| Hmm, that understanding is a little bit off. Here's a common analogy: You go before a judge for sentencing, and he says that you have inherited a debt of a trillion dollars. He then says he offers to wipe your slate clean. Your possible responses are: 1) I don't believe you, I don't owe any debt. (atheist) 2) I believe I owe this debt, but I reject your offer. (demons) 3) I believe I owe this debt, but I will pay it myself. (good works) 4) I believe I owe this debt, and I am eternally grateful that you have paid it for me. (christians) So your description would fall under category (3). You owe a debt of a trillion dollars and then say, hey, here's a couple hundred bucks I earned through my good deeds, we're good, right? That's a complete insult, to reject the gift, and then try to pay it back with a pittance. |