At first, it may seem that I have pitted against each other two concepts near and dear to the heart of Christians everywhere: the Apologetic, and the Evangel (Gospel). Allow me to explain…
An Apologetic is “a systematic discourse in defense of a doctrine,” say, of the doctrine of the resurrection of Jesus. So, in a discussion with our non-Believing friends, we appeal to reason and historical evidence, such as the empty tomb, to attempt to convince them of the truth of Christ’s resurrection. This is apologetics.
Then, there is the Gospel. The glorious Good News of the grace of God! So, what is it? I will use the words of Jesus Himself:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
The Gospel is a statement—a proclamation—of fact about what God in His great love has done to reconcile His enemies to Himself (Romans 5:8-11). He has sent His Son into the world to die on behalf of sinners who repent and believe in this Gospel (Mark 1:15). This is the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ! The proclamation of this Gospel is evangelism.
Finally, our little Latin word: versus. I choose the definition, “in contrast to.”
So, here we are: apologetics in contrast to evangelism . . . What’s the point?
The point is this: Each of these has its place in our studies and in our conversations. But, we must understand their proper place. In our studies of apologetics, we are fortified in our faith, because we see the reasonableness of our faith. In our conversations, 1 Peter 3:15 tells us that we should always be “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks [us] for a reason for the hope that is in [us].”
What a good apologetic argument cannot do, however, is create a Christian. Only the Gospel can turn an enemy of God into a worshiper of God. So, in our studies of the Gospel, we plumb the depths of:
- God’s eternal plan to save a people unto Himself
- The historical facts related to God’s redemptive purposes
- The achievements of Christ on the Cross
- The transfer of Jesus’ achievements to His people by faith alone
- The boundless enjoyment that God’s people find in God Himself.
In our conversations, we may begin with the apologetic, but our goal should be:
- To lovingly confront people with God’s Law (Exodus 20:1-17) and their sin (Genesis 3 and Romans 5)
- To proclaim the truths of the Gospel and to offer the benefits of the Gospel based on faith in the finished work of Jesus on the Cross.
So, then, let’s study the reasonableness of our faith. Let’s study the Bible that its glorious truths would take root in our hearts and transform our lives. And, ultimately, let us not be ashamed of the Gospel, for it—and it alone—is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16)!
These comments are not reflective of the views of Answers in Genesis or its affiliates.