SHOULD I CONVERT TO ISLAM? A THEOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF ASSURANCE, SALVATION, AND THE IDENTITY OF JESUS CHRIST
Why the Christian Believer Finds Eternal Assurance in Christ
By Dr. Maxwell Shimba — Shimba Theological Institute
Introduction: The Question of Eternal Destiny
One of the strongest arguments presented by Islamic evangelists is the warning that a person who dies as a non-Muslim will face divine judgment. This claim naturally raises a serious theological question:
Where can a person find true assurance of salvation?
The search for truth requires more than fear. It requires examining the claims of the founders, the nature of their message, and the assurance they provide concerning eternal life.
Christian theology argues that salvation is not based merely on following a religious system but on knowing the One who has conquered death and has authority over eternal destiny: Jesus Christ.
1. Muhammad’s Admission of Limited Knowledge Concerning His Final Destiny
The Qur’an presents Muhammad as a messenger who receives revelation from Allah. However, one important passage describes Muhammad acknowledging that he does not know what will happen to him or others:
“I am not something original among the messengers, nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow that which is revealed to me...”
Qur’an 46:9
From a Christian theological perspective, this raises an important question:
If a prophet cannot declare with certainty his own eternal destination, how can he provide absolute assurance of eternal life to others?
The passage portrays Muhammad as a servant and messenger who depends upon revelation and does not possess independent knowledge of the unseen future.
Islamic scholars commonly interpret this verse as humility before Allah and acknowledgment that judgment belongs to Allah alone. However, from a Christian apologetic perspective, the contrast remains significant:
A messenger who awaits judgment is different from the One who claims authority over judgment.
2. Jesus Christ’s Unique Claim of Knowing His Origin and Destiny
The Gospel of John presents Jesus making statements that go beyond the role of a prophet. Jesus speaks with personal authority concerning His heavenly origin and His return to the Father.
Jesus declared:
“Even if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me.”
John 8:16
He also said:
“You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.”
John 8:23
And:
“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God.”
John 13:3
Furthermore:
“I am going to the Father.”
John 14:12
The theological significance is profound:
Jesus does not speak as someone waiting to discover His destiny. He speaks as One who came from God, knows His mission, and returns to the Father.
3. The Difference Between a Messenger and the Source of Salvation
Christian theology recognizes many prophets in Scripture who served God faithfully. However, prophets point people toward God; they do not claim to be the foundation of eternal salvation.
The central question is:
Who has authority to grant eternal life?
Jesus answered:
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
John 10:28
He also declared:
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”
John 11:25
This is not merely the language of a teacher or prophet. It is the language of the One who possesses authority over life and death.
4. Salvation Assurance: Fear or Relationship?
A major difference between Christianity and Islam concerns the basis of assurance.
The Christian message teaches that salvation is a gift of grace received through faith in Christ:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God.”
Ephesians 2:8
Jesus promised His followers:
“Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”
John 5:24
The believer’s confidence rests not in human achievement but in Christ’s completed work through His death and resurrection.
5. The Resurrection: The Foundation of Christian Hope
The Christian claim is not merely that Jesus gave teachings about heaven. Christianity declares that Jesus defeated death.
The Apostle Paul wrote:
“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”
1 Corinthians 15:17
The resurrection demonstrates that Jesus has authority over the grave and validates His promise of eternal life.
The Christian argument is therefore:
Muhammad pointed to revelation received from God.
Jesus claimed to be the One who came from God.
Muhammad awaited judgment.
Jesus claimed authority over eternal judgment.
Muhammad was a messenger.
Jesus is presented in Christian Scripture as the Savior.
6. The Christian Theological Conclusion: Why Remain With Christ?
The question is not simply:
“Which religion should I choose?”
The deeper question is:
“Who has the authority to save me eternally?”
Jesus declared:
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
Christian theology understands this statement as a unique claim. Jesus does not merely show the way; He identifies Himself as the Way.
For the Christian believer, conversion to another religious system would mean leaving the One who promised eternal life and placing ultimate hope in a different foundation.
Final Reflection
If a person is searching for certainty about eternity, the Christian message offers this invitation:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
The foundation of Christian hope is not fear of punishment but trust in the person of Jesus Christ.
The question remains:
If Jesus has promised eternal life, conquered death, and declared Himself the Savior, why would anyone abandon Him?
Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute
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