Apologetics and the Means of Grace

Apologetics - A defense of the Christian faith.

As a seasoned homeschool mom, I’ve noticed that almost every homeschool subject includes apologetics.  Science texts argue for creation.  History curricula reason for the reliability of the Bible and a historical Jesus, while philosophy books present evidence with logic and reasoning.  

And although mathematics seems safe from apologetics, I once read a book called, “Mathematics: Is God Silent?” 

All of this apologetic emphasis is supposed to prepare a student to share and defend the Christian faith. 

My experience is that apologetics definitely strengthens one’s own faith.  Because I now know and understand the arguments for and against Christianity, opposing views don’t cause me doubt or anxiety.
 
From articles I've read about atheists who became Christians, my impression is that apologetics can break down barriers to faith, but does not bring a person to faith.  In fact, a person can believe that the Bible is historical, believe that Jesus rose from the dead, and still not be a Christian. 

How can that be?

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Romans 1:19-21

The Means of Grace - the manner that faith is created and strengthened, and sins are forgiven. 

In the creation account, Genesis 1, God speaks creation into existence.   Consider:

...so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.  Isaiah 55:11

And so it is with faith.  God’s Word has power and creates faith. 

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12

When we encounter and interact with God’s Word, our hearts are cut, our sin is exposed, something happens that doesn’t happen with apologetics.  God’s Word is heard by us, gets planted in us, and comes to fruition.

...since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God...1 Peter 1:23

The Christian faith is more than just an apologetics-like assent to certain facts.  Faith is more than a person hearing the gospel message and deciding to believe.  Faith is something that God works, through His Word, bringing people to belief in Him. 
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Apologetics and The Means of Grace - Apologetics arguments are man's attempts to justify his faith.  But, God's Word is a means of grace that brings faith.  

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!  Psalm 139:17