"We don't want justice!..."

About two weeks ago, I caught an interesting Larry King session while I was in Penang. Larry got at least four religious people to speak regarding death. The topic? "What happens when we die?"

The backdrop to the whole discussion was the recent demise of Pope John Paul II. One of the invited religious personality was popular author and speaker, John MacArthur. The others included a Muslim, a Jewish Rabbi, and an atheist. While all admit that they dont really know where one would go eventually, they were in agreement that doing good deeds will earn them sufficient points to get to Heaven. As I was expecting, MacArthur was the only dissenting voice. (The atheist apparently had no comments!)

According MacArthur, good deeds is based on a justice system that determines the good and the bad. He disagrees with the others. "We don't want justice...!" MacArthur blurted out. Larry King appeared stunned for a moment. "You don't want justice?" Larry asked.

Yes, said MacArthur. "We don't want justice because justice would send us all to hell!" he said. MacArthur could not have said it more accurately. What he mentioned is essentially the crux of the issue with the Gospel of Jesus. One can be saved only by grace, not by good works...less anyone should boast before a Holy God. Ephesians 2:8-10. Only grace...so amazing...so sacrificial...will take us to our Creator.