The Bible encourages Christians to defend and promote the truth of the gospel message. Here are some key passages that speak to this topic:
1 Peter 3:15 – Always be prepared to give a defense
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
This verse instructs believers to be ready at all times to explain and defend their faith in Christ when asked. It emphasizes doing so gently and respectfully.
Jude 3 – Contend for the faith
“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.”
Jude exhorted fellow believers to contend for the true faith, fighting against false teachers who were spreading incorrect doctrine.
2 Corinthians 10:5 – Demolish arguments against God
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
Paul stated that Christians should be prepared to respond to arguments against God’s truth, taking all thoughts captive to Christ.
Titus 1:9 – Refute those who oppose sound doctrine
“He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”
Church leaders must be able to defend orthodox theology and refute false teachings and opponents of the gospel.
Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpens iron
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Disagreements and debate between believers on theological issues can lead to mutual growth and sharpening as long as it is done respectfully.
Acts 17:17 – Reasoned and persuaded
“So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.”
Paul debated and reasoned with nonbelievers daily, persuading them to accept the gospel.
Colossians 4:5-6 – Make the most of every opportunity
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Believers are called to make the most of every chance to share the gospel, including being prepared to answer objections and questions.
While these and other verses make it clear that defending the faith is important, Christians must remember to do so with love, respect, and humility (1 Peter 3:15, Colossians 4:6). The goal should be drawing people to the truth, not just winning arguments.
Common biblical reasons to defend the faith
There are several recurring biblical themes that underline why apologetics matters:
1. Upholding and protecting doctrinal truth
All through the New Testament epistles, we see church leaders combating false teachings and troublemakers who were threatening sound doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3, 2 Peter 2:1, Romans 16:17). Their apologetic efforts helped preserve orthodox theology.
2. Helping strengthen other believers
When Christians are confronted with arguments against their faith, it can sometimes shake them up or introduce doubts. Knowledgeable defenders who can answer skeptics’ objections can greatly stabilize and reassure other Christians (Jude 1:22-23).
3. Drawing nonbelievers to Christ
Skillfully responding to critics of Christianity can help remove obstacles preventing people from taking the gospel message seriously. Even if they aren’t fully persuaded, seeds of faith can be planted (2 Timothy 2:24-26).
4. Obedience and honor to God
Contending for the faith pleases the Lord and honors His name, which is often blasphemed by unbelievers. Refusing to defend doctrine is disobedience (Titus 1:9, Isaiah 39:8).
5. Personal growth and assurance
Learning how to give reasoned answers often strengthens one’s own faith and conviction. It also equips them to better answer personal doubts that may arise (1 Peter 3:15).
Common topics Christians defend related to the Bible and theology
Some beliefs that apologists regularly defend include:
1. The authority and divine inspiration of Scripture
Many critics try to undermine the legitimacy of the Bible. Christians defend its authenticity and show why it should be trusted.
2. The existence of God
Arguments for God’s existence, such as the cosmological, design, and moral arguments, are frequently employed to counter secular skepticism.
3. The deity and resurrection of Christ
Christ’s divinity and resurrection are central to the gospel message. Apologists respond to alternate theories that deny these truths.
4. Miracles and the supernatural
Arguments against the possibility of miracles based on philosophical naturalism are common. Defenders illustrate why miracles are plausible.
5. The problem of evil and suffering
One of the most cited arguments against God is how He can allow evil and suffering in the world. Christians present various theodicies in response.
6. Creation vs. evolution
A literal six-day creation is disputed by secular science. Apologists present evidence confirming Genesis and problems with Darwinian evolution.
7. Objective morality
In a naturalistic worldview, morality is seen as subjective and relativistic. Defenders argue that true objective morality requires God’s existence.
These kinds of core doctrines are constantly under attack from skeptics, making a defense imperative.
Reasons Christians may hesitate to defend their beliefs
While apologetics is a biblical calling for believers, some are reluctant to engage for various reasons:
1. Fear of inadequacy
Some shy away from defending the faith because they feel ill-equipped, lacking knowledge on theological issues or arguments.
2. Fear of conflict
Confrontations make some Christians extremely uncomfortable. They seek to avoid contentious interactions over religious beliefs.
3. False dichotomy
Some feel apologetics is about winning arguments, not drawing people to Christ. They think evangelism and apologetics conflict.
4. Doubts about faith
Harboring personal doubts may make one hesitant to defend doctrines they struggle with. They feel like a hypocrite.
5. Lack of grace and patience
Apologetics is pointless if not done with grace, as Scripture instructs (Colossians 4:6). Some opt out due to lacking these virtues.
6. Bad experiences
Negative encounters where they felt attacked or did damage to a relationship may discourage future defense of the faith.
While understandable, these concerns shouldn’t prevent fulfilling the biblical exhortations previously noted. With practice, prayer, and humility, Christians can learn to winsomely defend their beliefs.
Tips for defending the Christian faith effectively
When contending for the faith, here are some principles to follow:
1. Do it with the right motives
The goal should be making disciples and drawing people to Christ, not just winning arguments (Matthew 28:19-20).
2. Get educated
Learn about opposing worldviews. Study biblical doctrines. Master apologetic arguments. Develop public speaking skills.
3. Build relationships
Discussion is more fruitful with those you have a connection with. Establish common ground and understanding.
4. Ask good questions
Get critics thinking critically about their own beliefs by asking probing questions.
5. Focus on the essentials
Major on the majors. Don’t get bogged down debating minor issues or speculative matters.
6. Appeal to conscience
Everyone has an innate sense of right and wrong. Gentle appeals to conscience often have impact.
7. Use logic and evidence
Present facts from science, philosophy, and history that support the truth. Reason logically from premises to conclusions.
8. Keep emotions under control
Don’t become angry or insulting. Maintain self-control, humility, and consistency.
9. Know when to stop
If a discussion becomes unproductive or too heated, politely disengage. Don’t create hostility.
10. Point to Christ
Keep the gospel message central. Arguments don’t save people – Christ does.
Learning and practicing these principles can make one’s defense of the faith substantially more compelling and effective.
Conclusion
Scripture contains abundant exhortations for Christians to be ready to defend and contend for the faith. This is needed to uphold doctrinal truth, strengthen believers, draw unbelievers, and honor God. While some hesitate to engage in apologetics due to fear, discomfort, or lack of training, the biblical mandate remains.
Thankfully, Christians don’t have to master every objection and theological debate. Nor must every believer become an expert apologist. But all should strive to winsomely defend core doctrines when appropriate. With sound motives and grace, even simple defenders can powerfully impact lives for Christ.