I have sometimes been around an unbeliever that claims they wouldn’t want Jesus to die for them and that it is wrong for him to bear the punishment they deserve. Why should Jesus have to die for me? Everyone should be responsible for themselves.

It seems to me that these intuitions need to be challenged. Imagine you go to the movies and the story is about a son of a man of outstanding character has engaged in illegal activity that catches him into trouble. This man of character then engages in a story that requires if he wishes to save the life of his son for him to lay down his own life. The Father knowing his fate accepts the price. If you were that father, would you be willing to make the same sacrifice?

You are to enter the next screening for another movie. It could be about a retired special forces soldier that is suffering depression and suicidal thoughts acquired for his service to this country. He befriends a girl. The girl has lived a life of sex and drugs. She is a prostitute. She tries to leave the trade, but her pimp isn’t too fond of the idea. They come after her to kill her. Her friend takes this opportunity to defend her life and future at the expense of his own life. Is that man a fool or virtuous?

I don’t believe false piety is a virtue but is rather a foolish way of making excuses. God offers salvation through the atonement of Christ. To reject Christ atonement on the basis of an attempt of self-righteousness is just to concede you are fine with avoiding your ultimate obligation.