Without the Spirit, apologetics is worthless

For as long as I have been alive, I have never questioned my relationship with my mother, nor have I had it called into question. I know she is my mother, and I her son. It is worth noting that this is not an evidence-based knowledge. Due to the natural development of the human mind, I have no memory of the day I was born. My first memory is from when I was about 3, and of course that lacks clarity. I have never taken a DNA test, neither have I actually seen my birth certificate. Though evidence does exist, no amount of evidence is required to make me believe my mother is my mother, and it would take some rather powerful evidence to make me question otherwise. Of course, this might not be enough to convince someone else of what I know to be true.

Christians often find ourselves in a similar situation. Unlike many other religions, Christianity is a relationship with God. As such, the relationship is evidence of itself. Or, to put it the way Paul does, the Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God's children. This relationship may have varying levels of evidence behind it. You may not know much evidence, if any, or you may be a walking encyclopedia, but really, evidence is just a nice thing to have.

It's also very useful. Although the testimony of a believer may convince some to come to faith, especially if it's a powerful testimony, we aren't commanded to be so unprepared. In fact, in 1 Peter 3:15, we are told to always be ready to give reason to those who ask. Similarly, 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to cast down arguments, and every lofty opinion that sets itself against the knowledge of God.

Effectively, we are all called to be apologists. Every Christian, regardless of background, should be at least somewhat familiar with apologetics. Mercifully, this is beyond easy in our time. We live both in a relatively free and technologically advanced society. We have access to a gigantic library at the touch of a button, and there are even pocket-sized devices with which to access it.

But it's worth noting that, though it is our job to give people what they might need to be convinced, it is not our job to actually convince them. Their spirit and the Holy Spirit, just like ours, need to work together. No amount of evidence will convince a deliberate skeptic. Thus, let us be confident in our faith, let us show it with sound reasoning, and let the Lord call whom He will to repentance.