Arrogance of Christianity, Threat and Warning, Law of Sin and Death, God-Given Conscience

3/30/19        Matt  (see video HERE)

“If you fell from an airplane, what would kill you – the law of gravity or your lack of a parachute?” 

I was explaining some Gospel truths to Matt, an unbeliever and skeptic of religious belief, when he asked a question on the hearts of many – “What about people who have never heard of Christ?  How could God send good people to hell when they haven’t had the chance to believe in Him?”

As our world becomes more and more interconnected through migration, travel, and instant communication, this question will only become more of a stumbling block to belief in Christianity.  It seems arrogant for people of one religious belief to say that the rest are condemned for not believing the same as themselves, and Matt wanted no part of it.

I don’t blame him if people are to be judged for the beliefs they have inherited from their family and upbringing.  But just as we can’t blame the parachute for what happens when we suffer the consequences of the law of gravity, we can’t blame Jesus for what happens when we suffer the consequences of the law of sin and death spoken of in Romans 8:2.

Matt is one of many who believe that Christianity is a religion based on the threat of punishment.  But I think that description falls too short – it is the fact of punishment that we must warn others about.  

There is a big difference between a threat and a warning.  No one would think you are threatening them if you warn them they will be killed if they jump out of an airplane without a parachute.  The law of gravity applies to everyone, and no one would be personally offended by the warning.  In fact, they would thank you for the timely advice.

The same applies to God’s steadfast character.  God’s good justice makes the law of sin and death universal like the law of gravity.  All who sin, which Matt correctly identified as everyone, are condemned to death.  It doesn’t matter if they are from a different religion or no religion at all, all who have gone against their God-given conscience and committed sin are deserving of death.  No one deserves the parachute. 

But the reference to the law of sin and death comes in the context of some amazing news.  Romans 8:1-2 tells us “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”

Are you upset because other people must face eternity without a parachute?  None of us deserve one, but don’t let that stop you - put one on yourself so you can help others put theirs on as well!

Thanks, Matt, for allowing me to record our conversation.  It can be seen HERE