Kudos for Keller

During our earlier discussion of Tim Keller's book The Prodigal God, I pointed out the way some have used this parable to undermine the centrality of the atonement in salvation.  I also stated that I was confident that Keller would handle this well.  I was rewarded in my confidence by the following and important statement on p. 25 of his book.  What a blessing to have Keller communicating the gospel through the secular publishing channels.

"There are many commentators who, focusing exclusively [on the younger brother], conclude that this parable contradicts traditional Christian doctrine.  "Look," they say, "there is no mention of atonement for sin.  There's no need for a savior on a cross that pays for sin.  God is a God of universal love who unconditionally accepts everyone, no matter what." If that were the message, Jesus would have ended the narrative there.  But he did not, because it is not...[the second half of the parable] shows us the costliness of that grace and the true climax of the story."