Home > Other critiques of Christian doctrine - salvation
"Jesus (peace be upon him) didn't want to die for sins—the Bible shows he prayed against it, so it wasn't a willing sacrifice. He said, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me' (Matthew 26:39), pleading with Allah to spare him. The Qur'an confirms he didn't die: ‘They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but it was made to appear so' (Surah An-Nisa, 4:157). Allah saved him—why force a death he resisted?
He brought guidance—‘We gave him the Injeel, in which was guidance and light' (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:46)—not a sin-payment. The Qur'an says, ‘The Messiah, son of Mary, was no more than a messenger' (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:75). If he didn't want it, how can it be a sacrifice? Allah forgives without blood: ‘Indeed, Allah forgives all sins' (Surah Az-Zumar, 39:53). The cross story twists his mission—Jesus called to Allah, not to die."
The assertion that Jesus Christ's prayer in Gethsemane proves His sacrifice was unwilling is a profound theological error that fails to distinguish between Christ's human nature and His divine will. His prayer is, in fact, the ultimate confirmation of His perfect obedience.
1. The Distinction of Wills: Human Agony, Divine Intent
The scene in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39) does not show Christ rejecting God's plan; it reveals the agonizing reality of His true humanity as He faced the infinite horror of bearing the world's sin.
2. The Cross Was Necessary for God's Justice
The opponent claims Allah forgives "without blood" (Surah Az-Zumar, 39:53) and that the death was unnecessary. Christians affirm that the Cross was absolutely necessary for God's justice.
3. The Denial of the Crucifixion is a Fatal Flaw
The Qur'an's denial of the Crucifixion ("They did not kill him... but it was made to appear so" - Surah An-Nisa, 4:157) is a theological contradiction that attempts to annul the foundational event of human salvation.
Christ's sacrifice was perfect, necessary, and willingly performed by the Divine Son of God to secure redemption for all mankind.