Over the years, I’ve had people ask me why they should defend the faith. “If we have evidence for what we believe, where does faith fit in?” My current standard response is that the apostles didn’t have as much faith as we must. They saw the risen Christ, we haven’t. Jesus even pointed this out to Thomas:
John 20:29 (ESV) Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
There are a lot of reasons to defend the faith, though. Here are only some of them:
God commands it: 1 Peter 3:15 (NASB) but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and ereverence;
Jesus defended the truth: Matt. 8:5-8 (NASB) “For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, and walk’? 6 “But in order that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—then He *said to the paralytic—“Rise, take up your bed, and go home.” 7 And he rose, and went home. 8 But when the multitudes saw this, they were filled with awe, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
The Apostles reasoned from the Scriptures to defend the faith: Acts 9:2-3 (NASB) And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.”
The Bible demands Christians defend the faith: Jude 3 (NASB) Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
False teaching must be refuted: Titus 1:9 (NASB) holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
Because Christianity is grounded in historical fact: 1 Cor. 15:17 (NASB) and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins.
Apologetics removes intellectual obstacles: 2 Cor. 10:5 (NASB) We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,
Apologetics strengthens believers and destroys doubt: Eph. 4:14-15 (NASB) As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ,
Loving God includes using your mind to understand the faith: Matt. 22:37 (NASB) And He said to him, ”‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
God uses rational evidence alongside of the Gospel. Examples include:
Fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah 53; Micah 5:2)
Miracles authenticating God’s messengers (John 20:30–31)
The resurrection (1 Corinthians 15)
Eyewitness testimony (Luke 1:1–4; 2 Peter 1:16)
Creation pointing to God (Romans 1:20)
Why is this important?
Defending the faith (apologetics) is not the Gospel itself. It should never take the place of it. Apologetics does not produce regeneration, and it should never simply become an exercise for debate. It is a tool like any other and can be used when needed. Because it is often a powerful tool in discussions with non-believers, it should be a part of every Christian’s toolbox.
Believers Armed and Dangerous 