ISLAM vs CHRISTIANITY

THE RISE OF THE FALSE LIGHT

Primary Scripture Reading

1 John 2:18–23 KJV 1900

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

Additional Scriptures: • Galatians 1:8 • 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 • Matthew 24:24 • Revelation 13 • 1 John 4:1-3 • John 14:6

INTRODUCTION

The Bible warns repeatedly that deception would increase in the last days. Jesus Himself declared in Matthew 24:24 that false christs and false prophets would arise and deceive many. The spirit of antichrist is not merely a future political figure; according to the Apostle John, it is already at work in the world.

The word “antichrist” in Strong’s Concordance is Greek G500 — antichristos — meaning: “An opponent of the Messiah; one who sets himself against Christ or seeks to replace Him.”

This is important because antichrist is not merely anti-Jesus in an obvious sense. It is often a counterfeit that imitates truth while denying the true identity and work of Christ.

Islam presents itself as honoring Jesus, yet denies His divine Sonship, denies the crucifixion in its traditional form, denies His role as Savior, and rejects Him as Lord. The Quran speaks of Isa (Jesus), but not the Jesus revealed in scripture.

The Apostle John gave a direct warning:

1 John 2:22 (KJV)

“Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.”

This message is not about hatred toward Muslim people. Christians are commanded to love all people and preach the Gospel to every creature. This sermon is about examining spiritual systems through the lens of scripture.

Main Points

The Origin of Islam and Muhammad’s Encounter

Scripture: Galatians 1:8 (KJV)

“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you… let him be accursed.”

Islam began in the 7th century through a man named Muhammad in Arabia. According to Islamic tradition recorded in early biographies and hadith literature, Muhammad claimed to receive revelations from an angel in a cave called Hira near Mecca.

Islamic sources describe the encounter intensely. Muhammad reportedly feared he was possessed or losing his mind after the experience. The angel commanded him to “Recite!” and physical force was allegedly used against him during the encounter.

Some early Islamic traditions describe Muhammad returning terrified, trembling, and fearing spiritual oppression. His wife Khadijah reassured him and later consultation with others affirmed the experience as divine revelation.

Compare this to biblical angelic encounters: • Angels in scripture often begin with “Fear not.” • Biblical revelation glorifies Christ. • The Holy Spirit brings truth consistent with previous revelation.

Paul warned that even if an angel appeared preaching another gospel, believers were to reject it.

Islam emerged over 600 years after Christ and introduced teachings that contradicted foundational Gospel truths: • Jesus is not the Son of God. • Jesus did not die for sins. • Salvation is not through Christ’s blood. • God has no Son.

Yet scripture declares:

John 14:6 (KJV)

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

The Contrast Between Jesus and Muhammad

Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-3

Jesus Christ: • Healed the sick • Raised the dead • Forgave sins • Laid down His own life • Taught purity and holiness • Loved enemies • Never sinned

Muhammad, according to historical Islamic records: • Led military campaigns • Took multiple wives • Approved warfare expansion • Married Aisha at a very young age according to hadith literature

One of the most controversial aspects of Islamic history is the marriage between Muhammad and Aisha. Multiple hadiths within collections such as Sahih al-Bukhari state she was six at betrothal and nine at consummation. Muslims debate cultural context and interpretation, but historically this is widely acknowledged within classical Islamic tradition.

The issue for Christians is not merely historical discomfort. It is the contrast between the moral example of Christ and the example presented by Muhammad.

Jesus said:

Matthew 7:16 (KJV)

“Ye shall know them by their fruits.”

Christ lifted women. Christ protected children. Christ demonstrated sacrificial love.

The kingdom of Christ advances through truth, repentance, and the Spirit of God — not conquest.

Islam and Christianity: Similarities and Counterfeits

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:14-15

“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”

Islam and Christianity share overlapping language: • One God • Jesus • Angels • Prayer • Judgment Day • Heaven and Hell • Moral accountability

This similarity can create confusion because counterfeits often resemble truth externally.

Yet the differences are foundational: Christianity teaches: • Jesus is God manifested in flesh • Jesus died and rose again • Salvation is by grace through faith • The Holy Spirit seals believers

Islam teaches: • Jesus was only a prophet • Jesus was not crucified in the traditional Christian understanding • Salvation depends upon submission and deeds • Allah has no son

1 John 4:3 (KJV)

“And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist…”

The spirit of antichrist opposes the true revelation of Jesus Christ.

Could Islam Be Part of the Antichrist System?

Scripture: Revelation 13

The Bible describes a future global system marked by: • Religious deception • Political domination • Economic control • Persecution of believers • Forced allegiance

Some Christians believe Islam could play a role in the final antichrist system because: • Certain extremist interpretations seek global religious dominance • Some eschatological parallels appear between Islamic end-time beliefs and biblical warnings • Islam rejects the Sonship and Lordship of Christ

However, scripture does not explicitly name Islam as “the antichrist.” Care must be taken not to move beyond what scripture plainly states.

The spirit of antichrist can operate through any system, government, religion, ideology, or culture that denies Christ’s true identity.

Antichrist spirit manifests whenever: • Truth is replaced with counterfeit revelation • Jesus is reduced from Lord to merely teacher or prophet • Salvation through the cross is denied • Worship belongs to another

Application

Believers must operate in discernment, not fear.

The church must: • Love Muslim people enough to tell them the truth • Reject hatred and prejudice • Understand spiritual deception biblically • Know scripture deeply • Test every spirit by the Word of God

Many Christians are biblically illiterate and vulnerable to deception because they do not know the scriptures for themselves.

Jesus did not call the church to panic. He called the church to endure.

The answer is not political rage. The answer is deeper revelation of Christ.

Closing Insight

The enemy does not always come wearing darkness. Sometimes deception comes wrapped in spirituality.

The last days will not merely be a battle between atheism and Christianity. It will be a battle between truth and counterfeit truth.

The church must stop playing with shallow religion and return to the Word and Spirit of God.

If believers do not know the real Jesus, they will eventually accept a substitute.

Now is the hour: • To know Christ deeply • To stand on scripture • To discern spirits • To preach truth boldly • To walk in holiness and love

The spirit of antichrist cannot overcome a church that truly knows Jesus.

“The greatest enemy to human souls is the self-righteous spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation.”— Charles Spurgeon