From Adam to Jesus, the Qur’an reveals God’s plan: to restore our honor through mercy, not works. Jesus is the Straight Path back to Paradise.
“Let such portions of truth be dealt out to them as they may be able to grasp and appreciate. . . . If truth were presented in so large a measure that they could not receive it, some would go away and never come again.” (Ellen G. White, 1946. Evangelism. Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., p. 142)
“The people of every country have their own peculiar, distinctive characteristics, and it is necessary that men should be wise in order that they may know how to adapt themselves to the peculiar ideas [worldview] of the people, and so introduce the truth that they may do them good.” (White, Ellen G. 1923. Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub., p. 213).
1. In the Beginning: The Question of Honor
Have you ever wondered why we long for dignity? Why do we cover ourselves when we feel exposed? Why does shame cut deeper than wounds?
From the very beginning, Allah created Adam with honor. He was not just another creature of dust. He was chosen. Taught. Honored. Even the angels were commanded to bow before him (Al-Baqara 2:34). Why such honor?
Because Adam was made to walk with God, in the garden, clothed in purity, knowledge, and freedom.
“And He taught Adam all the names…” (Al-Baqara 2:31)
“We said, ‘O Adam, dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise.’” (Al-Baqara 2:35)
But then… something went terribly wrong.
2. The Question of Shame
Why did Adam disobey? Why do we? What was the fruit that Adam ate, really? Was it only a piece of food, or a desire to choose his own way instead of God’s?
“But Satan caused them to slip out of it and removed them from that [condition] in which they had been.” (Al-Baqara 2:36)
The moment Adam sinned, what was the first thing he felt?
Shame. “Their nakedness became apparent to them, and they began to fasten together over themselves from the leaves of Paradise.” (Al-Aaraf 7:22)
Why is it that when we sin, we want to hide? Adam tried to cover himself with leaves. But could leaves truly hide his shame?Can our prayers, fasting, or good works cover our inward guilt?
3. The Question of Descent
God said to them, “Go down.” What did Adam lose in that moment?
- His closeness to Allah
- His place in the garden
- His covering of purity
- His freedom from labor and death
And with Adam, we fell. We, the sons and daughters of Adam, carry the marks of his fall. Do you see them?
- The shame that clings to our hearts
- The struggle of life
- The distance between us and God
Are you not tired of this distance? Have you ever wished for a way back?
4. The Question of Covering
Adam tried to cover himself. But who finally clothed him?
“O Children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness—that is best.” (Al-Aaraf 7:26)
What kind of clothing was this? Fig leaves—or something more lasting? Could it be… skins? If so, where did the skins come from? Could it be that blood was shed to cover Adam’s shame? And what of Abraham?
“And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.” (Al-Saffat 37:107)
Why a sacrifice? Why a ram? Could Allah be signaling something—someone—greater?
5. The Question of the Straight Path
How do we return? Can the ashamed make themselves honorable? Can the impure make themselves pure?
“They said, ‘Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves. If You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.’” (Al-Aaraf 7:23)
Isn’t this our cry too? We need mercy. But how can mercy be just? We need honor. But who can give it?
“The lowly cannot raise others, the poor cannot enrich others, the unclean cannot purify others, the shameful cannot honor others.”
So who can? Who has purity? Who has honor? Who is close enough to God to reconcile us?
6. The Question of the One Sent from God
Have you read what the Qur’an says about Isa (Jesus)?
“I have come to you to announce the gift of a pure boy.” (Maryam 19:19)
Who else is called sinless in the Qur’an?
“The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was… His word… and a spirit from Him.” (Al-Nisa 4:171)
Who else is described as a Word from Allah, a Spirit from Him, honored in this world and the next, and near to God? If we need someone pure to restore the impure, could it be him? If we need someone whose blood is more than a symbol, could it be him?
7. The Question of Death and Destiny
“O Jesus, I will cause you to die and raise you up to Me.” (Al-Imran 3:55)
“When You caused me to die, You were the observer over them.” (Al-Maida 5:117)
Yes, Isa died. Not by accident. But in fulfillment of the symbols:
- The clothing of Adam
- The sacrifice of Abraham
- The mercy foretold
What do you think: Was his death meaningless, or was it the Greatest Ransom? Could his blood cover what your works never could?
8. The Question You Must Answer
The Qur’an says: “We made him [Isa] a sign of the Hour… So follow Me. This is the Straight Path.” (Al-Zukhruf 43:61-64)
What is this Straight Path?
- Fear Allah (43:63)
- Worship Allah (43:64)
- Obey Isa (43:63)
Is it possible that the Straight Path is not a system… but a person? What will you choose?
“Mercy… was a matter decreed.” (Maryam 19:21)
“Every one of you will enter [Hell]… a matter decreed.” (Maryam 19:71)
Two destinies. Only one path to mercy. Will you follow the Word of God, the Sinless One, the Honored One? Will you walk the Straight Path?
Invitation
Open the Injil. Read the Gospel of Matthew. Ask God to show you the way to be clothed in the righteousness that Adam lost. Ask Him to reveal the mercy that was predestined for you.
Will you respond to the One who was sent to restore your honor? Will you walk the Straight Path?
Global Discipleship Network 