As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling stone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Rom. 9:33. Ex. 16:4-7.

Salvation is by way of the cross of Jesus Christ. We do not find our way back to God by a triumphant march down Independence Avenue. We come to Christ not as a conquering hero to receive honors from God. We come as penitents, asking for forgiveness, acknowledging our sinfulness and desperate need. The way of the cross is the way of surrender of all claims to our own greatness and personal achievement. We don't find our way out of sin by a pilgrimage or by the imposition upon ourselves of some difficult assignment. We come to God without any claim on God whatsoever.

God's redemption of us by the sacrifice of His Son cannot be watered clown to our meeting a list of requirements. The way of the cross is rough going on the minds of men. Especially where men consider themselves self-sufficient and of considerable reputation, this way to salvation is hard to accept. With the great advancement of science and technology, man tends to look snore to himself. He considers that by his own abilities and power lie holds the key to human salvation and improvement.

A university professor once said to me, "I don't need Jesus Christ. I am a good man. I don't drink or smoke or break any of the Ten Commandments. I am faithful to my family. I have a great mind; am emotionally mature. I write learned books. What (to you have that I don't have?" But such men rarely comprehend how dangerously self-confident and selfish they are.

Christ proclaims the bankruptcy of man. The cross of Christ comes to us with an attack on human independence and the pride of roan. Salvation and the solution to our problems come through Christ alone. This prevents us from ever remaining independent if we wish to be saved. We put our "faith in him who acquits the guilty" (Rom. 4:5, N.E.B.). When God does this He does not justify our ungodly deeds. He acquits us of the guilt that deserves punishment. He restores us to favor with God. Imputed righteousness means it is His righteousness, not ours.