We are looking at the Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies list of ten concepts of sin based on Islamic teaching and comparing them to the general concepts Christians have. The Christian part is based on my belief.

7. There are some major sins: Here is a list.

I have abbreviated the list to give a general idea. Shirk: adding partners to God, murder, despoiling orphans, false charges of adultery.

Christians understand that some sins are more abhorrent to God. At least one sin is so grave that forgiveness is not offered. It is the sin of blasphemy. God lists things that he hates for men to do, but that doesn’t mean that they weigh more against a sinner or that a lesser sins weighs less. As mentioned above, the same blood is required for all sins regardless of their size. James makes that clear in James 2:10, “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles  in one point, he has become guilty of all.” NASU  We also read in Ezekiel, “The person who sins will die.” (18:20 NASU)

All who believe in the Trinity are guilty of the Islamic sin, Shirk.

8. Man’s problem with sin is that he is forgetful.

Christians believe that disobedience is willful and constitutes a rebellion against God’s rule in the Christian life. God set up the requirements for man and when man fails to meet these requirements it is not because he forgets, it is because he opposes God. God requires mankind to repent for what his disobedience, not for what he forgot.

9. Man’s sin is against himself rather than God.

The Christian believes that God is holy and that his law is holy. God’s desire for how men are to live is holy. God says, “…be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” NASU. To the extent that man fails to be holy he sins against God. God forgives man his sin and thus pronounces him to be holy.

10. There is no mediator for sin. Most Muslims deny there is any mediatory role taken by Allah. “O ye who believe! Spend out of (the bounties) We have provided for you, before the Day comes when no bargaining (Will avail), nor friendship nor intercession,” Surah 2:254.

Christians believe God intervened in their need of redemption and sent a redeemer. Jesus came to be our mediator. God required payment for sins and since man was in sin he could not pay himself. God became our sin and nailed it to the cross in the person of the God/man, Jesus. This is Paul’s point in 1 Tim. 2:5-7. “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.” NASU. Christians believe God sent his son to stand between man’s sin and himself.

Father, I pray that all men may come to the knowledge of the truth of your Son and his gift of grace to all the world. May the peace of Jesus fill the earth and call all men to you.