I grew up going to church but I’m not religious now and I never really understood this part.
Please, no answers along the lines of “aha, that’s why Christianity is a sham” or “religions aren’t logical”. I don’t want to debate whether it’s right or wrong, I just want to understand the logic and reasoning that Christians use to explain this.
Oh snaps! A Christian question I’m qualified to answer! I’m not sure this will be five year old appropriate, because the cross is a difficult topic for theologians, but I’ll do my best. This will be an oversimplification.
A lot of people think the people think the cross and forgiveness are about going to have a heaven when you die, but that’s not really correct. The eternal life is more of a side effect.
The cross and resurrection are an invitation to partner together with God in the rescue of creation. Which means bringing the world back to the place God originally intended before humanity sinned.
In practical terms, it is the possibility of living like Jesus and treating others how he did. This way of living is so radical and transformative that not even death can overcome it.
Brilliantly said!! We could be friends I know it.
Thanks! Your answer on Hebrews was equally good and I suspect you’re right.
id have said that god doesnt really wager sins “badness” (anymore) . Since every sin divides us from god (that means hell) it doesnt really make sense to draw a line since nothing is worse than going to hell <-> beeing distant from god. So to answer the question: “why do you have to be good?”. We dont. because god sets this metric very differently than us. Also while it might look like a person is bad we just cant look inside them.
sheesh i hope not :S