Whenever the facts point to something that is certain, it is no longer an issue to be debated. There is a huge difference between a discussion and a debate. In a discussion, two or more individuals gather together to talk about one or more issues in order to arrive at the best solution or position. One is not trying to persuade the other, only discuss the issues at hand. In a debate, however, two sides have already formed an opinion and proceed to try and convince the opposing party that their position is better. A debate is often won by whomever presents the most persuasive arguments for their position.  

Jesus was the source of much debate throughout His ministry. Although some of the “debates” took place among the disciples, most were among the unbelieving Jews who were reacting to things that Jesus said about Himself. For example, consider what Jesus said when He made reference to the manna that the Israelites ate in the wilderness some 1,500 years prior, 

“I am the bread of life. Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I give for the life of the world” (Jn. 6:48-51).

Of course, you could have anticipated a reaction among the Jews who were listening to Jesus,

“Then the Jews began to argue sharply (or debate) among themselves, ‘How can this man give us His flesh to eat?’” (Jn. 6:52).

But that’s not all, for Jesus want on to say,

“I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life….” (Jn. 53-54).

Although Jesus was speaking of “spiritual eating” and not “physical eating,” there were many in the crowd who had had enough. Even those who had begun to follow Jesus out of curiosity decided to leave. And that’s when Jesus turned to His disciples and asked them if they were going to leave also. Peter replied,

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God” (Jn. 6:69-69).

Even though the disciples did not fully understand Jesus’ words, they knew that there was nowhere else to turn, and surely no other person to devote their lives to. In the following chapter, John records another debate among the Jews during the Feast of Tabernacles. Let’s pick up the action as they try to find Jesus,

“Now during the Feast, the Jews were watching for Him, and asking ‘where is that man?’ Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about Him. Some said, ‘He is a good man.’ Others replied, ‘No, He deceives the people’” (Jn. 7:11-12).

Whispering, arguing, debating, “Is He really a good man? Or maybe he’s a deceiver, and not a good man after all?” But that’s not all, for just a short time later, one of the Jews exclaimed,

“You are demon-possessed!” (Jn. 7:20).

As you can see, Jesus spent most of His ministry fully aware that the people were debating His teachings, His identity, His authority, and the works He was doing, especially the works He was doing on the Sabbath.  

In the church, there are some things that are certainly “debatable” and worthy of discussion. We can discuss the proper mode of baptism or the exact meaning of the Lord’s Supper, or how often we are to celebrate it. In evangelical circles, we call these “ordinances,” and it is without debate that Jesus called his followers to practice them. However, if you believe in the authority of Scripture, then you believe that when Scripture speaks clearly, there is no longer any need for debate about the veracity of what it says. We may discuss the issue under consideration, but the truth of it is still certain, according to the Scripture.

Let’s take just a moment to look at what I consider a “non-debatable” issue from Peter’s sermon on the day of  Pentecost,

“Men of Israel, listen to this. Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did  among you through Him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge, and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised Him from the dead, …. and we are all witnesses of this fact…Therefore, let all Israel be assured of this, God has made this Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:22-36).

 Friends, let’s recognize that there are many issues of the Christian life that are worthy of discussion, but there are some truths that are indisputable and therefore, “nondebatable.” At least three of them were stated by Peter in the passage above: 1) Jesus performed miracles, signs, and wonders in the presence of many witnesses;  2) He was crucified, buried, and rose again; and finally, 3) because of His resurrection, God has made Him both Lord and Messiah. We believe these truths not only because we believe that Luke accurately recorded the words of Peter’s message at Pentecost, but also because what Peter said was absolutely true. And if true, then what He said is not only “non-debatable,” but also life-changing.

If you have never recognized and acknowledged the resurrected Jesus as both “Lord and Christ,” then I encourage you to do so today. No need for debating this issue. It’s a matter of faith, reasonable faith. No one is asking anyone to believe something that is either patently false, or something that makes no sense. It all makes sense, and it is something upon which we can place our trust. Jesus is risen, and because of that, He is both Lord  and Messiah. That’s why the Apostle Paul said, 

“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom. 10:9).

 No need for debate – Just believe and make that confession! God bless you all.