1. Rivermont Presbyterian Church P. RibeiroOct. 12, 97 1 Mere Christianity C.S. Lewis Book 2 What Christians Believe Summary of Chapters 4 - The Perfect Penitent 5 - The Practical Conclusion Col. 1:15-23

2. Rivermont Presbyterian Church P. RibeiroOct. 12, 97 2 Questions For Discussion 4. The Perfect Penitent - A theory is proposed as to how the Atonement of Christ works. -Christians believe the main thing that Christ came to earth to do was...? -If God was willing to forgive us, why didn't he do so without having an innocent man killed? -How does Lewis define repentance? -Are humans capable of perfect repentance? How does God help us achieve repentance? -Many people say that it was easy for Christ to live a perfect life, suffer, and be crucified since he was God. Why does Lewis think this is a silly reason for criticizing Christianity? 5. The Practical Conclusion -The implications of life in Christ are briefly stated. -Lewis states that according to Christian belief, by sharing in the humility and suffering of Christ we shall share in...? -Lewis states that being a Christian is more than just mental belief, it involves the physical activities of...? -According to Lewis, doing good in order to appease God is not the reason Christians do good. Rather, any good that a Christian does is a result of...? -Lewis admits to having been puzzled by the idea that the new life is confined to Christians only. What is his answer to this question? -Another objection that Lewis sites is the question of why God does not deal openly and decisively with the Devil. What is his answer to this question?

3. Rivermont Presbyterian Church P. RibeiroOct. 12, 97 3 What was the Purpose of it all? To Teach But Christians are constantly talking about something different Who was (and is) Christ? Lunatic? God?Great Moral Teacher? It does Not Make SenseIt is beyond my sensesIt is non-sense DeathResurrection Christ

4. Rivermont Presbyterian Church P. RibeiroOct. 12, 97 4 Understanding / Believing Christianity Pictures The Real Thing Theories BelievingUnderstanding Why did He have to die? God had to Restore the Original Order Man needed to be restored and could not do it by himself Man Needed to go through a complete restoration / recycle / re- birth mutually exclusive Perfect Humiliation was necessary This could not be accomplished by man himself God would have to walk us through the process Only a God (Perfection) and Man (Humiliation) could do it HE DID IT - FOR US

5. Rivermont Presbyterian Church P. RibeiroOct. 12, 97 5 The Cosmic Equations - Calculus for Life Creation Fall Redemption

6. Rivermont Presbyterian Church P. RibeiroOct. 12, 97 6 Perfect Humiliation Perfect because He was God - Humiliation because He was man How and where from this new man derives his strength New life - Christ life Faith BaptismCommunion

7. Rivermont Presbyterian Church P. RibeiroOct. 12, 97 7 Christ-life operate through our bodies, fingers, muscles, etc.. God loves and uses material things, like bread and wine. He loves matter. He Created it But why is God landing in this enemy-occupied world? Why is He not landing in force, invading it? Is He not strong enough? Yes, He is. God will invade. But when He does, it will be very different. When the author walks on to the stage the play is over. Are you ready? Have chosen the right side - His side? Now is the time for choosing. God is holding back to give us that chance - It will not last forever.

8. Rivermont Presbyterian Church P. RibeiroOct. 12, 97 8 The C.S. Lewis Catechism Q1. Why does man need God? A1. Because God made man to run on God Himself Q2. Why did God give free will to man allowing evil to come into the picture? A2. Because free will is the only thing that makes possibly any love or goodness or joy worth having. Q3. What did God do to restore / redeem man? A3. God Himself becomes man to save man from the disapproval of God.