Often it is not even worth having discussions about the gospel. This is particularly the case when the goal is not to understand the Word of God, but rather to deliberately discredit it.
First explore the motif
Jesus Christ himself can no longer be attacked. He is literally above it, because with His self-sacrifice on the cross He has completely won the (spiritual) war against Satan. The goal is therefore the Word (Gospel) and the still faithful followers. These attacks on the “remnant of women” (Revelation 12:17) are increasing. If the Word of God should simply be rejected, then so be it, because it is and remains each person’s own decision. But it often doesn’t stop there, because the goal of the adversary is to send as many people as possible to their destruction with him.
For this reason, it cannot be overlooked that numerous opponents of the gospel have specialized in discrediting the Word and the followers of Jesus. This is not a mistake, but intentional (Info). In this case it is very difficult, if not impossible, to counter such attacks with clear arguments to convince them to the contrary. It becomes particularly perfidious when the “notorious doubter” uses individual verses to supposedly support his thesis. It’s usually cherry-picking, without any context, but at this point your own knowledge is of great importance.
The game is often played with the Old Testament. On the one hand, it is discredited as a completely outdated scripture, but if it is appropriate, then individual passages serve to cast doubt on God’s character. Favorites include “infant killers and genociders.”
Is there even a basis?
Simple questions would provide clarity as to whether there is any basis for even having to answer them. Anyone who comes with such arguments should first clarify their (true) position.
– Do you believe in creation in literal 6 days?
– Do you believe in Noah’s Ark and a worldwide flood?
– Do you believe in the parting of the Red Sea?
– Do you believe in the fall of the walls of Jericho?
– Do you believe in David’s victory over Goliath?
– Do you believe in the virgin birth?
– Do you believe in Jesus’ resurrection in flesh & blood?
– Do you believe in the literal ascension of Jesus?
– Do you believe in the return of Jesus on the clouds?
Arbitrariness becomes obvious
This list could go on almost indefinitely. What will the answer to that be? As a rule, it will not always be a “yes”, but rather a “no” in most cases. At this point, the attacker must first explain why he or she believes this. On the one hand, the Bible, especially the Old Testament, is described as a storybook for adults, but on the other hand, it can be quoted as evidence of a “terrible God”. Now what? “This passage is a fairy tale, that passage is true.” This is purely arbitrary.
No objective discussion can take place on such a basis. And especially not when the motive is to specifically discredit the gospel. Such mockers would have success if the faithful to God suffered a significantly increased adrenaline level. In addition to Galatians 5:22-23, Psalm 37 also gives clear tips:
“1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.”
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Luke 21:28
Bible verses from King James Version (1611)
