the core similarities between Biblical eschatology and Sunni & Shia eschatology are these:
Devout Christians and Muslims believe that there will be a period
known as the "End Times" or "End of Days" or "Last Days" where God will
consummate history as we have known it thus far, and then God will begin
a new period of history.
Devout Christians and Muslims that the Messiah is coming in the End Times to establish his kingdom over the entire world.
Devout Christians and Muslims believe that Jesus is coming.
Devout Christians and Muslims believe that time is short and that
we need to live differently in light of the coming of the messiah and
his kingdom.
Some of the core differences between Biblical and Islamic eschatology are:
While devout Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the crucified
and resurrected Son of God, and thus the Messiah, the Savior, and the
King who will reign over the world, devout Muslims believe Jesus was
merely a prophet, that he did not die on the cross and was not raised
from the dead, and that He is coming not to be the King but rather as
the deputy to their messiah, known as the Mahdi.
Biblical
eschatology teaches devout Christians to love their enemy and seek to
persuade unbelievers to repent of their sins and receive Jesus as the
Messiah or Christ by faith for the forgiveness of their sins and to be
adopted into God's family and granted eternal life with God. If
unbelievers refuse to receive Christ, Christians are still to love them,
but they will be judged by God when they die and go to Hell forever.
Islamic eschatology teaches Apocalyptic Muslims to give unbelievers an
opportunity to repent. But if they don't repent, Muslims are instructed
to execute such "infidels."
Biblical eschatology teaches that
in the last days -- particularly during a period of time known as the
"Tribulation" -- God will pour out His judgment on all the nations of
the Earth. During this period, individuals can repent and receive Christ
as Savior by faith. However, the Bible teaches that they will go
through the worst period of war, famine, natural disasters and many
other traumas in all of human history. Followers of Christ are not to
cause or lead such wars and traumas. Rather they are to love their
neighbors and enemies and preach the Gospel to everyone. But the Bible
explains that such wars are coming as a result of leaders and forces
obedient to Satan and that many Christians will be martyred during this
period. Apocalyptic Muslims, on the other hand, believe that in the last
days it is their God-given duty to foment and lead genocidal wars
against all unbelieving nations, and to violently establish their
kingdom or caliphate on earth. They are specifically instructed to
slaughter Jews and Christians in the last days.
A careful
study of Biblical eschatology reveals that it does not create a
dangerous movement, but rather one motivated by love, mercy,
forgiveness, compassion and a desire to create peace. It is given to us
to motivate us to live more holy lives and share the Gospel of Jesus
Christ with people in all nations, and care for the poor and needy, and
follow more faithfully the teachings and example of Jesus as His return
for us draws near. A careful study of Islamic eschatology practiced by
Iranian and ISIS leaders, on the other hand, reveals that it creates a
dangerous, violent, genocidal movement.
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