How do you answer an unbeliever?

[Riverwalker]

This question was inspired by a question asked by  bk1110 

https://www.worthychristianforums.com/topic/264760-your-go-to-verses-for-evangelism/

I have locked horns with many unbelievers and atheists over the years and their questions have been challenging and as Christians I thought it would be useful if WE posted some here WITH THE ANSWERS we would give them. To help us prepare.

For Instance:

Q "How can a loving God send someone to hell"

A "He is trying to do everything to save you from hell, because he loves you. He sent his son to pay the price for your sin.  But as with all love, it cannot be forced on a person, it is offered, then accepted or rejected. If you reject the love of God, then you reject his salvation and you are the one who has chosen to go to hell" 

Your Turn

If you have been confronted with a question you do not know the answer to, post it here as well.

[johnthebaptist]

5 minutes ago, Riverwalker said:

This question was inspired by a question asked by  bk1110 

https://www.worthychristianforums.com/topic/264760-your-go-to-verses-for-evangelism/

I have locked horns with many unbelievers and atheists over the years and their questions have been challenging and as Christians I thought it would be useful if WE posted some here WITH THE ANSWERS we would give them. To help us prepare.

For Instance:

Q "How can a loving God send someone to hell"

A "He is trying to do everything to save you from hell, because he loves you. He sent his son to pay the price for your sin.  But as with all love, it cannot be forced on a person, it is offered, then accepted or rejected. If you reject the love of God, then you reject his salvation and you are the one who has chosen to go to hell" 

Your Turn

If you have been confronted with a question you do not know the answer to, post it here as well.

How can a loving God send a person to hell? I don't think most people understand hell.

[R. Hartono]

No need to argue with unbelievers, just bomb them with God's word, its Holy Spirit job to open people's heart not us. Our job is to spread love of God to others as we love ourselves.

Roman 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

[Whyme]

I wouldn't spend time arguing with atheists. Only God can open their heart and mind. All you can do is be kind. As for hell, Jesus came to save us. You can accept him or not. 

[Omegaman 3.0]

14But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

There are several aspects to that part I bolded above. It is our responsibility to be ready. That is best done by knowing God's word, and by familiarizing yourself with the kinds of questions that do arise. Some questions are just dumb, like "can God create a rock so heavy, that He Himself cannot lift it?" Some of course are on the order of "how can a loving God allow evil, or pain and suffering?" Or "How can you believe a book that has so many contradictions?" 

The list goes on and on. I suggest finding the questions, and learn the answers, like it says, be prepared! When you do not know an answer, have the sense and honesty to admit that you do not know the answer, don't pretend to be a know-it-all, and improvise with a crummy answer, just to save face. Tell the person, that it is an interesting question, and you would also, like to know the answer, which of course, is true. Tell them you will do some research, and get back to them, then follow-up and do it.

The goal here is not to win an argument, or appear to be smart, that is ego, and has no place in this. You goal should be to look at this as a sub-species of envangelism. With that in mind, realize that many questions are there to distract you from the real subject, and that subject is Jesus. Jesus, is the hope that we have as in 1 Peter 3:15 above. Turn the topic to Jesus. All people are sinners, and sin separates us from God, that is a big problem. Jesus and what He has done for us, is the ultimate answer to ultimate questions, so get than in there. Our job is not to convert people, that is God's job. Our job is to get the message to them, so do not neglect that.

The other factor in verse 15, is also important, we need to have humility, and treat the person with respect. They are a person for whom Christ died, for God so loved the world. We need to do the same, love them for God's sake, and be His voice to the unbeliever. We are ambassadors from the King to the world, let's act like it!

 

[Omegaman 3.0]

What we are talking about here, is called apologetics. There is a whole section devoted to that topic.

 

[warrior12]

41 minutes ago, Whyme said:

I wouldn't spend time arguing with atheists. Only God can open their heart and mind. All you can do is be kind. As for hell, Jesus came to save us. You can accept him or not. 

It is not about arguing, but being the salt and light that you are now.   In many ways, the carnal man observes the believer and knows that there is something different about him and it is your duty or commission to be ready  to explain in a million ways how this transformation has taken place and how scripture qualifies your answer.  

First we are dealing with the the present spiritual nature, that points to the source or narrative that has a physical history component also.  Explaining the nature of biblical spiritual things to a carnal man is difficult indeed, but as the parable of the sower and the seed must be applied.  The Believer has to sow the seed, that is the important part, then the the wrestling and thugging of the unbeliever consciousness journey begins and those are works in progress as to the Lord ways.  

The believer Must understand and keep in mind at all times that we have a foe that has his captives and does not want to let them go, as similar in the case of the Exodus, as satan job is to harden the heart of his captives, you the redeemed job now is to take patience, humility and the gifts given to you to show how God made final sacrifice to bring redemption to the soul of man.  The apostle Paul gave a perfect example how the christian perseveres to be a witness in a hostile environment and in our case the present world.

Being able to give an answer to the tough questions that would be asked also requires, us the believer to know the word and the ability to search and find appropriate scripture as Omegaman rightly said.   

[Who me]

ByTwo points.

We should not seek to argue, but to show that Christianity is a reasonable explanation and to show that atheism does not have a coherent explanation for life etc.

Two questions,

 

What do you believe?

 

What evidence do you have for that belief?

 

[Justin Adams]

And what is the OP's supposed question that you are answering? The one you posed is not a question it is a straw man statement?

Edited April 14, 2021 by Justin Adams

[Whyme]

4 hours ago, warrior12 said:

It is not about arguing, but being the salt and light that you are now.   In many ways, the carnal man observes the believer and knows that there is something different about him and it is your duty or commission to be ready  to explain in a million ways how this transformation has taken place and how scripture qualifies your answer.  

First we are dealing with the the present spiritual nature, that points to the source or narrative that has a physical history component also.  Explaining the nature of biblical spiritual things to a carnal man is difficult indeed, but as the parable of the sower and the seed must be applied.  The Believer has to sow the seed, that is the important part, then the the wrestling and thugging of the unbeliever consciousness journey begins and those are works in progress as to the Lord ways.  

The believer Must understand and keep in mind at all times that we have a foe that has his captives and does not want to let them go, as similar in the case of the Exodus, as satan job is to harden the heart of his captives, you the redeemed job now is to take patience, humility and the gifts given to you to show how God made final sacrifice to bring redemption to the soul of man.  The apostle Paul gave a perfect example how the christian perseveres to be a witness in a hostile environment and in our case the present world.

Being able to give an answer to the tough questions that would be asked also requires, us the believer to know the word and the ability to search and find appropriate scripture as Omegaman rightly said.   

Thank you. I agree but how do you answer those tough questions and criticisms? I don't know. But my answer to why I hope in Jesus is because I don't believe this world is a accidental creation without a creator. I also have joy and peace, and victory, and that is wonderful to me. something ive searched for for many years in my walk with God.. To have a father who cares and teaches me the right ways of love.

Edited April 14, 2021 by Whyme