As we learned from our previous examination of the foreshadows and prophecies in the Old Covenant, the coming and purpose of the Messiah is to be the last offering for our sins, replacing the old system of animal sacrifice in the tabernacle sacrifices under Moses' law.

Muslims do not believe that Jesus died on the cross because of the current rendering of one ayah (verse) Surah 4.157, which some believe is a mistranslation. -

“And for their unbelief and their uttering against Mary a mighty calumny, and for their saying, ‘We slew Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of God’ – yet they did not slay him, neither crucified him, only a likeness of that was shown to them. Those who are at variance concerning him surely are in doubt regarding him; they have no knowledge of him except the following surmise: and they slew him not of a certainty – no indeed; God raised Him up to Him; God is almighty, all wise” (Qur’an 4:156, 157).

Muslims believe that it was not Jesus who died on the cross but an image, or a substitution "only a likeness." Muhammad called Jesus "Ruh Allah" which means “Spirit of (or from) God.” A Spirit of God cannot be killed or destroyed. Jesus is referred to in the Bible as the “image of God.” That is because “No man has seen God at anytime” – John 1:18. Jesus said, “The Father who dwells within Me, He does the works” – John 14:10. “I and My Father are One" – John 10:30. Therefore – “He who has seen Me has seen the Father" – John 14:9. God was operating in Jesus though His Spirit. “God was in Messiah reconciling the world to Himself” – II Corinthians 5:19. So even if the Qur'an was not mis-translated, what Muhammad is saying in Qur'an 4:157 is that only the image was killed or could be killed. The Spirit of God, Ruh Allah cannot be killed, only the image, the human body, therefore the Jews could not kill Him. There are some Muslims who believe that Jesus did die on the cross and they also acknowledge that His soul did not die and that is the correct interpretation.

Historical confirmations of Jesus' crucifixion

Lucia c. 120- after c. 180 - Referred to Jesus as a crucified sophis (philosopher).


Tacitus c.56 - c. 120 - quote - "Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty...at the hands of our procurator, Pontus Pilate."


Josephus - c. 37 - c. 100 - quote - "At the time there appeared Jesus, a wise man, for he was a doer of amazing deeds. When Pilate condemned him to the cross, the leading men among us, having accused him, those who loved him did not cease to do so."

Next - Why Jesus is Called the Son of God

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