
Apologetics is a religious discipline that involves using arguments and speech to defend religious concepts. Christian apologists were early Christian writers who defended their ideas against criticism.
Apologetics may also be defined as the clarification and defence of the total system of biblical Christianity with reference to specific attacks against the total system, or with reference to selective attacks against one or more of the basic elements inherent within the system. Any definition of this subject will naturally reflect the method and approach of the one who gives it. It would seem apparent, however, that certain elements are present in any definition given for this field of study. It is not the task of apologetics to state or systematizes this biblical core. A detailed statement of Christian theology issues from the work of systematic theology and includes the major facets of our historic Christian Trinitarian position.
Second, there is an1 ever-changing and yet ever-growing body of data assembled by opponents who bring attacks against the Christian faith. A study of apologetics ideally should equip us to formulate a. method of response to any system that sets itself over against every attack on the Christian faith.
This article on Apologetics is written as a ‘guide to some areas within the broad field of Christian apologetics. It is hoped that it can serve as a tool for teachers, students, and others who are seeking information, at an introductory level. Some very definite principles must be kept in focus as this article is used.
First, it is not intended as a development of any one particular system of apologetics: Rather, it should serve as a guide to an understanding of what apologetics is, where it fits into” the framework of theological studies, and what can be expected as far as workable results from the data of this realm of information are concerned.
secondly, a definite format has been followed. After establishing the major guidelines for studying apologetics, the approach, as suggested in the title, will be to state some challenges brought against Christianity and offer specific responses to these challenges. They are the challenge “that comes concerning the existence of God and theistic argumentation in general. This area deals specifically” with the Go of creation. This is an –attempt to ‘respond-to –the determined,’ rejection of truth captured in the statement that “there is no God, no evidence to investigate concerning His existence. The challenge that “comes, concerning the revelation of God.
History Building on the first subject, this challenge deals, specifically with God’s authentic communication and is an attempt to respond to the implications of the negation that “there is no certainty for the historical claims for Christianity.
The challenge that comes concerning the uniqueness of Christ and selected issues in the vindication of His supernatural origin and triumphs over death in His resurrection: Continuing the theme of the second subject or challenge, this covers specifically God’s ultimate confrontation with a man in the person of the-‘God-man, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is an attempt to discuss the ramifications of the negation, that there is no uniqueness to Jesus and His claims.
To be sure, there are many more issues in apologetics. The choice of these three is made with the full realization that one could feasibly deal with a defence of biblical orthodoxy at every segment of systematic theology. These three basic areas can form a meaningful ground for introducing the reader to this entire realm. The challenges raised in these three areas alone are so basic that they must be considered normative for a handbook on Christian defence.
I have attempted to define and defend a serious and sustained differentiation between the fields of apologetics and evangelism. I believe that ‘with this differentiation firmly established in our thinking, a real and concerted effort to give a reason for our faith can go forward in complete reliance on the strength of Christ.
Furthermore, I have attempted to rest the work of defence on solid biblical groundwork. Realizing that Scripture must be central in the work of our institutions of Christian higher learning, I have attempted to offer biblical support for the principles enunciated. Also, I have alternate data with selected central passages of the Bible related to the confrontation between the Christian position and its challenges. I am keenly aware of the fact that we must do more than provide lip service to the dictum that Scripture and the biblical framework are basic for our education. I trust that the work will be useful in bringing glory to God and helping workers in the field of theological endeavours to contend earnestly for the faith.
Christian Apologetics
The person who is beginning research and study in Christian apologetics is usually armed with some preconceptions with reference to this highly fascinating field of study. “The best defence is a good offence, we are told, and possibly the implication is that to make a systematic defence of the Christian faith is essential to waste valuable time. It has been said that “apologetics usually consists of proving what you have never doubted by arguments that you don’t understand.” This line of reasoning reveals an attitude of basic mistrust of any attempt to investigate the defence of the Christian faith. All talk of defensive strategy and detailed argumentation seems somehow strangely removed from the proclamation of the gospel of Christ and His triumph in individual lives. Christianity rests on great biblical truths. These truths include the vital orders of the Lord Jesus Christ, orders that are associated with advancement and achievement, not with negativism and defeat! Perhaps, therefore, Christian defensive or apologetic activity has been thought by some to involve compromise or, at best, stating the Christian view in such a manner that it will be acceptable to the mind of the unbeliever, thereby sacrificing the essentials of the faith. This being, the case, we will begin our study by examining the nature of Apologetics:
Etymology
The term apologetics derives from the Ancient Greek word apologia (ἀπολογία). In the Classical Greek legal system, the prosecution delivered the kategoria (κατηγορία), the accusation or charge, and the defendant replied with an apologia, the defence. The apologia was a formal speech or explanation to reply to and rebut the charges. A famous example is Socrates’ Apologia defence, as chronicled in Plato’s Apology.
In the Koine Greek of the New Testament, the Apostle Paul employs the term apologia in his trial speech to Festus and Agrippa when he says “I make my defence” in Acts 26:2. A cognate form appears in Paul’s Letter to the Philippians as he is “defending the gospel” in Philippians 1:7, and in “giving an answer” in 1 Peter 3:15.
Although the term apologetics has Western, primarily Christian origins and is most frequently associated with the defence of Christianity, the term is sometimes used to refer to the defence of any religion informal debate involving religion.
-BIBLICAL TERMS RELATED TO APOLOGETICS
–CHALLANGES AND RESPONSE
–A BIBLICAL BASIS FOR APOLOGETICS
BIBLICAL TERMS RELATED TO APOLOGETICS
The word apologetics has a specific relationship to the Greek words apologia and apologeomai. Present-day usage of the adjective apologetic might explain why this whole realm of studies is sometimes viewed with distrust. When someone’s tone or demeanour is “apologetic/’ the implication is clearly given that there is an acknowledgement of some kind of fault. Such a tone implies an attitude of concession or willingness to admit wrong and to “apologize” for the activity in question. However, this implication is really not in the picture at all when it comes to apologetics. In New Testament times the Greek noun apologia meant a statement or speech of defence From the list of usages of this noun apologia in the New Testament, we can profitably select and examine several to see their bearing on our investigation. Acts 22:1 states, “Brethren and fathers, hear my defence [Greek, apologia] which I now offer to you. The elements involved in this activity of defence are all seen in this vivid example. The accusation had been levelled against the apostle Paul, and a careful answer, defence, or apology needed to be made. Paul proceeds to outline the personal factors in his life that would account for his presence in Jerusalem at that particular time. The answer is given by Paul in this case, as in all of his speeches in defence, manifested an attitude of dignity and yet a forthright response to the issues. There was no condescension or dealing “with his hearers in a patronizing manner. He spoke out clearly in an apology in this biblical sense.
“If living has gone ‘to Rome as “a”:
Fischer” because effect” the preaching of the gospel, Paul used his pen to encourage the churches. He wrote to the Philippians that “both in my imprisonment and in the defence [Greek, apologia] and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me knowing that I am appointed for the defence [apologia] of the gospel” (Phil, 1:16). The clear Pauline implication here is that defence, as a statement of response to the charges or questions raised, is closely linked to the gospel. In fact, the major Scope, of the apostle. Paul’s ministry can easily be described ‘with those very, terms: defence and confirmation of the gospel, it appears that there is a definite pattern of usage and relationship suggested in Philippians 1 about this matter of the Christian message and the Christian defence. Notice this progression: —the furtherance of the gospel (v. 5) —the defence and confirmation of the gospel (v. 7) —the progress of the gospel (v. 12).
-—the defence of the gospel (v. 15) —manner of life worthy of the gospel (v, 27a) —striving for the faith of the gospel (v. 27b) When referring to the deep bond of Christian love that he had for his friends at Philippi, Paul reminds them of the framework of his ‘ concern for them”. This Christian love “that he has for them is found in the truth of the gospel, and this same gospel must be stated, confirmed, defended, and lived, as the above verses indicate. When viewed from this perspective, therefore, the activity involved in the defence of the gospel becomes a wholly natural and vital activity, not -separated from Christian doctrine and life, but interwoven with them. By stressing defence in verses 7 of Philippians 1, Paul shows its importance. The Christian’s ethical behaviour, with the major issue of consistency of life, flows naturally from the truth contained in the Good News, the gospel of Jesus Christ {v. 27}. Titus shows a biblical balance in the close interrelationship seen in Philippians 1 between Christian conduct, communication, and clarification (defence) answering questions raised about the person and or message of the Christian herald Seen in this relationship, therefore,
the matter of defence is an integral part of the entire Christian enterprise.
The apostle Peter wrote, “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defence [apologia] to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15) A word of caution is definitely in order as this passage is examined. It is on oversimplification to lift his verse out of its context and place point of a book about the defence of the Christian position. The verse functions in a context that was particularly meaningful for readers of the first century. Doubtless in Peter’s usage, there was a broad spectrum of activity implied in the word apologia and an equally broad. The spectrum of occasions in “which this kind of activity was to take place, however on the basis that all Scripture has a teaching content and a vital applicatory message, believers living in any century of the Christian era can find principles here that will govern the activity of apologetics. It certainly specifies that one must be ready to give a careful answer to issues involving Christian hope. This hope is linked with the theological verities of the Christian faith, implying certainty and a fixed object of faith. The readiness to give a cogent statement of defence stressed in this verse clearly implies preparation on the part of the one who is to give the statement. This preparation would logically involve a knowledge both of the position being defended and of the attacks brought against it. Along with an awareness of these issues, the apostle Peter stresses an attitude of dependence on God. Very simply, this passage calls for both the act of giving defence and an attitude in this activity of total dependence on God. The biblical meekness stressed is certainly not weakness but rather strength governed by the discipline of a controlled spirit on the part of the one doing the answering. The passage teaches that believers are to be prepared to give an answer, but this answer or defence is to be devoid of all arrogance and pride or self-sufficiency.
Some scholars have felt that 1 Peter 3:15 has no bearing on the defence of the faith in modern times. They feel that this verse must be limited to the times of persecution faced by the readers in the first century when believers were called on to give a specific legal and formal defence to the Roman world power. Passages in the book, such as 1 Peter 2:13-17, are cited to help give credibility to this viewpoint. The conclusion is thus drawn that 1 Peter 3:15 implies only a technical answer or legal defence in the face of immediate confrontation with the Roman, governor M. Stibbs evaluates this position in the following manner:
The accompanying phraseology in this verse, however, combines forcibly to suggest something which might be called for at any time in the most informal and spontaneous manner. The words always and to every man make the reference completely general and comprehensive. The Christian must remember that anybody at any time may ask him to explain and justify his Christian confidence.
The Christian is then to engage not in an aggressive attack on the other person’s will or prejudice, but in a logical account (the word translated ‘reason is logos), or reasoned explanation of the hope that is distinctive of the Christian community ( Heb. 23, RV). He ought, also, to do it with meekness and fear, i.e., without arrogance or self-assertion, with due respect and deference towards men, and with proper awe and reverence before God.
Another important Greek word is the verb apologeomai, which means to give a defence in response to charges. Some usages of this verb in the New Testament have a vital bearing on the study of apologetics. Acts 24:10, set the tone for his response to his attackers, saying, “I cheerfully make my defence [apologeomai}. In making his defence Paul deliberately sorted out the charges brought against him and his position and responded in the spirit of dignity. The attitude marking Paul’s defence is characterized by the ward eutlwmds, “cheerfully,” an adverb based on the adjective euthumos, good spirit. The adjective means cheerful or in good spirits and is used to indicate an activity resulting in encouraging someone. This is highly significant in attempting to detect principles from the New Testament that will guide anyone giving a response or an apology. Paul’s attitude is not one of condemnation of his critics, but rather one of deep concern for the truth and for the issues of clarification of the matter at hand.
Interestingly, the charges enumerated in Acts 24:5-9 formed the pattern of attack brought against the Christian position for many decades after the apostolic age. ‘Three main charges are in view; of sedition against the state. sectarianism with reference to Judaism, and “sacrilege against the God of Israel, Paul’s straightforward answer amounted to a categorical and factual denial of sedition ” (24:11-13).
Furthermore, he defined the Christian position very concisely as being not a sect, but the pathway of true service to the God of Israel (14-16).
Finally, he described in minute detail his activity in Jerusalem, and he insisted rightfully that it was not sacrilegious (. 17-21).
Acts 26:l-2 reveals and uses the Greek verb as follows: “Paul stretched out his hand and proceeded to make his defence [apologeomai]. I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that I am about to make my defence [apologeomai]. ‘ln the ensuing verses, Luke records a Christocentric statement from Paul, who adroitly bases the defence on “a major proclamation of the Christian message. The key to his apology seems to be found in verse 22, where he candidly responds to Judaism by noting that the Christian position is an unfolding of what the Old Testament had stated about the Messiah.
BIBLICAL PASSAGES RELATED TO APOLOGETICS
In addition to the keywords just studied, there are complete passages of Scripture that establish the validity of the activity of -defending the Christian faith. Thus an appeal that makes the defence of the faith a crucial action for believers is recorded in Jude 3: “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our com-Tinon salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. The phrase that concerns the student of apologetics is “contend earnestly [epagonizomai] for the faith. The first readers of these words shared the common salvation that Jude mentions in the earlier part of the verse. This common salvation was based on the redeeming grace of God that had been proclaimed to them in the preaching of the gospel. Now Jude urges these Christians, because of the imminent danger of specific teaching directed against the gospel, to contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered over to the believers. Unquestionably Jude states that there is a body of teaching known as “the faith” and that this body of teaching has been entrusted by the believers. Furthermore, this entire system of truth was now called into question by false teachers. Jude urges his readers to strive earnestly for (literally, to agonize for) the faith. The background for this word picture is founded in the world of the etc games, of athletics “agonizes,” or really contends, for a prize; he struggles to ] win the victory in the event in which he is participating. This activity, of course, implies diligent training and a determined effort to triumph over the other competitors. When we transfer this idea to the concept of Christian warfare, the word picture becomes more vivid. Many false views are being offered to the churches, said Jude. The Christian is to respond diligently to these false views by gaining victory or mastery over them. Contending for the faith, in other horizons within a context of the careful and calculated study of apologetics is a determined effort to express and vindicate the Christian faith so as to fully respond to the opposing positions. Jude 3, therefore, is an important verse, for it enunciates a principle for all ages of the history of the defence of Christianity,
Jude 22 adds another element to this work of defence, Whereas Jude 3 enunciates the general principle of striving for the faith, verse 22 explores the attitude of the defender as he or she engages in the activity of giving defence. The defender’s attitude is projected as follows: “And have mercy on some, who are doubting” (v. 22). There is some question as to the wording of the original text here. However, the words of George Lawlor show the bearing of the verse on. The study of the defence of the faith:
It thus seems reasonable to take Jude’s admonition to mean that we are to extend mercy to those who may have leanings toward such things as are taught by apostates but who are hesitating in doubt. It may well be that some of them are still hesitating, wavering, in doubt as to what is right or wrong and have taken no final step. Some may..be disputatious, to be sure, and under the influence of the apostasy, and attempt to support claims made by apostates. In either case and in both instances, we must make every effort to correct their mistaken views and impressions, even to the point of rebuke if need be. Titus 1:9-11 also is a passage to be considered. The immediate -context, of course, refers to a description of traits that are to characterize leadership in the church. The elder or overseer sets the pace for the rest of the group in the matter of “holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict” (v. 9). The phrase “those who contradict” receives further clarification in verses 10-11. It seems fairly clear that non-Christian positions are in view here, for those involved are teaching false ideas arid are viewed as being unidentified by the believers. Paul refers to these very individuals as those “who must be silenced” (v. 11), In this vivid terminology, the apostle clearly indicates that the false ideas must be met openly and a response made so that the opposition will be definitely and clearly answered.
We have considered some ‘biblical passages “that supply principles for the work of defending the Christian faith. A fitting summary will be to see how Paul in 2 Timothy 2:24-25 addresses this matter of giving a defence of Christian truth. Certainly, anyone who is involved in the vital work of defending the faith needs to follow the example set by these words: “And the Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth. Workers in this field of defending the faith must be characterized by the qualities set forth in this passage. A perfect balance of human responsibility on the part of the worker and the gracious action of God is given in the last part of 2 Timothy 2:25. A word of correction and clarification must be given, and then God will graciously work in finalizing this word to the end that the change of mind (repentance) is seen as part of His gracious action.
A BIBLICAL BASIS FOR APOLOGETICS
Christian truth even in the present day has had a long ideological history, and these objections have prompted a careful Christian response from past generations of able defenders of the faith.
Third, separate treatment is demanded by some issues in the broad spectrum of subjects included in Christian apologetics. The last part of the definition given for apologetics reflects this factor: For example, a major part of Christian theology deals with the “work of our Creator God in His massive activity of bringing into being all the galaxy systems and all of the various forms of life on earth. Christian theology in the unfolding of the work of creation by God builds on a model. of origins that starts with the miraculous work of God, Naturally, this clashes with a model of origins that postulates” no personal God but rather assumes a mechanism of change for the arrival of life. Thus one entire issue of Christian apologetics deals with the Christian position concerning the origin of all things. The dimension of the problem demands that entire volumes be devoted, to this one field, even though it is actually only one of the basic elements inherent within the entire Christian position.
Drawing from the Bible keywords considered earlier, we can now see how the term apologetics can be used in a positive biblical manner. A given speech in defence is an apology in “this”, technical sense of the term. Apologetics embraces the entire field of defence and is basic to any individual apology or statement in response to specific objections. Admittedly, this is somewhat of an idealistic concept; it involves the building of a system of Christian defence and then the giving of individual “apologies” as objections are articulated. It is like the ideal relationship that should exist between “homiletics,” a study of the great principles of sermon building and delivery, and a “sermon” a specific proclamation of biblical truth based on the help and teachings contained in the science of homiletics. By comparison, what a given sermon ideally is to homiletics as a field of study, a given defence statement or apology idea
is to the entire realm of apologetics as a field of study.
There is a close relationship between Christian apologetics and the study of philosophy. At this point someone may be thinking, “Why not simply state the facts of history on which Christianity rests in answering objections and avoid all this speculative reasoning and challenge and purpose.
dialogue with philosophy? This is a reasonable question. However as soon as you use the words. “facts of history,” you are involved already in stating a view about reality, or a framework in which these facts will function, and interpretation of these facts. Interpretation rests on a way of looking at all of reality, and, very simply, the way a person looks at all of reality is his or her “philosophy” of life or view of life. It is safe to say that most of the objections brought to bear against the Christian position rest on an interpretation, a way of looking at reality, or a philosophy of life that is opposed to Christianity, thus to understand the objection and give a better and more cogent response to it, we must attempt to understand the position on which the objection rests.
The Christian realizes that the correct position on all of reality is found in the system of truth revealed in Scripture. Starting with that groundwork or system, which is openly verifiable to all, the Christian can find the ultimate answers to the questions raised by philosophy. Specifically stated, Christian theology gives us the groundwork or basic ingredients on which we formulate specifically Christian” answers’ To the problem areas in the spectrum of philosophy. For example, metaphysics is the study of ultimate reality or the very nature of being itself. A thoroughly consistent Christian view of metaphysics can be built and articulated on the solid ground of Christian theism. Building on this foundation, the Christian apologete then contrasts this view with false views of metaphysics and points out the inconsistencies of the views that oppose Christianity. Alt of this can be put into focus with these words.
It is apparent from this that if ‘We would really defend Christianity as a historical religion “we must at the same time defend the theism upon which Christianity is based; This involves us in philosophical discussions
CONCLUSION
Apologetics is a worthy and fruitful discipline in a Christian curriculum. Although the Bible does not spell out in detail the task or methods of apologetics, nonetheless there are enough passages to indicate that the kind of work done in this field is grounded in principles of Scripture. Every succeeding generation of Christians is called on to give a vital expression of the Christian position. Each” generation must also maintain the massive system of Christian Trinitarian orthodoxy on the one hand and to respond to attacks brought against it, on the other hand, all the while exemplifying the spirit of Christ and speaking in the power of the risen Savior.
I SHALL STOP HERE FOR NOW, TILL THE NEXT UPDATE.
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Hello there! This is a very detailed post! I haven’t been too strong of a religious person, and it’s only been more recent that I started to look more into it. I haven’t really heard of apologetics before so this post of yours was an informative one. I also think it is important that one really knows their doctrines well and to be able to defend it when put to test. Thank you for breaking down the terminology and all.
It’s ok to be truthful Mike. Apologetics is the religious discipline of defending religious doctrines through systematic argumentation and discourse as I try to elaborate above. Every Christian needs to be an apologete so we can fuel the growth speed of our faith. Thanks, Mick for dropping by.
Hi there – As a lifelong Christian (68 now), I was not aware of such a discipline rooted in early Christianity. But the history of that time continues to emerge, so it makes sense that we start to clarify who said what when, and what was edited out by powerful figures later during the Nicene period. My upbringing and singing and meditation journey through life has taken me to many different disciplines within Christianity, so I’m aware there are many ways, many inner journeys, each perfect and worthy of respect for being true to that person. I have found much is the same, though, across all faiths.
There was a lot going on in the 70-100’s AD. Sometimes unpleasant, as people stepped up to dare to bear witness (stoning!), and as Paul and Peter both moved out from trauma and shock to awe and walking and preaching and writing. Later, as with the time after Moses and later David, there were disputes (arguments, food fights maybe?) about who was and was not going to be the one to speak and decide what would be passed along to future generations (e.g. Joshua and Solomon in their respective times). And within each time period, there are glimpses of the same lessons Jesus was trying to get across, about being loving, not judgmental or prideful or filled with hubris and haughtiness.
I still learn new things on reading the Bible end-to-end, as well as learning about new discoveries from archeology (most discoveries have trended toward supporting the general stories in the Bible, although perhaps we can’t quite mix and stitch together a full story nowadays since we know the timelines don’t always match).
Nowadays, I tend to s the Bible as complete in the sense that it offers many, many opportunities to identify with the hearts of people who came to know God and Jesus, from all walks and creeds and resistance, And yet it must be incomplete, since it is trying to provide a window into the infinite and eternal and that story continues.
So I am moved most by the inner journey rather than the debate journey, and have found joy in the doing through each breath and listening, rather than argument. In the development of this self-control, I must place into faith that others will see and know and decide for themselves, rather than be moved to a change of heart by a ‘good point’.
Yet, I once heard a group of young Tibetan monks visiting the US showing how they debate each other constantly to increase understanding and compassion. It was actually kind of gruesome at moments to be there… like watching a family squabble and wanting to break it up and restore peace! But they showed another way is to allow the arguments and be grateful for them.
I believe God is everywhere and with loving intention, present always in all hearts. So it makes sense there would be these paths that work for some and not for others.
Thanks for sharing this perspective –
Steve
wow, such a huge comment you dropped here Steve. thanks for your time.
I agree with you when you said that you are moved most by the inner journey rather than the debate journey, and have found joy in doing through each breath and listening, rather than argument. In the development of this self-control and the placing into the faith that others will see and know and decide for themselves, rather than be moved to a change of heart by a ‘good point’. yes, everyone is entitled to their opinions, but then, the word of God demanded that we correct, teach, reproof people going the wrong way, if we don’t teach them, how will they know they are in wrongs?
fortunately, apologetics as a theological field deals with biblical exegesis and systematic argumentation, not worldly arguments.
Apologetics is the clarification and defence of the total system of biblical Christianity with reference to specific attacks against the total system, or with reference to selective attacks against one or more of the basic elements inherent within the system.
2Tim 3:15-17 says; From infancy, you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.…
now, systematic argumentation here means instruction, conviction, correction, and training in righteousness. Paul did it, peter and even Jesus christ did apologetics each time he quoted “it is written”, this is the defence of our faith with Gods word we are talking about. if Jesus did this, why wouldn’t we? this was the reason Adam and Eve fall because they couldn’t defend their faith.
there are many faulty applications of this faith by untrained and or amateur and prematured Christians to this day, and this is the reason for this article as apostle paul would drop it to Timothy. thanks steve for your thoughts, but I advise all to be ready at all time to defend your faith through the word of God, not with earthly weapons like other religions.
I want to share a message that has been spreading all over the internet that concerns the times we are living in. Whether you believe in God or not, this is a must read message!
We can see throughout time how we have been slowly conditioned to come to this point where we are on the verge of a cashless society. Would it surprise you to know that the Bible foretold of this event? Don’t believe me? This may be the most imporant message you will read in these times…please do not ignore this!
This messsage reveals what the Mark of the Beast is, and the meaning behind counting a number people have been pondering for centuries, 666. This message also shares why Barack Obama is the Antichrist. This is truly a message from God!
In the Revelation of Jesus Christ given to the apostle John, we read:
“He (the false prophet who deceives many by his miracles) causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666” (Revelation 13:16-18 NKJV).
Referring to the last generation, this could only be speaking of a cashless money society, which we have yet to see, but are heading towards. Why? Revelation 13:17 tells us that we cannot buy or sell unless we receive the mark of the beast in our right-hand or forehead. We could still buy or sell among one another without receiving the mark if physical money was still currency. It logically deduces itself to this reason.
These verses could not be referring to something spiritual because the word references two different physical locations (our right-hand or forehead) stating the mark will be on one “OR” the other. It once again logically deduces itself to this reason.
Here is where it really starts to come together. It is shocking how accurate the Bible is concerning the RFID microchip. These are notes from a man named Carl Sanders who worked with a team of engineers to help develop this microchip in the late 1960’s.
“Carl Sanders sat in seventeen New World Order meetings with heads-of-state officials such as Henry Kissinger and Bob Gates of the C.I.A. to discuss plans on how to bring about a one-world system. The government commissioned Carl Sanders to design a microchip for identifying and controlling the peoples of the world—a microchip that could be inserted under the skin with a hypodermic needle (a quick, convenient method that would be gradually accepted by society).
Carl Sanders, with a team of engineers behind him, with U.S. grant monies supplied by tax dollars, took on this project and designed a microchip that is powered by a lithium battery, rechargeable through the temperature changes in our skin. Without the knowledge of the Bible (Brother Sanders was not a Christian at the time), these engineers spent one-and-a-half-million dollars doing research on the best and most convenient place to have the microchip inserted.
Guess what? These researchers found that the forehead and the back of the hand (the two places Revelation says the mark will go) are not just the most convenient places, but are also the only viable places for rapid, consistent temperature changes in the skin to recharge the lithium battery. The microchip is approximately seven millimeters in length, .75 millimeters in diameter, about the size of a grain of rice. It is capable of storing pages upon pages of information about you. All your general history, work history, crime record, health history, and financial data can be stored on this chip.
Brother Sanders believes that this microchip, which he regretfully helped design, is the “mark” spoken about in Revelation 13:16-18. The original Greek word for “mark” is “charagma,” which means a “scratch or etching.” It is also interesting to note that the number 666 is actually a word in the original Greek. The word is “chi xi stigma,” with the last part, “stigma,” also meaning “to stick or prick.” Carl believes this refers to a hypodermic needle (see photo).
Mr. Sanders asked a Boston Medical Center doctor what would happen if the lithium contained within the RFID microchip leaked into the body. The doctor responded that if the microchip broke inside a human body, the lithium would cause a severe and painful wound filled with pus. This is what the book of Revelation says:
“And the first (angel) went, and poured out his vial on the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore on the men which had the mark of the beast, and on them which worshipped his image” (Revelation 16:2).
THE HIDDEN MEANING BEHIND THE NUMBER 666 REVEALED!
What I first want to mention, before I share what the Holy Spirit has revealed to me concerning the number of the beast, is that God confirms in threes. We can see this throughout scripture:
“For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one” (1 John 5:7 NKJV).
“and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:4 NKJV).
“…Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8 NKJV).
There are many more examples, but I thought I would just share three of them to make the point.
Examining Revelation 13:16,17,18, the first group of three I would like to point out is that the mark of the beast is described in three separate verses, 16, 17 and 18.
The next three I see is in verse 16, “He causes all…” is followed by three contrasting categories of people,
1 – “both small and great,
2 – rich and poor,
3 – free and slave…”.
Then unto verse 17, it opens with, “and that no one may buy or sell except one who has…”, followed by three explanations of what one must have to buy or sell,
1 – “…the mark
2 – or the name of the beast,
3 – or the number of his name”.
Now unto verse 18, we read “Let him who has understanding calculate…”, which is followed by,
1 – “the number of the beast,
2 – for it is the number of a man:
3 – His number is 666”.
The last three I see is the number “6” being used three times in a row. The reason I’m making this point about God confirming in three is because it is the key to unlocking how to calculate the number 666.
Throughout the centuries there have been people trying to calculate numbers based on titles and names that come up to the number 666 to identify one person, the Antichrist; but from Revelation 13:18, I do not see where God is telling us to count up to 666, but rather to count the number of the beast. This number is identified as 666. So the verse is telling us to count the number 666.
What does it mean to count? It means to add up. So how could we add up 666? Remember my previous point about God confirming in threes is key to unlocking the number 666. So logically, what would be the best way to count the number 666? To count it equally by using the rule of three based off the number.
We cannot count it equally as 600+60+6, this would also bring us back to the start.
We cannot count it as 600+600+600, or 60+60+60 because there are no zeroes in between or at the end of 666.
The only logical option is 6+6+6=18.
What is interesting is that the verse that reveals for us to count the number itself is verse 18 (there a total of 18 verses in Revelation Chapter 13), being the third verse out of the three verses that describe the mark of the beast in Revelation 13:16,17,18. What is 18 divided by 3? 6. So 3×6=18, or 6+6+6=18.
Another interesting point is the only two other combinations (making a total of three possible combinations) for placing a “+” symbol in between 666 are:
66+6=72 and 6+66=72.
Add both 72’s together and you get 144.
Why the number 144 is worth our attention is because the verse following Revelation 13:18 is the first time in the Bible where the 144,000 are being described in detail:
“Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads…” (Revelation 14:1).
Now if you add up all three numbers from counting 666 by moving the “+” symbol around, it would be 72+72+18=162. What is compelling about the number 162, is, if you divide 144,000 by 162, you get 888. The name of Jesus in Greek gematria adds up to 888. The New Testament was originally written in the Greek language. Revelation 14:1 not only mentions the 144,000, but also the Lamb who is Jesus.
Now what is interesting about the number for Jesus, 888, is that if you apply the same formula that was used to count 666, you get 8+8+8=24. Why the number 24? Revelation chapter 4 tells us there are 24 elders seated around the throne of God. This is the same throne where Jesus sits.
Now if you take:
8+8+8=24
8+88=96
88+8=96
you get 24+96+96=216.
Take 144,000 divided by 216 and you get 666.
Remember that this was the same exact formula we used to count the number 666 that ultimately brought forth the number 888.
Here is a quick recap to demonstrate how this formula confirms itself as being the true way to count 666:
1: 6+6+6=18 > 66+6=72 > 6+66=72 > 18+72+72=162
2: 144,000 divided by 162=888
3: 8+8+8=24 > 88+8=96 > 8+88=96 > 24+96+96=216
4: 144,000 divided by 216=666
1: 6+6+6=18 > 66+6=72…
As you can see, it is perpetual. And remember that we consistently used a formula that worked in threes being the number that God uses for confirmation.
So what could this mean? Well we know in this world we are identified by numbers in various forms. From our birth certificate to social security, as well as our drivers license; being identified based on a system of ruler ship. So it is possible that this RFID microchip will contain a new identification that has a total of 18 characters (6+6+6).
“here the wisdom is, the one having the mind let him calculate the number of the wild beast, number for “of human” it is, and the number of it 666″ (Revelation 13:1, Greek Translation).
The Greek word “anthrōpos” being used in verse 18 where it says “of human” is the Greek strongs concordance G444. The first two definitions of the word are “a human being, whether male or female”, and, “generically, to include all human individuals”. Could the number of the beast apply to all mankind?
In the Greek (the New Testament was originally written in the Greek language), and other translations, you will notice the beast is described as an “it”, instead of “him”. The reason I’m making this point is because when a translation says “His number is 666”, this would imply a singular person, the Antichrist. But by saying “the number of it 666”, implies that it is of the beast system as a whole.
We can know the number of the beast cannot be to identify products (like a new barcode) to buy or sell because scripture says we cannot buy or sell without the number of the beast. What am I getting at? There will be instances where you could buy something someone made themselves and it wouldn’t have a store branded identification on it. But for this number to be in our chips, that is where it must be to conclude ultimately that we cannot buy or sell without having the number of the beast. As previously mentioned in Revelation 13:18, the number of the beast (6+6+6=18) is a “human number”, definition “generically, to include all human individuals”.
“Why did the Biden campaign choose 30330? 2020 divided by 666 = 3.0330 Who believes this to be a coincidence? October 2020 Isaiah 53:6 Someone said we are being whipsawed in 2020. Truly a great division is taking place between good and evil—both symbolically and literally (riots, unrest, politics). If you take the current year 2020 and divide it by the number 666 (known for its satanic implications) you will get the number 30330 (repeated). This number 30330 happens to be the number used to vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Freaky? Supernatural? Odd for sure. Whatever this means, it doesn’t seem good to me. First, why would anyone knowingly choose those particular numbers for their campaign? If they weren’t knowingly chosen, then it appears to be a supernatural act by the evil one himself and I would want to change those numbers ASAP. And if the numbers were chosen knowing their significance, are you satanic? Is this campaign satanic? Either way I do not believe this is a coincidence. And one thing is certain, 2020 is truly being divided by Satan. He is the master deceiver and spreader of chaos. Jesus calls him the father of lies.”
So I looked up this number 30330 concerning Joe Biden, and I found this information:
If you send a text to that number (at that time), you would get a response asking to support Joe’s campaign to take down Donald Trump, with one part in caps saying “CHIP IN >>” pointing to a link to go and donate.
“CHIP IN”? Obama has used this phrase in the past on his twitter and people believe it is a subliminal message to receive the mark of the beast, that is to say the implantable RFID microCHIP that will go IN our body.
Go to: http://voice-truth.org to see all the proof!
Is your name written in the Lamb’s book of life? Jesus says that we must be born again to enter the kingdom of God in the Gospel of John chapter 3.
“Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name” (Revelation 14:9-11).
BARACK OBAMA IS THE ANTICHRIST:
In the Islamic religion they have man called the Mahdi who is known as their messiah of whom they are waiting to take the stage. There are many testimonies from people online who believe this man will be Barack Obama who is to be the biblical Antichrist based off dreams they have received. I myself have had strange dreams about him like no other person. So much so that I decided to share this information.
He came on stage claiming to be a Christian with no affiliation to the Muslim faith…
“In our lives, Michelle and I have been strengthened by our Christian faith. But there have been times where my faith has been questioned — by people who don’t know me — or they’ve said that I adhere to a different religion, as if that were somehow a bad thing,” – Barack Obama
…but was later revealed by his own family members that he indeed is a devout Muslim.
So what’s in the name? The meaning of someones name can say a lot about a person. God throughout history has given names to people that have a specific meaning tied to their lives. How about the name Barack Obama? Let us take a look at what may be hiding beneath the surface…
“And He (Jesus) said to them (His disciples), ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven'” (Luke 10:18).
In the Hebrew language we can uncover the meaning behind the name Barack Obama.
Barack, also transliterated as Baraq, in Hebrew is: lightning
baraq – Biblical definition:
From Strongs H1299; lightning; by analogy a gleam; concretely a flashing sword: – bright, glitter (-ing, sword), lightning. (Strongs Hebrew word H1300 baraq baw-rawk’)
Barak ‘O’bamah, The use of bamah is used to refer to the “heights” of Heaven.
bamah – Biblical definition:
From an unused root (meaning to be high); an elevation: – height, high place, wave. (Strongs Hebrew word H1116 bamah baw-maw’)
The day following the election of Barack Obama (11/04/08), the winning pick 3 lotto numbers in Illinois (Obama’s home state) for 11/5/08 were 666.
Obama was a U.S. senator for Illinois, and his zip code was 60606.
These are just a few of many evidences why Barack Obama is the Antichrist. You can see many more in my article on the website above, as well as read about the dreams I’ve had concerning this man. I’m more than convinced that God has shown me that he is without a doubt the Antichrist, and we will see him rise to power in the not so dinstant future.
Jesus stands alone among the other religions who say to rightly weigh the scales of good and evil, and to make sure you have done more good than bad in this life. Is this how we conduct ourselves justly in a court of law? Bearing the image of God, is this how we project this image into our reality?
Our good works cannot save us. If we step before a judge, being guilty of a crime, the judge will not judge us by the good that we have done, but rather the crimes we have committed. If we as fallen humanity, created in God’s image, pose this type of justice, how much more a perfect, righteous, and Holy God?
God has brought down His moral law’s through the 10 commandments given to Moses at Mt. Sinai. These laws were not given so we may be justified, rather that we may see the need for a savior. They are the mirror of God’s character of what He has put in each and every one of us, with our conscious bearing witness that we know that it is wrong to steal, lie, dishonor our parents, and so forth.
We can try and follow the moral laws of the 10 commandments, but we will never catch up to them to be justified before a Holy God. That same word of the law given to Moses became flesh over 2000 years ago in the body of Jesus Christ. He came to be our justification by fulfilling the law, living a sinless perfect life that only God could fulfill; even bringing the law to it’s truest light by stating, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28).
The gap between us and the law can never be reconciled by our own merit, but the arm of Jesus is stretched out by the grace and mercy of God. And if we are to grab on, through faith in Him, He will pull us up being the one to justify us. As in the court of law, if someone steps in and pays our fine, even though we are guilty, the judge can do what is legal and just and let us go free. That is what Jesus did almost 2000 years ago on the cross. It was a legal transaction being fulfilled in the spiritual realm by the shedding of His blood.
Because God is Holy and just, the wrath that we deserve could not go unnoticed. Through the perfect righteousness and justice of God’s character, it must be dealt with, it must be quenched, it must be satisfied.
For God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23). This is why in Isaiah chapter 53, where it speaks of the coming Messiah and His soul being a sacrifice for our sins, why it says it pleased God to crush His only begotten Son.
This is because the wrath that we deserve was justified by being poured out upon His Son. If that wrath was poured out on us, we would all die and go to hell. God created a way of escape by pouring it out on His Son whose soul could not be left in Hades, but was raised to life on the third day and seated at the right hand of God in power.
So now when we put on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14), God no longer sees the person who deserves His wrath, but rather the glorious image of His perfect Son dwelling in us, justifying us as if we received the wrath we deserve, making a way of escape from the curse of death.
Now what we must do is repent and put our trust and faith in the savior, confessing and forsaking our sins. This is not just a head knowledge of believing in Jesus, but rather receiving His words, taking them to heart, so that we may truly be transformed into the image of God. Where we no longer live to practice sin, but rather turn from our sins and practice righteousness through faith in Him.
Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again'” (John 3:5-7).
Come before the Lord with a contrite spirit, humble yourself, ask Him for His forgiveness, to receive the free gift of His salvation, to receive His Holy Spirit, so that you may be transformed into a new creature, into a child of the living God.
There is a reason why the words of Jesus have been translated in to over 2000 languages, and nothing comes remotely close (the Quran just over 100), because there is a God in heaven who desires to have a relationship with you, to know Him through His word, as that is how we personally get to know anybody. There is a reason why it is the year 2021, because Jesus came to earth just over 2000 years ago fulfilling major prophecy causing a divide in our timeline.
Jesus loves you! Seek Him while He may be found! We must repent and turn from practicing sin…for if we are not following Jesus, we are following the devil. There is no neatural ground. We are either living in the lie, or the truth. God bless you!