Apologetics is a subject that is near and dear to my heart, and I would argue that it should be this way for all believers. I recently taught a class on apologetics, and in preparing the materials for this pursuit, I was reminded of how I became interested in the subject.
I found the Lord around the age of sixteen, but I must have been around twenty or twenty-one when I first became aware of the fact that Jehovah’s Witnesses were in error on a great many points, and unfortunately this was my introduction to their theology.
I returned home one day to discover my next-door neighbor standing on his porch, an unusual sight since this wasn’t his usual behavior. He was engaged in a discussion with two individuals holding a Bible. I, still being in my zealous Christian faze, decided to see what they were discussing. When I arrived, I discovered my neighbor, whom I had never known to be a Christian, passionately defending the deity of Christ. Despite his best efforts, his argument was not particularly compelling. Up to this time, I had a ton of zeal for the Lord, but not a lot of knowledge about His word. (Which is why I’m such an advocate for biblical literacy within the Church)
I decided that I had to jump in and aid in the defense of our Lord, who most certainly is God, but different in person from the Father. I began speaking and sharing scriptures (proof texts) on the deity of Christ to the best of my ability. At that time, having never studied the subject thoroughly, I believe I did a commendable job in attempting to find scriptures in a physical Bible to support the claim of Christ’s deity. Oh, did I mention that this story takes place in 2008, so the act of “Googling” was not as common of an occurrence as now.
Having made headway in proving my case with who was obviously the junior member of the team, the senior member came over and began to give me a thorough twisting in the scriptures. He opened up that King James Bible and hopscotched from one scripture to another, providing just enough misleading context and provided just enough space for me to begin second guessing what the truth is. It was a VERY uncomfortable situation to say the least, but I know that the Lord put me in that position to ignite a fire in me that has led to this writing, and the ministry behind it.
My passion for apologetics, and providing resources and encouragement to the body to get out and spread the gospel is due to everyone who wishes to successfully do what I did that day. I wasn’t much of a studier back then, barely a reader at all if I’m being honest, but I knew they were in error and claimed to be believers; I knew I had a responsibility to defend Christ.
Jude’s letter shares a very similar thought. He begins by explaining that although he wished to write about their common salvation, it had come to his attention that error had crept into their local body and he had an obligation to correct it.
Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. (Jude 3-4 ESV)
This, alongside 1 Peter 3:15 are where the apologist receives their marching orders to defend the faith. The former being discussed at length in a previous post. (Please take a look as this is a continuation of the discussion covered there)
Notice the words of Jude here, that “the faith” in his day is an established apostolic teaching having been delivered to the saints in full, but now needed to be defended.
Also notice that Jude doesn’t give any clarification on who is to engage in this. Today, the church acts as if apologetics is only for the “Special Forces” Christians, or for those who have a ThD and work in biblical translation. The defense of the faith is a biblical mandate for all who call Christ their Lord.
Notice that apologetics is not just engaging with unbelievers, but those who profess the name of Christ but are in major doctrinal error; from this verse, we get the biblical parallel to engage with them. Correcting error within the church can be an apologetic endeavor.
Takeaways
Remember that apologetics is for all believers.
Although, you may not be able to tape part in over 100 theological debates like Dr. James White, you can allow God to use you just where you are to share the gospel and remove barriers to the gospel by offering persuasive argumentation alongside biblical truth.
Be open to apologetic situations
In our society, its not difficult to encounter anti-christian worldviews, we’re practically surrounded by them. Instead of shying away from the conversation, be ready and welcome the opportunity to correct someone’s misunderstanding about Christ, or the anti-biblical nature of their beliefs in an effort to win that soul to Christ.