INTRODUCTION
TO APOLOGETICS Apologetics is making a defence of your faith.
The English word "apology" comes from the Greek word "apologia (ἀπολογία)",
which means "to give a defense". Christian apologetics is to give a defense of the Christian
faith. There are critics out there who criticize
the existence of God, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, salvation, judgment and afterlife.
Apologetics give answers to defend the Bible from critics.
In order to make an effective defense, we must know the basics of our faith. This
is why we study the Bible. There are lots of questions people have about the Bible,
and we are to give the right answer for all those questions.
1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope
that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Bible seminary is the best way to prepare yourself to answer all questions about Christianity.
We are to do this with gentleness and respect. A Christian with confident Bible knowledge
will not get into arguments. He or she will wisely give answers to every question. As
a prepared Christian who studies the Bible, you can confidently give Bible answers with gentleness
and respect. Studying Seminary materials is the best way
to prepare yourselves. You are on the right path, by watching our videos! Now that we
have studied the basic outline of the Bible, let's study the basics of apologetics.
There are three schools of apologetics.
The school of presuppositionalism, the school of semi-rationalism, and the school of Jesus
Christ. School of presuppositionalism
As Christians, we know that the world is in sin, in need of forgiveness of sins through
Jesus Christ. We are to presuppose that the world cannot know forgiveness of sins,
and the path to truth without the Bible. This faith is a presupposition that we are
to position ourselves in. Once the right presupposition is established, we can have
the right view about the world, and have fervent desire to preach the Gospel.
Only God can lead a person to the truth. The persuasion of the Holy Spirit is at times
without intellectual objections and rational explanations. We are to pray to God that
He will enlighten the heart of the unbeliever to acknowledgment of the truth, which is in
Christ Jesus.
School of rationalism Humans have the ability to rationally and
objectively make conclusions based on evidence. We have a free will to make decisions, based
upon information provided. This is a powerful tool that Christians can use to persuade people
to believe in Jesus Christ. The world cannot know the truth without God,
but we can present the existence of God and defense of our faith rationally, in order
to bring them to Jesus Christ. God can work through human semi-rational mind to open their
spiritual mind to the Gospel.
School of Jesus Christ As humans cannot acknowledge God without the
Gospel and revelation from God, we are to bring the truth to them. This is the way
Jesus Christ spread the Gospel to the unbelieving world. He reasoned out of the Old Testament
scriptures, and used many parables to explain the truth about God.
He went to the people of Galilee and their synagogues to explain that the Old Testament
was concerning Himself, and that Jesus was the Word of God who came to save the world.
In Jerusalem, he confronted the leaders of Jews, confounding them of their errors.
Jesus went to the world to open their understanding. We are to go to the world in the way of Jesus
Christ to preach the Gospel. The world is an open field ripe for harvest. We must
work in the field to bring precious fruits to God.
There are many fields of Apologetics. However, questions that people have regarding the truth
are usually similar. Here are some common questions to which we are to give defenses.
Proofs of the Existence of God The existence of God is a basic question of
all humans. We can rationally explain that God exists, through arguments that prove the
characteristics of God. Following are some of the rational arguments for the existence
of God. a) The cosmological argument
The cosmological argument begins with the undeniable reality that the cosmos exists.
Existence of the cosmos demands that there must be a Creator who began the cosmos.
According to science, something cannot come from nothing, which demands that there must
have been a Creator. b) The teleological argument
The intelligent design of the universe and complex order of the earth's environment
demands that the universe was designed by an intelligent being. As the universe is
in constant motion of entropy, randomness cannot establish order. There must have
been an intelligent designer in the beginning who established the laws and forces of the
universe. c) The ontological argument
The difference between man and animals is that humans seek the knowledge of God.
Religion has always been a part of human existence. We seek God, naturally having a sense of God.
The awareness of God is what makes us question God. The sense of awareness of God is in
all humans. This is another evidence that God must exist in relation to man.
d) The anthropological argument The human mind has intellect, will, emotions,
awareness, consciousness, morality, and so on, which indicates that we are more than
just materialistic physical beings. We are spiritual beings that have souls and spirits.
Our being indicates that there is a supreme being who originated our being. That being
must be God. e) The moral argument
Humans have the knowledge of good and evil. Our moral sensitivity that naturally gives
us a sense of right and wrong, indicates that there is an original source that distinguished
right from wrong. That source of moral understanding must be God.
2. Proofs of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
The Christian faith is based on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Bible states that the resurrection was an actual historical event, as witnessed by
first account witnesses. The tomb was empty of Jesus's body, Jesus resurrected in a
bodily form, he was seen by witnesses, and he ascended to the Father in heaven. The
Apostle Paul makes the resurrection of Jesus clear in his epistles.
Christians must give defense to the resurrection of Christ. Here are the proofs of our Saviour's
resurrection. a) Scripture
The Scriptures give direct proofs of the resurrection of Christ in both the Old Testament and New
Testament. The Old Testament gives references to bodily
resurrections. Isa 26:19
But your dead will live, LORD; their bodies will rise— let those who dwell in the dust
wake up and shout for joy— your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give
birth to her dead. Dan 12:2
Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others
to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness
of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and
ever.
The Old Testament definitely states that there is a resurrection. We don't just die and
stay in our graves. There is a resurrection of the dead in which we will be resurrected
in bodily form.
The New Testament states that Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead.
Rom 1:4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was
appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
2 Tim 2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,
descended from David. This is my gospel, The Bible is a historical book based on historical
accounts. The revelation of resurrection in the Old Testament, and the confirmations
of Jesus's resurrection in the New Testament prove the resurrection of Jesus.
b) The testimony and transformations of the
believers The testimony and transformation of believers
prove the resurrection of Jesus. The first disciples gave their lives as living proofs
of the resurrection of Jesus. They would not have died for Jesus if they did not know
that he was raised from the dead. Their testimony in word and life prove the resurrection.
The transformation of Paul was based on the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus appeared to
Paul directly to convert his life. His enduring life of preaching the Gospel proves the resurrection
of Christ. The perseverance of the Church proves the
resurrection. The early Church endured severe persecutions, but they endured, because they
knew that Jesus was raised from the dead. Their testimonies and sacrifices prove the
resurrection of Jesus. The enduring testimony of Christians for the
last 2000 years prove the resurrection. Billions of people lived as spiritual witnesses
of the Cross for the last 2000 years. They went to the ends of the earth as living proofs
of the resurrection of Jesus. The testimonies and transformations of believers
prove the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Objections of unbelievers There are critics out there who are skeptical
of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Most of the arguments they put forward are outlined
here. a) The swoon theory
This theory claims that Jesus suffered severe loss of strength on the cross, falling into
deep state of unconsciousness with almost no breathing. The women at the tomb nursed
Jesus, which helped him to recover. Jesus wasn't really dead, he was just very weak.
But this makes no sense, as Roman soldiers were trained executors who made certain that
the executed were dead (John 19:33). b) The theft theory
The tomb of Jesus Christ was sealed with soldiers guarding the door, after the dead body of
Jesus was buried in it (Matt 27-28). But this theory says that the disciples stole
the body of Jesus, to claim that he was resurrected. This was the claim the soldiers were to make
of the missing body of Jesus when they realized that Jesus had been resurrected.
But this is non-sense, as the rolling away of stone tomb door would have awakened the
trained soldiers, who guarded the tomb with their lives. Death penalty would have resulted
if the body had been stolen. Also, Jesus' grave clothes were left inside the tomb.
No thieve would ever fold grave clothes after stealing a dead body.
c) The hallucination theory This theory says that all the eye witness
accounts of Jesus' appearing after his death were not actual events, but only hallucinations
of disciples. The women at the tomb, Peter and John, the 12 disciples, two on the Emmaus
road, and the 500 that witnessed Jesus' ascension, were all just hallucinating.
Jesus didn't resurrect, but the disciples made up the resurrection based on hallucinations.
This also makes no sense, as none of the disciples or the 500 people were on drugs, nor mentally
ill. There were no reasons for such numbers of people to have the same hallucination at
the same time. d) The wrong tomb theory
This theory claims that the women at the tomb went into the wrong tomb. The women were
overcome with sorrow and grief, that they mistook an empty tomb for Jesus' tomb!
But what about the angel that sat in the tomb? Jesus' empty tomb had his grave clothes
folded with angels in it. This theory also makes no sense.
These theories attempt to deny the resurrection
by making senseless claims. But the Bible clearly states that Jesus was actually dead
on the cross, and he was taken to his tomb. Three days later, the women and Peter and
John actually witnessed an empty tomb. Jesus actually appeared to the disciples and 500
people witnessed an actual ascension. The resurrection and ascension of Jesus were real
life actual and historical events.
The authority of the Bible proven There is a crisis within the Christian Church
about the authority of the Bible. Some Christians follow the supremacy of the creed, confessions,
or even the papacy. Some other Christians follow the declarations of scholars and their
theories, or specific Bible version. Many people trust in their inward experiences and
personal revelations as the final proof of Bible's authority.
These proofs are not wrong, but there are more concrete evidences of the Bible being
God's holy words. Creeds are trustworthy, scholars are dependable, and personal experiences
are guided by the Holy Spirit, and they are all good. But we must have objective reasons
to give answers to all who question the authority of the Bible.
Here are some defenses to critics who question Bible authority.
a) The Bible is the most influential book in history of mankind
The Bible was written over a span of 1600 years, by 40 different authors, in three different
continents. It is the most sold, read, and studied book in the history of mankind.
There is no other book in the world that comes even close to the authoritative status of
the Bible. The Bible has seen all kingdoms of the world
from Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Media-Persia, Greece, Rome, and all kingdoms of the world
today. It has influenced the greatest Art, Literature, Music, and Science in history.
It is the foundation of the largest institutions in the world. Social institutions like hospitals
and rescue missions, Educational institutions like universities, and largest Publishing
institutions all began with the Bible. The Bible has taken over the world! The
entire Bible has been translated into more than 200 languages, and portions of the Bible
have been translated in to more than 1000 dialects.
There is no other book like the Bible. The unchallenged status of the Bible proves that
it is the words of God. b) The Bible clearly states that it is the
words of God The Bible was written by authors who knew
that they were writing the words of God. Moses knew that he was writing the commandments
of God, David knew it, and Jeremiah plainly said that he was writing the words of God (Jer
36:1-2). In the New Testament, Jesus knew that he himself was the Word of God, Apostle
Paul confessed that his epistles were words of God (1 Cor 14:37), and Peter acknowledged
that Paul's epistles were Scriptures (2 Pet 3:15-16).
The Bible tells us that the words of God are written in the Bible!
c) The fulfilled prophecies of the Bible prove its authority
The world does not accept prophecies of the future, but there are many Bible prophecies
that have been fulfilled throughout history. The world denies Daniel's prophecies by
moving the authorship date of Daniel from 530 BC to 165 BC, in order to get rid of the
prophecies regarding Antiochus Epiphanes and Alexander the Great in Dan 7-8.
But we believe that prophecies are real, and that they are fulfilled by God to prove the
authority of His words. There are many prophecies given in the Bible that were fulfilled in
history. Prophecies regarding Jesus confirm the prophetic
powers of the Bible. The two comings of Jesus are prophesied in the Bible. The first
was already fulfilled, and the second is to come in the future. The first coming was
prophesied in the Old Testament (Gen. 3:15; Isa. 9:1-6).
Micha prophesied in Micha 5:2, as he wrote around 700 to 750 BC about the ruler of Israel
coming from Bethlehem. This prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus Christ's first coming,
as Jesus came from Bethlehem (Matt 2:4-6). Zechariah prophesied about the king coming
on a donkey and the foal of a donkey in around 500 BC (Zech 9:9). This prophecy was fulfilled
in the Triumphal Entry, as Jesus came into Jerusalem on a donkey and a colt (Matt 21:1-11).
There are around 500 Old Testament prophecies regarding Jesus Christ, and around 300 were
fulfilled in the First Advent. The prime examples are the virgin birth, Jesus' birth
place, the triumphal entry, his price of 30 pieces of silver, and the crucifixion and
resurrection. d) The Bible explains human condition
The Bible correctly explains the sinful human condition. The heart of man is wicked from
youth, born in sin and doomed to death. The sinfulness of man is diagnosed in the
Bible, as a physician diagnoses a sick person. The Bible answers the origin of sin, and prevalence
of sin in the world. Humans are sinners, without God in this world. Sin is in all
man, regardless of age, sex, and race, as suffering, evil, sickness, and death are without
boundaries. The Bible explains the origin of death. Death
was the result of sin. Prior to sin, Adam and Eve were to eat from the tree of life,
and live forever. But through sin, death came into the world. Death is the judgment
of sin that has come upon all men. As all men are sinners, all men are bound to death
(Gen. 2:17; Rom. 5:12). But the Bible gives the cure for sin and death.
Jesus came into the world and died on the cross of Calvary to cure sinners. He died
on the cross, and then rose up from the dead to overcome sin and death. He paid for the
wages of sin, to save mankind. The forgiveness of sins is offered through the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. There is no other philosophy or world religion
that offers free forgiveness of sins through faith. Salvation by grace through faith
in Jesus is a free gift from God. All religions teach good works and righteous deeds for salvation,
but the Bible teaches salvation without works, but only through faith in Jesus.
Salvation through Jesus Christ is the Gospel. The Gospel is the theme and main message of
the Bible. The Gospel gives forgiveness of sins, and the gift of eternal life.
The sinful human condition and Salvation through the Gospel prove the authority of the Bible.
e) The Bible reveals the judgment of God In the world right now, God is allowing sin
and wickedness to defy God in arrogance. God is allowing the Devil to run this world,
and letting men have free choice to do whatever he wants.
But God has reserved a day, wherein He will judge the world according to His righteousness.
When the Lord Jesus Christ finally returns, He will condemn the sinful world, judging
their unrighteous deeds and sinful works. He will save His believers and finally reward
them of their works for the Lord on the judgement day.
f) The realities of Jesus Christ proves the Bible
Jesus Christ is the most influential person in the most influential book in history.
A Jewish man who was proclaimed to be the Son of God, has become the most famous man
in history, and his message has taken over the world.
The dating system of BC and AD places Jesus at the center of time. The Bible has prevailed
through all world systems from Grecian Empire, Roman Empire, British Empire, the USA, and
now the entire world. All legislations of the Western world are based on the Bible.
The Bible has been the focal point of Roman, British, and American legislation.
What began with one Jew and 12 disciples in Jerusalem has become the most dominant
power in the world. Jesus has conquered the world!
g) The Bible presents God The Bible presents God as He is. God is
the Creator of the universe who is alive forever, He is holy and righteous, and perfectly good
and loving. God is merciful, longsuffering, gentle, and benevolent to sinners. He patiently
calls sinners to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ.
God is sovereign, meaning He is the supreme ruler, possessing unchallenged power. He
rules the universe, and controls history according to His power. His power is never changing,
reigning throughout time and infinity. h) The existence of Israel proves the Bible
The Bible is a Jewish Book. The Old Testament is a history book of Israel, and most of the
New Testament writers were Jewish. Jesus Christ, Paul, Peter, John, and most early
Christians were Jewish. Jews were subject to some of the most cruel
persecutions throughout history. They endured slavery in Egypt, captivities in Assyria,
Babylon, and Persia, Gentile domination of Jerusalem for over 2000 years, persecutions
from anti-semitism, hatred from Middle East, exiles and abandonment throughout Europe,
and the Holocaust. Despite all of this, Jews have been kept alive
as a nation with their distinct religion and language intact. God has kept Israel alive
throughout history to keep His promise with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Israel's relationship
with God has been a rocky one, due to disobedience and sin, but God faithfully kept Israel to
keep His words. In 1967, God restored the nation of Israel.
For the first time in 2000 years, Jews are able to be in their land as the rightful owners and
citizens of their own nation. As we are approaching the end times, God is gathering
the nation of Israel back to their land (Luke 21:24).
The perseverance of Jews throughout history, and the regathering of the nation of Israel
at the end of our time, prove that God keeps his words, and that His words are written
in the Bible.
These are some of the greatest answers that prove the authority of the Bible. The historical
significance, fulfilled prophecies, the revelation of sin and salvation, and the restoration
of Israel, prove that the Bible is the authoritative words of God.
There are many skeptics that criticize the Bible. Christians are to defend the Bible
with gentleness and respect. We can confidently defend the Bible with these apologetics.
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