Comparative Theology · Common Ground
Keep the commandments
In short
- 1.Matthew 19:17 gives a direct answer to a direct question.
- 2.The answer is obedience, not a doctrine about his nature.
- 3.This is the earliest layer of the tradition.
The claim being examined
Asked what must be done to have eternal life, Jesus (PBUH) answers: keep the commandments.
The Islamic position
Islam teaches the same - obedience to God's commands, with His mercy, is the path.
Analysis
The Matthean and Markan versions differ in a theologically significant way: Mark 10:18 has Jesus (PBUH) say 'Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.'
From the Qur'an
وَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ مِن ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثَىٰ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌۭ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ يَدْخُلُونَ ٱلْجَنَّةَ وَلَا يُظْلَمُونَ نَقِيرًۭا
waman yaʿmal mina l-ṣāliḥāti min dhakarin aw unthā wahuwa mu'minun fa-ulāika yadkhulūna l-janata walā yuẓ'lamūna naqīran
And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer - those will enter Paradise.
From the Bible
If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.
Read it in their BibleWhy do you call me good? Jesus answered. No one is good except God alone.
Read it in their BibleSources
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