“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15).
As Christians we accept the truthfulness of the Bible, and its claims regarding its own inspiration, the existence of God, and the Lordship of Jesus Christ. While we accept this, we must realize that others are not so inclined. Skeptics are common, and it is our responsibility (as noted in Peter’s admonition above) to seek to establish proofs to convince the unbeliever of the veracity of claims regarding God and His will for man..
If we are able to establish such truths, we will not only convince the skeptic, but will also bolster our own faith. The fundamental tenants of our faith are continually under attack by secularists and modernists, and if we are not prepared to answer their questions and accusations, we are vulnerable. Students are especially endangered. Evolutionary theory, and secular theories concerning everything from science to sociology, are constantly trumpeted in our schools and colleges. This series of articles will concisely discuss some of the weapons the Christian has in his arsenal as he battles the opponents of God and His word.
Such a study is known as “Christian Apologetics.” As one scholar noted, “Christian apologetics is the comprehensive philosophical, theological, and factual demonstration of the truthfulness of our Christian religion” (Ramm). The word apology comes from the Greek (apologia), and is defined by Vines, “a verbal defence, a speech in defence.” It is the term used above in Peter’s admonition, “always be ready to give a defense“, and Paul’s statement in his letter to the Philippians, “I am appointed for the defense of the gospel” (1:17).
These weapons will be both internal, and external to the Bible:
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A proper understanding of the nature of science and its disciplines will establish the veracity of the Bible. True science is not an enemy to faith. Such disciplines as Physics, Biology, Geology and Archaeology all supply evidence (indirectly) that God exists, and that the Bible is His inspired Word.
- Scripture itself, in its inerrancy, style and content, gives evidence of a divine author.
- Ultimately, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, historically established through eyewitness testimony, serves as the ultimate proof of all these things. Paul stated in his address to the Athenians the inevitable judgment from an Almighty God. He wrote, “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead“ (Acts 17:30-31).
Combined, the evidences are unassailable, and prove conclusively that Jehovah God exists, that the Bible is His inspired Word for man, and that His Son Jesus, is our Lord and Christ.
It is not irrational to believe in God. It is not ignorant to accept the Bible as divinely inspired. As Paul, Christians can confidently present these Christian evidences, “Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” (Acts 24:25).
Perhaps the fear it engenders in the hearts of men will bring some to repentance
