Can a muslim also be saved?

Originally posted on December 28, 2007 – by Andre Piet

The following report appeared today in the Dutch Reformatorisch Dagblad:

ZEVENAAR – Muslims can also be spiritual, says Antoine Bodar, as their reverent prayer is an example of this. “Because Christ died for all, a Muslim can also enter heaven,” said the priest on Thursday during the winter conference of the CSFR.

“I cannot understand that people who cannot or do not want to believe in Christ would not be saved,” said Bodar, who is not only a priest but also a publicist. “They can still be good people. In that, the Holy Spirit is at work, even though Muslims themselves might not call it that.” From yesterday until Monday, students from the CSFR from all over the country are gathered in Zevenaar to reflect on Christian spirituality.

It is, of course, commendable that Bodar points to the universal significance of Christ’s death—especially in a ‘strict’ setting where such a message is rarely heard. But Bodar’s reasoning is highly peculiar. Muslims, he says, will enter heaven because Christ died for all. So far, agreed! The salvation of all mankind is guaranteed by the simple fact that Christ died for all. But then comes the next remark: “I cannot understand that people who cannot or do not want to believe in Christ would not be saved. They can still be good people…?” This is a very strange argument! For if Christ died for all people, then whether or not Muslims are good people is beside the point, isn’t it? And what about those whom, in Bodar’s view, are not good? Are they not saved? But then what does it even mean that Christ died for all?

You sense it already—Bodar’s reasoning does not hold up.

Scripture teaches crystal clear that, just as through one man all people became sinners and mortals, so also through one Man all will be justified and made alive (Rom. 5:18; 1 Cor. 15:22). The first part allows no exceptions, and neither does the second. But how are all people justified and saved? The universal Biblical answer is: by FAITH alone. Not by works. A humanist, Muslim, or Christian who lives a “good” life is not justified before God. A criminal or ungodly person who takes God at His Word, however, is (Rom. 4:5).

The Gospel is the message that God IS the Saviour of humanity (1 Tim. 4:10). Purely by grace. And thus of all.
“If God is no Saviour of all, He is no Saviour at all.”
That has nothing to do with piety or spirituality. A believer is someone who has come to that recognition.
A moment will come when every person will come to that recognition.
“To the glory of God, the Father” (Phil. 2:10–11).

Delen: