More Than A Carpenter: Chapter 12

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More Than A Carpenter: Chapter 12

June 27, 2021

Chapter 12: Isn't There Some Other Way?

Romans 1:18-20 “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness since what may be known about God is plain to them because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

"We know from Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill (Acts 17:21-32) that he appealed to nature and their own moral intuitions. Here Paul says there’s some revelation freely available to everyone, so much so that they have no excuse. The word excuse is “apologia,” which is the same word we get apologetics from. In other words, unbelievers have no defense for their rejection of God." (Manning 2019)

In this post we will discuss Chapter 12: Isn't There Some Other Way? In your comments please share any insights you may have had or connections you my have made while reading this chapter. Feel free to consider the following questions as well as the "What do you think?" questions within the chapter in shaping your response. Keep in mind, however, we are not looking for a list of answers to the questions.

Manning, Erik (2019, May 5) 19 Essential Bible Verses and Passages on Apologetics, cross-examined.org Retrieved from https://crossexamined.org/19-essential-bible-verses-and-passages-on-apologetics/

1) How are the attributes of God different from the attributes you and I might adopt for ourselves?

2) How would you describe what sin is? (See 1 Kings 8:46; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:10-18, 23; 6:23.)

3) Because God is loving but also holy, righteous and just, sin cannot survive in His presence. What dilemma does this present to God and how did He solve it--satisfy His love without sacrificing His justice? (See John 1:14 and Philippians 2:6-7.)

4) Jesus lived a sinless life and yet was executed on a Roman cross 2000 years ago. God accepted Jesus’ death as payment or satisfaction for our sins (“the wages of sin is death” – Romans 6:23). Why is it that Buddha, Mohammad, Confucius or any other religious or ethical leader could not have “paid” for our sins?

5) How does the “speeding illustration” relate to you spiritually? Have you had someone step down off their judgment seat and pay the penalty for your crime (sins)? What does it mean to “accept” their payment for you?

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