“Apologetics is the disciple that deals with a rational defense of Christian faith.”1) Recently, an acquaintance of mine departed the teachings of grace in favor of humanism, naturalism, and atheism. Naturally news of this radical change in viewpoint, direction, and action has troubled me greatly. How could someone who understands salvation by grace through faith choose to depart the faith in favor of atheism? I am, of course, aware, that many of Paul’s converts departed the faith for various reasons. Consequently, my experience has caused me to realize that the study of apologetics has been over looked in many grace churches.
“The word Apologetics does not mean to apologize, but to give a defense of what one believes to be true.”1) I Peter 3:15 states, “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 Apostle Peter instructs his readers to “always be ready to give an answer.” The English phrase translated, “to give an answer” comes from the Greek word “apologia” which means to give a reason or defense. Peter is telling his readers that they need to be able to defend their faith.
The Greek word “apologia” is rendered in English as “defense,” and is used eight times in the New Testament. Seven of the eight occurrences are either recorded by Luke in the book of Acts as something Paul said or penned by Paul in one of his epistles. Consider the following verses:
Acts 22:1 Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.
Acts 25:16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
I Corinthians 9:3 Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,
II Corinthians 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
Philippians 1:7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
Philippians 1:17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
II Timothy 4:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all [men] forsook me: [I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge.
Paul, the Apostle of the Gentiles for the current dispensation of Grace on numerous occasions had to offer a defense of himself, his doctrine, and his gospel. If we are truly going to follow the Pauline pattern we need to be prepared to follow suit.
The reality of the situation is this. While it is ultimately faith in the words on the pages of Scripture that save our eternal souls and secure our position in eternity, sometimes people need a bit more convincing. In Acts 17:18, Paul disputes with the Epicureans and Stoic’s and ultimately shares Christ with them. Paul’s effectiveness as an ambassador of Christ increased through his apparent knowledge of and fluency in Epicurean and Stoic philosophy. How many of us are prepared to do likewise? Militant Atheism, Postmodern philosophy, and the Emergent Church movement are arising as additional threats to our traditional foes of religion and the traditions of men. One cannot defeat what one does not understand. Modern culture has adopted post-Christian framework that celebrates a spirituality that is accepting of all religious paths and viewpoints as equally valid, with the exception of the exclusive claims of Paul’s gospel. Simply stated, a good reasoned argument coupled with the power of the word of God solidifies our position.
Herein lies the goal this blog: to equip believers in Paul’s unique apostleship to follow his example in defending and confirming the gospel. Apologetics ought to be embraced by Mid-Acts Dispensationalists, for it is only our unique position brought to its logical conclusion that possesses the answers that both believers and nonbelievers alike are demanding. As our Lord says in Isaiah 1:18 “Come let us reason together. . .”
Endnotes
1) Norman L. Giesler. Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1999), 37.
2) Josh McDowell. The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1999).
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