Comparative Theology · Common Ground
The only true God, and the one he sent
In short
- 1.Jesus addresses the Father as 'the only true God'.
- 2.He places himself in the category of the one sent.
- 3.This is the Islamic description of Jesus in his own words.
The claim being examined
In John 17:3 Jesus prays to the Father and distinguishes 'the only true God' from himself as the one sent.
The Islamic position
Islam holds Jesus to be a messenger sent by the one true God - which is precisely the distinction the verse draws.
Analysis
The verse sits inside the high-christology Gospel of John, which makes it striking: even here Jesus prays to another as the only true God and refers to himself as sent.
From the Qur'an
Qur'an 4:171
The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was no more than a messenger of Allah.
From the Bible
John 17:3
hina ginoskosin se ton monon alethinon theon
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
Read it in their BibleSources
The Holy Qur'an · The Bible (NIV / KJV) · Common Ground collection
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