I had someone write an email to me about why we Christians should have no reason to debate the word of God. The irony of it is it’s ok, to debate about whether we should debate?
Here are a few bible verses that I picked up on a small study on whether Christians should debate. I could use more bible verses, so if you wish, post more verses on debating in the comments, and i will add them here.
Acts 18:28
For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
1 Peter3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
1 Thessalonians 5:21
Test all things; hold fast to what is good.
Philippians 1:17
But the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.
Proverbs 25:9
Debate your case with your neighbor, And do not disclose the secret to another;
Acts 19:8-10
And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.
But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.
And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
I think that it is clear that Christians should be ready to challenge any belief that goes against the gospel.
However, we can also become guilty of “casting our pearls before swine”, so there must be a balance.
I constantly pray to know the difference in every situation.
Thanks for bringing out all of these verses!
I think the point was not to debate within us Christians of the Word.
I meant: Not to debate over the Word of God between us Christians. Sorry for my bad English.
You need discernment.
I could never debate an atheist. I would love them ?and plant a seed.
Jesus sheep know his word. They follow him when he calls them.
I am a Christian and I don’t care to debate the bible when I feel someone is mistaken about the Gospel. Their soul is in the balance, I feel great joy in helping someone see Jesus through the scripture.
That doesn’t make sense. If you feel their soul is in the balance, then why on earth would you not encourage them in love, correction is just as important, if not vital than always being fluffy. If you feel great joy in helping someone see Jesus through the scriptures, then you need to set them straight in love. Proverbs has a lot to say about our words in love, sometimes it may seem harsh, but the truth sets us free, not candy coated, like cotton candy, it’s only full of air. and the sweetness of it lasts for a second, if that.
Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Prov. 27:5
Another words, you just want to talk AT people instead of talking WITH people. Dictators do that you know.
It’s early, and as I (now) rechecked the dates of these comments, well…they’re kinda old! I will, therefore, permit myself to venture off topic a bit, in the hopes someone who stumbles across my comments may be benefited.
Previously, in the chain of “debate comments”, I read an earnest concerned comment about the practice of GRACE and questioning how an unrepentant, yet a sin confessed leader, was permitted to resume his (Church) teaching position.
I, often, am hearing that the blood sacrifice of Christ removes our past, present, future sins…any sin, we are utterly forgiven, forevermore! While scripture does declare the provisional blood sacrifice of the Lamb of God: Jesus, the Christ, absolves both the newly confessed/repentant sinner, as well as the “new creation”, in Christ believer of all sins; however for us to access via GOD’s GRACE and to appropriate Jesus’ sacrificial provision of forgiveness for our sins, it’s most essential that we must first confess (acknowledge the erroneous behavior of our sin) and secondly, be godly sorrowful unto repentance (turning away, empowered by Grace of GOD, from the misbehavior (John 1:9 kjv) to invoke (activate), as well as evoke (call forth) GOD’s faithful provison of forgiveness and cleansing from our sin. Afterwards, we are enabled to honor our New Covenant position as heirs and being the righteousness of Christ.
My observation has been a mental acknowledgement of sin may initially be with the mouth, yet must (by God’s Grace) evolve into a heart’s confession of sin to be enabled to manifest a godly-sorrow unto repentance, and ultimately to be followed up by victoriously overcoming, triumphantly manifesting any whole-hearted change of behavior (deed)!
Deliverance to set the captive free may be necessary : unfortunately, to satan’s glee, many Christian Churches (in my experience) no longer advocate the teaching of being set apart (holy; sanctified) in a God-honoring, wise or principled lifestyle of being transformed, and not conformed to the World (Romans 12:1-2), neither do many Churches (again, in my experience) even engage in the spiritual warfare practice of deliverance ministry.
After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, he said, ” To loose Lazarus and set him free.(of grave clothes) It seems to me we, as true believers, often experience re newed life in being raised in our hearts from the deadliness of sin’s damaging impact upon our lives, via our confession combined with repentance from the sin: however we also have a need to be “set free” from the bondages of addictions, biases, other mindsets, all strongholds of sin within our flesh.(carnality) see : Romans 8:1-39 Interestingly enough the term “salvation” also means “deliverance”, as well as preservation.
Summary:
Forgiveness of sins is provided and available for us all.
To access & appropriate forgiveness: requires personal confession of sin with a godly-sorrowful repentant heart (forsaking of sin). Then we receive GOD’s provisional forgiveness and cleansing from sin and restoration (setting captive free?) from all unrighteousness! :)
I enjoy writing…my apology if I have disturbed any reader.
I finally truly understand repentance and forgiveness. THANK YOU
contention is of the devil, so as long as its a civil conversation, then I think its appropriate.
Did you mean that contention is debate and debate is contention?
Sad truth: after 40+ years of assembling myself and participating, faithfully, within various local Church congregations: listening, learning, studying, praying, serving, financial giving, I finally found my voice. Unfortunately, I was grossly mistaken to presume there was a place allowed for any dialogue to take place within the body of Christ. I, finally, understood after multiple attempts to engage (converse) that the fundalmental process of traditional assembly, routinely, involved an uninterrupted Congregational silence and, basically, just ingesting (believing) whatever members were told by dedicated leadership. Unwittingly, my attempts to engage in scriptural clarification (insights) or even question the origin or merit of certain traditional view points: proved to be most offensive to Church leadership, as well as supportive membership. Silence was the order of the day : much later I learned (suspected) my being a female was also an issue…hum. Discussion: dialogue, debate: scripture Scripture reasoning, learning to how to engage respectfully, reproof,…ha! ha! (I was just was inclined to weigh-in, tonight. I am enjoying your concise comments and exchanges! May God bless our peaceful interactions and even, perhaps intense@ times, insightful comments :)
Debate is not always a contention,we should be able to see and analyse the way the debate is going or is heading.
But, the Bible does encourage us to debate.
Debating isn’t the issue, it’s the spirit in which the subject is debated. In the quote (above) from Peter, he adds “with meekness and fear” (fear being, in this case — respect?) I would think that he added this phrase because of the tendency of many debate participants to want to dominate the opponent with harsh and demeaning words. I would hope that any debate in which I would participate would appear to be more of a rational discussion and be very disappointing to those hearers who would come to the debate anticipating fireworks.
Amen In Sunday school, many were confused about God’s compassion for all sinners and could not understand that a confessed sinner with no desire to repent of the sin should not hold office in the congregation. So what then would we do? Close our mouths instead of making the Word of God clear to those who need growth in Knowledge and understanding? Should we allow people to continue in sin to teach Sunday school for example stating that grace has him/her covered and that that’s why Christ died?God forbid!!!I won’t help a soul to go to hell or takes others with him/her without using the Word of God to correct them.
Galatians 5:20 and on teaches…..those who Debate will not enter the kingdom
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.. Where does it say that?
The contentions this scripture is referring to are of the flesh. It is meaning arguing for rivalry, or for profit such as to feel holier than thou. The Bible says that we are to admonish one another Eccles. 12:12, Acts 27:9, Rom. 15:14, Col. 3:16,2 Thess. 3:15 in love.
Great post Hugo. Thank you for the provided scripture. After seeking wisdom on YouTube back in June when I posted my comment, I realized that most of the “debates” out there are only bashing other believers, and edifying ones own self and not The Lord. The enemy likes to come between believers to kill & destroy. How easy it is to forget the greatest commandment. Blessings to all who read this page and may The Lord guide us all thru this time of chaos and confusion. Let us all examine ourselves before we debate! Amen
Remember brethren, we have more in common thru Christ than we have differences. May the Spirit of Truth sort out our differences in Grace! Shalom
I am touched with that prayer, and agree with you on the prayer. Thank You for demonstrating love as Jesus commanded so that others will know we are his disciples. Great Peace, and Many
Continued Blessings spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially. In the Holy Name of Jesus !!!!
There is certainly a place for debating, and of course with the goal of conversion, but in a gentle and respectful way. There is also the kind of “debate” which too often happens which is really actually just quarreling, which MANY scriptures speak against.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. -Matthew 5:9 KJV
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. – Romans 12:18
Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them. …Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. -2 Timothy 2:14, 23-25
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical. And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace. -James 3:17-18
Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others. – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. – Romans 15:2
Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out. – Proverbs 17:14
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. …As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. – Titus 3:2, 10-11
For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. – 2 Corinthians 12:20
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. – Romans 14:1
Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife. -Proverbs 26:21
Do everything without complaining and arguing -Philippians 2:14
It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. -Proverbs 20:3
A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. -Proverbs 15:1
What do you do if there are differences in what is required for salvation? Some believe, as Paul teaches, that salvation is by grace through faith alone. Others believe that water baptism is required. Yet others believe that salvation can be lost.
Are we to not challenge some of these beliefs by scripture or just let it go for fear of offending?
Who is the debate with? Between Christians or between a Christian and non-Christian? Salvation issues with a non-Christian should not (in my opinion) be debated. The Scripture plainly gives all we need for salvation, just look at the salvation occurrences in scripture and follow what they did. Baptism, by the way, is in each occurrence of salvation whether one believes salvation is essential or not, baptism in scripture is not left out of the salvation narrative. When it comes to baptism, why argue with scripture? Why not just do it and be obedient? The debate between Christians concerning baptism is most always about the point of salvation, which is really something of no need to debate. Again, just look at scripture, see the salvation occurrences in scripture and do what they did. Why debate the point of salvation, just be obedient, just do it. The problem with debates as I see it is there are too many debates and not enough obedience.
I believe it will be best for all Christians to first diligently learn the Word of GOD. Most Christian to my belief wants to answer every arguments raised against the Gospel but the problem is that a lot of them don’t know how and what to say because most Christians don’t really know and understand what they believe. (1Peter 3:15-16)
This is also the reason why a lot of Christians just keep silent when attacked by cults and false prophets though they should not.(Galatians 2:4-5)
The Bible never tells us to engage in a debate. The word is to be preached and taught in the power of God. Contending for the faith, is to preach, teach and live the word of God. The Bible tells us not to give our pearls to swine. The moment a person starts to insult and ridicule, the talking is over. It isn’t about how smart or clever you are. It’s about trying to reach people without drawing attention to oneself. Many of times, debating is just another way for self to elevate itself and say, look at me, I know so much and I’m so smart. God help us.
The Bible tells us not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. Jesus said “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Jesus taught a lot about our hearts and our mouths. The Bible says “Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.” and “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Or you will also be like him.” A child definitely needs to grow up before debating. May mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you.
John, what created the Jerusalem Council, what is known today as the First Church Council in Acts 15:1-41 Paul and Barnabas had a major argument and debate with them.
We can see that this was the case for Baptism in Romans 6:15-23, and for Circumcision in Galatians, especially in 5:2ff.
Galatians 2:11-16 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he had clearly done wrong. 12 Until certain people came from James, he had been eating with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he stopped doing this and separated himself because he was afraid of those who were pro-circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also joined with him in this hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was led astray with them by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were not behaving consistently with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “If you, although you are a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you try to force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” 15 We are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners, 16 yet we know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by the faithfulness of Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.
We know that “Much Debate” occurred before the Council reached its decision.
32 Both Judas and Silas, who were prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with ALong Speech. 33 After they had Spent some Time there, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them (Acts 15:32-33, Emphasis mine).