Josh Mcdowell
Copyright 2007, Imprint Edition
Chapter 3: Lord, Liar or Lunatic?
Psychologist Gary R Collins explains that Jesus “was loving but didn't let his compassion immobilize him; he didn't have a bloated ego, even though he was often surrounded by adoring crowds; he maintained balance despite an often demanding lifestyle; he always knew what he was doing and where he was going; he cared deeply about people, including women and children who weren't seen as important back then; he was able to accept people while not merely winking at their sin; he responded to individuals based on where they were at and what they uniquely needed. All in all, i just don't see signs that Jesus was suffering from any known mental illness... He was much healthier than anyone else I know – including me!
Chapter 11: Isn't there some other way?
In today's open climate, people seem offended by the exclusive claims that Jesus is the only way to God and the only source of forgiveness of sin and salvation....they usually ask: “How can a loving God allow anyone to go to hell?” I often turn the question around and ask, “How can a holy, just and righteous God allow a sinful person into His presence?”
...He cannot tolerate sin in his heaven any more than you would tolerate a filthy, foul-smelling, diseased dog to live in your home.
When Jesus died on the cross, he died not only for us, but he also died to meet the holy and just requirements intrinsic in the basic nature of God. The contamination was removed so we could stand clean in His Presence.
...At this point many people ask the natural question, “Why couldn't God just forgive without requiring any payment?” An executive in a large corporation once told me, “My employees often damage equipment, waste materials and break things, and I just forgive them. Are you telling me I can do something that God can't do?” The executive failed to realize that his forgiveness cost him something. His company paid for his employees' failures by repairing and replacing damaged items. Wherever there is forgiveness, there is payment.
...Forgiveness always has a price. Let's say someone insults you in front of others, and later you graciously say “I forgive you.” Who bears the price of that insult? You do. You bear the pain of the lie and the loss of reputation in the eyes of those who witnessed the insult.
This is what God has done for us: He has said, “I forgive you”. But he paid the price for the forgiveness himself through the Cross. There is no other way but Jesus.
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