#elenctics

[wisdomfish]

The Holy Spirit will convince the world of sin. The Holy Spirit is actually the only conceivable actor of the verb, for the conviction of sin exceeds all human ability. Only the Holy Spirit can do this, even though he can and will use us as instruments in his hand. Taken in this sense, elenctics is the science which is concerned with the conviction of sin. In a special sense then it is the science which unmasks all false religion as sin against God and calls people to the knowledge of the one, true God.

J.H. Bavinck, 'elenctics': to 'convince', 'convict' or 'rebuke', and so to call to repentance: defined as 'the science which unmasks to heathendom all false religions as sin against God and . . . calls heathendom to a knowledge of the only true God'

[wisdomfish]

To rescue and to heal

“The practice of elenctics is evidence of God’s love for unbelievers. Why does the evangelist proclaim this love? Because he or she knows all too well his or her own sinful condition apart from Christ, standing condemned before God’s throne if he himself does not take shelter with Jesus Christ. Knowing this, he reaches out to the unbeliever, aiming to protect him from God’s wrath.

Indeed, elenctics is combat. However, it is not combat to kill but to rescue. Satan attacks to “kill.” The divine struggle is driven by God’s love and is inspired by the wondrous sacrifice of Christ; a sacrifice that was made out of love for all of humanity. The coming judgment at the end of times is real. Let, then, the messengers of the gospel, the soldiers of peace, go into the world to rescue and to heal.”

~ Cornelis J. Haak , Missional Approach