Have you heard of Paul Washer’s thought experiment? Well, I don’t know if he first came up with it, but it’s terrifying.
Many folk assume that they’re basically good. But this is by outward and worldly standards. See this Living Waters Video. I’ve been jokingly told more than once that some (rare) good deed I’d done for someone will help me get to heaven. In the same vein, during discussions about salvation, some people will protest that they’re not murders or rapists etc; so surely God would not relegate them to hell just because they don’t put their faith in Christ. It’s often said in such a way as to cast God in a fickle light.
Now we could go into God’s attributes. He is holy and cannot abide sin. In fact, read Isaiah chapter 6 where he had a fleeting vision of God’s glory,
Then I said, “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” Isaiah 6:5
Judged by God, none can stand. But how would we stack up being judged by our friends and family?
A thought experiment
I came across a thought experiment on page 125 of Washer’s book “The Gospel’s Power & Message.” Here’s my version:
Imagine that you, your family and close friends are invited to a house party. The host (who looks a bit like Paul Washer) promises it will be a memorable night. When you get there, you partake of the delicious food and light beverage, and your spirit is lifted.
But then everyone is ushered into a room with comfortable armchairs facing a large screen against a wall. You’re instructed to put a special metal cap on your head and take a seat. Then the host makes the following announcement,
You all filled out questionnaires during dinner asking whether you are good persons, and if you have any regrets. All the “I Am Basically Good” boxes have been checked. Some of you replied in the comments section that, while there are some regrets here and there, you’re essentially proud of what you’ve achieved.
Well, we have in our possession an interesting new scientific device. It is able to scan all your past and present thoughts; what you’ve done both private and secret, and project them all onto the screen. We tested it earlier, and it works. You can opt out of the experiment, but we thought it might be fun to do.
Who wants to go first?
Would you do it? Not me!
Washer wisely wrote: “The truth is that the best of us have thought things so vile that we would not share them with our closest friends.” (Page 125)
But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, that, just as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Cor 1:30-31
Maranatha!
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