An Authentic Voice

The word "apologetics" seems to be a horrendous starting point for connecting someone to Jesus and his life-restoring grace. I know that the word has a legitimate background but I often think that it points to apologizing for a faith.

One of my burning questions has always been, "Why are followers of Christ the only ones who have to apologize for their faith?" Everyone else does not "have" to make excuses for their faith - they simply live.

With that said, I read in Calvin's Institutes this morning from Book I, Ch VII, 1-5 titled, "Scripture Must Be Confirmed by the Witness of the Spirit. Thus May Its Authority Be Established As Certain."

Calvin points to the role of the Spirit as the way to authenticate Scripture as opposed to the church or opinions of humanity or even other proofs. He circles the argument with numerous responses to the Catholic Church or others who raise questions about the Bible.

In the end, I see Calvin returning to a very basic observation. If you hear a voice of a person, then you can know if it is authentic. An authentic voice comes from the actual person.

Calvin shares (from Ephesians 2:20) that the church is "built upon the foundation of the prophets and apostles." These people were given the task of speaking God's voice into the world. The words of the prophets are recorded in the Old Testament and the teaching of the apostles in the New Testament. They never spoke on their own. They shared God's message.

How do we know if Scripture is legitimate? According to Calvin, God's Spirit will authenticate Scripture. I would add that this happens when we listen for God's voice in and through reading and reflecting on Scripture (both alone and in groups). An authentic voice will come through and that voice, God's voice, will address each listener and invite a response.

A picture of this is found in 1 Thessalonians when the apostle Paul shares, "For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction."

They listened and God's voice (through the gospel message) impacted them.

Do you hear an authentic voice that is lovingly addressing you when you open your Bible?