Cliffe Knechtle Answers Tough Questions About the Bible, Demons, Israel, Judas, Free Will, and Death

Delving deeper, Knechtle traces the roots of moral codes historically to the acknowledgment of a divine lawgiver. He challenges the notion that complex societies could form and sustain themselves without an objective moral standard grounded in the character of God. Without such a foundation, morality devolves into a matter of convenience or power, enabling abuses such as sexual license or authoritarianism with no real accountability. He poignantly notes that sliding into relativism leads humanity toward chaos, vanity, and tragedy because it denies the inherent worth given by God, thereby eroding compassion, forgiveness, and justice.

Spiritual Battle and the Nature of Evil

One of the central theological assertions Knechtle makes is the reality of a spiritual battle between good and evil forces, beyond just human conflict. Recounting his experiences and referencing contemporary tragic events like the Mai massacre, he insists that such horrors cannot be explained solely by human nature but must be acknowledged as influenced by demonic and spiritual forces. He draws from biblical texts, notably Ephesians 6, which speaks of struggles against "rulers... authorities... powers of this dark world," underscoring a visible and invisible clash that Christians must recognize and resist.

Knechtle rejects simplistic or caricatured portrayals of the devil, advocating instead for a sober awareness of a personal, deceptive, and destructive spiritual adversary. He also echoes C.S. Lewis's caution of either exaggerating or minimizing the devil's role, finding a balanced perspective vital in comprehending evil's presence in both personal sin and systemic injustice. The implication of this worldview is that beyond social or psychological explanations, there is a profound, cosmic struggle that requires spiritual vigilance and grace.

Love and Forgiveness Amidst Sinfulness

Knechtle shares poignant personal stories to illustrate the radical nature of Christian love, particularly his ministry to individuals regarded as society's worst offenders, such as racists and even convicted murderers. When confronted by hostile students questioning whether he truly "loves racists," he clarifies that his love is for the human being created in God's image, distinct from affirming their sinful beliefs or actions. This theme of affirming human dignity despite profound wrongdoing echoes the teachings of Jesus on forgiveness and challenges the prevailing cancel culture, which demands immediate ostracism for those who offend.

This ability to forgive and love enemies is rooted, Knechtle explains, in the concept of imago Dei—the belief that every human reflects God's image and therefore possesses intrinsic worth. Forgiveness, in this sense, becomes not a sentimental nicety but a spiritual necessity to break cycles of hatred and isolation. Knechtle relates this to the cross of Christ, where forgiveness was extended even to murderers, signaling an invitation to transform individuals through grace rather than condemnation.

The Old Testament's Judgment

Addressing common critiques about the Old Testament, especially its depictions of divine judgment and violence, Knechtle offers a contextual and theological reading. He argues that what may appear as genocide is better understood as God's judicial response to extreme and persistent evil, such as child sacrifice and idolatry, practiced by ancient peoples. He highlights the consistent biblical pattern where God uses nations and circumstances as instruments of judgment, including Israel itself being judged through the Assyrians and Babylonians.

Despite the harshness in some Old Testament narratives, Knechtle emphasizes God's patience and desire for repentance, citing the book of Hosea as a profound example of divine love amid human unfaithfulness. While forgiveness is not as explicitly taught as in the New Testament, the seeds of grace and mercy are present. This nuanced understanding invites listeners to move beyond a surface reading and to see God's covenantal faithfulness paired with holiness and justice.

Free Will and Divine Sovereignty

The intricate relationship between human free will and God's sovereignty emerges as a challenging theological topic in the conversation. Knechtle stresses that although God is all-powerful, He has in some ways self-limited His control by granting humans genuine freedom to choose, even if those choices result in sin and suffering. He illustrates this by rejecting excuses that blame God entirely for human evil, emphasizing personal responsibility in the moral decisions people make. The example of Pharaoh's heart being hardened in Exodus is discussed as a complex interplay of divine will and human stubbornness.

Knechtle also tackles the paradox that while God draws people toward Himself (the elect), individuals can still reject this calling. He firmly rejects harsh deterministic views that suggest God unilaterally condemns some people, instead affirming that after God presents the gospel, humans exercise their free will to respond. This balance preserves both divine justice and human accountability, encouraging believers to share the gospel without coercion but with hope that God's Spirit will work in hearts.

The Reality and Role of Satan

Expanding on the spiritual warfare theme, Knechtle offers graphic reflections on Satan's subtlety and influence, dismissing popular cultural caricatures of the devil while affirming his real and powerful activity. He cites both biblical teaching and psychological insights (such as from psychiatrist M. Scott Peck) which suggest that evil often operates covertly, misleading and corrupting people from within and without.

He stresses that acknowledging demonic influence is not about blaming evil for every human action, but recognizing a pervasive force that hijacks human sinfulness and escalates social tragedies. This perspective aims to deepen understanding of sin's seriousness and the need for spiritual resilience, prayer, and moral discernment among believers.

Jesus Christ and Forgiveness

Central to Knechtle's theology is the person and work of Jesus Christ as the source of grace and forgiveness. He firmly rejects religion as mere rule-keeping or moral performance, emphasizing instead that Jesus calls people into a personal relationship of love and trust. Knechtle relates powerful New Testament stories, such as the criminal on the cross receiving forgiveness moments before his death, to demonstrate that grace transcends human merit.

He advocates that true Christian faith releases people from self-righteousness and moral superiority, acknowledging that all are sinners in need of God's mercy. This gospel message, Knechtle argues, is both radical and hopeful, promising transformation and eternal life that is grounded not in human effort but in Christ's redemptive sacrifice.

Gender, Sexuality, and Identity

Knechtle confronts contemporary debates around gender and sexuality, expressing concern over what he sees as cultural confusion and the elevation of subjective identity over biological and theological realities. He critiques the idea that gender is fluid or self-defined, arguing that denying objective biological sex undermines the understanding of human value and leads to destructive social consequences.

He acknowledges the pain and struggle of those wrestling with identity but insists that genuine freedom and flourishing come from embracing God's design for sexuality as expressed in Scripture. However, Knechtle advocates for compassion, acknowledging that all people, regardless of sexual orientation, are created in God's image and deserving of love even if their choices are viewed as sinful. His approach attempts to balance biblical conviction with pastoral sensitivity.

Abortion

A significant portion of the conversation addresses abortion, where Knechtle firmly holds to the sanctity of human life from conception. He notes the absence of the term "abortion" in the Bible but draws from the commandment "Thou shalt not murder" and current medical facts about fetal development to argue that human embryos possess inherent value and dignity early in gestation.

Knechtle discusses the cultural shifts and debates around abortion, highlighting the polarization and slogan-driven discourse that often replaces genuine dialogue. He emphasizes the need for compassion and forgiveness toward those involved in abortion decisions, especially acknowledging that many good people have participated under various circumstances. Ultimately, Knechtle challenges society to consistently uphold the value of all human life as created in God's image.

The Chosen People and Biblical Election

Exploring theological questions about election and predestination, Knechtle clarifies misconceptions surrounding the notion of the "chosen people," particularly concerning the Jewish people. He explains that God's choice of Israel was primarily to be the vehicle for divine revelation rather than a statement about inherent superiority or guaranteed salvation. Knechtle further rejects harsh theological interpretations suggesting God arbitrarily chooses some for heaven and others for hell without regard to human response.

He recounts personal experiences highlighting how distorted teachings about election have caused pain, especially when used cruelly within families. For Knechtle, the Bible's teaching on election is an invitation to recognize God's initiating love in drawing people to Himself while respecting human freedom to accept or reject salvation.

Persecution and Revival of Christianity

Knechtle observes the dual reality facing Christianity today: increasing persecution alongside signs of revival. He draws attention to the staggering number of Christian martyrs globally, such as those in Nigeria, whose suffering recalls the earliest centuries of church history when faithfulness often meant death. Despite this, he notes a growing enthusiasm among young people on college campuses who are seriously engaging with the Christian faith, not as a superficial "health and wealth" gospel but as a demand to confront good and evil meaningfully.

He rejects Christian nationalism but encourages believers to be agents of transformation within society while remaining cautious of politicizing the faith. This dynamic tension, Knechtle believes, reflects the authentic Christian journey of faithfulness amid trials and hope.

Death, Suffering, and the Hope of Resurrection

Finally, Knechtle addresses the profound themes of mortality, suffering, and hope, affirming the Christian belief in eternal life through Christ's resurrection. He acknowledges the stark unfairness of life—the suffering of innocents, tragic loss, and the mystery of pain—pointing to biblical figures like Job who model lament and perseverance without simplistic explanations.

However, Knechtle asserts that the Christian faith offers a unique hope that death is not the end but a passage to eternal communion with God. Jesus's resurrection establishes the promise of transformation and restored creation, inspiring believers to live with courage and purpose.