"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God." 1 Cor. 1:18.
"the finished work of Christ? that's just too simple. It cannot POSSIBLY be. How can the cross possibly be enough to satisfy a just God? Justice demands penalty and payment. Therefore I MUST be penalized and pay my due...."
"For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased GOd by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." 1 Cor. 1:21.
"But why? why would God save someone with absolutely no strings attached?"
"That no flesh should glory in his presence." 1 Cor. 1:29.
That is why. If there is anything WE could do to save ourselves, then we would have reason to glory in his presence. It's not about us, it's about Him. His glory. His plan. His grace. His free gift. His Son. His finished work.
Amen! Exactly why. God knows us better than we think he does. Not one person in Heaven will have ANY reason to glory other than in the cross of Christ.