The teaching about the cross seems foolish to those who are lost. But to us who are being saved it is the power of God. As the Scriptures say,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise.
    I will confuse the understanding of the intelligent.”

So what does this say about the philosopher, the law expert, or anyone in this world who is skilled in making clever arguments? God has made the wisdom of the world look foolish. This is what God in his wisdom decided: Since the world did not find him through its own wisdom, he used the message that sounds foolish to save those who believe it.

The Jews ask for miraculous signs, and the Greeks want wisdom. But this is the message we tell everyone: Christ was killed on a cross. This message is a problem for Jews, and to other people it is nonsense. But Christ is God’s power and wisdom to the people God has chosen, both Jews and Greeks. Even the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom. Even the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. (1 Cor. 1:18-25 ERV)

Just to start on the right foot here it is good to remember that God saves us.  We don’t save ourselves and we certainly don’t force God to save us!  God chose us, we didn’t choose God- He took the initiative before we even had a clue.  And God perfectly surrendered Himself in Jesus Christ for us, we didn’t surrender all for Him.  And as God paid for our sins in the perfect sacrifice of His Son, He also provided the righteousness required of us in Jesus’ perfect life.  This is still the gospel no matter how much we want to make it about ourselves (our choice, our goodness, our intelligence, our whatever)!

Which brings us to faith.  In God’s message through Paul we read: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Eph. 2:8-9 NIV)  We are saved through our faith in Jesus Christ and God provided us with that saving faith.  From the beginning to the end, all of our salvation is a gift!  And though this gift affects us (in our thoughts, words and actions), though it works in us and through us, we can’t take even the tiniest bit of credit.  None.  You can’t earn this gift.  No form of work will deliver it into your hands except the work of Christ.  This includes intellectual work.

So what is the point of the resurgence of apologetic work lately?  Why bother trying to convince someone that God exists and Jesus was raised from the dead when faith is a gift?  Even though I love apologetics and can’t get enough of it, I must admit to wrestling with this question.  What’s the point?

The prevailing opinion, it seems, for the existence of sound, logical arguments for faith is the removal of any false roadblocks to faith that culture or science may have erected.  That’s an admirable motivation. Some others feel they are called to show that faith is reasonable- that it’s not just for unscientific or uncritical thinkers.  That’s also great.  Dr. Sproul quoted Calvin in his presentation of apologetics as a means to “stop the mouths of the obstreperous.”  And who wouldn’t want those obstrepers silenced? More and more, however, I am coming to believe that apologetica finds her primary function as a minister to the body of Christ in the middle of an antagonistic culture.  Christian apologetic classes and clubs are populated almost entirely by Christians.  Apologetic books and papers are read, almost exclusively, by Christians (even though they may be buying the materials for an unbeliever).  And when speakers who specialize in this field speak, the people who show up to listen are overwhelmingly religious.

If the point really is ministry to believers, apologetics are still useful and valid.  The doubts and disbelief still call for answers in the minds and hearts of the faithful the elect still must battle for the promise.  And we are called, as believers, to “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thess. 5:11 NIV).  We are told that “as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Prov. 27:17 NIV).

And, even though you can’t think your way to salvation, God is able to use any means He desires to deliver faith and salvation to His children.  No doubt many have had the scales fall from their eyes as they read Mere Christianity or Evidence That Demands A Verdict (or any of the many newer thought-provoking books).  I imagine many more have had their existing faith strengthened in the face of doubt by the work of men like Anselm, Pascal, Aquinas, etc.  Just thinking about the way God can speak through human communication is exciting to me!

I feel like I should suggest a book now…. if you haven’t read it (or if you have but it’s been a long time) why not get a copy of Mere Christianty and find a cozy, quiet spot with a cup of hot tea to enjoy the curious illumination of Mr. Lews.  And here’s a teaser from that delightful book: “Nothing that you have not given away will ever be really yours. Nothing in you that has not died will ever be raised from the dead. Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in.”