Christianity tells people to repent and promises them forgiveness. It therefore has nothing (as far as I know) to say to people who do not know they have done anything to repent of and who do not feel they need any forgiveness. C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity.
Sir,
You could tell me what this means? I am a bit confused….
Sister, thanks for asking. Lewis’ point is that if people are unwilling to admit they are sinners, then they cannot accept Christ. Does that make sense?
The woman at the well (John 4) knew that she was thirsty. She asked Jesus to give her living water. But, suppose she had said, “I’m not thirsty at all.” Christ would have had nothing for her, not because he was unwilling but because she didn’t recognize her need.
I thought perhaps that was what it meant but my husband thought of it in a different way. Thank you for taking the time to respond to my question. I really appreciate it.
Blessings in Christ Jesus.
Thank you so much for responding. It amazes me that we can have this kind of dialogue.
If you get a chance, take the forgiveness quiz (see the link at the top of my blog). I would think you and your husband would have more discussion after that!
Pastor,
Do you know where the quote, “If we really want to learn how to forgive, we had better start with something easier than the Gestapo.” can be found in C.S. Lewis’s book, Mere Christianity?
Thanks and God bless,
Christina
Christina – I can’t place that quote from C.S. Lewis. I don’t remember reading it. Sorry.