Our beliefs are under constant attack by the world and the forces of darkness. Many view the Bible as an outdated book or as a fairy tale that holds no relevance in our modern age. As we have previously examined, we can trust in the reliability of the Bible. God’s Word does not need our defense, but we are responsible for defending our faith in those instances when others confront us or ask us about what we believe and why we believe it.

What is Apologetics?

1 Peter 3:15 directs us to, “be ready always to give an answer.” The phrase ‘an answer’ in this verse is the Greek word apologia. It is this word from which we derive the term apologetics. The word apologia derives from a legal term used to describe a defense presented to a judge. In Romans 1:20, the phrase ‘without excuse’ is the Greek word anapologētos. In other words, those who do not believe in God are without a defense as to their position. Paul states in Philippians 1:17 that, “…I am set for the defense of the gospel.” The word defense in this verse is the same Greek word as in 1 Peter 3:15, apologia.

Although the word apologia brings to mind the concept of an apology, it is not accurate to characterize it in that way. We have nothing to apologize for when it comes to the Word of God. Rather, apologetics is the use of reasoned arguments to explain and defend a biblical doctrine.

Jude 3 encourages us to “earnestly contend for the faith.” In the original context, Jude sought to combat false teachers who twisted the Word of God to use God’s grace as license to sin, and even deny Jesus Christ. Earnestness is a necessity for a successful Christian walk. We should be bold to call out false doctrine when we see it, and point to the Bible as the source of truth that we can trust absolutely. 

What is the Purpose of Apologetics?

Some may question the need for apologetics. “Isn’t the Word of God enough?” Certainly, the Word of God is enough. God has miraculously delivered and preserved His Word to communicate a message of truth and hope. We who are saved and those who may have grown up in a Christian home view God’s Word as precious, authoritative, powerful, and as needful as our “necessary food.” (Job 23:12)

However, the unsaved are sometimes hard-hearted toward the things of God. They view the Bible with skepticism or contempt. These individuals can stumble over our declarations that the Bible is the Word of God, especially when we point to the Bible as evidence that the Bible is God’s Word. They see this as circular reasoning, a logical fallacy where evidence offered to support a claim is merely repeating the claim itself. By showing evidence of how God has preserved His Word over the years and how it does not contain contradictions, we can remove this stumbling block and open the door for a Gospel conversation.

Logical arguments are helpful, but our job is not to “argue” anyone into a belief in Jesus Christ. The most eloquent argument we can provide is not sufficient to convert someone — that is not our work, but rather the work of the Holy Spirit. We should not be argumentative, but should instead provide a valid argument when necessary in the same way that an attorney or advocate provides an argument on behalf of his or her client. Such arguments are well-reasoned and expose the truth of a correct belief, and the problems or errors associated with an incorrect belief.

Is Apologetics Only for Non-believers?

By studying apologetics, Christians can strengthen their faith and build confidence in defending their beliefs. Many Christians have a firm grasp of what they believe, but they may lack the ability to defend those beliefs from the attacks of skeptics. Knowing not only what you believe but also why you believe it enables you to more clearly explain your beliefs to those you encounter who may question the rationale of your beliefs.

Most Christians are not persuaded to accept Christ through logical arguments. Rather, they heard a clear presentation of the Gospel and accepted its truth via the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Thus, their reasons for believing are based on their personal experience, which may be difficult to express to unbelievers who do not share their experience. Sharing your testimony is one of the most effective ways of presenting the Gospel to a lost person. But arming yourself with knowledge of the evidence of the reality of God’s existence, His creation of the world, and Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection will allow you to effectively answer any objections you may receive from those who are skeptical of the truth found in God’s Word. (Click HERE for all of our studies, videos, articles, and tools for witnessing.)

Does Apologetics Remove the Need for Faith?

Some regard apologetics as antagonistic to faith. “Isn’t your religious practice and relationship with Christ a matter of faith?” It is true that we must have faith. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). However, apologetics is not in conflict with faith. Our faith is not a “blind” or uninformed faith. It is based on the Holy Spirit working in our lives, and it is based on the evidence provided in God’s Word and the world around us. Faith is not a leap into the dark; it is a step into the light.

We see proof of God’s existence everywhere around us. The heavens declare the glory of God and show evidence of His work (Psalm 19:1). The invisible things of God are visible in His creation (Romans 1:20). God provided this and other evidence to reveal Himself to man, to confirm His presence in the world that He created and that we inhabit. This evidence doesn’t weaken our faith in God; it strengthens it!

When Christ rose from the dead, He showed Himself alive “by many infallible proofs” (Acts 1:3). In other words, the evidence for Christ’s resurrection was indisputable. Some doubted the reality of Christ’s resurrection during His time. Many still doubt it today. We should point to the evidence provided by God’s Word and pray that the Holy Spirit will work in the hearts of the doubters. But for those who struggle with believing the Bible as the authoritative Word of God, it can be helpful to point to historical documents written by contemporaries that speak of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

Apologetic Topics

In this series, we will be examining several areas of apologetics, including the following:

• The existence of God
• The reality of Christ’s resurrection
• God’s creation of the universe
• The logical inconsistency of other beliefs
• How to defend against common arguments against your beliefs

It is our sincere prayer that through this study of apologetics, you will increase your ability to earnestly contend for the faith and be ready to give an answer to those who ask you about your faith in Christ. By faithfully applying God’s Word and studying apologetic topics and techniques, you will better equip yourself to lead the lost to Christ by unleashing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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