“I don’t need to know apologetics, I evangelize with the Gospels.” That is a common answer I get from Christians when I ask their opinion on using apologetics to reach unbelievers. As Christians we will be faced with an evangelism opportunity at multiple times in our lives. Therefore, it’s vital to know the gospel first and foremost, but it’s also important to reflect on why we are Christians, so we are prepared in answering an unbeliever. What I’m about to say is probably not going to be your average Christian’s response. While my intent is not to tear down Christians who say this, I feel there are things that must be said to show the direct relationship between apologetics and evangelism.
First, we have to stop divorcing apologetics from evangelism, they go hand in hand. At some time during your Christian walk you will be faced with an unbeliever who does not think that the bible is an actual historical document. Do you know how you would respond to their objections?
It’s likely that they will reject any bible reference you make and will revert back to some sort of naturalism. Many Christians know that the bible is a verified, historical document filled with science, reason, prophecy, promises, and miracles. But many Christians still think that they don’t need to learn anything apologetic related. As I’ve said in prior posts, apologetics is not the art of apologizing for what you believe.
“The defense of the faith is not a luxury or intellectual vanity. It is a task appointed by God that you should be able to give a reason for the hope that is in you as you bear witness before the world.” -R.C. Sproul
Not only do we need to know apologetic tactics, but when we evangelize we are already using apologetics as you aim to defend what you believe. If someone were to come up to you and say that your Christian belief is wrong and intolerant the appropriate response would be to respond in order to defend your choices and the faith. You wouldn’t just sit back and say nothing. We don’t just sit back when someone says that Christianity isn’t true because we were created to stand up for what is right and true.
We see examples of this in our court system. We want people to be punished when they commit a crime and if a murderer goes free we get angry and talk about it on social media. You see, we are defending what we know to be right and we are called in the same way to defend our faith.
Further, we are commanded to always be prepared to give a response to the reasons why we have this hope (1 Peter 3:15). The bible doesn’t stop there, while writing this post I found over 80 verses that are about defending the faith. Here are just a few:
-We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, (2 Corinthians 10:5, ESV).
-He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound[a] doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it, (Titus 1:9, ESV).
-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, (Jude 1:3, ESV).
-It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, (Philippians 1:7, ESV).
What does Apologetics look like in our lives?
My friend Lacy has a sister who thinks the bible is just an outdated book, written a long time ago by a bunch of old men. But Lacy knows that the bible is a book that was inspired by God, God-breathed.
It is full of multiple eye witness accounts and many of the places, people, and events can be verified through history and archaeology. Lacy also knows that the bible makes a few big claims–that Jesus was born, died, and was resurrected. And like many of us, Lacy isn’t a scholar but she knows the bible and what it claims. Here she is using an apologetic technique or as some people call it, case making.
We all have a sphere of influence and the relationships we have are important. You can influence others by sharing your reasons how you know that Christianity is true.
We don’t need to back down from objections to the faith. Instead, let’s answer people’s questions and concerns with gentleness and respect.
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