Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer [defense] to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15).
Be a Defender
Have you ever had to “defend” Jesus, the Bible, or Christianity? How did you do? Well? Not so well? Do you wish you could have done better? Regardless of your answer, let’s agree it’s important for believers to know how to defend their faith.
The question is: Why is this so important? Let’s consider some things.
Discovering the Need
I was on an independent film shoot some years ago, and the audio man was Jewish. He asked me, “Michael, why are there four versions of the Gospel?” At the time, I had no idea why; I didn’t know what to tell him. It would have been a golden opportunity to share the Gospel with him as he had given me an opening, but I wasn’t equipped to make good on the opportunity.
In part, this is what got me interested in apologetics. I wanted to begin studying what it was I believed, and why I believed it. I wanted to be able to defend the Christian faith. I knew I needed to study Christian apologetics, and am convinced every believer should do the same.
Defining the Term
What does the word “apologetics” mean? One thing this word does not mean is apologizing for being a Christian, though in our culture, there are believers who hold to this definition. Rather, “Apologetics” is an area of theological study dedicated to intellectually defending truth claims. These “claims” include Jesus, the Bible, God, miracles, the Creation, and numerous other topics.
Several portions of the Bible address the importance of apologetics. One is Philippians 1:7, where the apostle Paul says,
Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence [sic] and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace (italics added).
Paul says something similar in verses 15-17:
Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence [sic] of the gospel (italics added).
This brings us to the classic “apologetics passage,” 1 Peter 3:15:
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer [a defense] to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (italics added).
The word “answer” here or “defense” (as well as in the passages in Philippians) is derived from the ancient Greek word apologia, which carries with it the image of an attorney presenting a court case. As we live out the Christian life, we have to think like Christian attorneys. We’re going to encounter people who have questions, and we’re going to have to answer those questions. We are also going to encounter those who are hostile, and we’ll need to address their objections.
When we acknowledge Christ as Lord, people are going to ask, “Why? What makes Christianity so different from all other religions?” Jewish people want to know why we believe Jesus is the Messiah. Muslims want to know why we believe Jesus is not a prophet like Mohammed, but instead is the Son of God. Hindus want to know why they should believe in Christ alone instead of multiple gods. Others want to know why they should believe in Jesus rather than … fill in the blank.
Other people will believe things contrary to Scripture. This is particularly true of cults. How about when some of these come to your door? What a great opportunity to tell them about Jesus! You have a captive audience right in front of you.
Have you ever had to “defend” Jesus, the Bible, or Christianity? How did you do? Well? Not so well? Do you wish you could have done better? Regardless of your answer, let’s agree it’s important for believers to know how to defend their faith.
The question is: Why is this so important? Let’s consider some things.
Discovering the Need
I was on an independent film shoot some years ago, and the audio man was Jewish. He asked me, “Michael, why are there four versions of the Gospel?” At the time, I had no idea why; I didn’t know what to tell him. It would have been a golden opportunity to share the Gospel with him as he had given me an opening, but I wasn’t equipped to make good on the opportunity.
In part, this is what got me interested in apologetics. I wanted to begin studying what it was I believed, and why I believed it. I wanted to be able to defend the Christian faith. I knew I needed to study Christian apologetics, and am convinced every believer should do the same.
Defining the Term
What does the word “apologetics” mean? One thing this word does not mean is apologizing for being a Christian, though in our culture, there are believers who hold to this definition. Rather, “Apologetics” is an area of theological study dedicated to intellectually defending truth claims. These “claims” include Jesus, the Bible, God, miracles, the Creation, and numerous other topics.
Several portions of the Bible address the importance of apologetics. One is Philippians 1:7, where the apostle Paul says,
Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence [sic] and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace (italics added).
Paul says something similar in verses 15-17:
Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence [sic] of the gospel (italics added).
This brings us to the classic “apologetics passage,” 1 Peter 3:15:
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer [a defense] to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (italics added).
The word “answer” here or “defense” (as well as in the passages in Philippians) is derived from the ancient Greek word apologia, which carries with it the image of an attorney presenting a court case. As we live out the Christian life, we have to think like Christian attorneys. We’re going to encounter people who have questions, and we’re going to have to answer those questions. We are also going to encounter those who are hostile, and we’ll need to address their objections.
When we acknowledge Christ as Lord, people are going to ask, “Why? What makes Christianity so different from all other religions?” Jewish people want to know why we believe Jesus is the Messiah. Muslims want to know why we believe Jesus is not a prophet like Mohammed, but instead is the Son of God. Hindus want to know why they should believe in Christ alone instead of multiple gods. Others want to know why they should believe in Jesus rather than … fill in the blank.
Other people will believe things contrary to Scripture. This is particularly true of cults. How about when some of these come to your door? What a great opportunity to tell them about Jesus! You have a captive audience right in front of you.
The Spurgeon Dilemma
The godly, renowned 19th century British preacher Charles Spurgeon offered his now-famous thoughts on the defense of the Gospel:
A great many learned men are defending the gospel; no doubt it is a very proper and right thing to do, yet I always notice that, when there are most books of that kind, it is because the gospel itself is not being preached. Suppose a number of persons were to take it into their heads that they had to defend a lion, a full-grown king of beasts! There he is in the cage, and here come all the soldiers of the army to fight for him. Well, I should suggest to them, if they would not object, and feel that it was humbling to them, that they should kindly stand back, and open the door, and let the lion out! I believe that would be the best way of defending him, for he would take care of himself; and the best “apology” for the gospel is to let the gospel out. Never mind about defending Deuteronomy or the whole of the Pentateuch; preach Jesus Christ and him crucified. Let the Lion out, and see who will dare to approach him. The Lion of the tribe of Judah will soon drive away all his adversaries.
Of course, there is truth in Mr. Spurgeon’s words – especially in the fact that we can’t argue someone into faith in Christ. The Gospel itself is the power of God unto salvation. Mr. Spurgeon is right that we must preach Christ. But we also must understand that Mr. Spurgeon’s time was much different than today. In his day, there was a cultural respect for the Bible, even if people did not believe in it. There was even respect for pastors and preachers.
Sadly, this is not the case today, and because of this we need to defend the truth with boldness. The more people deny, denounce, and dismiss the Bible, the more we, as followers of Christ, need to stand up and say, “God’s Word is truth – and these are the reasons we believe it!”
The godly, renowned 19th century British preacher Charles Spurgeon offered his now-famous thoughts on the defense of the Gospel:
A great many learned men are defending the gospel; no doubt it is a very proper and right thing to do, yet I always notice that, when there are most books of that kind, it is because the gospel itself is not being preached. Suppose a number of persons were to take it into their heads that they had to defend a lion, a full-grown king of beasts! There he is in the cage, and here come all the soldiers of the army to fight for him. Well, I should suggest to them, if they would not object, and feel that it was humbling to them, that they should kindly stand back, and open the door, and let the lion out! I believe that would be the best way of defending him, for he would take care of himself; and the best “apology” for the gospel is to let the gospel out. Never mind about defending Deuteronomy or the whole of the Pentateuch; preach Jesus Christ and him crucified. Let the Lion out, and see who will dare to approach him. The Lion of the tribe of Judah will soon drive away all his adversaries.
Of course, there is truth in Mr. Spurgeon’s words – especially in the fact that we can’t argue someone into faith in Christ. The Gospel itself is the power of God unto salvation. Mr. Spurgeon is right that we must preach Christ. But we also must understand that Mr. Spurgeon’s time was much different than today. In his day, there was a cultural respect for the Bible, even if people did not believe in it. There was even respect for pastors and preachers.
Sadly, this is not the case today, and because of this we need to defend the truth with boldness. The more people deny, denounce, and dismiss the Bible, the more we, as followers of Christ, need to stand up and say, “God’s Word is truth – and these are the reasons we believe it!”
Reasons to Engage in Apologetics
1. Scripture commands it. This takes us back to 1 Peter 3:15:
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer [defense] to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (italics added).
2. The culture demands it. Yes, we “let the lion out,” but it must be demonstrated and defended in a world of lies. Believers must fight back against the lies perpetrated against God, Jesus, the Bible, and our faith.
3. Bad theology requires it. There is a ton of bad theology out there, and believers must be able to dispel the bad with good. Good theology is crucial.
4. Our minds need it. When we read the truth of God’s Word, we are nourished in our relationship with God. Furthermore, God doesn’t expect us to believe blindly in Him. He wants us to study and be prepared. Paul told Timothy:
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
How Should We Engage in Apologetics?
Again, 1 Peter 3:15 is our source, particularly the last four words, “with meekness and fear.”
Whenever we defend the faith, we need to do so with kindness and gentleness. The goal is not to win an argument, but to demonstrate to a lost soul the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must be careful to never get angry or to dismiss others’ thoughts and beliefs as being ignorant. We are to engage them with patience and in love. We are to lovingly and boldly present the truth, but the Holy Spirit does the convincing, convicting, and conversion. We cannot change anyone!
Be prepared to be rejected, despised, or even hated. Remember, one of the claims of Christianity is that Jesus is the only way to salvation. We’re going to be accused of being narrow-minded, intolerant, and unloving because of this. However, this is the world we live in, and we must preach and defend the truth.
Ways to Improve Our Apologetic Skills
There are a variety of ways we can improve our skills.
First, we must know the Truth ourselves! We need to read, think upon, and study Scripture, as well as find good resources.
Second, and closely related, is to ask ourselves difficult questions: Do I know Jesus as my Lord and Savior? How do I know the Bible is true? What do I believe and why? Do I believe something only because my pastor or Sunday school teacher told me? How do I know the Bible is the only Word of God? While we should be able to trust church leaders, our faith is strengthened when we take the initiative to learn the Truth ourselves.
Third, our lives must reflect the life change only Christ can make. This does not mean perfection, but progression, being changed into His likeness. If our lives are not different than the world, why should the world listen to us?
Fourth, study! Get some apologetics books from biblically solid apologetics ministries with materials in written form, or video. Do your research, and by all means, pray to God for wisdom and discernment that you may be better equipped in defending your faith.
Fifth, think of the questions your family and friends have asked. What answers would you give them?
Last, consider the questions the world asks. These include core questions of the heart: Where did we come from? Why are we here? What happens at death? Why is there suffering in the world? What do I do with my guilt? What about evolution versus creation? These also include cultural questions: What is the definition of marriage? Is it right to abort babies? Why is it wrong for men to enter women’s locker rooms? Aren’t all religions the same?
Conclusion
This is a challenge for us. In recent years, I have been asked some difficult and heartfelt questions. As I look at the world and the Church, I am more and more convicted that Christians need to love the Truth, know the Truth, live out the Truth, and defend the Truth.
As we engage with the unbelieving world– particularly in a digital- and social-media age – the more we see a strong defense of the Truth is questioned, and this Truth is needed now more than ever. When we study Apologetics, we not only strengthen our faith, but we prepare ourselves to lovingly and boldly answer the questions others have, in order to clearly share the Gospel of the grace of God and salvation through Jesus, our Lord.
1. Scripture commands it. This takes us back to 1 Peter 3:15:
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer [defense] to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (italics added).
2. The culture demands it. Yes, we “let the lion out,” but it must be demonstrated and defended in a world of lies. Believers must fight back against the lies perpetrated against God, Jesus, the Bible, and our faith.
3. Bad theology requires it. There is a ton of bad theology out there, and believers must be able to dispel the bad with good. Good theology is crucial.
4. Our minds need it. When we read the truth of God’s Word, we are nourished in our relationship with God. Furthermore, God doesn’t expect us to believe blindly in Him. He wants us to study and be prepared. Paul told Timothy:
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
How Should We Engage in Apologetics?
Again, 1 Peter 3:15 is our source, particularly the last four words, “with meekness and fear.”
Whenever we defend the faith, we need to do so with kindness and gentleness. The goal is not to win an argument, but to demonstrate to a lost soul the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must be careful to never get angry or to dismiss others’ thoughts and beliefs as being ignorant. We are to engage them with patience and in love. We are to lovingly and boldly present the truth, but the Holy Spirit does the convincing, convicting, and conversion. We cannot change anyone!
Be prepared to be rejected, despised, or even hated. Remember, one of the claims of Christianity is that Jesus is the only way to salvation. We’re going to be accused of being narrow-minded, intolerant, and unloving because of this. However, this is the world we live in, and we must preach and defend the truth.
Ways to Improve Our Apologetic Skills
There are a variety of ways we can improve our skills.
First, we must know the Truth ourselves! We need to read, think upon, and study Scripture, as well as find good resources.
Second, and closely related, is to ask ourselves difficult questions: Do I know Jesus as my Lord and Savior? How do I know the Bible is true? What do I believe and why? Do I believe something only because my pastor or Sunday school teacher told me? How do I know the Bible is the only Word of God? While we should be able to trust church leaders, our faith is strengthened when we take the initiative to learn the Truth ourselves.
Third, our lives must reflect the life change only Christ can make. This does not mean perfection, but progression, being changed into His likeness. If our lives are not different than the world, why should the world listen to us?
Fourth, study! Get some apologetics books from biblically solid apologetics ministries with materials in written form, or video. Do your research, and by all means, pray to God for wisdom and discernment that you may be better equipped in defending your faith.
Fifth, think of the questions your family and friends have asked. What answers would you give them?
Last, consider the questions the world asks. These include core questions of the heart: Where did we come from? Why are we here? What happens at death? Why is there suffering in the world? What do I do with my guilt? What about evolution versus creation? These also include cultural questions: What is the definition of marriage? Is it right to abort babies? Why is it wrong for men to enter women’s locker rooms? Aren’t all religions the same?
Conclusion
This is a challenge for us. In recent years, I have been asked some difficult and heartfelt questions. As I look at the world and the Church, I am more and more convicted that Christians need to love the Truth, know the Truth, live out the Truth, and defend the Truth.
As we engage with the unbelieving world– particularly in a digital- and social-media age – the more we see a strong defense of the Truth is questioned, and this Truth is needed now more than ever. When we study Apologetics, we not only strengthen our faith, but we prepare ourselves to lovingly and boldly answer the questions others have, in order to clearly share the Gospel of the grace of God and salvation through Jesus, our Lord.
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