Josh began by relating a question from a student at the University of Texas who asked, "Why is Jesus the only way to a relationship with God?" Josh answered that most people don't realize that God is not only loving, but also just and holy! He is just and MUST follow through with the penalty for sin-death. He is perfectly holy (without sin) and cannot allow sin in His presence! He cannot forgive until the sin is paid for and the payment recognized as being on the sinner's behalf. That begins the relationship with God - When the sinner admits his/her sin and accepts that Jesus died in his/her place, and recognizes Him as Ruler of the sinner's life - the desire to obey Him and His word - the Bible.
God may personify love, but love is something God does. He also judges, lives in holiness, and hates sin.
Jesus died for us individually, but He also died to satisfy God's justice - "The soul that sins, it shall die!" He died that death in our place - for us.
To illustrate what God did for us, Josh wrote of a young lady who was given a ticket for speeding. She plead "Guilty", before the judge who fined her $100. He, then, took off his robe, went down in front and paid her fine. He was her father, but he had to follow the law. Yet, because he loved her, he paid her fine. That's what God did for us through Jesus' death on the cross.
"Why couldn't God just forgive?" Because the debt HAD to be paid before He could forgive. Josh argued that there is always a payment for forgiveness. It doesn't matter what the offense is, forgiveness must be paid for. Whether a lamp is broken or a speeding law is broken, or one is a rebel against God - wanting to do things my way - not God's way. A payment must be made to be able to forgive.
If a child broke a lamp and parents forgive, they must take the loss or buy a new lamp. Forgiveness must be paid for - there is NO other way!
Sincerely,
Rick
God may personify love, but love is something God does. He also judges, lives in holiness, and hates sin.
Jesus died for us individually, but He also died to satisfy God's justice - "The soul that sins, it shall die!" He died that death in our place - for us.
To illustrate what God did for us, Josh wrote of a young lady who was given a ticket for speeding. She plead "Guilty", before the judge who fined her $100. He, then, took off his robe, went down in front and paid her fine. He was her father, but he had to follow the law. Yet, because he loved her, he paid her fine. That's what God did for us through Jesus' death on the cross.
"Why couldn't God just forgive?" Because the debt HAD to be paid before He could forgive. Josh argued that there is always a payment for forgiveness. It doesn't matter what the offense is, forgiveness must be paid for. Whether a lamp is broken or a speeding law is broken, or one is a rebel against God - wanting to do things my way - not God's way. A payment must be made to be able to forgive.
If a child broke a lamp and parents forgive, they must take the loss or buy a new lamp. Forgiveness must be paid for - there is NO other way!
Sincerely,
Rick
