Has Apologetics Abandoned its First Love?

Has Apologetics Abandoned its First Love?

By Clark Bates

posted February 4, 2016

The book of Revelation begins with a series of letters written by the apostle John, as instructed by Christ, to the seven churches in Rome. Each church carries with it blessing and warning (with the exception of two). The first letter is written to the church in Ephesus and opens with the Lord commending them for their tireless efforts striving for the truth. It would seem that the Ephesian church, founded by Paul, led once by Timothy, and eventually John himself, had become known for standing firmly against pagan religions. This is not surprising, given that the temple to the goddess Diana, one of the eight wonders of the ancient world, existed right alongside their congregation. After praising them for their stand, however, Jesus says this, “But this I have against you, that you abandoned the love you had at first.” (Rev. 2:4)

In an age where Christian apologetics has been brought to the forefront of belief and constant debate continues to encircle us, can it be said that apologists have “abandoned their first love?” Textually, it would seem that the “first love” spoken of here is not the person of Jesus, but the joy and platonic love which often accompanies the faith of a new believer. In their fervor to uphold the truth of Christianity, the Ephesian church had lost its joy and love for fellow man. For this reason, they were at risk of losing their status, and possibly existence, as a church.

It's often said of apologetics that you can't argue a person into heaven. This is because many see Christian debate as nothing more than an argument, and while many on the supporting side of Christian debate will have plenty to retort, the point I wish to make is that truth without love is often less about Christ and more about pride. I can attest to this within my own nature. I am a prideful man with a distinct lean toward arrogance if I am not constantly checking my motives, and often in apologetics the debates can boil down to simply trying to prove the opponent wrong and not about pointing others to Christ. When this occurs, I believe we are in the same danger as the Ephesian church.

How, then, should we respond in an apologetic situation? First and foremost I would encourage us to hear the opposition with respect and love. Ask God to continually reveal them to you as He sees them, in need of a Savior. Secondly, actually listen to what they are saying. Too often we merely allow the opposition to speak only so that we can have our say. In doing this we disengage from what may be very legitimate objections and dismiss their feelings as inconsequential. Don't think that this goes unnoticed either. Lastly, when presenting the truth of God's Word do so humbly with all recognition that you were once as the world, and it was only because another believer, in kindness and love, shared the truth with you.

More than anything else in the world today, the coming generation is desperate for tangible truth. They want to know a truth that has obvious effects in someone's life, and unless we can demonstrate, not just through words but through actions, that the truth of Christ is powerful, effective and loving, we will lose them.