Defending The Faith

Something that has both amazed and amused me since becoming involved with the ministry is how Christians are able to easily trust what man has to say in terms of science, politics, and even history without needing proof or evidence to what is being claimed but when it comes to God and what scripture says, they hold it to the strictest standards.

As a Christian apologetic, I believe whole heartedly in defending the faith and as I have learned greatly, when you do, you find scripture truly stands up to all these tests. It stands the test of time, absolutely, but it also stands up against anything and everything that science claims including any of the scientific measures used to prove or disprove its claims. This is not something that surprises a Christian of faith and it should not be surprising to anyone but the doubts remain.

When we read scripture, it’s easy to see that God knew the importance of faith but also, He knew that we would need to defend our faith. After all, despite how much the calendar changes and the advances we see within society including medicine and technology, human nature does not change. We see this with greed and so many other aspects of life. When power is at hand, man’s true character is revealed and we must be careful not to put ourselves into situations that tempt us greatly.

1 Peter 3:15 explains to us “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” The previous verse, 1 Peter 3:14, we are instructed how to respond to those who persecute us for Christ’s sake and this includes those who question our faith. Yes, we are to defend our faith as we are to always be ready to give an answer and because Christ is the center point of our life—at least He should be—then we are to rest on our faith despite the circumstances we find ourselves in.

Maybe you read this a bit differently because Peter was not necessarily talking about, at this time, defending the age of the universe and the debate between Christians and scientists or about whether or not man walked with certain creatures or if there is a gap theory but when you take a step back and think logically for a moment, a person is able to conclude that Christ does want us to defend ourselves and our faith against those who are out to debunk or disprove it. We know this because Peter instructs us how are to respond to those who doubt Christ and who He claims to be: “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle” (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

When we are instructed to stand fast in the word, this also refers to those who say they are in the faith but teach a false doctrine. Sadly, there are many that come in the name of Christ but they are not of Christ. Many false prophets and teachers have been found out, often times too late, and we are able to do this by knowing God’s word and by staying true to God’s word (standing fast in the faith). We must remember that Satan knows God’s word very well and he does use it against us. There is always some truth sprinkled in by the enemy so we must be careful when listening to others and trusting them as many do not have the right intentions.