In my first blog post, I introduced my interests in Theology and Apologetics. Today I want to go deeper in the discussion of Apologetics and its role in the life of Christian. Some of you reading this may be asking yourself, “Why do I need to know Apologetics? What good does it serve?” As I stated before, Apologetics in the Christian sense means to give an account, or defense, of the hope we have in Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:15). Since we are discussing what Apologetics is, why don’t we also look at what Apologetics is not?
Apologetics is not a means to an end. What I mean is that no one will be saved because they heard a good argument for the existence of God. Rather, Apologetics is designed to move the natural person from a state of ignorance about God into a state of understanding He exists. If Apologetics could save people, then the Pharisees and Sadducees would’ve been among the first converts to Christianity. If anyone could make a good argument for their own divinity, it would be Jesus. Each time the Pharisees and Sadducees confronted Christ with a new argument, He was quick to dismantle it (Matthew 22:23-45, Luke 20:27-40). And the Pharisees and Sadducees, rather than fall at His feet in reverence, merely huddled back up and attempted to stump Him again (Luke 11:53-54). Apologetics is a tool to be used as part of the Christian’s arsenal when testifying about Christ.
Apologetics is not just for use in talking with Atheists. It is also useful for helping us as believers during our times of doubting and questioning, enabling us to hold on desperately to the truths of Christ and to strengthen our faith. It is important that we as a church never shy away from the questions of any members within our own communities. Just because we may not have an answer right away does not make that person's question any less valid. We have to trust that the Spirit will guide us and help us to provide an answer to those who ask (John 14:26, 16:13-14).
Lastly, Apologetics is not based on the wisdom of men, but on the wisdom of the Spirit teaching us about the mysteries of God so that we may teach others. As Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5: “and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” Later in chapter 2, Paul continues to talk about the importance of the Spirit in teaching. “Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.” (1 Corinthians 2:12-13)
Now I want to make a very important distinction here: Paul is not saying that we can never learn from a person. What he is saying is that our ability to know anything at all about God comes from the Spirit. A person will teach us, but they are teaching through revelations about God given to them; further, it is God who enables us to comprehend and understand the teachings.
If I’ve done my job right, then I hope you realize that Apologetics will not save someone’s life. It is only by the atoning work of Christ, who was sent by the Father, and revealed to us by the Spirit, that we can be saved. Apologetics is a wonderful tool that will greatly benefit any Christian who is actively engaged in a conversation with someone who does not share that faith. Combined with a good biblical Theology, Apologetics enables you to answer questions and objections made about the Christian faith. As I stated in my first blog post, Apologetics does not have to only be about long, high academic arguments constructed in complicated syllogisms with nested conclusions that serve as added premises. It can be as simple as sharing your own testimony about what led you to Christ.
My next blog post will be about what Paul calls the “natural person” (1 Corinthians 2:14). What do we do with someone who claims they will only believe what they can empirically or scientifically prove to be true?
Blessings,
Brian Ceely
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Brian Ceely
*Bio Coming Soon*
