Apologetics to the Glory of God

John MacArthur on Presuppositional Apologetics

The defense of the gospel – the discipline known as apologetics – has fallen on hard times in our generation. Most Christians think of it as a philosophical exercise rather than (as Paul saw it) a vital application of biblical doctrine…[B]iblical apologetics is an exegetical, theological, and pastoral duty…[A] proper defense of the Christian faith is not to be done with persuasive words of human wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:4) but by proclaiming the truth of the Word of God itself, which is “living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12)…This approach has been labeled “presuppositional apologetics,” because it attacks worldly wisdom at the level of fundamental presuppositions. It challenges the notion that human reason is in any way more authoritative or more reliable than God’s Word. It repudiates the assumption that fallen creatures have any right to question or pass judgment on God’s actions, His decrees, or His commandments. It rejects any assertion that common ground exists between belief and unbelief, light and darkness, righteousness and sin, or Christ and Belial (2 Corinthians 6:14-15).

From John MacArthur’s Foreword to Biblical Apologetics: Advancing and Defending the Gospel of Christ by Clifford B. McManis. (Xlibris Corporation, 2012), 11-12, ellipses mine.


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One response to “John MacArthur on Presuppositional Apologetics”

  1. […] MacArthur’s statement on PA Here and my review of Dr. McManis’ book […]

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