Who is God and how are we saved? – Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with Muslims

In these video clips from the Muslim – Christian dialogue held in Dubai 2009, Thabite Anyabwile explained the Gospel of Jesus Christ and specifically “Who is God and how are we saved?”. This is third dialogue/debate in a series organised by the Muslim Student Association and Christian Fellowship Club from the University of Wollongong in Dubai.

Thabiti Anyabwile, currently senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman, has a remarkable testimony of being converted to Islam while being a nominal Christian, and then God called him to a true saving faith in Jesus Christ. Being a former Muslim and is now a Christian pastor, Thabiti Anyabwile has a unique perspective of explaining to Muslims the Gospel of Jesus Christ and specifically “Who is God and how are we saved?” with some very useful insights.

Related Post:
Who is Jesus Christ ? – A former Muslim explaining the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Misunderstanding Grace - Antinomianism’s primary error is confusing Justification with Sanctification

"Antinomians acquire their distaste for the law in a number of ways. Some believe that they no longer are obligated to keep the moral law of God because Jesus has freed them from it. They insist that grace not only frees us from the curse of God’s law but delivers us from any obligation to obey God’s law. Grace then becomes a license for disobedience.

The astounding thing is that people hold this view despite Paul’s vigorous teaching against it.Paul, more than any other New Testament writer, emphasized the differences between law and grace. He gloried in the New Covenant. Nevertheless, he was most explicit in his condemnation of antinomianism. In Romans 3:31 he writes, “Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.

..[Martin] Luther’s view of the law. In the Formula of Concord (1577), the last of the classical Lutheran statements of faith, they outlined three uses for the law:
(1) to reveal sin;
(2) to establish general decency in the society at large; and
(3) to provide a rule of life for those regenerated through faith in Christ.

Antinomianism’s primary error is confusing justification with sanctification. We are justified by faith alone, apart from works. However, all believers grow in faith by keeping God’s holy commands—not to gain God’s favor, but out of loving gratitude for the grace already bestowed on them through the work of Christ.

It is a serious error to assume that the Old Testament was a covenant of law and the New Testament, a covenant of grace. The Old Testament is a monumental testimony to God’s amazing grace toward His people. Likewise, the New Testament is literally filled with commandments. We are not saved by the law, but we demonstrate our love for Christ by obeying His commandments. “If you love Me,” Jesus said, “keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

We frequently hear the statement, “Christianity isn’t a lot of do’s and don’ts; it is not a list of rules.” There is some truth in this deduction, inasmuch as Christianity is far more than a mere list of rules. It is, at its center, a personal relationship with Christ Himself. Yet Christianity is also not less than rules. The New Testament clearly includes some do’s and don’ts. Christianity is not a religion that sanctions the idea that everyone has the right to do what is right in his own eyes. On the contrary, Christianity never gives anyone the “right” to do what is wrong." R C Sproul - Essential Truths of the Christian Faith (c) 1992, Antinomianism, p. 194-195 (emphasis in bold are mine)

Persecution: A price to pay for being a Christian ?

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, (2Ti 3:12)

John Macarthur:

"I am absolutely 100% convinced that the weakness of the church in America, the superficiality of the church, the shallowness of the church, the hypocrisy of the church is directly related to the absence of any cost or any price to be paid to be a Christian. If you don't have to pay a price, heh, just jump on the bandwagon. If persecution came to America, you see a very different kind of Christianity. A whole lot of people who are really good to talk about Jesus won't be talking about Jesus any more. Who profess to know Jesus and to be part of the church, they will stop talking very fast if the price was as high as it is for some people."

A testimony of Dr Daniel Wong, a professor at Master's College, who faced persecutions as a Christian first hand from Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution in China.

Dr. Daniel K. Wong- Professor of Biblical Studies B.S., Swatow University M.Div., Th.M., Talbot School of Theology Ph.D., Dallas Theological Seminary

Dr. Wong has received awards for excellence in thesis writing and in eschatology. His specialties include Johannine literature, parables, and Old Testament prophecy and its use in the New Testament. He has served as pastor of a Chinese church in Los Angeles since 1984, and prior to joining TMC, he was president of Chinese for Christ Theological Seminary. In 2002, 2003-2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007, he was recognized in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. Dr. Wong has published a number of journal articles, periodical articles, and songs. He is currently writing a nineteen volume New Testament Commentary Series with Kregel Publications.

Source: http://www.masters.edu/academics/profiles.asp?depname=95

An Everlasting and Eternal God

There is but one only, living, and true God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions; immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, ......(Of God, and of the Holy Trinity -WCF Chapter II -I)

Psa 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
Isa 57:15 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity
Psa 93:2 Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.
Jer 10:10 But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King.

From everlasting to everlasting, God is God. He is always there, He is the ever existing one. Nothing causes God into existence, He alone creates all things. This concept of everlating is very hard for finite minds like ours to grasp, we are used to see the cycles of birth and death: man and beasts and plants. For these living things, some sort of parents gave out the seeds (with all the genetic code) for the next cycle of life for that creature. For inert things made by man, there is a someone, with a level of intelligence, who did some thinking and causes it to be made.We also know that inert things just don't last forever, things we make with our hands will crumble after a while whether they be made of stones or metal. It is thus very hard for us to grasp something or someone Who has no beginning and no end, such is the nature of God. Just focus our thinking about the eternal nature of God will cause our minds to go into a vortex of infinity.

God is not like us, time has no hold on Him. He is not subjected to the ravages of time or decay. He does not grow weary or weak with age, He is the "King of Ages", He is constant for all eternity and His mighty strength remains the same: Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable (Isa 40:28)

We ought to remind ourselves from Hab 1:12 "Are you not from everlasting, O LORD my God, my Holy One?". When our thoughts and meditations and focus is on Him, we can trust and rest upon His everlasting arms. The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms (Deu 33:27). When our faith in our God, it is great joy and comfort to know that He is the eternal God with the everlasting arms. We can rest, for our peace, security and assurance comes from God and not in our finite selves.

Yes, Lord ! You are the eternal and everlasting God. As finite creatures, our only appropriate responses are summed by these verses:

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1Ti 1:17 )

Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen. (Psa 41:13)

There is but one only living and true God

There is but one only living and true God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, …… (Of God, and of the Holy Trinity -WCF Chapter II -I)

Oh God, as finite creatures, it is our desire to know you and to know your attributes. We look into your Word, for your Word declare who you are: there is but one only living and true God. We worship thee, the only living and true God who is perfect and infinite.


Deu 6:4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.

1Co 8:6 “there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.”

1 Th 1:9 ” the living and true God“

Jer 10:10 But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King.

1Ti 1:17 To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Job 11:7 -9 “Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty? It is higher than heaven–what can you do? Deeper than Sheol–what can you know? Its measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea.”

Joh 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Act 14:15 “a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.”

Feed The Lord’s Sheep With The Truth: Declaring all the counsel of God

The world out there says there is no such thing as absolute truth. Today, it is much more popular and politically convenient to the world to say no religion has the monopoly to the Truth. However, Truth is absolute. Truth cannot be relative or it becomes meaningless. So when a Christian says that there can only be one and only one Truth from God, a Christian is often labeled as unloving, narrow-minded, closed-minded, arrogant and bigoted. As a result, in Churches where the teachings emphasize a need on love for and acceptance of the world, both Churches and Christians become conscious of offending the world and opt for toning down declaring “all the counsel of God”

Every disciple of the Jesus Christ has to know and believe Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Truth: “Jesus said unto him, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6. The Gospel is a very exclusive message pointing to one God and the only Way for sinners to be reconciled to God and be spared from God’s wrath. The Gospel is very clear: Jesus Christ is the only way to God, there is no other way. The Truth to God is found in the person of Jesus Christ alone, there is no other Truth. Eternal life is the gift of God through Jesus Christ, there is no other way to be with God in heaven.

People of God who heard and believed the Gospel must live it and declare it faithfully. We know that “God is Love” (I John 4:8) and it is true. It is very important to know that Love “rejoices with the truth” (1 Cor 13:6). Apostle Paul loved the Lord’s sheep and he wants to present the Church as the chaste bride to Christ the Bridegroom (2 Corinthians 11:2). Paul lived the Truth and wholly preached and fully declared everything he has received from the LORD Jesus Christ. He said, “for I have not shrunk from declaring unto you all the counsel of God.” (Act 20: 27).

Paul recalled, “in all seasons,…and how I kept back nothing that was profitable for you, but have shown you and have taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying…..repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Act 20: 18-21). The focus of his ministry, his joy and his life was very clear to him. The Apostle Paul said, “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God.” (Act 20: 24).

While Paul’s ministry and purpose is to preach, convert and disciple believers for the Lord Jesus Christ, he is well aware that Satan will always be there to try subverting what God has purposed to do. The “wolves” will present a perverted Gospel: watered down Gospel, half Gospel, twisted Gospel. As an under-shepherd who has watered and fed God’s sheep, he reminded the “overseers” of God’s flock to “take heed” because the “grievous wolves” shall enter in amongst the sheep. He was saying very clearly that there will be “wolves” amongst the sheep within the professing believers in the visible church.

He pleaded and urged the “overseers” to do their duty to God: “to feed the church of God” (Act 20: 28). He commended the “overseers” to feed the sheep on “God and to the word of His grace”. Overseers of God’s sheep must desire and work very hard to ensure that every sheep in their care “that they received the Word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily to see whether those things were so” (Act 17: 11).

If overseers are not vigilant or do not care to “take heed” and are not preaching and teaching “all the counsel of God”, then God’s sheep are not fed. If God’s sheep are not fed, they will likely follow “wolves”. The character of these wolves is as such: “among your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them”.

Paul warned and warned God’s sheep for THREE years DAY and NIGHT. This part of the ministry is no small matter to Paul. “Therefore watch, and remember that for the space of three years I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears.” Act 20: 31 Today it appears that this “take heed” and “to warn” aspect of an overseer’s ministry is a small matter to many “overseers” within the visible church ? Why ? Why the neglect of “all the counsel of God ” ?

Paul’s plead is that overseers must feed and warn the sheep all the time. All believers must fix our eyes upon God by immersing in His Word seriously “And now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Guide me, O thou great Jehovah: Family Worship Time

Everyday we all live in this cold and hostile world controlled by the prince of this world. It is a sensual and carnal world. This world does not know God and has no desire to acknowledge or worship Him.

God warned us not to love the world and the things that are in the world. He reminded us that if we love the world, we really don't love Him. I John 2: 15-16 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world -- the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life -- is not of the Father, but is of the world.

How can our family find the grace and help to live out our testimonies and remained faithful and true to God. God know we need to guide and remind our family, he commands that we have a responsibility to Him that we should be faithful to teach our children. Ps 78: 4 We must point our children to Him daily, showing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD and His strength, and His wonderful works that He hath done.


There is a need for time and place where a believer can retreat daily with his family to gather together, feed on his words, pray and focus on God. Where the thirsty souls can come to the One who can give a drink of the the living waters. (John 4: 14) Where the wounded soldiers of Jesus Christ gather to hear His words and receive the balm for their pains and rest. Where we can feast to our heart's content on God's Words:


Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but thou are mighty,
Hold me with thy powerful hand;
Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more.


Psalm 78: 1-7
Give ear, O my people, to my law; incline your ears to the words of my mouth.I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.We will not hide them from their children, showing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD and His strength, and His wonderful works that He hath done.For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded to our fathers, that they should make them known to their children;that the generation to come might know them, even the children who should be born, who should arise and declare them to their children,that they might set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments; and so might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God. KJ21®