BIBLICAL APOLOGETICS: HOW SHALL WE RESPOND TO UNBELIEF?

Unbelief is in the air.  Unbelief is gaining ground in postmodern culture.  Over 100 years ago, the German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche wrote, “I call Christianity the one great curse, the one great innermost corruption, the one great instinct of revenge, for which no means is poisonous, stealthy, subterranean, small enough – I call it the one immortal blemish of mankind.”

The bankrupt philosophy of the so-called four horsemen of atheism continues to gain in popularity.  Why?  Apparently, unbelief is in.  Unbelief is hip.  But the question that is burning a hole in the table for Christians is this: How shall we respond to unbelief?  How shall we who have a heart for lost people answer when they malign the Christian faith and mock the very foundations of historic Christianity?

The apostle Peter instructs believers to respond rightly: “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 Peter 3:15, ESV).  In other words, we must develop the mindset of an apologist (ἀπολογία).  John Frame’s definition of apologetics of helpful: Apologetics is “the discipline that teaches Christians how to give a reason for their hope … it is the application of Scripture to unbelief.”  Cornelius Van Til writes, “Apologetics is the vindication of the Christian philosophy of life against the various forms of the non-Christian philosophy of life.”  Tragically, the mandate to engage in apologetics often turns ugly.  Well-meaning Christians have turned apologetics into a nasty slug fest.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Notice six crucial principles of biblical apologetics.

1. Apologetics involves verbal proclamation

Christians are commanded to proclaim the good news.  The Greek word, “proclaim”  (κηρύσσω) means to announce or proclaim; to preach or publish.”  St. Francis of Assisi was on to something when he quipped, “Preach the gospel and if necessary, use words.”  The point: Make sure your life matches the gospel.  However, actions alone cannot convert.  Actions must be backed up with verbal proclamation.  “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17, ESV).  Simply put, the gospel is meant to be published.  The gospel must be proclaimed.  Postmodern gurus and emergent sympathizers may be quick to downplay preaching and promote a “deeds not creeds” mentality.  Jesus disagrees: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to the nations, and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:14, ESV).  The first principle of apologetics involves verbal proclamation.

2. Apologetics involves bold proclamation

The New Testament apostles boldly proclaimed the truth.  Paul prayed for an extraordinary boldness (Eph. 6:19).  And Luke made it clear how bold proclamation characterized his ministry: “He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance” (Acts 28:30-31, ESV).  We too, must boldly proclaim the Word of God without apology.  Now is the time for bold and courageous proclamation.

3. Apologetics involves logical proclamation

Peter argues that we must “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you …” (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)  “Reason” (λόγος) involves a word, an utterance or reasonable speech.  The apostle Paul was quick to reason with the thinkers that flooded the first century marketplace of ideas:

  • “And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures” (Acts 17:2, ESV).
  • “So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there” (Acts 17:17, ESV).
  • “And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks” (Acts 18:4, ESV).

We must be able to spell out the gospel message.  We must clearly and logically explain how a holy God created men and women in his image.  These image-bearers fell from God when they sinned which separated them from a holy God.  But God in his mercy, sent Christ – born of a virgin to live a perfect life, obey the law of God and die on the cross.  Christ satisfied  the justice of God and extinguished the wrath of God for every person who would ever believe.  On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead, conquered sin and death, opening the way to a restored relationship with God for anyone who would repent of their sin and turn to Christ alone for forgiveness.  It is our privileged responsibility to proclaim the truth of the gospel in a logically compelling way.

4. Apologetics involves hopeful proclamation

We offer a message of hope!  We offer a message that promises liberation (John 8:36).  It tells  sinners they can be forgiven; that they can be delivered from the penalty and power of sin; and one day they shall be free from the presence of sin (Luke 1:66-67; Acts 5:31; Eph. 1:7; Col. 2:13; Rom. 4:7; 1 Pet. 2:9).  Apologetics involves hopeful proclamation.

5. Apologetics involves faithful proclamation

This message of hope is for everyone.  Therefore, our task is to share this hope with people as we are given opportunity:  “And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation'” (Mark 16:15, ESV).  The Great Commission involves faithful proclamation to all peoples (Rev. 5:9).

6. Apologetics involves Christ-centered proclamation

Peter makes it clear: “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 Peter 3:15, ESV).  First, we must maintain an attitude of gentleness (πραΰτης), which implies humility or an unpretentious spirit.  It involves a kind answer.  Additionally, we must be respectful (φόβος) as we engage in apologetics, a term that conveys deep admiration for another person.

Our response to unbelief is crucial.  The world is watching.  May our apologetics match the biblical model.  And may we proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in a winsome and compelling way.  For in the final analysis, all of God’s elect will hear and believe.

“Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen” (Acts 28:28).

GOD’S GLORY IN SALVATION THROUGH JUDGMENT – James Hamilton (2010)

God’s Glory in Salvation Through Judgment by James Hamilton is a theological tour de force.  The author rightly maintains that many evangelicals have lost the “theological center.”  And where there is no center, everything collapses.

Hamilton seeks to remedy this loss of a theological center by making a bold claim, namely – that there is unity in the Bible’s diversity.  His thesis is set forth at the beginning of the book and is defended for nearly 600 pages: “The glory of God in salvation through judgment is the center of biblical theology.”

The author makes it clear from the outset that he is engaged in the needed work of biblical theology: “The purpose of biblical theology is to sharpen our understanding of the theology contained in the Bible itself through an inductive, salvation-historical examination of the Bible’s themes and the relationships between those themes in their canonical context and literary form.”  The book sets out to accomplish this very task.

Prior to defending his thesis, Hamilton defines his terms: “The glory of God is the weight of the majestic goodness of who God is, and the resulting name, or reputation, that he gains from his revelation of himself as Creator,  Sustainer,  Judge, and Redeemer, perfect in justice and mercy, loving-kindness and truth.”  As such, the glory of God in salvation through judgment is:

  • God’s way of showing his glory and defining his own name.
  • the goal of God in redemptive history.
  • the pattern of the Bible’s metanarrative – creation, sin, exile, restoration.
  • the pattern of each major redemptive event in the Bible – fall, flood, exodus, exile from the land, the death and resurrection of Jesus, and the return of Christ.
  • the existential experience of individuals who are convinced of their sin, feel condemnation, trust God for mercy, and join him in seeking the glory of his great name.
  • the ground of the Bible’s ethical appeals – fear of judgment curbs behavior and keeps people on the path that leads to salvation.
  • the content of the praises of the redeemed.

With the foundation sufficiently in place, the author defends his thesis with a vengeance.  His typical pattern is to overview a book of the Bible and show how the theme of the book is consistent with his thesis.  Then, he painstakingly walks through each biblical book, linking the important themes that help shape his thesis.

I read God’s Glory in Salvation Through Judgment  from cover to cover and was greatly encouraged with Hamilton’s effort.  I intend to return to this book, each time I set out to preach or teach through a biblical book.

Hamilton concludes with a helpful application section:

“The center of biblical theology has application in the church, in Bible study, and in the prayer closet.  More significantly, it has application on the great day.  When God arises to judge the earth, he will display the glory of his justice and his mercy.  Those who have trusted in Jesus will be astonished at the mercy shown to them, and that mercy will be all the more precious in view of the everlasting display of justice God will visit on the objects of his wrath.”

5 stars

THE TRUTH OF THE CROSS – R.C. Sproul (2007)

The Christian publishing industry is an odd beast.  While thousands of people choke on heresy in books like Love Wins and The Shack, other books go practically unnoticed.  The Truth of the Cross by R.C. Sproul is one of those books that has gone largely undetected and has managed to avoid any kind of large-scale attention.

I first read The Truth of the Cross when it was released in 2007.  This week, I am re-reading Sproul’s excellent work in order to prepare for a sermon.  If you have neglected this book, you’re missing out – big time!

Dr. Sproul surveys the basics of the atonement in this little book.  He begins by discussing the necessity of an atonement.  Crucial to a an understanding of the atonement is a proper conception of the character of God and the nature of sin.  Sproul points to the apostle Paul in particular, whose “central point of importance was the cross … it was on the cross, through the cross, and by the cross that our Savior performed His work of redemption and gather His people for eternity.”

Sproul carefully urges readers to embrace a biblical understanding of God’s justice.  He rightly contends that many people overlook the justice of God – an attribute the makes the atonement necessary: “God is loving, but a major part of what He loves is His own perfect character, with a major aspect being the importance of maintaining justice and righteousness.  Though God pardons sinners and makes great provision for expressing His mercy, He will never negotiate His justice.  If we fail to understand that, the cross of Christ will be utterly meaningless to us.”  Having established the need for an atonement, rooted in the justice of God, the author proceeds to develop the remaining crucial components in Christ’s redemptive work.

Sproul skillfully guides readers on a journey, discussing the key features of the atonement.  Most important, however is the discussion that concerns substitution.  Sproul clearly articulates the importance of the penal substitutionary atonement of Christ: “In the substitution that took place at the cross, we see the glorious grace of God – the very heartbeat of the Christian faith.”  Additionally, he distinguishes expiation and propitiation, noting the importance of each.

Dr. Sproul also includes an important discussion on the extent of the atonement.  The “L” in the tulip acrostic is carefully explained in a historical and biblical context.  As most Reformed theologians, Sproul makes a distinction between the sufficiency and efficacy of the atonement.  Certainly, Christ’s redemptive work is sufficient for every person who has ever lived.  But it is effectual for the elect of God.

The Truth of the Cross offers readers a basic look at the redemptive work that Christ accomplished.  Sproul does not intend to offer the last word – which is what makes this little book so effective.  Readers interested in delving deeper are encouraged to pick up John Owen’s, The Death of Death in the Death of Christ.

4 stars

A STALWART OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH: JOHN STOTT (1921-2011)

On July 27, 2011 one of the stalwarts of the Christian faith, John Stott went to be with the Lord.

I credit Dr. Stott with instilling an early love for theology.  His book, The Cross of Christ (1986) is one of the first serious books I read as a Bible College student.  I’ll never forget the words of Dan Jarrell, who served as the Dean of Men at Multnomah Bible College: “The Cross of Christ is one of the best books I’ve ever read.”  Indeed, Stott’s work stands as one of the preeminent works on Christ’s redemptive work.  One highlight among many stand out in The Cross of Christ: “Since Christ’s blood is a symbol of his life laid down in violent death, it is also plain in each of the four images [propitiation, redemption, justification, redemption] that he died in our place as our substitute.  The death of Jesus was the atoning sacrifice because of which God averted his wrath from us, the ransom-price by which we have been redeemed, the condemnation of the innocent that the guilty might be justified, and the sinless One being made sin for us.”  And Stott reminds pastors to deliver an uncompromised, undiluted, Christ-centered gospel: “… The responsibility of Christian teachers, preachers and other witnesses is to seek grace to expound it with clarity and conviction.  For the better people understand the glory of the divine substitution, the easier it will be for them to trust in the Substitute.”

Stott’s reminder serves to awaken a church that seems ready to compromise the gospel at every turn. A compromised gospel begins to neglect the great truths of justification by faith alone, imputation, penal substitutionary atonement, propitiation, and the wrath of God. A compromised gospel removes the rough edges of the cross.   And a compromised gospel places the focus of attention of man instead of God in all  his glory.

May the life and legacy of John Stott remind Christians to faithfully proclaim the gospel; a gospel that magnifies Christ and his redemptive work for sinners.  May his example motivate Christ-followers to stand in the gap and serve people with humility and kindness.  May each of us stand with John Stott on the final day and proclaim the words of St. Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7, ESV).

The Prodigal God – Tim Keller (2008)

Sometimes big things do come in small packages.  The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith by Tim Keller is one of those “big things.”

Keller tackles the Parable of the Prodigal Son.  His approach confronts the typical interpretation that fixates on the sin of the younger brother in Christ’s parable – the prodigal son.  Keller does not minimize the sin of the younger brother.  Rather, he emphasizes the heinous nature of his sin and explores the sin of the older brother as well – whose sin that is no less evil than his wayward brother.

The two brothers and their father not only set up the framework for the parable; they provide the basis for Keller’s assertions.  The younger brother is the rebel; the one who sinfully squandered his inheritance.  The older brother despised the act of mercy and grace demonstrated by the father toward the wayward son.  The younger son tries to find happiness and fulfillment through self-discovery.  The older son tries to find happiness through moral conformity.  Keller adds, “The message of Jesus’s parable is that both of these approaches are wrong.”

The remaining sections of the book redefine sin, lostness, and hope – all based on the parable under consideration.  Keller implies that all people gravitate toward one of the two brothers.  He explodes traditional categories and offers fresh encouragement to rebel types and Pharisee types.  At the end of the day, readers are challenged to repent of the sins of self-discovery and/or moral conformity.

The Prodigal God is a reaffirmation of the biblical gospel set forth in categories that are understandable to believers and unbelievers alike.  I plan to utilize this resource as an evangelistic tool.  I also plan to read this little treasure from time to time to remind myself of the gospel realities that emerge in the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

4.5 stars

WHY GOD WON’T GO AWAY – Alistair McGrath (2011)

Alister McGrath has an uncanny ability to analyze trends and synthesize core beliefs that emerge as worldviews or ideologies.  He continues to utilize his gift in his latest book, Why God Won’t Go Away.

McGrath’s book, The Twilight of Atheism was foundational in unpacking the history of unbelieving thought.  He picks up on that theme here but narrows the scope significantly.  Here he is chiefly concerned with the so-called New Atheism and their most vocal representatives – or the “Four Horsemen”, namely, Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Chris Hitchens, and Daniel Dennett.

In section one, the New Atheism is outlined and carefully described.  The author graciously introduces each of the Four Horsemen and their respective writings.  But McGrath is quick to point out weaknesses and inconsistencies in each writer.

In section two, McGrath spends time interacting with three themes that emerge in the New Atheism – violence, reason, and science.  Again, he is quick to point out the doublespeak and inconsistencies that are part of the warp and woof of this philosophically flawed and anti-religious worldview.

Finally, McGrath summarizes his argument in part three.  The essence of the argument is found in the title of the book – “God won’t go away.”  McGrath does not set out to defend the historic Christian faith in this work.  He has done that remarkable well in other published works.  Rather, he is merely introducing the New Atheism and responding in broad strokes.

Given the vitriolic nature of the fodder coming out of the New Atheist camp, I found Why God Won’t Go Away distinctively gracious and thoughtful.  McGrath never lets the new atheists off the hook.  But he challenges their arguments with humility and intellectual credibility.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program.

JOHN MACARTHUR: Servant of the Word and Flock – Iain Murray (2011)

John MacArthur: Servant of the Word and Flock is a mind-shaping, heart-riveting biography by one of the best living biographers around, Iain Murray.  This is familiar territory for Murray.  He has written a handful of excellent biographies, most notably, The Forgotten Spurgeon and Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography.  As usual, Murray does not disappoint.

The author chronicles the life and ministry of Dr. MacArthur from his early days as a young person to the present day.  The most impressive aspect of this work is Murray’s ability to surface the key components in MacArthur’s life and ministry.  Key features include a love for Christ, family, the Word of God, the church, and training men for the work of the ministry.

The author is quick to draw the attention of the reader to important character qualities in MacArthur, namely, integrity, love for truth, graciousness, and uncompromising stance on matters that pertain to God’s Word.

The Gospel According to Jesus surfaces throughout this biography which is a testament to its influence.  Incidentally, this book has proven to be one of the most significant books I’ve ever read.  As a Bible College student, it introduced me to Reformed theology, alerted me to the dangers of traditional dispensationalism, and warned of the rampant antinomianism in the church.

Murray’s approach to MacArthur’s theological framework is impressive.  While Murray is in agreement with a majority of MacArthur’s theology, he parts ways in matters that involve eschatology.  However, instead of marginalizing MacArthur for his dispensational premillenialism, Murray graciously sets forth MacArthur’s position and challenges readers to explore different eschatological angles.  My hope is that his graciousness in this secondary area of theology serves as an example to  churchman and academicians alike.

This book is a reminder to pastors – it reminds them that faithfulness matters.  It reminds them that integrity is essential.  And it is a clear call to lead, feed, and train the people of God all to the glory of God.

4.5 stars

TULIP: The Five Points of Calvinism in the Light of Scripture – Duane Edward Spencer (1979)

TULIP, by Duane Edward Spencer surveys the historical debate between Arminians and Calvinists.  Spencer introduces readers to the five points of Arminianism that were developed by the Remonstrants in 1610 – only months after the passing of Jacob Arminius.  The five points include:

Free Will (Total Inability)

Conditional Election (Election According to Foreknowledge)

Universal Atonement (Unlimited Atonement)

Obstructable Grace (Irresistable Grace)

Falling from Grace (Loss of Salvation)

The Reformed Christians in Holland formally responded to the Remostrants and declared each plank “contrary to Scripture.”  Indeed, none of the five points of Arminianism as set forth by the Remonstrants find Scriptural support.  This council of Reformed Christians, known as the Synod of Dort offered a theological counter-punch to Arminianism.  Their response is reflected in the acronym, TULIP is also known as the five points of Calvinism (even though Calvin went to be with the Lord almost 54 years before).  The points include:

Total Depravity

Unconditional Election

Limited Atonement (Particular Redemption)

Irresistible Grace

Perseverance of the Saints

The author defends each point that was set forth at the Synod of Dort.  He defines each respective point, clears any misunderstandings, and demonstrates how each doctrine is derived from Scripture.  These points are contrasted with the corresponding point of Arminianism.

Dr. Spencer fairly represents each historic position and does a commendable job in his defense of Calvinism.  However, one point needs adjusting that concerns free will.  At one point the author insists that unregenerate people do not have free will.  However, he modifies this view when he argues that “total depravity insists that man does not have a free will in the sense that he is free to trust Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.'”

Spencer unwittingly creates confusion in the mind of readers who seek to gain a better understanding of the nature of free will.  He would  serve readers better by admitting that all unconverted people  do in fact, have free will.  Totally depraved people are free to do good or evil but they are only able to do evil because of the radical nature of their sinful condition (John 8:34).  That is to say, the unconverted are enslaved in sin and unable to come to Christ apart from God’s empowerment (John 6:44; 63-65).

Overall, Spencer’s work is helpful.  It is a clear introduction to the debate that has raged since the days of Augustine and Pelagius.  Readers should also be aware of some other resources that are helpful in explaining the debate:

Still Sovereign – Bruce A. Ware and Tom Schreiner

The Five Points of Calvinism – David Steele

The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination – Lorraine Boettner

Chosen by God – R.C. Sproul

Grace Unknown – R.C. Sproul

Why I Am Not An Arminian – Robert Peterson and Michale Williams

The Doctrines of Grace – James Boice and Philip Graham Ryken

The Forgotten Spurgeon – Iain Murray

The Five Points of Calvinism – Edwin Palmer

The Five Dilemmas of Calvinism – Craig Brown

At the end of the day, Spurgeon reminds us of the importance of Calvinistic theology: “The old truth that Calvin preached, that Augustine preached, is the truth that I must preach today, or else be false to my conscience and my God.  I cannot shape the truth.  I know of no such thing as paring off the rough edges of a doctrine.  John Knox’s gospel is my gospel.  That which thundered through Scotland must thunder through England again … I love to proclaim those strong old doctrines nicknamed Calvinism, but which are surely revealed and verily the revealed truth of God as it is in Christ Jesus.”

THE MIGHTY WEAKNESS OF JOHN KNOX – Douglas Bond (2011)

The Mighty Weakness of John Knox is the third installment in  The Long Line of Godly Men Profiles.  Dr. Steven J. Lawson serves as the series editor and hit the ground running with his superb volumes that survey the life and theology of John Calvin and Jonathan Edwards.

Douglas Bond, no stranger to the Christian publishing world, makes a solid contribution in this most recent work.  Chapter one surveys the life and the legacy of John Knox.  The author highlights pivotal moments in the life of the Scottish Reformer that include Providential persecution, his call to preach, ministry in England and Scotland – not to mention his ministry in Geneva alongside the godly French Reformer and pastor,  John Calvin.

The author carefully explains the Reformed framework that Knox embraced.  Two theological points are of special interest, namely, the doctrine of predestination and particular redemption.  Knox not only embraced predestination and election; he made it clear that this doctrine was absolutely essential.  James McEwen beautifully highlights the doctrine that Knox held dear: “It is unnecessary to apologize for the predestinarian strain in Knox’s theology.  It was his business to expound the Biblical faith, and the Biblical faith is predestinarian from end to end.”

Additionally, Knox held to the doctrine of particular redemption.  As such, Knox denied that Christ died a hypothetical death.  Rather, his death atones for his elect:  “Election is particular,” writes Bond “and the work of Christ, of rigorous necessity, is particular.”  Bond’s approach is both commendable and encouraging as he spells out the theological presuppositions of Knox.  His graciousness is certainly worth emulating.

Finally, John Knox is rightly presented as one who was a humble servant of God who faithfully preached the gospel, trained disciples, and glorified Christ with a holy passion.  His passion for preaching and writing is explored.  And his concern for the poor is pondered.

It is helpful to see Knox as one who struggled with fear but was used in a mighty way for kingdom purposes.  Douglas Bond summarizes the weakness of Knox; weakness that was ultimately used for God’s glory. “Knox was transformed from weakness to might by God’s power.”  May we who are weak be transformed into kingdom shaking vessels whose  aim is proclaiming the message of the gospel and glorifying the great God of the universe.  May the example of John Knox embolden weak pastors to teach and preach with faithful fervor.

Semper Reformanda

4.5 stars

CHURCH PLANTER – Darren Patrick (2010)

Church Planter, by Darrin Patrick is an insightful look at one of the most important activities for Christians living in New Testament times.  The author carefully organizes his book in three broad categories: The Man, The Message, and the Mission

THE MAN

In part one, Patrick makes a strong case for men who are biblically qualified to plant and pastor New Testament churches.  This man, of course, must be a Christian.  He must be called of God.  He must meet the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.  He must humbly rely upon God.  He must be a uniquely skilled man.  He must have a passion to shepherd the people of God.  And he must be a determined man.  The author faithfully explains each of the above qualifications – qualifications that must be met by an aspiring church planter.

THE MESSAGE

Part two focuses on the “meat and potatoes” that church planters serve the flock; not just any kind of food.  Rather, a qualified church planter must commit himself to the biblical message of the gospel.  The essence of the message must be consistently Christ-centered, sin-exposing, and idol-shattering.  His emphasis on smashing idols is especially helpful: “The way to deal with sin and idolatry is to repent of them and believe the gospel.”  Patrick hammers the necessity of getting the message right and articulating the gospel with skill and clarity.

THE MISSION

After exploring personal qualifications and theological boundaries in the first two sections, the author moves to the philosophical arena, which describes the mission of the church planter.  He argues that pastors must demonstrate compassion.  They must contextualize the message for the culture they are trying to penetrate.  And he makes it clear that the gospel must be delivered in a way that communicates hope to hurting people who are enslaved to sin.

Darren Patrick has written a book that is helpful and practical.  But most important, his work is biblical.  Emergent types on the prowl for pragmatic methodology and downplaying theology should look elsewhere.  Church Planter is a solid effort and should make a huge splash, especially among young, Reformed evangelicals.

4 stars