Jia is a young Christian in Taipei. She has been a Christian for one year. For the past few months, she has been trying to share the gospel with Lee, her neighbor. Lee is an unbeliever and likes to ask Jia difficult questions. Sometimes Jia thinks that Lee has sincere doubts and is seeking the truth; at other times, she thinks he may just like to argue. However, regardless of his motivation, Jia tries to be respectful and to show Christian love. Even as a young believer, she knows that not only her mind, but her spirit, must reflect Jesus to her neighbor.
This week, Lee excitedly came to Jia. From the internet, he had found a list of ten questions to “confuse Christians.” The website said, “No Christian can answer these questions. These questions will prove that the Bible cannot be trusted.”
Lee said, “Jia, I have a question for you. You say that the Bible is the Word of God and cannot have error. Mark 15:25 states that Jesus was crucified the third hour; that is 9:00 a.m. John 19:14 states that Pilate did not announce his judgment until the sixth hour; that is 12:00 p.m. If the Bible is the Word of God, why do these verses disagree?”
►If Jia came to you for help, how would you respond? Would you be afraid that Lee had found an error in the Bible? Do you think it is important to be able to defend your faith?
What is Apologetics?
Before we begin to study apologetics, we should define the term. Apologetics is based on the word “apology.” In common use today, to “apologize” means to say that you are sorry for something. But the secondary meaning of “apology” (to give a defense) was once the primary meaning of the word, and it is still one of the meanings. Apology in the sense of “defending my beliefs or actions” is the meaning this class will use. Apologetics is the defense of the faith; it is giving reasons for one’s beliefs.
Memorize this definition of Christian apologetics:Christian apologetics is presenting the evidence for the truth of the Christian faith.
D. James Kennedy was motivated to write a book on apologetics after hearing a radio talk show. The host had been interviewing an atheist. Kennedy testifies:
"While frantically trying to get a call through to the station, I listened to a dozen or more Christian callers talk to this man. It seemed that every Christian who called was incapable of giving an intelligent reason for the faith that he or she held. Each caller would begin with, 'The Bible says ….' The atheist would respond, 'Why do you believe the Bible?' Every one of them was reduced to stammering out something like, 'Well, I’ve got it down in my heart.' The atheist would answer, 'Well, it’s not down in my heart, friend, and I don’t believe it.'”[1]
►How would you answer this atheist?
In this course, you will study the answers to questions such as:
Can we know that God exists?
What about the problem of pain and evil in the world?
What does creation teach us about God?
Is the New Testament reliable?
Are the Old Testament Messianic prophecies fulfilled in Jesus?
Did Jesus Christ truly rise from the dead?
Is Christianity the only way to heaven?
What is the Trinity?
How should Christians respond to animism?
What will happen to those who have never heard the gospel?
[1] D. James Kennedy. Why I Believe. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1999), 13
Why Study Apologetics?
Apologetics is important for both pre-evangelism and post-evangelism. Pre-evangelism is what we do to help a person get closer to committing his life to Christ. A Christian can use apologetics to remove intellectual obstacles in the path of someone on his way to faith. Post-evangelism is what we do to help Christians become strengthened in their faith after they are converted.
Why is apologetics important in pre-evangelism? Because many people come to Christ after studying the evidence for the truth of Christianity.
C. S. Lewis was a former atheist who became a Christian after discovering that Christianity was true. Speaking of his life as an atheist, C. S. Lewis said, “I thought I had the Christians… disposed of forever.” But “a young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. There are traps everywhere….”
The evidence for Christianity was so compelling that Lewis could not escape it. He said that he was brought to admit the existence of God, “kicking, struggling, resentful, and darting [his] eyes in every direction for a chance of escape.” As God worked in Lewis’ life, he became a committed Christian who called the story of his conversion Surprised by Joy.
Josh McDowell was another skeptic who tried to disprove Christianity. He found that the evidence pointed toward the truth of Christianity. McDowell became a Christian and wrote a book, Evidence that Demands a Verdict, to demonstrate the truth of the Christian faith.
Lee Strobel, author of TheCase for Christ, was an atheist who became a Christian after studying the evidence for Christianity. One of the books he read was Evidence that Demands a Verdict.
Apologetics is an effective pre-evangelism tool. When we present apologetics to someone who does not believe that Christianity is true, we may remove an intellectual stumbling block that is keeping him from believing the gospel. In this way, apologetics may help you share your faith.
Apologetics also helps in post-evangelism. Apologetics will not only help you share your faith, but it will also strengthen your faith and the faith of others. This is post-evangelism. Why is apologetics important in post-evangelism?Knowing why you believe will make you strong in the Christian faith.
Even many people who identify themselves as born-again Christians think that it doesn’t matter what religion you belong to because all faiths teach similar lessons about life. Many Christians do not know why they believe what they believe. They are vulnerable to the faith-destroying attacks of skeptics. The study of apologetics will prepare you to answer skeptics who try to tear down your faith.
Is a knowledge of apologetics necessary for someone to believe in Christ?No, there are many Christians who became believers in Christ before they knew all the historical and scientific evidence that supports the truth of the Bible. Yet it is also possible for these same people to become confused by the lies that the devil tells them later about Jesus. Satan wants to steal the faith of those who put their trust in Christ. That is one reason it is important to learn intellectual reasons for faith.
Section A Review
What is a definition of Christian apologetics?
Why do we say that apologetics is important in pre-evangelism?
Why do we say that apologetics is important in post-evangelism?
Where in Scripture Are We Commanded to Use Apologetics?
The biggest reason we should study apologetics is that the Bible tells us that we should always be ready to defend our faith. The apostle Peter wrote,
"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."[1]
The Greek word translated “defense” is apologia. In ancient Greece, the word apologia referred to the defense of a person accused in court. The person with the complaint would present his accusation (a categoria). Then the accused would give his defense (an apologia).
1 Peter 3:15 answers three questions about apologetics.
Should Christians use apologetics? Yes, Christians should always be ready to give a defense, a reasoned explanation for our belief.
Whom should we reach with apologetics? Everyone who asks a reason for our hope.
How should we present apologetics? With gentleness and respect.
Aside from this command, does the Bible itself promote the use of apologetics? Yes. For example, Luke refers to the "many infallible proofs" that Jesus used to prove that he was alive after his resurrection (Acts 1:3). Also, Acts 17 tells us that Paul, while in Athens, spoke of the Greek altar to the "unknown God" to make a case for Christianity. The biblical writers made sure their readers understood that the claims they were making corresponded with reality.
► When should we present apologetics? Should we present it before or after we present the gospel?
The general rule is this: when you are sharing your faith, present the gospel first. Then, if it is needed, use apologetics to support the presentation of the gospel.
There are exceptions to the rule of “gospel first.” For instance, sometimes you may want to use an apologetic topic to introduce the basic message of the Bible. Remember that the gospel is most important. Use apologetics if people bring up an objection or if using apologetics will create opportunities to share the gospel.
Section B Review
What New Testament verse demonstrates the need for apologetics? Quote this verse.
What three questions about apologetics are answered in 1 Peter 3:15?
When sharing your faith, which should be first, the gospel or apologetics? Why?
What Is the Gospel?
Because the gospel is our primary message, it is important to have a good understanding of the gospel. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 gives a summary of the “good news.”
Christ died for our sins.
He was buried.
He rose again and showed himself alive to many people.
Other scriptures show the results of the death and bodily resurrection of Christ:
We can be adopted into the family of God and be inhabited by the Spirit of God.[2]
We are able to live a holy life and please God.[3]
We will have a new body resurrected to live eternally with Christ in a new heaven and a new earth.[4]
Here is a summary of the gospel message: the gospel is the good news that we can be saved by faith in the crucified and risen divine-human Christ. To explain this message of the gospel with someone, here is a time-tested approach:
Start by asking people what they think the basic message of the Bible is. Affirm their response, then say, “May I show you a diagram that shows what I see to be the basic message of the Bible?”
If they give you permission, say the following as you draw the diagram (add figures, shapes, or words as you first mention the concepts associated with them).
The basic message of the Bible is this: God made us, the human family, to have a holy love relationship with Him. But we sinned, and our sin brought a great gulf between us and God. The Bible calls that separation death. In fact, if we die physically while being spiritually dead, we will forever be separated from God in a place called hell. That is the bad news of the Bible.
The good news is that God loves us and doesn’t want us to go to hell (John 3:16). So, God the Father sent God the Son, Jesus, into the world to die on the cross and rise from the dead, so that we could have our relationship to God restored.
Now if we repent—if we turn away from all our sins (Acts 3:19)—and if we receive Christ into our hearts and lives—trusting him to forgive us (John 1:12)—then we will in a moment of time pass from death to life (we will cross the bridge). We will enter into a relationship with God, becoming a new creation. And in the end, all those who are trusting in Christ alone for salvation will go to heaven to spend eternity in happy fellowship with God and with others who know God.
That is the basic message of the Bible. Could I ask you…
Where you see yourself on this diagram?
Where do you want to be?
Is there anything stopping you from stepping over right now?
Every Christian needs to know why they believe. Every Christian needs to understand the foundation of his or her faith.
What about unbelievers? What is the role of apologetics for unbelievers? According to Josh McDowell, there are three reasons that people reject Christ:
Ignorance (many times this is willful ignorance)
Pride
Moral problems
There are many people who have sincere intellectual doubts concerning the truth of Christianity. The problem for these people is ignorance of the Christian faith. These people need apologetics. [1]
There are other people who bring up intellectual objections as an excuse to avoid admitting the real reason they don’t want to believe. These people may be proud or have sins that they do not want to give up. We need to recognize the real reason these people are rejecting Christ and confront them with the reality of their sin and pride. However, we should also deal with their intellectual objections. Many times these people need answers to their intellectual excuses before they will recognize the real reason they reject Christ. Because of this, anyone who brings up intellectual objections may need apologetics, regardless of the person’s deepest reason for bringing up the objection.
[1]“In combat, the aim is to defeat your opponent. In evangelism, the aim is to persuade them.”
- Ravi Zacharias
Section C Review
What are three reasons people reject Christ?
Why should we respond to intellectual objections, even for people who have a deeper reason for unbelief?
Apologetics in Action - The Conversion of C.S. Lewis (1898-1963)
C.S. Lewis was born into a Christian family in Ireland. His great-grandfather was a Methodist minister, and his grandfather was an evangelical Anglican. However, after his mother died of cancer, Lewis decided that God was a cruel God. By the age of thirteen, Lewis had declared himself an atheist.
Lewis became a brilliant student of literature at Oxford University. After graduation, he became one of the most popular lecturers at Magdalen College, Oxford. Two of Lewis’s best friends on the English faculty, Hugo Dyson and J.R.R. Tolkien, were Christians. Through discussions with these men and his own readings, Lewis recognized the intellectual emptiness of atheism.
In 1929, Lewis admitted the reality of God’s existence and became “the most reluctant convert in all England.” At this point, Lewis confessed the truth of theism (“God is God”), but he had not yet become a Christian. Apologetics had convinced Lewis’s mind of God’s existence; the gospel had not yet won his heart.
Two years later, C.S. Lewis surrendered to Christ. This time, Lewis had a true change of heart, not just a mental assent to God’s existence. Lewis was no longer a “reluctant convert.” Now he was “surprised by joy,” and he willingly followed Jesus Christ.
Lewis became one of the most influential Christian writers of the twentieth century. He wrote twenty-five books addressing many aspects of Christian belief. In an age of growing secularism, Lewis was a gifted defender of the Christian faith.
The conversion of C.S. Lewis shows the relationship between apologetics and evangelism. After the death of his mother, Lewis had intellectual questions about the existence of God. Lewis could not reconcile a loving God with the presence of pain and suffering in this world. Before his ears were opened to the gospel, Lewis needed to hear an answer to these questions.
Apologetics brought Lewis to the point of admitting the existence of God; evangelism brought him to a joyful relationship with God. Although the gospel should usually be presented first, the conversion of C.S. Lewis shows that apologetics is sometimes necessary to prepare the way for the gospel.
What Are the Limits of Apologetics?
Apologetics itself does not bring anyone to Christ. God opens the eyes of those who are spiritually blind. However, the Holy Spirit uses apologetics as a means to help some people find Jesus. We must pray that God uses the information that we share with others to help their spiritual eyes become opened.
It is the Word of God (which is sharper than a sword) that will penetrate to the heart of a lost person to awaken them to their need of Christ.[1] Yes, we do need to make a case for the Scriptures to help people have a greater confidence that they can trust what they read in the Bible, but we should also keep in mind that the Bible is self-authenticating.
What does it mean to say that “the Bible is self-authenticating? Because the Bible is God’s Word, it is living and powerful. The Bible speaks to our hearts of its own truthfulness. Our hearts recognize the truth of God’s Word.
Because the Word of God testifies to itself, many people come to faith in Christ even without knowing the arguments in favor of Christianity. They recognize the truth of the Bible long before they have formed intellectual reasons for their faith.
Throughout history, Christians from all levels of society have been willing to die for the sake of the gospel. Some of these were highly educated people; others did not read at all. But their faith was unshakable! Where did their assurance and confidence come from? It did not come by natural ability or intellectual argument, but by a revelation by the Holy Spirit to the “eyes of the heart.”[2]
There are two ways to see. We see with physical eyes and with spiritual eyes - the eyes of the heart. Most people first know that the Bible is the Word of God because when they read it or hear it read, God reveals its glory to their hearts.
The Testimony of a Filipino Pastor
A pastor in the highlands of the Philippines was born into a pagan tribe. His father was a “priest” who performed demonic rituals for the tribe. One day, this young man was given a New Testament in his native language. He began to read – and could not stop reading!
He knew this book was true even though he could not explain why. When he came to the story of the crucifixion, he began to weep. He was reading the story of Jesus’ death for the first time. “As I read”, he said, “I felt as if my soul became transparent, and I cried out to God to save me! After that I felt clean!”
John Piper lists some of the ways in which God gives spiritual sight to people.[1]
God Reveals His Glory Through Creation
The Apostle Paul wrote that God’s “eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” All mankind is given spiritual sight of God’s glory through the world he created. We are without excuse.[2] Pointing out to people how creation shows God's handiwork is a form of apologetics.
God Reveals His Glory in the Person and Sacrifice of Jesus Christ
To those who are willing to receive Christ, God supernaturally opens the eyes of their heart to see his glory and to become convinced that he is who he claims to be.[3]
God has revealed himself to all people. “The grace of God which brings salvation has appeared to all men.”[4] Sadly, most men reject his grace and remain blind. Men and women who refuse to see become more and more blind. But to those who are willing to see, God reveals more and more of his glory and saving grace.
►Read Matthew 13:13 and John 9:39. How is it possible to see and not see, and to hear and not hear? Discuss your answers as a group.
God Reveals His Glory in the Gospel
In 2 Corinthians 4:6, Paul makes an amazing statement!
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."
Just as God said, “Let there be light” during creation, he commands spiritual light to shine so brightly in every receptive heart that we know that Jesus and the gospel are real. God speaks through the gospel to reveal himself to everyone who is willing to see.
God Reveals His Glory Through the Life and Testimony of Believers
We read above that “the grace of God which brings salvation has appeared to all men.” Just before that, Paul makes another startling statement. Paul is writing to Titus, a young pastor on the island of Crete. Paul says that Titus must teach the Christians how to live godly lives “so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.”[5] The life and testimony of believers makes the gospel attractive. God speaks to the hearts of unbelievers through the lives of Christians who are faithful. The holy lives of Christian believers are an important apologetic.
The Testimony of a Chinese Believer
David determined early in life to be an atheist. But as a young man searching for peace, he began experimenting with various religions. He converted to Buddhism, but Buddhism left him empty. Later he studied the writings of Confucius, but he could not find inner peace.
At one point, David attempted to study the Bible. But, when he got to the story of the Flood, he closed the Bible in anger. The idea of God destroying the earth by a world-wide flood disgusted him. David said, “I was determined to never become a Christian! I could never believe in a vengeful god who would bring such death and destruction to men!”
A few years later David attended an English class at a Chinese university. The teacher was a young Christian professor from the United States.
“This young professor was very cautious about sharing his gospel,” David said. “He knew he was being watched by the authorities so he rarely witnessed in the classroom, though we knew he was a Christian. But it was joy that captivated me! I had never met a person with so much joy! We would find him around the campus playing his guitar and singing, and he seemed so at peace. I just had to know where his peace came from.
“One day I followed the professor to his apartment, and in very broken Chinese he shared with me the plan of salvation. Somehow as he read, I simply believed the message and instantly knew that something miraculous and wonderful had happened to me! I felt that the whole world had changed! I looked outside the apartment window and saw the flowers as if for the first time. They appeared so brilliant. Then I realized that it wasn't the world that had changed. The change had happened inside my heart!”
God used the life of a Christian to reveal his glory to David’s hungry heart. A young Christian professor “adorned the doctrine of God” through his joyful Christian life.
Who is the Person who opens the eyes of those who are spiritually blind?
How does the Holy Spirit use apologetics to help bring some people to faith in Christ?
What does it mean for the Scriptures to be self-authenticating?
List four ways in which God reveals his glory to the spiritual eyes of the heart.
Conclusion
Jia stopped Lee and said, “Can I talk with you a few minutes? I may have an answer to your question about the difference between Mark and John’s time for the crucifixion.”
Lee was surprised. “You really care enough about that religious book to look for an answer to my question? I didn’t think Christians liked questions! I thought that Christians closed their mind and eyes to truth. But go ahead and tell me; what did you find?”
Jia showed Lee what she found in a Bible commentary. Lee’s question, like many questions about the Bible, can be answered by considering the historical context. Jia said, “Mark’s gospel was written between A.D. 45 and 65. During those years, the Jewish people used their own system of counting time. They began the new day at 6:00 a.m. Mark probably used the Jewish system in his Gospel. When Mark 15:25 says that Jesus was crucified at the third hour of the day, it means that he was crucified at 9:00 a.m.”
“That’s what I said,” Lee interrupted. “Mark says 9:00 a.m. but John says 12:00 p.m. One of them is wrong!”
Jia smiled and quietly said, “John didn't actually say that Jesus stood before Pilate at 12:00 p.m. He said it was the sixth hour. John wrote his gospel later than Mark’s. He was probably writing from Ephesus, a Roman colony. The Roman influence was great in those days, especially in the Gentile world. The Romans started a new day at 12:00 a.m. So if John was using the Roman system, in John 19:14, the ‘sixth hour’ is 6:00 a.m."
“Together, these two gospels show us the story of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. John shows us that Jesus was condemned by Pilate at 6:00 in the morning (the sixth hour) after a nighttime trial. A nighttime trial was not even legal! Jesus was condemned unjustly. Then, Mark shows that three hours later, Pilate’s sentence was carried out. Jesus was crucified at 9:00 a.m. And, Lee, he was crucified not for anything that he did wrong. Even Pilate said, ‘I find no guilt in him.’ Jesus was crucified for your sins and my sins. He died so that you and I can live forever.”
Assignments
(1) Apologetics and the Head: You will begin the next class with a test over the review questions from Lesson 1. Study these questions carefully in preparation for the test.
(2) Apologetics and the Heart: Thank God for revealing himself to you. Thank him for removing stumbling blocks that closed your mind to truth. Think of a person whose life demonstrated genuine Christianity to you. Write or call this person to express thanks.
(3) Apologetics and the Hands: Ask unbelievers (at least one) if you can interview them regarding their worldview or belief system. If they are willing, you can say, “How would you answer the three great philosophical questions of life? These questions are: Where did I come from? Why am I here? and Where am I going?” These are questions regarding the origin of life, the purpose of our existence and what happens after we die. Ask them why they believe what they believe. Then ask if they are willing to talk with you again as you continue this course. Take notes about your conversation(s) to share with the class at your next meeting.
Lesson 1 Test
(1) What is a definition of Christian apologetics?
(2) Why do we say that apologetics is important in pre-evangelism?
(3) Why do we say that apologetics is important in post-evangelism?
(4) What New Testament verse demonstrates the need for apologetics? Write this verse from memory.
(5) What three questions about apologetics are answered in 1 Peter 3:15?
(6) When sharing your faith, which should be first: the gospel or apologetics? Why?
(7) What are three reasons people reject Christ?
(8) Why should we respond to intellectual objections, even for people who have a deeper reason for unbelief?
(9) Who is the Person who opens the eyes of those who are spiritually blind?
(10) How does the Holy Spirit use apologetics to help bring some people to faith in Christ?
(11) What does it mean for the Scriptures to be self-authenticating?
(12) List four ways in which God reveals his glory to the spiritual eyes of the heart.
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