Elias Ayala

By Elias Ayala (MDiv & M.A.T.) As is the case with a variety of theological issues, this is a hotly debated topic. I can do nothing more than share my opinion on the matter with the hopes that folks find it useful. To be simple, there is a sort of yes and no answer to this question. Let us consider first that when we speak of the “Law” we are not speaking of simply one “Law”. In the Old Testament there are 613 commandments that the Jews were to follow. … Read More »

By Elias Ayala (MDiv & M.A.T.) When a person experiences spiritual rebirth (regeneration) and they are hence united with Christ by faith and are justified (declared righteous) by faith in Christ alone, the Christian life has just begun. The believer then begins his/her journey in being conformed into the image of Christ. This is called “sanctification.” Sanctification is a progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and like Christ in our actual lives.”1 Before progressing then, it will become important to distinguish … Read More »

By Elias Ayala (MDiv & M.A.T.) The role of the Bible in apologetics is of utmost importance. Indeed, what we as Christian apologists are defending is the veracity of the Christian worldview which is itself grounded in the Bible. While it is true that in apologetics, the discussion may not always be about any particular part of the Bible directly, everything we defend will be either directly or indirectly related to the Biblical witness. Our apologetic discussions can range from debates about biology, anthropology, mathematics, and science but for the … Read More »

By Elias Ayala (MDiv & M.A.T.) We live in an interesting time in which many seem to reject the notion of absolute and objective truth. In fact, many consider it an arrogant thing to acknowledge both that there is an absolute truth and that we are capable of accessing it. We will be told by many that “there is no absolute truth!” Or, people will say that “truth is relative”, “what is true for you is true for you but not true for me.” The truth about truth however, is … Read More »

By Elias Ayala (MDiv & M.A.T.) The idea that truth is that which works is the philosophical position known as pragmatism. Briefly summarized, a pragmatist holds the view that “a statement is known to be true if it produces the right results”. This view is typically attributed to William James and his intellectual disciples. It is also often associated with those who pride themselves in the legitimacy of the scientific method. (I agree that the scientific method is legitimate). If the scientific method applied to some hypothesis produces the right … Read More »

By Elias Ayala (MDiv & M.A.T.) Fideism within a religious context, is the position that argues that issues of faith and religion are not themselves based on reason. Indeed, on this position, religion is an issue of faith independent of reason. On fideism, one does not rationally argue for the truth of religion, rather, the person simply believes and that is it. Christians who understand religion in this fashion will often point to Hebrews 11:6 to support this claim: “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever … Read More »

By Elias Ayala (MDiv & M.A.T.) Well, who gets to define what “science” is? It is quite easy for someone who disagrees with another to claim their methodology is not the “true” methodology. In reality, when we do science, science itself involves the search for causes. Scientists search for the causes of some phenomena with the hopes that we get a better grasp on the natural world. When considering the cause of some natural phenomena you can really have only two options: Either the cause is intelligent or it is … Read More »

By Elias Ayala (MDiv & M.A.T.) The assumption of the regularities of nature is a powerful one indeed. Surely, what we observe in nature must be that way, and it is irrational to believe that the laws of nature can act contrary to what we have continuously observed all throughout history…right?! This line of reasoning is sometimes coupled with the assumption of the immutability of the laws of nature. That is to say, that the laws of nature do not change, they cannot change. The nature of the laws of … Read More »

By Elias Ayala (MDiv & M.A.T.) Christian philosopher and apologist Greg Bahnsen once said, “the reason I am not afraid to take on any opponent, is not because I am so smart, but because I have read the back of the book.” Greg Bahnsen was a fearless Christian apologist and a brilliant philosophical mind. He was such a good debater that he developed the nickname: The man that atheists fear the most. Yet, for all his intelligence and debating skills, he consistently taught that as apologists we should trust in … Read More »

By Elias Ayala (MDiv & M.A.T.) Unfortunately the Bible is silent on this topic and so anything I can provide will be by way of speculation. However, I think the speculation that will be expressed here can go a long way in answering the question. While the Bible does not explicitly touch on our question, the Bible does have much to say in regards to the nature of man. Biblically understood, man is composed of body and soul. There is a physical and immaterial aspect to man. At death, these … Read More »