72 Virgins and Salvation: Finding True Assurance in a World of Violence
By Dr. Conrad Vine
Good afternoon, everyone. It’s a privilege to share with you today. I’ve been blessed by the fellowship and warmth here in British Columbia, and I praise God for brothers and sisters who love the Lord and want His will to triumph.
Today, I want to talk about a heavy but crucial topic: “72 Virgins and Salvation.” It’s a topical sermon, but at its heart, it’s really about the forgiveness of God.
When you look at stories of people who have suffered immensely—through imprisonment, torture, or exile—the number one way they get through is by practicing forgiveness. Forgiveness is at the heart of the Christian message. You don’t find forgiveness upheld particularly in Islam, Hinduism, or Buddhism. Forgiveness is a uniquely Christian doctrine.
If a society does not have people who receive forgiveness and are willing to give it, that society degenerates into cycles of violence and vendettas that go on for generations.
Jesus said, “Love your enemies.” It might be the hardest thing He ever said.
The Battle Between Two Paths of Salvation
We are living in a time of conflict. Recently, the world saw the death of a major Iranian leader, and posters appeared in Tehran celebrating the transition of power. On one side, the Iranian regime understands this conflict in spiritual terms—America as the “Great Satan.” On the other side, some Western leaders frame the battle using apocalyptic Christian language.
But this isn’t just a battle between militaries. It is a battle between two competing paths of salvation.
Every religion points to a greater reality: Paradise, Jannah, Nirvana, or a New Earth. The Persian word pairidaeza (paradise) means “a four-walled garden.” Every human heart longs for that garden. The question is: How do we get there?
Islam and the Quest for Assurance
Islam rose in the 7th century in the Arabian Peninsula. After Muhammad died, the faith split into Sunni and Shia. Without diving too deep into history, we must understand a critical doctrine: Tabba—the steps to find forgiveness from Allah.
To receive forgiveness in Islam, one must show remorse, not intend to repeat the sin, perform duties, apologize, make restitution, and obey Allah. But here is the tragedy:
There is no guarantee of forgiveness in the Quran or the Hadith.
Surah 6:8 says, “Turn to Allah… in the hope… not certainty… that your Lord will remove your ills.” You can never be 100% sure you are forgiven.
So, how does a Muslim find assurance? Through martyrdom (Istishhad) .
The Promise of Martyrdom
In Sahih al-Bukhari (the most revered Hadith), it is taught that if you participate in Jihad and die, you receive:
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Forgiveness for all sins.
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A place in Paradise.
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Protection from the torture of the grave.
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Safety from judgment.
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A crown of honor.
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72 Huris (Virgins) – companions untouched by men, who renew their virginity daily.
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The right to intercede for 70 of your relatives.
For a young man living an immoral life in the West, or a young woman suffering shame from infertility or rape, death by martyrdom erases shame, restores family honor, and guarantees Paradise.
These are not “suicide bombings” in the strict sense. These are “assurance of salvation” bombings. They are acting to gain eternal life the only way their faith guarantees it.
The Christian Answer: A God Who Delights to Forgive
What does the Bible say? The contrast is breathtaking.
| Question | Islam | Christianity |
|---|---|---|
| Will a penitent sinner be forgiven? | Maybe | Yes (1 John 1:9) |
| Can they have assurance? | No | Yes (Romans 8:1) |
| Who has to die? | The Believer (Martyrdom) | Jesus Christ (Calvary) |
In Christianity, we do not look to our own death for salvation. We look to Calvary.
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The Law reveals our sin. Like a mirror, the Ten Commandments show us our imperfections (Romans 3:20).
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The Holy Spirit convicts us. Not to drive us to despair, but to drive us to the Savior (John 16:8).
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Confession must be specific. Leviticus 5:5 says, “Confess the sin you have committed.” Not just, “Forgive us our sins,” but, “Lord, forgive me for losing my temper with my son.”
The Character of God
Exodus 34:6 says God is “abounding in steadfast love.” That word (Hesed) means covenant faithfulness, mercy, and long-suffering.
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He delights to show clemency. Micah 7:18 says He does not retain His anger forever because He delights in mercy.
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He will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:7 says He doesn’t just forgive; He abundantly pardons.
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He bore our shame. On the cross, Jesus carried not just our guilt, but our shame—crucial for an honor/shame culture (Hebrews 12:2).
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
The word “cleanse” is the same word used for healing leprosy. Sin is a deadly disease, and God cures it completely.
What Must We Do?
When we are convicted of sin (Acts 2:37), we must Repent and be Baptized.
Repentance (Metanoia) means turning around and walking in the opposite direction. If you are addicted to sin, don’t walk past the bar. Cross the street. Change your path.
Jesus promises: “Anyone who comes to me, I will never drive away.” (John 6:37)
Jesus never fired a disciple. He worked with Judas until the very end. He will not cast you out.
The Call to Rest
The war today isn’t just in the Middle East. It is inside every human heart. The prize is eternal life.
I love Jesus—Issa al-Masih, Yeshua Hamashiach—because on Calvary:
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He bore my guilt.
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He carried my shame.
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He paid the price.
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His blood was spilled, not mine.
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
We do not fear the final judgment. In Christ, we are not criminals. We are children.
Final Invitation
What burdens did you walk in with today? Regrets? Shame? Hidden sins? Exhaustion from trying to be perfect?
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Use your religious liberty today. Choose for Christ. Ask Him to be your Savior from sin.
I am British by birth, Irish by blood, and American by choice—but most importantly, I am saved by grace.
He is coming again. Not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him.
Why not choose God today?
Let us pray:
Father, thank You that You delight to forgive. Thank You that You will never drive away anyone who comes to You. Create in us a clean heart. Less of us, more of You. And Jesus, when You come again, please come looking for me. Amen.