Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary Episode: "Do You Really Need a Savior?" Release Date: June 13, 2025 Host: Ligonier Ministries Speaker: R.C. Sproul

Introduction

In the June 13, 2025 episode of Renewing Your Mind, R.C. Sproul addresses one of the most profound objections to the Christian faith: the assertion that one does not need a Savior. This episode, the final installment of Sproul's "Objections Answered" series, delves deep into the theological and existential necessity of recognizing one's need for Christ.

Common Objections to Christianity

The episode opens with the discussion of a prevalent objection:
"I don't see the need for religion. I try to live a good life. I'm not overburdened with some sense of guilt. I don't see why you need it."
(Sproul, [00:28])

Sproul acknowledges that millions of people share this sentiment, questioning the fundamental necessity of adopting Christian faith when one perceives personal goodness and moral integrity.

R.C. Sproul’s Response

The Nature of God and Human Goodness

Sproul begins by affirming the character of God, emphasizing His holiness, righteousness, and justice:

"At the heart of our convictions about the things of God is the first assertion that God exists and that the God who exists is holy, that that God is perfectly righteous, he is altogether good and altogether just."
(Sproul, [01:16])

He contrasts this with human nature, acknowledging widespread cultural belief in human goodness yet highlighting that this inherent goodness is insufficient to meet God's perfect standards.

The Problem of Judgment

Sproul underscores the inevitable reality of standing before God's righteous judgment:

"Every single human being at some point in the future will stand before the righteous judgment of God."
(Sproul, [04:10])

He articulates a common fear of this judgment, positing that without understanding God’s righteousness, one would be compelled to seek Him earnestly.

The Encounter with the Rich Young Ruler (Luke 18)

Utilizing the biblical narrative from Luke 18, Sproul illustrates his argument:

"A certain ruler asked him, saying, 'Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?'"
(Sproul, [05:00])

He explains how Jesus challenges the man's superficial understanding of goodness by asking, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God."
(Sproul, [11:30])

Sproul interprets this interaction to reveal that mere adherence to commandments is insufficient for eternal life. Jesus pushes the ruler to recognize that true goodness encompasses more profound spiritual obedience and surrender.

The Necessity of Christ’s Righteousness

Sproul elaborates on the insufficiency of human efforts to achieve righteousness:

"The Gospel of Christ does not teach that God negotiates goodness at the last judgment and that God just simply waives the requirement. The good news of the Gospel is that God himself supplies the goodness that you and I do not have to everyone who will receive Christ."
(Sproul, [21:15])

He passionately asserts that:

"If you don't need Christ, you ought to be squirming by now unless you have a hugely exaggerated concept of your own goodness."
(Sproul, [20:45])

Sproul concludes that faith in Christ is not merely an option but the only hope for reconciling human imperfection with divine holiness:

"Placing our faith in Christ as our Savior is not just another option that we're free to reject Christ. He's our only hope."
(Sproul, [22:54])

Conclusion

In his final thoughts, Sproul poignantly emphasizes the universal need for Christ:

"You may not want to be bothered with religious things, but dear friend, you need Christ. You know you're not perfect, you know that you're not holy, and you know that God is holy."
(Sproul, [24:29])

He warns that rejecting Christ means forfeiting the only means to attain righteousness and eternal life:

"If you despise that, you lose everything."
(Sproul, [24:29])

Final Remarks

The episode wraps up with a sobering reminder of the critical choice facing every individual regarding faith and salvation. Sproul's incisive theological insights challenge listeners to reconsider their stance on the necessity of Christ, underscoring the eternal implications of this decision.

For those interested in exploring deeper into Christian apologetics and responding to faith objections, Ligonier Ministries offers additional resources, including Sproul's comprehensive series on defending the faith.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "If I had no love of Christ, the sheer understanding of his righteousness and the righteousness of God would drive me to flee to him with all of my energy."
  (Sproul, [00:00])

• "Every single human being at some point in the future will stand before the righteous judgment of God."
  (Sproul, [04:10])

• "The Gospel of Christ... God himself supplies the goodness that you and I do not have to everyone who will receive Christ."
  (Sproul, [21:15])

• "You may not want to be bothered with religious things, but dear friend, you need Christ."
  (Sproul, [24:29])

This episode serves as a compelling exploration of why, regardless of one's current moral standing or perception of personal goodness, the need for a Savior remains paramount in the Christian faith.