Are Muslims Saved? Will Muslims Go To Heaven?
Ask if Muslims are saved as a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question and most Christians will agree on the same answer. However, this question needs to be answered much differently, and with more detail. Here’s how Christians should respond.
Let’s be honest, and agree, we could replace the word “Muslim” with gays, Mormons, drunks, murderers, adulterers, or whatever, and the answer should be the same.
What is that answer?
First, if am asked that question, the first thing I want to do is remind that person that ‘God so loved the WORLD that he gave His only begotten Son‘ – John 3:16.
The WORLD includes every human that ever walked the planet. Yep, Hitler, too. Jesus died for Muslims, gays, murderers, and every kind of person in between.
In fact, God loves Muslims, and the rest of the people on that list so much that His heart is that no one will perish. Not even one – 2 Peter 3:9.
Moreover, for a moment, let’s table the question of Muslim salvation. I’d like to stop and point the finger at myself. I have sinned, thousands, if not millions of times.
The wages of sin is death. It only takes ONE sin. So, we know that this is not a problem that’s limited to Muslims, gays, murderers, etc.
We ALL have the same problem, and we all need the same solution. We need Jesus.
Romans 5:8 tells us ‘But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us‘.
So, we all, Muslims included, have the same problem. But it’s not what many people think.
The problem is not a need to stop sinning. Though we certainly are called to.
The problem is not a need to repent, that is, if by ‘repent’ you mean stop/turn from outward sin. Though we are certainly called to.
The problem is inward. It’s the sin of ‘unbelief’ in Jesus as the Son of God, sent to save us.
Did you ever notice that after the cross people were told to ‘repent and believe’?
We were never told to repent and stop our outward sin so we can be saved.
Side Note: Repent means to turn from.
In context, we are being told to ‘repent’ from a belief system. In the case of the Jews, they needed to turn from the belief that their ceremonies and law-keeping (human effort), and self-righteousness could save them, and instead, they needed to ‘believe’ that only Jesus, the Son of God, could do that.
So, when someone asks me if a Muslim is saved, I first want to point out God’s love towards them, and all of us. I get so tired of these lifeless religious teachers down-talking gays, Muslims, drunks, etc, and implying that God doesn’t love them just as they are. Yes, their sin grieves Him. But He still loves them with all His heart. And that’s why he sent Jesus. God was willing to die for Muslims. For Gays. For Murders. For You. For Me. For all of us.
Again, the problem is NOT outward. It’s inward.
Now, I am not saying Muslims are saved. There is a choice that we all must make. The Bible is littered with scriptures about not hardening our hearts. There are countless warnings about hell and the danger of unbelief. There is no way to God except through belief in Jesus.
So, wrapping up on my answer to the million-dollar question, is ‘are Muslims saved’, and will they go to heaven?
We don’t even need to use the word Muslim to give an answer to that. Remember, we are all born dead in our sins, dead in Adam. And we all need is life….not better performance.
So, when someone asks ‘are Muslims saved’? Instead of trying to determine who is or who is not saved, let’s just tell them what God said. Read the scriptures that tell us who is and who is not saved (see below), and conclude with ‘if the shoe fits’.
HOW TO KNOW YOU ARE SAVED
Romans 10:13 for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 ‘For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast’.
John 3:16 ‘“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:18 “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God”
John 3:36 “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
John 5:24 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.
John 6:40 “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”
Ephesians 1:13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,
Romans 3:21-22 ‘But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction;
Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;
Author: Mike Cynar
Mike Cynar was raised in a church setting where he frequently noticed that many attendees would eventually drift away. The church labeled these individuals as ‘back sliders’ or ‘fake Christians’ just looking for ‘fire insurance’. However, Mike realized the issue was rarely with these individuals but instead with the church’s message itself. The teachings heavily emphasized behavior improvement and one’s flaws, with only a fleeting mention of one’s identity in Christ. It felt as though every sermon was tailored to the church of Corinth, who as we know or committing sins that even unbelievers don’t partake in. This trend was noticeable not just in one denomination, but across Baptist, Catholic, Pentecostal, and many other churches. Upon understanding the true essence of the gospel – that our righteousness comes from Jesus’ actions, not our own – Mike was inspired to liberate believers from lifeless sermons and reconnect them with the genuine teachings of Jesus. He believes that one can nurture a vibrant and growing bond with Jesus, unhindered by rigid religious practices. And thus, “Jesus Without Religion” was born.
It turns out that it is grace that leads to repentance. And if our heart is to get others to walk in the Spirit and live a godly life, then the best approach is not a beat down sermon, but rather to remind other that it is only when we understand our true identity in Christ that we will live it out. Yes, it’s true, if you’re convinced that God thinks you’re a dirty sinner, you will ultimately continue a lifestyle that mirrors that view, but if you truly believe that even on your worst day, you are called holy, sanctified, justified, and will be presented blameless in the end, well, it turns out this is the secret to living out on the outside what has been worked in to the inside.
19 Comments
In the beginning of your article here where you “semi-quoted” 2 Peter, it is clear to see you took it completely out of context by not 1. sharing the entire quote and 2. by not following it up with a quote of 2 Peter 3:10…
“9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”
Thereby you have misinterpreted His word severely.
And I have to point out how wrong you are about moslems. They do NOT believe in our God. Read their qur’an. It clearly states, as any moslem will tell you so, that their ‘god’ (allah) had no children, they do NOT believe Jesus Christ as their Saviour, their only belief is in their ‘allah’, a FALSE ‘god’. Are moslems going to Heaven? It is not my place to say, I only know what the holy
Bible states on this. Just as it is not my place to say if a gay person, an alcoholic, a drug addict, a violent person, etc. is going to Heaven. They, including moslems, can repent from their sin and be saved. 100%! The difference being that moslems would have to repent from their belief in ‘allah’ and then those who repent and believe in Christ as their Saviour would not be called “moslems” for “moslems” only belief is in ‘allah’, they would then be called Christians. And historically, we know the backlash they’d receive for converting, sadly most would have to flee their homes or face torture and even death.
And just for added context, John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
You left out THE most important part, “…that whosoever BELIEVETH in HIM…” and by doing so you are misguiding people.
So to even put John 3:16 in perspective, continue reading verses 17, 18, and 19:
“17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”
I don’t understand why you’d write an article like that as if moslems will be saved, “none shall perish” when that is not true. And then at the end you reveal what is true posting scriptures to negate your pro-moslem stance. A moslem who no longer believes in ‘allah’ of islam can not be called a ‘moslem’, as the moslems would refer to them as kafir, as in “infidel”, “pagan”, “rejector”, “denier”, “disbeliever”, “unbeliever”, “nonbeliever”, and “non-Muslim”.
So, from scripture, it tells us that those who do not believe will be condemned. Those who believe in false ‘gods’ will be condemned if they do not turn away from that, repent, and accept Christ as their One True Saviour.
Thank you for your time.
Summer, you are literally all over the place with your comment. I’m not even sure you wrote it in sound mind. In fact, wildly misquoted me leading me to believe you did not watch the full video. Either way, you’re so far off from quoting my comments and thoughts that I’m not even going to begin to address them until you properly quote me.
I believe that Summer is correct. Muslims DO NOT believe that Jesus is God and in doing so, they are rejecting the fact that Christ was our SAVIOUR. They believe Jesus existed but they don’t believe he was the “main character”. Also 2 Peter 3:9 only says that God doesn’t fulfil his promises slowly and that you should repent of your sins. He wants people to repent of his sins. Not that “no one will perish.”
In this sense, you have severely misinterpreted the Bible.
Your response to Summer was also immature; I pray that you gain discernment, wisdom, selflessness and patience and review everything you’ve written in this post and pray on the whole thing to God.
May God bless you and guide you,
It should be noted that I, too stated that Muslims do not believe Jesus is God, and they are rejecting Jesus as Savior.
2 Peter 3:9 is referring to the sin of unbelief. No one will perish because of outward sin. Jesus PAID for those. And Peter is lovely calling for them to believe. the context is exceedingly clear in Peter’s letter.
I too pray that YOU gain discernment, wisdom, selflessness and patience and review everything you’ve written in this post and pray on the whole thing to God. Because what you were suggesting right now, my friend is that we are saved by avoiding outward sin, and I can assure you there is no room for Jesus in the theology.
God didn’t create religion, man did. In my opinion, none of you were right, nor am I (As I said before, I’m just saying my opinion), but I think Mike was closer. At the end of the day, God is the ultimate judge and all we can do is follow the scripture and obey. As Mike said, It is wrong to make a group of people destined for hell. Some middle eastern Christians call God Allah, and there are lots of connections between islam and Christianity. Islam sadly doesn’t believe Jesus is God and they believe his lookalike died on the cross (I think). Also, remember how Jesus handled opposition and criticism (I don’t think I spelt that right). Lastly, I would really like to hear your opinion on this, as I’m still a kid and I’m still learning!
We need to ask ourself this.
If there really is a God that created us, is he literally hiding in the shadows and won’t make us aware of who he is or what his desires are?
I don’t think that would be logical at all.
So, if he has revealed himself to us, we have to ask ourselves which God is the real God? After all, there are so many versions from so many religions.
There’s no way I could get into it in a single post, but I am convinced Christianity follows the one true living God. And rather than debate, I would encourage everyone to do their own research and find out if the gospel of Jesus Christ has any real legitimate truth to it.
If you want some resources I think a great starting point would be a book written by Lee Strobel called ‘A Case for Christ’. Strobel was a respected journalist for the Chicago tribune.
Strobel was also a devout atheist. Suddenly, his wife came to know Jesus as the one true living God. Strobel was a man of facts. He sat out on what would be a two-year journey as he flew all across the globe in search of documents, manuscripts, and evidence that would discredit what he believed to be the biggest lie ever told. He was going to prove that this whole Christianity and resurrection was a fraud.
Few people have ever examine the evidence like Strobel did. Today he is a devout Christian. His story is that after deeply investigating all the witnesses, testimonies, and facts that were available it would be impossible to suggest that Jesus is not the living God. Moreover, Strobel is a pastor today.
It’s very difficult for me to argue who the true God is with anyone who has never dug deep enough to enter a debate. That’s fine. Many people are quick to say God is not real or that none of the gods we talk about are real. Many do this without having ever lifted a finger to make sure there’s any substance to what they’re saying.
While there may seem to be some connections between Islam and Christianity, at the end of the day Islam completely falls apart in terms of salvation. Christianity insist that you must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that no one comes to the father except through Jesus. Islam is not having it. They believe Jesus was nothing more than a good man who was a teacher. They fully reject him as the living Christ. This completely disqualifies them for salvation according to Christianity.
If anyone is truly seeking who the one true God is, let me encourage you to dig your heels in and examine the facts before you reject Jesus. A good starting point for you may be the book I described above. And there are many other authors who have written similar books founded on years of factual research.
It may also be worthy of examining all of the prophecies that were fulfilled through Jesus Christ. If we truly look at them on a factual level only one can only walk away saying it is statistical impossibility that Jesus could’ve fulfilled so many prophecies and not be who He claims to be.
By the way, Mike, I didn’t watch the video. I had to get ready to sleep for school.
It’s late at night where I come from
muslims or anyoneelse are saved ONLY if they have accepted Jesus as Messiah, the Son of God and God the Son. They cease to be muslims when they come under the grace oi God accepting Christ alone by faith alone. A muslim isn’t one by birth, it’s not an ethnicity but is a member of the islamic religion. There is no salvation apart from Christ. Hence mormons, catholics, muslims, etc. aren’t saved regardless of how much they may claim it.
How are Catholics not saved when they accept Jesus Christ as the messiah and follow him?
To be Clear, ANYONE who “accepts Jesus Christ as the Messiah and follows him” are saved.
But I don’t think that describe the majority of Catholics…..
Catholics pray to Saints. Saints are men and women. Humans. I question if some one is following Jesus if they pray to people. Paul, James, Peter, whoever, Christians should never pray to humans.
Catholics call their Priests Father.
Yet, we are told in scripture ‘And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven’ – Matthew 23:9
Some Catholics go through these very weird ceremonies at funerals as if somehow, their system allows people to be rescued from some holding tank so they can enter heaven. That’s not trusting Jesus. That’s trusting humans.
I really could go on and on. Catholics are indeed, mostly, a cult. The exception is those that trust Jesus ALONE for salvation. They do not pray to humans for godly matters.
Today a fellow Christian told me that he found it difficult to believe/understand that Muslims couldn’t be saved. I explained to him what Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:13 that anyone (muslim, Jew, gay drunkard) is only included in Christ after having heard the gospel and believed.
But what about those who live in “outer Mongolia” (live in an area where they never have opportunity to hear or read the gospel)? I told him to read Romans 2 where, to very roughly paraphrase, God will judge people according to how they live according to what they know – those who have the Law will be judged according to the Law epecially a Jew who feels that his connection with God is through the Law.. Gentiles/Muslims who don’t have the Law but obey it, they do so because God has given it to them by His Spirit. It is as if mankind is born with the moral Law in their hearts. So, if they never hear or read the gospel, they will be judged according to how they obey what is in their heart – don’t steal, don’t murder etc.
I believe the answer is more simple. God has told us that by his creation we will know he is God.. Meaning, you cannot look at all of life, and the creation of God, and ignore him.
[Romans 1:20] For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
You mentioned Mormons at the very first of the article, what is the issue with Mormons?
Although Mormons profess to be Christians and say they believe the Word of God, there are many of their beliefs that contradict Christianity. In my opinion, this is a cult. That doesn’t mean the people are bad, it’s simply means they are misled. Joseph Smith claimed to have seen a vision of God the Father and God the Son, , in which they denounced modern Christianity and appointed Smith to reveal and restore “true” Christianity.
One of the many areas in which Mormons fall short of saving faith is their belief that God is merely an exalted man who earned his position by good works (Mormon Doctrine, p. 321; Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 345). This directly contradicts the Bible, which states that God has existed in His position as God of the universe from eternity past (Revelation 1:8; 1 Timothy 1:17; 6:15–16; Psalm 102:24–27). God was never a man (Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; Hosea 11:9) and is the holy and powerful Creator of all things (Genesis 1; Psalm 24:1; Isaiah 37:16). Mormons also believe that they themselves can attain the status of gods in the afterlife through their works here on earth (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 345–354). However, no man can ever become like God (1 Samuel 2:2; Isaiah 43:10–11; 44:6; 45:21–22), despite what the serpent told Eve in the garden (Genesis 3:5).
Mormons also believe that Jesus was a god, but not God Himself (Mormon Doctrine, p. 547; Articles of Faith, p. 35; Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 372). It is essential to Christian faith that Jesus is one with God and that He is God’s only begotten Son who became flesh (John 1:1, 14; John 3:16). Only Jesus’ oneness with God would have allowed Him to live a sinless, blameless life (Hebrews 7:26). And only Jesus Christ was able to pay the price for our sins by His death on the cross (Romans 4:25; Acts 4:12).
So, yes, this is a cult religion. And again, that is not an insult towards the people who are fallen for this lie.
Yo Mike I am an 18 year old christian, I had a qestion n some comments. First off I do really love your perspective on how muslims aren’t any worse than like you and me. I think many christians will look at let’s say a gay man and say “ew”, or think they are awful. When they are sinners just like you and me and fallen short of the glory of God. You received a few comments that were a little against what you had said. While I really love your approach I believe the first guy is pretty good on his response, but yeah I don’t think how you stopped halfway or whatever in John 3:16 really mislead people. I also want to point out that while it was very easy for you to keep commenting to the young guy who commented in an attempt to be “right”. You chose to stop and explain to the young guy who said he was not exactly religious, which shows true character man. In my opinion at the end of the day we aren’t the judge. I do believe Jesus Christ is the one true God. I trust to leave it in God’s hands. But actually here’s a question for you Mike. Do you agree with my last statement “I trust to leave it in God’s hands”. Because yeah we aren’t the savior, but we also are God’s hands and feet. So with what we know about the bible should we try to save a muslim if they don’t believe in our God? Like yeah they believe in God, but are they saved? I think I need to read more into Islam religion. I mean if you do believe Muslims are saved then there is nothing to do. If you don’t then that is 25% of the population, which is like more than atheists that need saving. Definitely an UNDERRATED DEBATE for sure. However as much as we aren’t the judge. I do want to help share the truth of God. Ok bro I was all over the place, but I love your approach to this it is freaking RARE! Because obviously the you suck and I am better than you moral high ground don’t work to share the love of God. I love this compassionate approach however this world is filled with just your truth is your truth. And you do yous when it will seprerate from God them in hell. So we definitely want to stay away from too much acceptance to the point where no one repents or anything. We have to understand our need for God, and how have fallen short. However the christians saying you need God, or “You’re a mess, but I am not” is worthless almost. Love bro. Hope you keep sharing brotha!
Amen – they persecute me/us because they persecuted Jesus.
For me, the Bible is the final authority. So I take it very seriously. And it doesn’t leave any wiggle room to leave Jesus out of it. Jesus claims to be God, and I believe Him. And that really offends some people.
Yes, let’s leave it in God’s hands. Noting that God has told us how we inherit the kingdom. He said by faith, in Christ. No one comes to him any other way. So, my post was in no way to offend Muslims. But rather just the opposite. If we truly love Muslims, we would tell them what you believe to be true about salvation.
Write any time!!
I am hoping that when Christ returns and all the dead is raised, every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess… I am hoping that means Everyone can go to Heaven. Everything is up to God/Christ and not anyone else. But I do hope the Muslims go to Heaven too and All others . But I have no idea at all if they will or not.
You cannot confess that Jesus is Lord, and then deny what he said about salvation. Jesus said the one who believes is not condemned, but the one who does not believe in him, has already been condemned. He said no one comes to the father except through the son. He said, I am the way, I am the truth. He did not leave any wiggle room. He was very clear that anyone who does not believe in him will not inherit eternal life. So, wow, I think you mean well, you cannot make the claim that Christ is God, and then turn around and suggest that everybody, regardless of their faith will be saved.
It would be great if no one would perish. God literally said he wishes that none would die, not even one. Jesus said he did not come to condemn the world, but to save it.
So, if anyone doesn’t inherit the kingdom, it’s not because God sent them there. It’s because they rejected the only rescue plan that God has made available. Jesus