The Two Benefactors
The reality behind "Jesus paid it all"
Scenario 1:
As I settle my bill and prepare to leave the restaurant, I notice a large, cheerful table clearly enjoying their entrees. On a whim, I tell the cashier that I’d like to cover their entire check — anonymously.
He smiles at the gesture and hands me a pen. I sign the slip and step out into the night air, enjoying the beauty of the moment.
Outcome: The table’s bill is covered; I have paid it all
Scenario 2:
One month later, a different man is in the same restaurant and mentions to the cashier he is willing to cover any table’s bill — provided each diner comes over and personally acknowledges his offer.
“How will they know who you are?” the cashier asks.
The man smiles, “My invisible qualities will be clearly visible to them[1].”
Outcome: Nothing is paid until the attached condition is satisfied.
Switch out the restaurant for “sin debt” and the benefactor’s offer for “belief” in the Bible, and we are left with this reality: Jesus simply did not pay it all.
A celestial line of credit is available but it must be acknowledged through a process that is revealed rather than chosen.
For the majority of human beings across history, that revelation never comes. They remain in debt and are ultimately sent to collections by the Divine Creditor.
[1] Romans 1:20