I was considering the Christian and Muslim viewpoints surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus yesterday.  What struck me as odd about the Muslim belief that Jesus did not die on the cross (beyond the fact that one verse in the Quran overturns multiple 1st and 2nd century historical writings - see my blog post on that here), is that Allah created this deception, making people believe that Jesus had in fact been crucified.

The way I see it is that in the Christian account (which also agrees with the historical evidence), God sent the Son to die on the cross as a complete and perfect sacrifice for sin; an atoning sacrifice that enables us to have peace with God.  Romans 5:8 says "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  The crucifixion was a demonstration of God's love!  The eternal Son of God died for His own.  Without the death and resurrection of Christ there is no good news, there is no forgiveness of sin.

1 Corinthians 15:17 says "if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins."

Now looking again at the Islamic belief we have God purposely deceiving millions and millions of people, damning them to eternal punishment.  And for what reason?  Because a prophet of God like Jesus could not suffer and die in such a disgraceful manner.

In one case, we have the Creator demonstrating the supreme act of love and saving millions from their sin, that if not forgiven, would condemn them to hell.  And in the other case we have the Creator deceiving millions, and condemning the millions he deceived to an eternity in hell.