Hebrews 13 is a powerful conclusion to the letter to the Hebrews, offering a final exhortation on how believers should live in light of Christ’s supremacy, the sufficiency of His sacrifice, and the call to persevere in faith
By Dr. Tim Orr
Hebrews 13 is a powerful conclusion to the letter to the Hebrews, offering a final exhortation on how believers should live in light of Christ’s supremacy, the sufficiency of His sacrifice, and the call to persevere in faith. It emphasizes faithful leadership, hospitality, suffering for Christ, true worship, contentment, and the unchanging nature of Jesus Christ. The heart of the chapter is a call to live a Christ-centered life, one that is shaped by the gospel rather than by human striving.
Islam, by contrast, presents a radically different framework for faith, leadership, suffering, and salvation. While Islam shares some superficial similarities with Christian ethics, such as valuing hospitality and charity, its theological foundations are fundamentally opposed to the gospel. Islam is built on submission to divine law, while Christianity is based on freedom in Christ. Islam views leadership as hierarchical and authoritative, while Christian leadership is pastoral and sacrificial. The Christian response to suffering is rooted in identification with Christ, whereas Islamic theology often frames suffering as divine testing or retributive justice. Ultimately, the contrast between Hebrews 13 and Islam is between grace and works, between Christ’s finished work and humanity’s attempt to achieve righteousness through law.
Hebrews 13 presents a vision of spiritual leadership rooted in humility, accountability, and faithfulness to Christ. Verse 7 exhorts believers to remember their leaders, those who "spoke the word of God" to them, and to imitate their faith. This passage highlights that true Christian leadership is not about control or coercion but guiding others through God's Word and modeling faithfulness to Christ. Later, verse 17 instructs believers to submit to their leaders, not because they hold political power, but because they are shepherds who “keep watch over your souls” and will give an account before God. This is a radically different view of leadership from the world’s systems—Christian leaders are not rulers but servants, accountable to Christ for how they shepherd His people (1 Peter 5:2-4).
In contrast, Islamic leadership is built on legal and political authority rather than spiritual shepherding. In Sunni Islam, leadership has historically been associated with the caliphate, which blends religious authority with state power. The caliph was not merely a religious teacher but a political ruler responsible for enforcing shariah (Islamic law). This close connection between religion and state power is also evident in Shia Islam, where the concept of Imamate elevates certain religious leaders (imams) to a semi-divine status, believing that they possess hidden knowledge and authority to interpret the Qur’an infallibly. This hierarchical system reinforces control and obedience rather than personal faith and spiritual accountability (Esposito, 2011).
The contrast is striking. Hebrews 13 presents leadership as a call to shepherd others toward Christ, while Islam’s model of leadership centers on legal enforcement and political power. One is about servanthood, the other about authority. One points to Jesus as the ultimate Shepherd, while the other establishes human leaders as intermediaries between God and people.
Perhaps the most fundamental contrast is found in the doctrine of salvation. Hebrews 13 points to Jesus as the unchanging Savior, declaring that He is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Salvation in Christianity is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Christ’s work is completely sufficient—His death and resurrection fully atone for sin (Hebrews 10:14), making human efforts unnecessary for salvation.
Islam, however, rejects salvation by grace. The Qur'an teaches that one's deeds determine one’s eternal fate, stating, “Then those whose balance [of good deeds] is heavy, they will attain salvation” (Surah 23:102). Unlike Christianity, where salvation is a gift, Islam teaches that salvation must be earned through obedience to Allah’s laws. Even then, salvation in Islam is never guaranteed, as Allah’s final decision is arbitrary and unknowable (Surah 7:99). The believer is left in a state of uncertainty and striving, hoping they have done enough to avoid divine wrath.
The contrast between Hebrews 13 and Islam is not just about theological differences but two completely different ways of relating to God. Islam calls for obedience without assurance, and Christianity calls for faith with full assurance in Christ. Islam offers laws to follow, and Christianity offers grace to receive. Islam demands submission to an impersonal master, and Christianity invites believers into a loving relationship with the Father through Christ (Romans 8:15).
The final words of Hebrews 13 provide a powerful and hopeful benediction:
“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21)
This is the beauty of the gospel—we are not left to strive and hope that our efforts will be enough. God Himself equips us, and we are secure in Him through Christ’s eternal covenant. The God we serve is not a distant judge who may or may not accept us—He is the God of peace who guarantees our salvation in Christ.
If there is one thing Hebrews 13 makes abundantly clear, it is that Jesus is enough. His leadership is enough. His grace is enough. His sacrifice is enough. Islam keeps its followers bound in uncertainty, always striving for Allah’s favor but never knowing if they will receive it. Conversely, the gospel declares with certainty that those who are in Christ are eternally secure (John 10:28-29).
This is why Christianity is not just another religion—it is the good news of what Christ has already done. The burden of law is lifted, the fear of rejection is removed, and the hope of eternal life is guaranteed. Because of that, Hebrews 13 calls us to go to Christ outside the camp, bearing His reproach (Hebrews 13:13), knowing that whatever we suffer now is nothing compared to the eternal glory that awaits us in Him (Romans 8:18).
So the question is: Will we rest in the finished work of Christ, or will we continue striving under the weight of human effort? The answer is clear—Jesus is better, and the gospel is infinitely greater than anything Islam offers.
Cook, D. (2005). Understanding jihad. University of California Press.
Esposito, J. L. (2002). What everyone needs to know about Islam. Oxford University Press.
Esposito, J. L. (2011). Islam: The straight path. Oxford University Press.
Dr. Tim Orr works full-time at Crescent Project as the assistant director of the internship program and area coordinator and is very active in UK outreach. He is a scholar of Islam, Evangelical minister, conference speaker, and interfaith consultant with over 30 years of experience in cross-cultural ministry. He holds six degrees, including a master’s in Islamic studies from the Islamic College in London. He is a Congregations and Polarization Project research associate at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at Indiana University Indianapolis. His research focuses on American Evangelicalism, Islamic minism. He has spoken at prestigious universities and mosques, including Oxford University, Imperial College London, and the University of Tehran. He has published widely, including articles in Islamic peer-reviewed journals, and has written four books.