Answering Objections

BACC Session 8 Appendix: Answering Objections 7 Common Questions: 1.

Don’t all religions basically teach the same things, and use different names for the same God?

2.

As long as each person is genuinely sincere, what difference does it make what they believe?

3.

Isn’t it narrow-minded for Christians to think that they’re right and everyone else is wrong?

4.

What credentials back-up the claims of Christianity, and is there any good evidence to support it?

5.

What makes you so confident the Bible is true? It has so many authors, so many translations, and was written over so many years – there must be mistakes!

6.

How do you know that God even exists?

7.

If God is all-powerful & loving, why is there so much evil and suffering in the world?

Jesus is the Answer

1

World Religions...Have contradictory beliefs! Q: Don’t all religions basically teach the same things? A: No, they contradict each other. Some teach there is no god, others that god is in everything. Obviously, Christianity doesn’t share these beliefs.

Truth cannot be reconciled across all religions. •

Although there are literally hundreds of different belief systems and religions…

•

They all stand under one of two banners: – –

They’re either right or wrong, -- true or false, But essentially divided by Grace and Works: Grace:

resting in God’s divine accomplishment » Salvation is spelled DONE » It’s acceptance is a function of humility

Works: striving in the camp of human achievement » Salvation is spelled DO… » It’s origin is a function of intellectual pride

Cults are notorious for denying the affect of sin, the need of a a Savior, and the finished work of atonement by grace.

Islam, Buddhism Jehovah’ Jehovah’s Witness Mormonism, Judaism Christian Science Hinduism, Unitarian Christianity, New Age Scientology, Theosophy, Baha’ Baha’I Wiccan, TM Satanism, Humanism Confucianism Rosacrucianism “And everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 2 17:6b )

World Religions - Dissimilar Beliefs Comparison of Christianity with Major Cults & Religions “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons…” (1 Tim 4:1) God

Jesus

Sin (In Us)

Christians

Jehovah's Witness

Mormons

Moslems

Buddhists

Hindus

One God is revealed in Scriptures as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - the Trinity (Gen 1:26; Lk 1:35; Mt 3:1317; 28:19; 1Cor 15:3-4). Trinity memory aid : remember ABC Annunciation, Baptism, Commission. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, one with the Father, sinless redeemer of sinful man through His vicarious death on the cross and resurrection from the dead (Jn 1:13-14; Heb 4:15; 1 Pet 3:18; 1Cor 15:3)

There is one solitary being from all eternity, Jehovah God, the Creator and Preserver of the Universe and all things. They deny the doctrine of the Trinity.

God is a material creature who was once a man as we are now men. They say that men can finally achieve godhood, and that there are many such gods.

Believe there is no God but Allah. Islam rejects the doctrines of the Trinity and the deity of Christ.

Deny the existence of a personal God, even though this is self-evident. God's existence memory aid: remember CCC - Creation, Conscience, and Christ Jesus.

Brahman is formless, abstract, eternal without attributes. Takes form in a trinity as well as millions of lesser gods.

Sin is proud, independent rebellion that separates man from God. It is falling short of the standards God has established in His Word. Sin must be punished, and its consequence is death and eternal separation from God.

Sin is a violation of God's laws. However, there is no hell or eternal punishment. Those who do not measure up to Jehovah's standards will be annihilated.

Salvation Salvation is a free gift

provided by the grace (unmerited favor) of God for all who believe and accept His plan (Eph 2:8-9; Jn 12:26; 14:1-3, 6; 1Jn 3:1-2).

Scripture The Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, comprised of 66 divinely inspired, inerrant books.

Other faiths deny the triune nature of God... Christ was not God, but God's first created creature. They deny Christ's deity.

Jesus, who before his incarnation, was the spiritbrother of Lucifer, and was a polygamist (the husband of the Mary's and Martha), who was rewarded for his faithfulness by becoming ruler of this earth.

Jesus Christ was only a Jesus was a good teacher, man, a prophet equal to though less important than Adam, Noah, Abraham , and Buddha. Moses, -- all of whom are below Mohammed in importance. Christ did not die for mankind's sin. Judas in fact, not Jesus, died on the cross.

Christ is just one of many incarnations of God. Christ was not the Son of God. He was no more divine than any other man, and He did not die for mankind's sins.

Mankind is progressively becoming god. Mormons teach that Adam's sin in Eden was necessary in order to provide parentage for the spirit children of God who were ready and waiting for the experience of earth life.

Sin is failure to do Allah's will, or failure to do one's religious duties as outlined in the 5 Pillars of Islam. Islam denies the sin nature and the necessity of atonement.

Good and evil are relative terms. Whatever helps is good; whatever hinders is vice. Mankind cannot help "stumbling" over these obstacles as he strives to know himself. If he cannot succeed in this life, he may try again in reincarnated form.

Other faiths deny the Deity of Jesus...

Anything which hinders man's progress is sin. Mankind is responsible for their own sin.

Other faiths deny mankind’s sin nature... Christ's death provides the opportunity for mankind to work for their salvation: perfect human life for eternity on an Eden-like earth.

Salvation comes by works and all men will spend eternity on some level of multistoried heaven. The level will be determined by the scope of each man's good works. The Watchtower Society has They have "new scripture" its own version and and the writings of Joseph translations of the Bible. Smith as divinely inspired revelations -- God's nineteenth century additions to the Bible.

Mankind earns his own By self-effort only. salvation, and pays for his own sin. No provision is articulated for grace or mercy, only judgment -- with the exception of martyrs.

Man is justified through devotion, meditation, good works and self-control.

The Koran is the final and only inerrant revelation of God to man, as authored by Mohammed.

Vedas which include belief in pantheism, karmic retribution, and reincarnation.

Other faiths promote salvation by works...

Buddha's teachings, collectively called dharma, deal with escape from Samsara (reincarnation). Freedom from Samsara leads to nirvana (eternal bliss).

Other faiths claim so-called inspired texts...

3

The Test of a Counterfeit •

How do you test a counterfeit message? –

Focus on the original (Gospel message):

9 1. 9 3.2. 9 –

The Lord Jesus Christ is God Almighty, being coco-equal and coco-eternal with the Father & the Spirit. That we are saved by grace through faith in Christ. The Bible is God’ God’s only written revelation to mankind, which being uniquely inspired and inerrant, constitutes our only infallible rule of faith and practice.

Cults uniformly deny these core truths, suggesting: 1. That Jesus is not God, who existed in pre-incarnate tri-unity with the Father and Spirit. 2. You must work your way into right standing with God, -- even though His perfect standard is unattainable but by His grace, through the atoning work of His Son’s death. 3. That there are divine revelations other than those found in the Holy Scripture.

When training units in the field to recognize counterfeit currency, both the FBI & Scotland Yard predominately have their agents study the genuine articles, -becoming expert with what’s true, versus that of the counterfeit.

To disarm spiritual counterfeits, it’ it’s crucial that you know what you believe and why. Although many cults are sincere, they are also sincerely wrong.

4

The Deity of Christ Q: If we’ we’re sincere, what difference do beliefs make? A: Sincerity doesn’ doesn’t validate truth. Jesus is the only acceptable Object of our faith! What He said of Himself: • Alpha & Omega (Rev 22:13) • The Almighty (Rev 1:8) • One with the Father (John 10:30) • The Way, Truth & Life (John 14:6) • See Me, See the Father (John 14:9) • Son of Man (NT) What Others Said of Him: • Messiah (Daniel 9:25) • Immanuel (Matt 1:23) • My Lord & my God (John 20:28) • King of Kings & Lord of Lords (1Tim 6:15) • Mighty God (Isa 9:6) • Father to the Son: “Your throne O God, is forever and ever; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You…” (Heb 1:8-9)

Prophet, Priest & King, Son of God, Son of Man …Jesus: Who is He?

The Almighty, The Word of God, Lamb of God, Jehovah, Savior, Emmanuel, The Christ, Lord of Lords, King of Kings, The Alpha & Omega…

Jesus is God. The analogy of His sonship helps us understand the 2nd Person of the triune Godhead. Essentially, God took on humanity, to do something for us, that we could never accomplish on our own.

5

The Deity of Christ

(Credentials)

Signs Signs after after His His Resurrection: Resurrection: •• Manifests Manifests aa Glorified Glorified Body Body (Lk (Lk 24:37-39) 24:37-39) •• Appears Appears to to Over Over 500 500 over over 40 40 days days (1Cor (1Cor 15:6) 15:6) •• Ascends Ascends into into Heaven Heaven (Acts (Acts 1:9) 1:9) •• He is Seated at the Right Hand He is Seated at the Right Hand of of the the Father. Father. (Heb (Heb 1:3) 1:3)

Q: Aren’t Christians just narrow-minded? Redemptive Redemptive Operations Operations of of the the Lord —Prophet, Almighty Lord God God Almighty— Almighty—Prophet, Priest Priest & & King: King:

Signs Signs during during His His Earthly Earthly Ministry: Ministry: •• Led Led aa sinless, sinless, perfect perfect life life (2Cor (2Cor 5:21) 5:21) •• Knows Knows the the Hearts Hearts of of Mankind Mankind (Jn (Jn 2:25) 2:25) •• Turns Turns Water Water to to Wine Wine (Jn (Jn 2:6-10) 2:6-10) •• Feeds Feeds the the Multitudes Multitudes (Mat (Mat 14:15-21) 14:15-21) •• Walks Walks on on Water Water (Mat (Mat 14:25-27) 14:25-27) •• Commands Commands Wind Wind && Waves Waves (Mat (Mat 8:23-27) 8:23-27) •• Restored Restored Sight, Sight, Hearing, Hearing, Health Health (NT) (NT) •• Raises Raises the the Dead Dead (Jn (Jn 11:40-44) 11:40-44) •• Accepts Accepts death death for for us us (Rom (Rom 5:8) 5:8)

Jesus is the only One who claimed to be God, and the only One to back-up His claim.

•• Son Son of of God, God, the the Creative Creative Logos Logos (Col (Col 1:16-17) 1:16-17) •• Son Son of of Man Man who who was was Virgin Virgin Born. Born. (Jn (Jn 1:1,14) 1:1,14) •• Mediator Mediator between between God God && man man (1Tim (1Tim 2:5) 2:5) •• Sacrificial Sacrificial Lamb Lamb of of God, God, who who fulfills fulfills the the Law, Law, and and atones atones for for sin. sin. (Jn (Jn 1:29) 1:29) •• Victor Victor over over sin sin && death death (Heb (Heb 2:14) 2:14) •• Advocate Advocate to to the the Father Father (Heb (Heb 7:25; 7:25; 8:1) 8:1) •• King King of of Kings Kings (Rev (Rev 19:16) 19:16)

•• Resurrects Resurrects Himself Himself (Jn (Jn 10:18) 10:18)

6 A: Not if Jesus is the only way, truth and life!

Salvation by Grace... • God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense •

Unmerited Favor: – Contrasted to Justice – getting what we deserve. – Different from Mercy – not getting what we deserve. – Grace is – getting what we do not deserve.

•

Something God has done for us: – – – –

•

Satisfied the requirements of the Law. (Mat 5:17) Substituted His life for ours. (Rom 5:8) Defeated sin & death. (1Cor 15:51-57) Offers Salvation as a Gift. (Eph 2:8-9)

Something we couldn’t do for ourselves: – Make peace with God, through reconciliation. (2Cor 5:18-21) – Provide access to Heaven. (Titus 3:7) – Guarantee an eternal inheritance. (Eph 1:13-14)

“He is the image of the invisible God…All things were created through Him and for Him…and in Him all things consist.” (Col.1:15-17)

Defending the Resurrection: F – Factual eyewitness accounts E – Empty tomb A – Appearances to over 500 T – Transformed lives

7

The Bible: A Portrait of Jesus Salvation has only and always been offered by grace, through faith in the Messiah...

From Genesis to Revelation, God’ God’s Word deals with God reconciling Man unto Himself through the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Genesis: Creator, Seed of woman, the Lion of Judah the Ark of Noah, Abraham’s Lamb, Joseph, Moses, the Burning Bush, Passover Lamb, the Tabernacle, the Shekinah Glory Cloud, Manna, the Rock… Leviticus: Offerings, High Priest, Day of Atonement Goat, Annual Feasts… Numbers: Red Heifer, Serpent on the Pole, Parable of Balaam, Cities of Refuge… Joshua: Captain of our salvation… Ruth: The Kinsman-Redeemer… Kings: The splendor of Solomon’s reign… Isaiah: The suffering Servant, the Glorious Messiah… Daniel: The Stone cut without human hands…

“And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” life.” (1 John 5:115:11-12)

8

The Bible: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (2 Tim 3:16)

Q: What credentials back-up Christianity? A: Scripture is the basis for our beliefs •

As Christians, the basis for our beliefs are dependent upon“Truth” as revealed by the God of the Bible. Consider however, that the Bible was written over a span of 1,500 years, comprising over 40 generations, by over 40 authors (from every walk of life), across 3 continents, in 3 languages. So…

Q: Can the Bible be trusted, and if so, why? A: Yes! The Bible is altogether trustworthy, and when it’s attacked, it’s usually on the basis of the following: Š

Is it Accurate?

Remember "M M" for Manuscripts

Over 24,000 source copies…

Š

Is it Authentic?

Remember "A A" for Archeology

Recent Discoveries Confirm…

Š

Is it Authoritative?

Remember "P P" for Prophecy

Over 2,000 Predictions…

Š

Is it Absolute?

Remember "S S" for Statistics

Facts Based on Probability…

Also consider the Bible’ Bible’s CLUES:

The Bible is uniquely different from any other so-called holy books, in terms of its divine inspiration and inerrancy.

• Candor – Flawed human nature is exposed... • Literal – Divine inspiration of God’s Spirit... • Unity – No contradiction in its 66 books... • Endorsement – By Christ Himself... • Survival – Writings pre-date all others...

9

Acrostic – “MAPS” “M” in MAPS stands for Manuscript Evidence •

Answers the “accuracy” questions.

•

The OT is corroborated by the Greek Septuagint and the Hebrew “Dead Sea Scrolls.”

•

And there are over 24,000 NT manuscripts in existence today.

•

To question the Bible’s accuracy, effectively discredits all books of antiquity.

M - Manuscript Evidence, answers the "accuracy" questions. As for the NT alone, there are over 24,000 manuscript copies in existence today. These are comprised, according to McDowell's Evidence that Demands a Verdict (pg. 39), of more than 5,300 known Greek manuscripts, plus over 10,000 Latin Vulgate, and at least 9,300 other early versions. As for the OT, there is a wealth of corroborating manuscript evidence as well, such as the Greek Septuagint and the Hebrew Dead Sea Scrolls. Given the weight of available manuscript evidence, there is no basis to question the accuracy of Scripture. To do so, is to discredit all books of antiquity.

10

Acrostic – “MAPS” “A” – in MAPS stands for Archeological Finds •

Addresses “authenticity” issues.

•

Artifacts from more than 25,000 OT region sites substantiate the long-extinct societies found in Scripture.

•

Conversely, no archeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference.

•

Now, compare the enormity of historical evidence found in the Bible, with the lack of evidence in others faiths.

A - Archeological Finds, addresses "authenticity" issues. For example, in Ron Rhodes book, The Complete Book of Bible Answers (pg. 21), sources indicate that more than 25,000 OT region sites have substantiated Scripture by producing artifact discoveries of ancient Biblical societies and cultures that have long since disappeared. It goes on to state categorically "that no archeological discovery has ever controverted a biblical reference. 11

Acrostic – “MAPS” “P” – in MAPS stands for Predictive Prophecy. •

Answers questions of “authority.” Involving one fourth of Scripture, prophetic texts reveal the purposes of God and His sovereignty over time and eternity.

•

Arguably, if everyone’s opinion is equally valid, the Bible serves as a higher source of truth outside of ourselves—as only God knows the end of things from the beginning. (Isa. 46:10)

•

The Bible contains over 2,000 specific, predictive prophecies.

•

The re-emergence of the ancient State of Israel is exemplary of prophetic fulfillment in our generation.

•

1 of every 30 verses in the Bible also refers to the return of Christ.

P - Predictive Prophecy, answers "authority" questions, since only God can demonstrate that He knows the "end from the beginning." Involving over one fourth of Scripture, the Bible contains over 2,000 specific prophecies (involving people, places, and events), made hundreds of years in advance of their fulfillment (according to apologetic works by McDowell, Lindsey, Jeffrey, Kennedy, Swindoll, Hagee, etc.). For me, the book of Daniel is most notable in that it traces the rise and fall of world kingdoms like Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome (in advance) as they intersect with Jewish history. Also, 1 of every 30 verses in the Bible refers to the prophetic 2nd return of Christ.

12

Acrostic – “MAPS” “S” – in MAPS stands for Statistical Probability. •

Answers absolutely, scientifically. Who says the case for the Bible can’t be proven. Christianity is an evidential faith.

•

While probability (or chance) defeats the case for evolution theory, it reinforces the concept of creation.

•

As for identifying the promised Messiah, based on fulfilled prophecy alone, probability mathematically confirms only Jesus Christ.

•

As for end-time prophecy (Rebirth of Israel & EU, knowledge explosion, intensity/frequency of wars and natural disasters, etc.) the odds are 1 in 50 of any “one” of these predictions occurring in our lifetime. For “ten” to occur in the same generation – it balloons to one chance in 97,500 Trillion! Probability indicates that we will see Christ’s return.

S - Statistical Probability, answers absolutely, scientifically. Norman Geisler in When Skeptics Ask (page 116) mentions, "Logically, it is possible for chance to have caused all things to converge on one man, but it is certainly not probable. Mathematicians have calculated the probability of sixteen predictions being fulfilled in one man at 1 in 1045. If we go to forty-eight predictions, the probability is 1 in 10157 ...All evidence points to Jesus as the divinely appointed fulfillment of the messianic prophecies." By the way, if chance exceeds 1 in 1050, it's considered beyond reasonable probability. So, to trust that Jesus is who He says He is (i.e. God & Messiah), is to hold a belief that is beyond reasonable doubt.

13

God’s Manifest Existence Q: How do you know that God exists? A: God’s existence is more than self evident through: •

The created order – Intelligent design is seen from cosmos, to the smallest of creatures.

•

Conscience – Our innate sense of morality and guilt, is proof of an external Law-giver.

•

Christ – The super-natural person and work of Jesus testified to God’s existence.

•

Simple logic – Behind every thing is a thought & behind every thought is a thinker.

•

Predictive prophecy – God’s sovereignty over history is evidenced in fulfilled prophecy.

•

Statistical probability – While evolution violates chance, creation accommodates it.

•

Transformed lives – The manifest goodness of any society is due to their belief in God.

•

The problems with evolution theory: Refuting the FACE of Evolution: F – Fossil record doesn’t support it A – Ape-man hoaxes C – Chance alone is >10150 (>1050 = No Chance) E – Entropy (Order to Disorder) * Not to mention laws of conservation, cause & effect, etc.

14

God’s Sovereignty Q: If a loving and powerful God really exists, why doesn’t He do something about all the evil and suffering in the world? A: Several reasons would explain why God allows evil and suffering to exist: – Suffering comes with the freedom to choose. – Mankind’s inhumanity to man, results in suffering. – If God decided to destroy evil, He’d have to destroy us as well. – The Bible promises that God will one day judge all evil. At present though, He’s extending opportunity to repent and receive the forgiveness and life that He offers. (2 Pet 3:9) – In the meantime, suffering warns us of danger, reveals what’s in our hearts, and provides an opportunity to trust God. – Christ’s sacrificial death at Calvary, demonstrated God’s love for us, His judgment of sin and His power to overcome evil. – Ultimately, God works all things together for good, to those who love God, to those called according to His purpose. (Rom 8:28) – Tribulation in the life of a believer is usually either for our perfection or correction. 15

Summary •

It is important to know what you believe and why!

•

Christianity is unique from all other faiths: – – – –

In its message of Grace. In the Person & work of Christ. In the divine inspiration of the Scriptures. In its transformational ability for time & eternity.

•

Christianity is also an evidential faith.

•

Cults pour different meaning into familiar Christian terms, but upon closer examination, they deny Christianity’s core truth (Jesus).

•

Seekers expect you to: – Be Genuine. – Appeal to their intellect. – Provide a reason for the hope.

“Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.” (Lk 12:8-9)

16