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When someone says he has seen such appalling evil that he must
conclude God doesn’t exist, he still has not dealt with the
underlying problem—the existence of evil. The intellectually
consistent answer is to admit, no matter how ironic it may
sound, that because evil exists, God must exist as well. [64]
Christians believe that God revealed Himself in Jesus Christ,
the God-Man. But when the pluralist says, “No one can know if
their way is right or wrong,” he or she is
also making a truth
claim: “God is not a revealer by nature. No one can know. I am
right about this and you are wrong.” And that truth claim is
also exclusive by nature.
Every time you hear someone who is upset because
Christianity’s claims are exclusive, ask what
that person thinks is
true. And recognize that whatever comes out of his or her mouth
is equally exclusive. Every truth claim is exclusive by nature.
Period. Even the claim that “no one can know.” [76]
When a pluralist argues that all good people will make it to
heaven, my response is always, “Okay, but what about us bad
people? You say good people are going to make it to heaven—good
Hindus, good Buddhists, good Christians. What about those of us
who are bad?” Then they say, “Well, you’re not bad; you’re a
minister!” And I say, “You don’t know my heart.” [78]
Every religion talks about sacrifice, but every other religion
talks about the sacrifice
you must make in order to appease God. Only Christianity
talks about the sacrifice
God made to reconcile you to Himself. That is a huge distinction.
[80]
You did not become a Christian because you were smart or right,
or because someone who explained the gospel to you was smart or
right. You were saved and are saved because you needed a Savior
and He came for you—just because He chose to. That is what grace
means. Do not lose sight of grace when you share your faith.
[105]
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