(September 11, 2017 at 10:22 pm)SteveII Wrote:(September 11, 2017 at 10:00 pm)Astreja Wrote: Well, Steve, I've heard a lot of apologetics. I've read the Bible. I've heard innumerable testimonies. I've never believed.
My parents did not raise me as a Christian, either; we were nominally Christian but no one in the household was a regular churchgoer (I remember my mother going to one Easter service, and that's about it). Religion was not something we bothered discussing; we were vastly more interested in astronomy and electronics and the NASA space programs. The only reason I know as much as I do is because I liked to read, and I just can't shake the initial impression of the Bible as just one storybook among many.
Setting aside the OT for a minute (because it is really not useful in any initial evaluation of the gospel message), you have to at least admit that the "story" is unlike any ever told. It is a story of an offer of redemption. Have you read say John and Romans with and open mind--trying to forget the biases created by atheist skepticism, misbehaving Christians, and preconceived notions of what the NT is?
Um . . .
Better leave out John, he has Christ crucified on Thursday, that kinda FUBARS the Good Friday thing which I have been informed is pretty important.
The granting of a pardon is an imputation of guilt, and the acceptance a confession of it.
