Defenders Podcast Defenders: Excursus on Natural Theology (Part 2): The Inner Witness of the Holy Spirit
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Apr 20, 2022 Explore the profound role of the Holy Spirit as a personal and rational basis for belief in God. Discover how this inner witness affirms believers' identities as children of God and fosters confidence in salvation. Delve into the stark contrast between human and divine testimonies, revealing how the Spirit assures connection with the divine. Highlight the interplay of faith and evidence, and learn about the vital distinctions between salvation and sanctification. Rich biblical insights illuminate the believer's journey and the Spirit's impact in the lives of non-believers.
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Self Authenticating Inner Witness Of The Holy Spirit
- The inner witness of the Holy Spirit supplies veridical, unmistakable knowledge of God's existence and gospel truths for the person who genuinely experiences it.
- Craig lists six clarifying points: it's veridical but not irresistible, not an argument premise, grants objective knowledge, and can overwhelm contradictory evidence when fully attended to.
Holy Spirit's Witness Overwhelms Skeptical Objections
- The Spirit's witness can 'overwhelm' objections instead of answering them, similar to how properly basic beliefs resist abstruse defeaters.
- Craig compares it to believing in the external world where skeptical arguments rely on less certain premises.
Apostolic Teaching On Spirit Given Assurance
- Paul teaches that conversion brings adoption and the indwelling Spirit who bears witness that we are God's children, giving assurance (plerophoria) of salvation.
- Craig cites Galatians 3:26 and Romans 8:15-16 to show this inner assurance entails belief in God and reconciliation.