Advanced Apologetics

Part 3(The Rights Fight)

Session 16

Session 16 Topics

Introduction A Christian View of Rights Three Questions to Ask Non-Christians Three Answers to Give Non-Christians Rights and the Gospel The Challenge for the Church

IntroductionAmerica was born from a dispute

about rights.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by

their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the

pursuit of happiness.

Declaration of Independence

Challenges to Christians

Inherent right to life Abortion rights (and stem cell research) Gay rights Religious rights Euthanasia rights Mark 12:29-31

Challenge

How do we minister in the most rights-conscious society in history?

What Are Rights?

Protections

Privileges

Things the State (or other individuals) is not permitted to take from me or is duty-bound to protect for me

Things I am free to do without interference

Christian View of Rights

The moral character of God

The image of God in all people (Genesis 1:26-28)

The dominion mandate (Genesis 1:26-30; 2:19-20)

The moral duties man has toward God (Exodus 20:13,15; Isaiah 10:1-2)

Three Questionsto Ask Non-Christians

1. What is a right?

2. Where do rights come from?

3. How do you know?

Question 2 Response(Where do rights come from?)

God created rights and grants them to people.

Man invents rights.This usually implies

that the State grants rights.

OR

There is nothing special about us.

The world is not there for us. We are not the object of creation,

but rather the product of random forces.

Steven Jay Gould, Wonderful Life

Question 3(How do you know?)

Response from Non-Christians

Rights are human inventions.

Three Answers to Give Non-Christians

1. What is a right?

A right is the just power to make a moral claim upon someone.

Three Answers to Give Non-Christians

2. Where do rights come from?

Rights come from God.

Three Answers to Give Non-Christians3. How do you know?

Because the Bible, which is the Word of God, teaches that God is the Author of basic human rights.

Rights and the Gospel

John 1:12

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.

Philippians 3:20

For our citizenship is in heaven,…

Rights and the Gospel

Romans 8:15

But you received the Spirit of Adoption…

Romans 8:17

…Heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ…

End Session 16

John 1:12