Barney, I think we are talking past each other. I agree with everything you just said -- but I think it dodges my question, which is about God's power vel non to forgive sins without the sacrifice of Christ, not about forcing people to choose obedience. Let me try to put it another way for you, a little tongue-in-cheek but maybe get my point across better. Imagine this letter being written by God to humanity a little over 2,000 years ago, just before the Holy Spirit came over Mary to start the Incarnation, and tell me what you think:
"Dear Mankind (I’m writing this to everyone, not just Israel):
Some of you know Me. Some of you refuse to recognize Me. Some of you try to put My command of love into practice. Most of you don’t. But by and large you’re all sinners. And I hate sin. In fact, in My book, sin warrants the death penalty. You all deserve to die for your sin, whether inherited from Adam or based on your own choices.
But I am a loving Father. So, I’m weighing a couple of options here. I could send my only-begotten Son to pay the death penalty in your place, and grant eternal life to those who believe in him and reform their lives in accordance with that belief, or some such combination (I’ll leave the details aside for now). Or, I could just declare Amnesty Day and pardon everyone, sinner and non-sinner alike, believer and nonbeliever alike, and welcome you all to Paradise with Me eternally, where I’m sure you’ll see the Light.
Just kidding! Option #2 doesn’t exist! Wanna know why? Because of all the things that I can do, creating the Universe and all that, one thing I am absolutely powerless to do is forgive your sins without a proper sacrifice. Even if I wanted to. Understand what I’m saying here, folks. It’s not just that I wouldn’t want to do so (although that is certainly true). It’s that I have no ability to do so.
So I’m going with Option #1. It’s not only the best choice for demonstrating My love for you. It’s simply that I cannot just forgive you all for free. Literally. I am powerless to do so.
Love,
God"
Barney, my question is, did God have Option #2 or not?