I recently received an invitation to teach a class on apologetics, a subject that ignites my passion. As I concluded the final session, I realized I had never truly articulated what apologetics entails in writing. This post aims to rectify that. At its essence, apologetics can be defined as the act of presenting a defense for the Christian faith and worldview. This concise definition encapsulates the core concept of apologetics, and I believe it serves as a comprehensive framework for most apologists. Dr. Norman Geisler further elaborates on this concept in the Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics, defining apologetics as “the discipline that deals with a rational defense of the Christian faith.”1 Geisler’s definition delves into the Greek word “apologia,” which literally translates to “offering a defense.”.
Believers are commanded biblically to engage in apologetics, and these admonitions are found primarily in two places: 1 Peter 3:15 and Jude 3.
A Biblical Charge
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15 ESV)
In this first text, there is the obvious admonition by the Apostle Peter to remain ready to offer a response to anyone that asks you about the hope you have within you. This is the part that most who engage in apologetics have memorized. It’s true and it’s right. The scripture urges us to be prepared. If this is your first encounter with this verse or subject as a believer, you must be willing and prepared to offer that defense, especially in these challenging times. The most frequently overlooked section of the text are the additional admonitions within this quotation. The urge to begin by sanctifying Christ in your heart, and the adjectives that close the statement.
Check your heart
When engaging in apologetics, we must first deal with our own hearts. You must search your heart and your motives prior to entering the arena. If you’re in this for any other reason than to truly win someone to Christ, you need to hold off. I have met so many who only attempt to engage unbelievers because they wish to flaunt their knowledge, in some effort to appear smarter, holier, etc. If your thrill for apologetics is led simply by theological jousting, I would tell you to find another hobby that allows you to exercise your intellect. The heart of the apologist bleeds for the lost. The apologist makes every effort to utilize reason and evidence to remove barriers to the gospel. If your compassion for the lost isn’t motivating you to plead with them to the extent that you’re researching to combat aversions to the gospel, then apologetics might not be the right fit for you yet. Pray for God to continue to change your heart. He is faithful and will do it.
This then leads to the adjectives that describe the defense. We are to deliver our message with gentleness and respect. To put it plainly, you won’t win anyone to Christ by being a jerk. When engaging with unbelievers or with believers in some major error, it is integral to be gentle and respectful. Honestly, it’s important to utilize all the fruit.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22 ESV)
Gentleness, respect, self-control; all of these are a necessity for the apologist that wishes to have meaningful conversations. I highlight self-control as a necessity because debates can easily become filled with passion, and they can take hard turns. It’s important that anyone attempting to engage in apologetics not become the reason that someone walks away without Jesus. You don’t want your attitude or your quick wit to become the reason that someone moves further away from Christ.
Takeaways
Apologetics is a biblical command.
We are commanded to provide a defense for our faith, and to do it with respect and gentleness.
Check your heart.
Ensure that you are engaging the lost for the right reason. Is your motive simply to introduce the unbeliever to Jesus? Do you have other motives? Do you have a passion to share the gospel at all? We were commanded by Christ to go and make disciples. The charge given to the apostles is the inheritance of all believers.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)
Focus on the fruit.
When I say focus on the fruit, I don’t mean on bearing more fruit. I’m simply asking for you to keep them in mind when you engage an unbeliever. You must always remember that you’re representing Christ when you’re witnessing to an unbeliever.
Notes
- Norman L. Geisler, “Apologetics, Need For,” in Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics, Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999), 37. ↩︎
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