Home > The Deity of Jesus and the Cross
To understand the Christian perspective on the Cross, one must first look at what we call the "Divine Dilemma." Both Christians and Muslims agree on two fundamental attributes of God: He is Perfectly Just and He is Perfectly Merciful.
However, the Christian apologist suggests that in many theological frameworks, these two attributes are often in tension. If God is Just, He must punish sin. If God is Merciful, He may choose to overlook sin. The Cross is the unique moment in history where these two attributes are not in competition, but are perfectly satisfied.
In a standard legal framework, a judge who pardons a guilty criminal without a penalty being paid might be "merciful," but he is no longer "just." Conversely, a judge who exacts the full penalty is "just," but offers no "mercy."
The Problem: How can a Holy God justify the ungodly without compromising His own righteousness?
The Islamic Perspective:
Generally, forgiveness is seen as an act of divine prerogative. If a person repents and their good deeds outweigh their bad, Allah may choose to forgive. Mercy essentially overrides justice.
The Christian Perspective:
God’s justice is an immutable part of His nature. Sin carries a "legal" debt that cannot simply be waved away, or God would be inconsistent. Justice must be satisfied for mercy to be extended.
The Cross is not a "Plan B"; it is the ultimate demonstration of God’s character. On the Cross, the "penalty" for sin was not ignored—it was absorbed.
Substitution:
Because humans cannot pay an infinite debt for sin, God entered humanity in the person of Jesus Christ.
Full Justice:
Every sin was punished. God did not "look the other way." His wrath against evil was poured out on Christ, satisfying the demands of the law.
Full Mercy:
Because the debt was paid, God can now legally and righteously offer a full pardon to anyone who trusts in that sacrifice.
Romans 6:23:
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
The most significant contrast between the two faiths lies in the mechanism of salvation.
| Feature | Islamic (The Scales) | Christian (The Cross) |
|---|---|---|
| Basis of Forgiveness | Repentance + Good Deeds + God's Will. | The finished work of Christ on the Cross. |
| Justice | Justice is deferred or superseded by Mercy. | Justice is fully satisfied by a Substitute. |
| Assurance | Often uncertain; one hopes for mercy on the Last Day. | Certain; the debt is already paid ("It is finished"). |
| Role of Works | A means to earn or qualify for God's favor. | A response of gratitude for a gift already received. |
In Islam, rahma (mercy) is central, but Grace (charis in Greek) in the Christian sense is "unmerited favor." It is the idea that God provides for us what we could never provide for ourselves.
To a Muslim, the idea of God "dying" or "suffering" may seem like a weakness (subhan Allah). However, the Christian argues that this is the ultimate display of Strength and Love. A king who sits on a throne and pardons a rebel is merciful; a king who leaves his throne to take the rebel's place on the gallows is the definition of Grace.
The Cross is the only place where God remains 100% Just (sin is punished) and 100% Merciful (the sinner is saved). Without the Cross, mercy would be an exception to justice. Because of the Cross, mercy is the result of justice being satisfied. This provides the believer with an assurance that is not based on the "scales" of their own performance, but on the perfection of God's sacrifice.