Why should one presume that his or her own experience is the norm for all others? "The wind bloweth where it listeth …so is everyone that is born of the Spirit" (John 3:8). Furthermore, the appeal to an unconverted man strictly on the subjective basis of his own personal needs, rather than on the basis of objective truth, tends to produce converts who are self-centered rather than God-centered. If Christ is, for him, mainly a psychological entrance to an "abundant life," he may "anon with joy receive it," but "when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended" (Matt. 13:20-21). A solid evidential basis for faith in God's Word, accompanied by an intelligent and biblical presentation of the gospel, is far more likely to produce genuine and permanent results.
Another caution, however. No matter how sound the evidence and clear the scriptural exposition, a person who is unwilling to believe cannot be argued into believing. Christian evidences can never replace the convicting and illuminating work of the Holy Spirit. No matter how strong and irrefutable the evidence, it is always possible for the skeptic to find some new reason for not believing. It is a matter of basic attitudes and unrecognized pre-suppositions. The Christian witness and apologist "must not strive." It is possible to allow a presentation of evidence to degenerate into a heated argument, and in such an atmosphere, the Holy Spirit cannot be heard.
It is this type of situation that has led some Christian philosophers to conclude that a Christian witness to the unsaved should never use evidences. The gospel alone should be preached, allowing the Holy Spirit to work as He will in the hearts of those who hear. Evidences may then be of value as encouragement to those who have been saved, but they cannot persuade someone to be saved, so they maintain.
But one need not discard the baby with the bath water! The fact that some people are allergic to antibiotics does not thereby prove that antibiotics do not help most people. Although many people may be stubbornly unwilling to believe in God's truth, a great many more would be willing but have been hindered therefrom by the persuasive pressures of the unbelieving intellectualized society in which they live.
It must not be forgotten that the early Christians almost invariably used an evidential approach in their witnessing, especially the evidences of creation, of the resurrection of Christ, the miracles of Christ, God's provision in nature, and fulfilled prophecy. Indeed, until the New Testament Scriptures were completed, God even on occasion gave special evidences in the form of gifts of healing, prophesying, and other supernatural manifestations. Even when testifying of personal experience, as in the case of Paul before King Agrippa (Acts 26), the appeal to conversion was on the strength of the fact of prophecy fulfilled (Acts 26:22, 27), and of Christ's resurrection (Acts 26:8, 23, 26).
Thus the judicious use of Christian evidences, as well as Scripture and personal testimony, is based on biblical precept and example. In addition, it is known and proved in practice that this approach has been effective in the lives of many people, both before and after conversion.
There is a final caution, however. The effective use of Christian evidences requires diligent study and preparation. A glib, superficial recital of hearsay evidence, without any real factual, documented basis, may very well evoke a sarcastic, ridiculing rejection by those who hear it.
It is probably this factor — unwillingness to study and learn the evidential facts, and consequent fear of ridicule — that is really the reason why many argue against the use of evidences at all. It is so much easier, and less subject to embarrassment, simply to quote Scripture and give one's testimony, and nothing else.
But don't forget that Buddhists and Mormons and Christian Scientists and even Communists can also quote their scriptures and give glowing, happy testimonies of how much their religion has done for them! The question is, which is true? The answer requires a sound knowledge of the evidence.
Laziness and fearfulness are ill-fitting equipment for a Christian witness. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Tim. 1:7).
Selected books for further study:
Bible League, ed. 1984. Truth Unchanged, Unchanging. Abingdon, England: Bible League Trust. 503 p.
Chapman, Colin. The Case for Christianity. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Co. 313 p.
Clark, Gordon H. 1987. God's Hammer: The Bible and its Critics. Jefferson, MD: The Trinity Foundation. 200 p.
Frame, John M. 1994. Apologetics to the Glory of God. Philipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed.
Geisler, Norman. 1976. Christian Apologetics. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House. 393 p.
Groothvis, Douglas. 1994. Christianity that Counts. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House. 224 p.
Henry, Carl F.H. 1983. God, Revelation and Authority, vol. I-VI. Waco, TX: Word Books. 500-plus pages, each volume.
Morris, Henry M. 1991. Christian Education for the Real World. Green Forest, AR: Master Books. 295 p.
Morris, Henry M. 1995. The Defender's Study Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: World Publishing Inc. 1,620 p.
Noebel, David A. 1991. Understanding the Times. Manitou Springs, CO. 896 p.
Van Til, Cornelius. 1955. The Defense of the Faith. Philadelphia, PA: Presbyterian and Reformed. 299 p.
Zuck, Roy B., ed. 1995. Vital Apologetic Issues. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publishers. 263 p.
Chapter II
The Uniqueness of Christianity
The Exclusive Claims of Christianity
If Christianity is regarded as only one religion among many others, each possessing an uncertain mixture of truth and error, then, of course, the study of Christian evidences is futile and pointless. Acceptance or rejection of Christianity in that case becomes merely a matter of personal convenience, not conviction. Whether it is true or false is not even a relevant question.
Unfortunately for those who would like to view "religion" in such a detached manner, this option is not possible in the case of biblical Christianity. Its structure is such that it must either be absolutely and uniquely true or else be completely and grossly false. An attitude of indifference is precluded where Christianity is concerned, for here indifference is the same as repudiation. A few of these claims to exclusiveness and uniqueness are as follows:
The God of the Bible is claimed to be the only true God. Jeremiah 10:10-12 is typical of a host of Scriptures to this effect: "The Lord is the true God, he is the living God and an everlasting king …The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens. He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion."
Christ claims to be the only way to God, to salvation, and to heaven. "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).
The Bible is claimed as the only true revelation from God. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isa. 8:20). The canon of Scripture closes with a fearful warning to any who would presume either to augment or delete any of the words recorded therein (Rev. 22:18-19).
The way of salvation presented in the Bible is claimed to be the only way. Peter said: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Paul warned: "If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let