Apologetics cannot precede faith and does not attempt a priori to argue the truth of revelation. It assumes the truth and belief in the truth. It does not, as the introductory part or as the foundational science, precede theology and dogmatics. It is itself a theological science through and through, which presupposes the faith and dogmatics and now maintains and defends the dogma against the opposition to which it is exposed. Thus understood, apologetics is not only perfectly justified but a science that at all times, but especially in this century, deserves to be seriously practiced and can spread rich blessing all around.
– Herman Bavinck, Prolegomena, vol. 1 of Reformed Dogmatics, 4 vols., ed. John Bolt, trans. John Vriend (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2003), 515.
Bavinck Books
There are some hymns which did good service in my young days, which have since lost favor. “‘Tis a point I long to know,” “Come, humble sinner, in whose breast,” are now regarded as too hypothetical. “I can but perish if I go.” There is no if in the case. However this may be in logic, it should be remembered that there is a faith which saves, which cannot recognize, much less avow itself. Many get to heaven who can only say, “Lord, help my unbelief;” for that is a cry of faith.
