Here’s a quote on John Frame on the Bible’s teaching on certainty and Christianity:
The question also arises in the religious context: can we know God with certainty? The Bible often tells us that Christians can, should, and do know God and the truths of revelation (Matt. 9:6, 11:27, 13:11, John 7:17, 8:32, 10:4-5, 14:17, 17:3, many other passages). Such passages present this knowledge, not as something tentative, but as a firm basis for life and hope.
Scripture uses the language of certainty more sparingly, but that is also present. Luke wants his correspondent Theophilus to know the ‘certainty’ (asphaleia) of the things he has been taught (Luke 1:4) and the ‘proofs’ (tekmeria) by which Jesus showed himself alive after his death (Acts 1:3). The centurion at the cross says ‘Certainly (ontos) this man was innocent’ (Luke 23:47, ESV).
The letter to the Hebrews says that God made a promise to Abraham, swearing by himself, for there was no one greater (6:13). So God both made a promise and confirmed it with an oath, ‘two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie’ (verse 18). This is ‘a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul’ (verse 19). Similarly Paul (2 Tim. 3:16-17) and Peter (2 Pet. 1:19-21) speak of Scripture as God’s own words, which provide sure guidance in a world where false teaching abounds. God’s special revelation is certain, and we ought to be certain about it.
Its important that any Christian apologetics take into account what does the Bible has to say about certainty in the context of knowing God’s revelation.
One area of apologetics has to do with probability, which I also like by way of what is called “pre-evangelism”, clearing a path for entering into the relationship with Christ, where “certainty” takes on a new meaning.
Interesting use of the the term “pre-evangelism.” Curious if you are a fan of Francis Schaeffer? He was big on that (there’s others too). I myself think that there are occassions one might further explain things that are “presuppositional” to the Gospel and there are certain obstacles to the Gospel that must be dealt with; but I’ve been more cautious with seeing a strong distinction between pre-evangelism and evangelism; and I also think one’s theology should also shape how we deal with “pre-evangelism” area. Thanks Dawn for reading this post!
Yes, love Schaeffer! I didn’t come up with the term pre-evangelism (can’t remember where I read it) and I very much relate to your word “presuppositional”, which is in itself many times an obstacle, if I’m understanding your usage.
Even as an Arminian brother, I truly love John Frame. His book on the doctrine of the Word of God is excellent!
Wow I’m glad to hear that brother
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
Thanks for reblogging this!
Great article at the link too. Good food for thought on certainty.
You’re welcome Pastor Jim!
Jim,
I hear “I don’t know” all the time from atheists who believe claiming they can’t know is the most intellectually honest belief one can have.
I have always kind of thought this was a cop-out that gets non-believers off the hook. The more I think about it, the more I think it’s a lie from the devil himself.
Anyway, this is a great quote from Frame and just what I needed to read this morning.
James
I do think many non-believers do use that as a cop out. Thanks James for sharing your experience. I definitely agree
Praise God we can know Him with full assurance through Christ!
Amen
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ. 1 Cor 2:16…
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