The Pre-Eminence of Jesus Christ in Contrast to Islam

I. Purpose and Scope of This Teaching

This teaching has three objectives:

  1. To affirm the absolute pre-eminence of Jesus Christ according to Scripture
  2. To clarify the real theological differences between Christianity and Islam
  3. To equip believers to witness truthfully and lovingly, without distortion or hostility

This is not an attack on people. Christianity distinguishes clearly between loving persons and evaluating truth claims (John 3:16; Ephesians 6:12).

II. The Central Christian Claim: Who Is Jesus?

Christian faith stands or falls on the identity of Jesus Christ.

According to Scripture:

  • Jesus is fully God and fully man (John 1:1–14)
  • Jesus is the eternal Son, not a created being (Colossians 1:15–17)
  • Jesus is the only mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5)
  • Jesus is crucified, risen, and reigning (1 Corinthians 15:3–8)
  • Jesus is the final and complete revelation of God (Hebrews 1:1–3)

Paul summarizes Christ’s status with the word pre-eminence:

“That in everything He might be preeminent.” (Colossians 1:18)

Christianity is not centered on a book, a nation, or a prophet.
It is centered on a Person.

III. The Meaning of “Allah” and the Islamic View of God

The word “Allah” simply means God in Arabic. Arabic-speaking Christians use this word when reading the Bible.

The difference between Christianity and Islam is not linguistic, but theological.

Islam, as defined by the Qur’an, explicitly denies:

  • The Trinity (Qur’an 4:171)
  • The Sonship of Christ (Qur’an 112:3)
  • The crucifixion of Jesus (Qur’an 4:157)
  • The incarnation of God in Christ

Therefore, Christianity and Islam do not worship the same God as understood theologically, because they affirm contradictory claims about God’s nature and actions.

IV. Jesus and Muhammad: A Necessary Historical Contrast

A. Jesus Christ

Jesus:

  • Claimed divine authority (John 8:58)
  • Forgave sins (Mark 2:5–7)
  • Accepted worship (Matthew 28:17)
  • Taught love of enemies (Matthew 5:44)
  • Refused violence to advance His mission (John 18:36)
  • Died willingly for sinners (Mark 10:45)
  • Rose from the dead (Luke 24)

Jesus did not merely teach truth—He claimed to be the Truth (John 14:6).

B. Muhammad

Muhammad is regarded in Islam as a prophet, not divine.

Historically:

  • Muhammad denied Jesus’ divinity
  • Muhammad denied the crucifixion
  • Muhammad presented a legal-religious system enforced by the state
  • Muhammad is not claimed by Muslims to be sinless, crucified, or risen

Christianity does not accept Muhammad as a prophet because his message contradicts the completed revelation of Christ (Galatians 1:8).

V. Scripture vs. Scripture: Bible and Qur’an

The Bible presents a progressive revelation culminating in Christ:

  • God reveals Himself through covenants
  • Fulfilled in Jesus
  • Interpreted through the apostles
  • Confirmed by resurrection

The Qur’an:

  • Comes six centuries later
  • Reinterprets biblical figures
  • Denies core gospel events
  • Offers no historical evidence for resurrection

Christian faith rests not on assertion alone, but on historical, eyewitness testimony (Luke 1:1–4; 1 Corinthians 15:6).

VI. Salvation: Grace vs. Submission

Christianity

  • Salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9)
  • A restored relationship with God through Christ
  • Assurance grounded in Christ’s finished work

Islam

  • Salvation based on submission and works
  • No assurance of salvation
  • No atonement through sacrifice
  • No personal mediator

This difference is decisive.

VII. The Name of Jesus and Christian Witness

The New Testament teaches that:

  • The name of Jesus represents His authority and person, not a magical formula (Philippians 2:9–11)
  • Power flows from who Christ is, not from shouting or coercion
  • The gospel advances through truth, love, and sacrifice

Jesus said:

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

VIII. How Christians Should Speak in the Public Square

Christians are commanded to:

  • Proclaim Christ boldly (Romans 1:16)
  • Speak truthfully (Ephesians 4:15)
  • Avoid slander and false witness (Exodus 20:16)
  • Love neighbors, including Muslims (Luke 10:33–37)

The early Church conquered pagan Rome not with force, but with faithful witness, martyrdom, and transformed lives.

IX. Summary: The Pre-Eminence of Jesus Christ

  • Jesus is unique: God incarnate
  • Jesus is supreme: Lord of all
  • Jesus is saving: crucified and risen
  • Jesus is final: God’s last word to humanity

No prophet, system, or later revelation can supersede Him.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

X. Closing Teaching Statement

Christians do not proclaim Jesus because they hate others.
They proclaim Jesus because He alone gives life.

Our confidence rests not in arguments alone, but in the living Christ—
crucified, risen, and reigning.