My wife, Laurie, and I have some wonderful neighbors here in Brookings, Oregon. I have had some great one-on-one chats with one of them. Following is written correspondence with him which I thought might be helpful to some of my readers:
“Virtually every world religion (except for Christianity) is based, fundamentally, on a works/ merit system whereby we earn our way so to speak. Indeed, some observers of Kantian logic conclude that if “justice” is in fact coming, hopefully when we stand before the “Judge” (whoever or whatever he/it may be), the goodwill outweigh the bad in our life and we’ll be “in” (whatever “in” means!).
“I’m convinced we typically don’t go far enough with our pondering the depravity of man. Our ethical and moral “measuring stick” is usually some other role model, some person, etc. that we compare ourselves with. From my Christian perspective, we can’t even begin to understand the depth of our shortcomings (sins if you will) and our need for a Savior until we are confronted with the demands of God as He has revealed them in His commandments and statutes.
“This is why exposure to the Old Testament Law (Leviticus-Deuteronomy specifically) is necessary: The Law wasn’t given as the way to God; its purpose was to reveal His standard of righteousness. After reading just a few pages (even simply the Ten Commandments!) it’s plain to see that everybody sins, everybody falls short. God gave the Law, all the while knowing man could not fulfill it on His own. It served as a tutor if you will, pointing us to Someone who could perform all the Law requires, a Messiah. Enter Jesus! He alone fulfilled all God’s righteous requirements.
“In a nutshell: Christ’s righteousness is given, imputed to us by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (e.g., Romans 3:20-31; II Corinthians 5:21 in the New Testament).
“When what Jesus did on the cross (took our just punishment upon Himself) is clearly understood, it’s pretty easy to surrender one’s life to Him in loving gratitude and allegiance.”