There is a 1,400-year conflict between Christianity and Islam that most people in the Western world have largely forgotten. Understanding this conflict, and what the Bible says about it, is essential for every follower of Jesus who wants to be spiritually prepared and equipped to share the gospel in today’s world.

Why Is This Conversation So Uncomfortable for Christians?

Many Christians have been conditioned to believe that all religions are equally valid, that speaking critically about Islam is hateful, or that the word “Islamophobia” applies to anyone who raises concerns. But a phobia is an irrational fear. Recognizing a real and documented threat is not irrational. It is discernment.

Niceness is not a Christian virtue. Kindness is. There is a difference. We are called to love all people as image bearers of God, but that love does not require us to treat all belief systems as equally true. Jesus said clearly: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

What Is the Historical Relationship Between Christianity and Islam?

Islam emerged in the 7th century, and within its first hundred years, Muslim armies had conquered vast portions of what was once the Christian world. Northern Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Europe were taken by force.

Cities like Ephesus, Nicaea, Antioch, and Jerusalem, all foundational to early Christianity, fell under Islamic rule. The Council of Nicaea, where the canon of Scripture was recognized, is now an Islamic city. Ephesus, where Paul wrote to one of the earliest churches, was put to the sword centuries later.

This is not ancient, irrelevant history. It is the context for understanding what Islam is and how it operates. As Deuteronomy 6 reminds us: “These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-7

We are commanded to remember the past so we can preserve the present and move into the future with wisdom.

What Does the Bible Say About False Gospels?

The Apostle Paul wrote something striking in his letter to the Galatians: “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, a curse be on him.” – Galatians 1:8

This may be more than a dramatic warning about false teachers. It may be a prophetic word. Muhammad claimed that an angel appeared to him in a cave near Mecca around 610 AD and gave him a new revelation. This is the foundation of Islam. It is entirely plausible, given what Scripture tells us, that what appeared to Muhammad was a fallen angel presenting a counterfeit gospel.

This is consistent with how the enemy operates. What God creates, Satan counterfeits. He takes what is true and inverts it, perverts it, and offers a distorted version designed to deceive.

Jesus warned us directly: “Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. You’ll recognize them by their fruit.” – Matthew 7:15-16

How Is Islam Structured and What Does It Actually Teach?

Understanding the foundations of Islam helps Christians recognize the spiritual battle they are in. Here are key terms and concepts:

• Islam means submission or surrender, specifically to the will of Allah and to Sharia law.
• Sharia is a unified system that combines religion, legal authority, and political rule. It cannot be separated into parts. Where Sharia is established, it governs everything.
• Jihad is the holy war waged to bring all non-Muslims into submission. The Quran prescribes physical conquest against those who do not believe.
• Taqiyyah is the Islamic doctrine that permits lying if it advances the goals of Islam.
• Infidel refers to all non-Muslims. In Islam, you are either a Muslim or an infidel. There is no middle ground.

The Quran itself states: “Fight those who do not believe in Allah or in the last day… fight until they give the jizyah willingly while they are humbled.” – Surah 9:29

The end goal of Islam is the submission of the entire world. This has been consistent for 1,400 years.

How Is the Kingdom of Christ Different From the Kingdom of Darkness?

This is the heart of the matter. There are two kingdoms. The kingdom of Christ and the kingdom of darkness. Everything else falls into one of those two categories.

Jesus launched His kingdom with a proclamation: “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news.” – Mark 1:15

The kingdom of Christ advances through repentance and belief. Entry is voluntary. No one is forced. Our obedience flows not from fear of death but from love for what Jesus did on the cross. He who knew no sin became sin so that we might become His righteousness.

Jesus even rejected offers to be made king by force: “Therefore, when Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make Him king, He withdrew again to the mountain by Himself.” – John 6:15

Islam operates in the opposite way. Submission is demanded. Conversion is coerced. The sword is the instrument of expansion. Where Christ’s kingdom grows through love and proclamation, Islam’s kingdom grows through conquest and fear.

Are People Who Follow Islam the Enemy?

No. And this is critical to understand. Scripture is clear: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood.” – Ephesians 6:12

People are not the enemy. The lies they believe are. The spiritual bondage they are in is. A neighbor who follows Islam is not your enemy. They are someone in spiritual captivity who needs the gospel.

The church is growing fastest right now in Iran. Muslims are coming to faith in Jesus Christ across the Islamic world. Any faithful Muslim can hear the good news and become a Christian. Grace is available to all.

We must hold two things together: a clear-eyed understanding of what Islam is as a system, and genuine compassion for the people caught within it.

What Should Christians Do in Response?

The answer is not despair. Despair is a sin for the believer. Jesus wins. His kingdom cannot be stopped. As He said: “I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” – Matthew 16:18

Here is a practical response for every follower of Christ:

1. Ground yourself in the truth of the gospel. Remember that Jesus is alive, He is King, and He wins. Muhammad is dead. We serve a risen Savior.
2. Do not lose sight of the value of every person. Do not let hatred take root. Every person, regardless of their religion, was made in the image of God and can be saved.
3. Understand what Islam really is. Do not be deceived by cultural pressure or political correctness. Know the history. Know the doctrine. Be spiritually informed.
4. Live out the truth with passion. Preach Christ. Live holy. Follow Jesus. Submit to Him out of love, not compulsion, because He will never force you. That is the beauty of the gospel.

Life Application

This week, take one concrete step to be better equipped for the spiritual battle around you. That might mean having a conversation with a neighbor you have been avoiding. It might mean learning more about the history of Christianity and Islam so you can speak with confidence and grace. It might mean praying specifically for Muslims in your city or community to encounter the gospel.

We are not called to passivity. We are called to wield the greatest weapon available: the truth of the Word of God. It never returns void.

Ask yourself these questions as you reflect this week:

• Am I grounded enough in the gospel to recognize a counterfeit when I encounter one?
• Do I see the people around me, regardless of their beliefs, as image bearers who need Jesus, or do I see them as threats?
• Am I living my faith with the same passion and conviction that I expect from others?
• What is one thing I can do this week to be a more informed and courageous witness for the kingdom of Christ?

The kingdom of darkness is real. But the kingdom of Christ is greater. And in the end, He wins.