Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.
1 Corinthians 15:1-6
What is Hold Fast Apologetics? Simply stated, the purpose of this blog (formerly Gal220 Life) is to provide content that celebrates the goodness and sovereignty of God, highlights the Lordship of Jesus (the 2nd Person of the Trinity), as well as points to the sufficiency of Scripture.
“Christ’s view of Scripture can and should be still be the Christian’s view of Scripture.”
John Wenham, “Christ and the Bible” p. 12
Why “Hold Fast?” God’s authority has been under attack since the Garden, “Did God actually say…?” (Ge 3:1). It should therefore be no surprise that this is still happening today. The messages of “You do you” and “Follow your heart” are all around us…and sadly, in many of our churches today. According to a recent poll by Barna, “A new nationwide survey of America’s Christian pastors shows that a majority of pastors lack a biblical worldview. In fact, just slightly more than a third (37%) possess a biblical worldview and the majority—62%—hold a hybrid worldview known as Syncretism” (article here). What we are witnessing is a pragmatic commitment to do whatever fills the seats, instead of holding fast to the truth of God’s Word. What hearts desperately needs most is not a personality number, but the Gospel.
With all of this in view, we need to heed Paul’s plea in 1 Corinthians 15 and hold fast to what was taught about Jesus both in the Old Testament Scriptures as well as by the Apostles’ firsthand accounts of Jesus’s teachings. We need to be fervent to test every message pertaining to God and salvation alongside the Scriptures. Jesus said that we need the Word of God more than we need food (Matthew 4:4). Jesus valued the Scriptures so much that he lived his life by them, quoting them often (Old Testament), and encouraging His followers to do the same. Jesus did not come to change what was written, but instead affirmed and carried out what was written. Francis Schaeffer in his book, Escape from Reason, expressed the value of the Scriptures in this way, “Jesus himself did not make a distinction between his authority and the authority of the written Scriptures. He acted upon the unity of his authority and the content of the Scriptures.”
Then he (Jesus) said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.
Luke 24:44-48
To quote author and apologist Teasi Cannon, “The lower our view of Scripture, the higher our view of self. And the lower our view of Scripture, the lower our love for God and others.” It’s the words of God which declare we are made in His image. Designed and created with purpose and dignity. To remove God’s words is to remove humanity’s dignity. To obey personal preference over God, is to build our homes on shifting sands of our emotions. And that only creates anxiety and despair. Sisters, we need to hold fast to what God has lovingly given us in these 66 books written over 1500 years (the Bible). We need to hold fast to the written reminders of our assurance as God’s redeemed, by grace through faith in Jesus (Eph 2:8-9). We need to hold fast to the Old Testament which promises the Messiah, and New Testament which reveals Him. Jesus isn’t able to be molded into who we want Him to be. Jesus is Lord. God’s Word attests to this.
“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.“
Romans 16:17-18
Who is the author? Well, I’ve been married to my dearest friend for nearly 15 years, am a grateful mom of 3 amazing kiddos, and a fan of timely (fully-intended) puns! A former Speech and Language Pathologist for nearly 2 decades, I now educate our 3 children full-time and am cherishing every gifted moment…even in the challenges. But what is interwoven into every aspect of daily life (as a wife, via motherhood, teaching, friendship, etc.) is “always being prepared to make a reasoned defense (apologia) to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).” It’s a Grace-supplied journey that began for me in 1999, and is why this blog exists!
In August of 2022, an opportunity crossed my path to volunteer with Women in Apologetics (WIA), which has been an incredible blessing for my family and me. WIA is an incredible Christian non-profit organization “whose sole focus is to educate, equip, and encourage women in Christian apologetics.” Please consider setting aside time to peruse the educational videos, courses, and articles found both on WIA’s website as well as on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And most certainly keep your eyes open for their conferences!
Blessings,
Meridith
#solideogloria
What is the Gospel?
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,”
2 Corinthians 5:15 “and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.”
Who is Jesus?
Romans 10:9-10 “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
Mark 14:62-64 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death.” *Jesus claimed to be God
Evidence for the Resurrection
1 Corinthians 15:1-8 “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.”
Trust the Bible
2 Timothy 3:16-17 “ All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
🎞️ Video Playlist Regarding Reliability, Sufficiency, Relevancy, and Cannon Compilation
The Essentials
(Christian Doctrine)
2 Timothy 4:3-4 “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”
Hold Fast 