Am I Good Enough?: Preparing for Life's Final Exam by Andy Stanley

Author:Andy Stanley
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Juvenile Nonfiction, Christian, Christianity, Religion, Religious, Values & Virtues
ISBN: 9780307563460
Publisher: Crown Publishing Group
Published: 2009-02-19T11:17:22+00:00

Can He Do That?

Another thing Jesus did that drove religious leaders nuts was tell people their sins were forgiven. Think about that. The only person who can forgive someone is the one who was offended or wronged. You wouldn’t ask me to forgive you for something you did to your mother. You would ask your mother to forgive you. Jesus told people their sins were forgiven when he wasn’t even involved in the conflict. Makes no sense.

If that wasn’t confusing enough, he reinterpreted Jewish law in such a way as to make it impossible for anybody, even the Pharisees, to keep it.

For example, during his most famous sermon he said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ ” Everybody knew that one. It was one of the Big Ten. But Jesus wasn’t content with the common interpretation. He raised the ante:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

MATTHEW 5:27–28

Now that’s not fair, and it’s certainly not reasonable. If that’s the standard, then, well, we all stand guilty as charged. At least all the guys.

Jesus also said:

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.”

MATTHEW 5:21–22

Claiming to speak for God, Jesus equated anger with murder. Then without batting an eye, he would turn to those who were considered the dregs of society and assure them they had a place reserved for them in heaven. Go figure.

My point? If you are looking for a God who lets good people into heaven, stay away from the New Testament. And by all means avoid the teachings of Jesus. His standards are even higher than those found in the Old Testament law.

Besides, he seems to contradict himself. One minute he assured bad people they had a place reserved in God’s kingdom. Then he turned right around and assured the best people they didn’t.

If you think I’ve misrepresented the teachings of Jesus, check it out for yourself. But first allow me to fast-forward to an incident that may bring clarity to much of what he said.

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