There are definite reasons why Christians must be well informed and educated in the defense of our faith in God’s word and the excellent plan and accomplishment of redemption that we know in and through Jesus Christ. If we are not prepared to defend the faith by using the same principals and logic that the secular world uses, we will not be able to reach the unbelieving segment of our society that is seeking genuine answers.

That is why we use the word “apologetics”. It comes from Peter’s first epistle, the third chapter and the fifteenth verse. “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 reverence.” The Greek word from the earliest manuscripts of this verse is the word “apologia” – which means “to adequately answer in defense of”. It has nothing to do with the more contemporary use of the English word “apology” which generally finds its contextual use in someone saying they are sorry for something that they said or did.     

When someone asks us a question about or critiquing our faith it is our responsibility to be able to defend the legitimacy of our faith to the best of our ability. It is not just enough to say to a questioning person that we accept something by faith (even though we as Christians actually do accept much by faith). But rather, we must go into their world on their terms, and show them how they use the same principals in their lives, and thus connect them to the God who created them and loves them. The whole concept of using accurate apologetics is to move the doubter into a position in which they will encounter the very cross of Jesus Christ.  

Apologetics is no longer a matter of trying to prove who is right and who is wrong. Christians that are going to be effective in using apologetics, must realize that this is part of an evangelistic / missionary effort also. The conviction of the Holy Spirit and a believer’s knowledge and presentation skills in apologetics can be the tandem act that brings the questioning non-believer to the cross of Jesus Christ. And that should be the desired outcome of any discussion about our faith in Jesus Christ. To simply make an argument for the sake of the validity of the Christian faith will probably accomplish very little in the long run. It is that extra evangelistic nudge that challenges the non-believing skeptic to personally experience salvation through Jesus Christ, not just be convinced of the argument that He was a real character of historical value.   

When someone is challenged to see the truth of who Jesus really is and the reliability of the Scriptures that portray His life and His deity in His death, burial and resurrection, they are confronted with the need to make a life changing decision. This is why apologetics in our day is a “must-have” skill for those who truly want to see the ones they love also love and serve their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.