The Death of Isa: Why it Happened

As-salam Aleykum! 

In the exalted name of the Creator, may goodness, peace, truth, and salvation be upon you! 

Christians across the world—especially those who believe in the Bible as the complete divine scripture—observe two special days every April with reverence and devotion, based on the message found within the Bible. 

These two days commemorate the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus Christ (Isa al-Masih) and His subsequent resurrection—the event where He conquered death and rose again. 

In essence, the Bible teaches that the agonizing death of the Lord Jesus (Isa al-Masih) was an act performed by the Creator Himself to serve as the foundation for the atonement of humanity—that is, the process of forgiving human sins. 

Questions from Muslims 

However, in this context, it is natural for non-Christians—particularly Muslims—to raise three types of questions. 

The first type of questions are as follows:  

Was the death of Isa necessary? The Creator, who brought all things into existence, is Almighty. He is the Supreme Authority and the Sovereign Ruler. Whether He wishes to forgive humans or punish them, He can execute that decision instantly. There is no one to question Him. Should the Creator forgive humanity based on the gruesome death of Isa al-Masih (Jesus Christ)? Is the death of Isa necessary for the Creator to forgive a sinner? Without His death, would the Creator be unable to forgive sinners? 

Questions of the second category are as follows: 

Is the death of Isa just? How can it be considered just to punish an innocent, righteous, and blameless person in order to save a sinner, a wicked person, or an offender? No law or judicial system in the world would accept such a practice! How, then, can it be just for the Creator—the supreme dispenser of justice—to severely punish Isa (the holy, sinless, and great Prophet and Messiah) in order to forgive sinful humans? 

Questions of the third category are as follows: 

Does the death of Isa not amount to condoning sin? Leaving aside the fact that punishing a righteous person in place of the wrongdoer is a grave injustice, doesn’t such a practice validate the wrongdoers and encourage them to persist in their sin? Is it not akin to providing a “free pass” to commit sin? People who receive forgiveness in that manner do not fear committing sin again; on the contrary, they might even attempt to commit even more heinous sins, wouldn’t they? 

Through this article, I intend to present clear answers to these questions. However, first, we must understand the nature of the Creator as taught in the Bible—the complete divine scripture. 

I will explain three important aspects: the primary attributes of the Creator, the calamity that has befallen humanity, and the underlying significance of the terrible death of Jesus Christ (or Isa al-Masih). Following this explanation, I will present answers to the questions raised by Muslims. 

Attributes of the Creator 

The Creator, who has revealed Himself in the Bible, possesses many attributes. Three of these are primary moral attributes: holiness, justice, and love. 

The first is the attribute of ‘holiness.’ This manifests in various ways—qualities such as distinctiveness, purity, perfection, and spiritual light, to name a few. Because of this attribute, there is no place in the Creator’s presence for impurity, imperfection, or individuals characterized by such traits. 

The second is the attribute of ‘justice.’ This attribute ensures that there is absolutely no room for partiality in the Creator. Bestowing rewards for good and meting out punishment for evil is a fundamental characteristic of justice. In the Creator’s system of justice, there is provision for forgiveness upon genuine repentance. However, mere repentance for the wrong committed is insufficient to secure it; forgiveness is attainable only when, alongside repentance, appropriate restitution is made for the harm caused. [Tawrat (Numbers 5:5-8)] 

In God’s justice system, forgiveness does not arise from ignoring, concealing, or condoning sin; it comes solely through paying the requisite price for the damage caused by sin. This price must be paid either by the person who committed the sin or voluntarily by another sinless individual on their behalf. [Tawrat (Isaiah 53:8-11)] 

The third attribute is ‘love.’ This attribute encompasses various facets, one of which is self-offering. The ultimate expression of love is realized through self-sacrifice. The nature of the Creator’s love is beyond comprehension; He is the embodiment of the supreme and highest form of love.  

The Calamity Befalling Humanity 

When considering the calamity that has befallen humanity, the Bible—the complete divine scripture—explains that through their thoughts, words, and deeds, humans have incurred impurity and unrighteousness. By living in opposition to the Holy Creator, they have forfeited the right to enter His presence. 

Furthermore, in accordance with the Creator’s justice, humans are destined to face the consequences—or punishment—befitting their sinful lives. This process involves being separated from the Holy Creator and receiving retribution commensurate with each individual’s sins. 

The Death of Isa Masih (Jesus Christ) 

Finally, one must consider the profound significance of the terrible death endured by Jesus Christ (Isa Masih). 

According to the biblical explanation, due to their impurity and unrighteousness, the entire human race lost the qualification to enter the presence of the holy and righteous Creator and became liable to eternal punishment. 

However, the Creator—possessing the moral attribute of love—loves all humanity; therefore, He devised a plan to save mankind from the calamity that has befallen them, to bestow upon them holiness and righteousness, and thereby enable them to attain the privilege of experiencing eternal salvation in His presence.  

A solution for the forgiveness of humanity’s sins could not originate from within humanity itself. The reason for this, as proclaimed by the complete divine scripture—the Bible—is that there is no distinction; all human beings are tainted by sin. [Tawrat (1 Kings 8:46; Psalms 14:2-3; 143:2; Ecclesiastes 7:20); Injil (Romans 3:23; 5:12)]  

No human being is in a position to make atonement or restitution on behalf of their neighbor—that is, to pay the price for their neighbor’s sins and deliver them from just punishment [Tawrat (Psalm 49:7-9)]. This is because every human being is tainted by sin. If there were a human being entirely free from sin, perhaps—based on the value of their own life—they could make atonement for another person like themselves and save that single individual from punishment! From the beginning of creation until the Day of Judgment, there is no human being possessing the status, standing, or worth required to make atonement for the countless people created on this earth. To fulfill that role, a Divine Being of infinite worth had to step in. This is precisely what occurred in the birth of Jesus Christ [Isa al-Masih]. 

[Gospel of John 1:1-2, 14; Romans 9:5; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Philippians 2:5-8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:3-4, 8].  

Jesus Christ [Isa Masih], who incarnated in this world as a human being, lived a sinless, holy life and offered Himself as a sacrifice to atone for the sins of all humanity, thereby fulfilling the role of the unique “Servant of God” foretold by the prophets [Torah (Isaiah 52:13–53:12)]. In this manner, the Creator’s magnificent plan for humanity was accomplished. 

As part of His plan, the Creator made salvation accessible to humanity by personally paying the price to satisfy His justice while simultaneously establishing the righteousness demanded by His holiness. Jesus Christ [Isa Masih], who is the very word of the Creator i.e. the internal reality of the Creator, born into this world and accomplished these two things—which were impossible for humans to achieve—through His life, suffering, and death. This act embodies the Creator’s self-sacrifice; it is a sacrificial act of love shown by the Creator toward humanity! 

As irrefutable proof that this was indeed a grand plan devised by the Creator Himself for the salvation of humanity, Jesus Christ [Isa Masih] died exactly the way it was foretold to atone for human sin and subsequently rose from the dead conquering death within three days, just as He had informed His disciples!  

[Injeel (Matthew 17:22-23; 28:1-20; Mark 9:31; 16:1-20; Luke 18:31-33; 24:1-53; John 10:18; 20:1-31)] 

Forgiveness and Salvation  

Any person burdened by impurity and unrighteousness who recognizes their wretched state, repents sincerely, believes in the sacrificial love the Creator demonstrated for humanity through the death and resurrections of Isa al-Masih (Jesus Christ), and seeks His forgiveness, can experience a spiritual rebirth and attain salvation right now. Such a person begins a new life in this world and starts to grow with a renewed nature, hope, and destiny. 

Answers to Questions 

Let us now consider the questions that arise regarding this topic among non-Christians, particularly those of the Islamic faith. 

Questions of the first type:  

Since the Creator is sovereign, what prevents Him from simply forgiving humans and granting them salvation? 

Was there truly a need for the Creator to implement such an elaborate plan—involving Jesus Christ coming into the world, suffering, dying, and rising again—to achieve this? 

Answer: 

According to the teachings of the Bible—the complete Word of God—there was indeed a need! Here is why…

If one assumes that the Creator can simply forgive a sinner and grant salvation based solely on His sovereignty, then by that same logic, He should also be able to punish a sinless, righteous person and condemn them to hell. Such conduct would be undeniable proof of capriciousness and injustice. The Creator does not—and cannot—possess such flaws.  

Because the true Creator possesses a loving desire to save sinful humans and grant them salvation, an elaborate plan was necessary to accomplish this without violating His attributes of holiness and justice—working instead within their parameters. As part of that plan, He Himself paid the price for the consequences of human sin, thereby satisfying the demands of His justice. This was fulfilled through the suffering and death of Isa Masih (Jesus Christ). 

Question of the second type: 

Is it not unjust to punish the sinless, righteous Isa (Jesus) in order to spare sinners?  

Answer: 

In reality, subjecting an innocent person to punishment to save a guilty one is indeed inherently unjust. However, the act performed by the Creator through the suffering and death of Isa Masih (Jesus Christ)—as part of the plan to save sinners—was not of that nature. Jesus Christ, being divine, voluntarily stepped in to fulfil the role of a substitute within God’s plan; He came to secure redemption for humanity and pave the way for them to attain salvation. In other words, He was the One who decreed the punishment due for human sins (owing to His nature of justice), and He was also the One who paid the price for that punishment (owing to His nature of love)!  

Question of the third type: 

Does this condone sin and encourage the wicked to persist in their wrongdoing? 

Answer: 

If all sinners were unilaterally forgiven and granted salvation without any conditions or distinctions—and without anyone paying the price for their sins—it would effectively condone sin and encourage the wicked to persist in their wrongdoing. 

However, the work of salvation accomplished by the Creator through Isa al-Masih (Jesus Christ) is entirely different. Forgiveness and salvation are granted only to those sinners who recognize their unrighteousness and impurity, repent, and—instead of relying on their own righteousness or piety—place their faith in the saving work the Creator Himself performed through Isa al-Masih, seeking forgiveness from Him. Having received God’s grace in this manner, such individuals must live a new life—pleasing to the Creator and aided by His Spirit—while walking in the light of His Scriptures, the Bible. 

A Personal Call to You 

Dear Muslim brothers and sisters, 

May the blessings of God (Allah) be abundantly poured upon you!  

The Creator is infinitely merciful. It is not His will for any human being to enter Hell. That is precisely why Isa al-Masih was sent into this world—driven by the sublime purpose of forgiving you and me, granting us a new life, saving us from the punishment of Hell, and bestowing salvation upon us. It is only through Him that all of humanity finds the true path to salvation. Isa Al-Masih is alive even today. Therefore, He is the only Savior who can hear your prayers and do you good. Ask Him and He will listen to your heart’s cry and respond!  

May God/Allah bless you!