14Apr
Once upon a time (true story), I was interviewing a man about membership in the local church. I usually explore an individual's understanding of the Gospel with two, shall we call them, story questions.
The first question I call a “story question” because I ask for their story about receiving Christ. I always am blessed by hearing and watching the energetic recollection of God at work in their life, bringing them to faith in our Lord Jesus. The man shared an excellent biography of his journey to Jesus.
My next question is an actual story question. I start with “caveat emptor” (let the buyer beware) disclaimer that what I am about to describe is not how it works. I then paint the little scenario I am about to share as a means of further clarification of the individual’s grasp of salvation in Jesus.
I explained, suppose you and I were suddenly killed at the same time in the same event, and we find ourselves standing at the gate to get into Heaven. At this point, I always reemphasize that it doesn’t work this way. I just present the challenge this way. As the traditional telling of this story goes, Peter is there and asks you, “Why should I let you into heaven?” What would you say?
Over four decades of asking people this little story question, I’ve heard many variations of answers. This scenario typically reveals any flaws in a person’s theology. Most often, I will listen to delightfully confident and theologically sound solutions. On this occasion, I heard what may have been a combination of the simplest and, at the same time, the most profound answer ever given to me.
I asked, “What would you say?” He responded, “Where’s Jesus?” I had to chuckle a little, and then proclaim, “You nailed it!” Jesus is the key, the answer, and the assurance! Nothing else needed to be said!
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