The first time I heard the word “apologetics” I had just graduated from college and become serious about my faith. One day while scrolling through YouTube I came across a video by an organization called The Jude 3 Project. I was intrigued. From there I began looking into what exactly apologetics was and why it is important to the Christian faith.

So what is apologetics? The word “apologetics” is derived from the Greek word apologia, which refers to a speech of defense. In the Christian context, apologetics refers to the defense of the Christian faith. Apologetics involves using historical or scientific evidence in order to refute common objections made against Christianity relating to issues surrounding culture, morality, and ethics, just to name a few.

The world has been blessed with a number of gifted apologists. Some of them you may have heard of like C.S. Lewis, Tertullian, Justin Martyr, and the Apostle Paul. 

There is a misconception that apologetics is a responsibility reserved only for those who have been called or officially ordained to be apologists. But the truth is, ALL believers have been called to “contend for the faith” (Jude 3). 

So what does this look like? How are we to defend the faith in a way that makes a difference? 

Here are the four C’s we must demonstrate in order to be effective apologists:

1. Conviction
Personal convictions based on God’s Word keep us from being influenced by the trends of the culture. Apologists must have a conviction that what they believe is true if they are to stand on the principles that Christianity asserts when confronted with the options the world offers. If you are not convinced in what you say you believe, then you may find it challenging to defend the faith and the Gospel.

2. Competence
In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul admonishes Timothy in this way: “Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.” 

Most of us are not pastors or Bible teachers as Timothy was, but that does not mean we should be neglectful when it comes to rightly handling God’s Word. A part of the reason apologetics exists is because people have mishandled and, thus, misinterpreted Scripture. Scripture is mishandled when we fail to read it in context. We must take into consideration the author’s intended message and the culture of the time. 

One way we can avoid this is by reading, studying and praying through God’s Word in community. It is hard to defend what you do not know. So, if we are going to be effective apologists, we must have a sufficient handle on God’s holy Word.

3. Care
Young people nowadays use the phrase “match energy” to describe what influences their responses to others. For example, if someone is sharp in their tone and harsh with their words, then to match their energy is to resort to the same tone and harsh words. You get the picture? 

I have seen instances where those opposed to the Christian faith or the Gospel have been sharp in their tone and harsh with their words. However, as believers who are called to defend the faith and the Gospel, we are not to match that energy. 

The Apostle Peter puts it this way: “but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame” (1 Peter 3:15-16). 

As followers of Christ, we do not match energy. Why? Because our motives are different. Our goal as apologists is not to win an intellectual argument, but to provide clarity and truth, in love.  

This is so that those who are hindered from coming to the faith due to particular misconceptions would be challenged enough to ask more questions that will lead them to seek God and His truth. In other words, we defend the faith by providing truth, in love, with the hope of winning someone to Christ. 

4. Courage
Throughout the New Testament, we have first-hand accounts of the apostles who ventured into different cities and temples, boldly declaring the Gospel. However, we also read how that boldness often led to them being flogged, beaten, or imprisoned. 

Christianity is not popular. It often rubs against the culture’s promotion of self-expression and self-governance. As apologists, it is inevitable that we will be an offense to people because of our beliefs. The Gospel is offensive and some view it as a threat to their personal agency. 

The thought of all this is not appealing. And because of that, we may shy away from speaking truth in love when in ear-shot of someone improperly interpreting and teaching the Scriptures. So how is courage possible in light of all this? The Holy Spirit. 

In the Book of Acts, we read about how the apostles were able to boldly declare God’s Word, even at the risk of being physically harmed, because the Spirit of God emboldened them. This is encouraging because it lets us know that God is with us and will empower us for the task.


So why is apologetics important? Because there are lives hanging in the balance and souls on the line. Apologetics creates opportunities for evangelism. So my prayer for you (and myself) is that we would confidently declare the truth of God before those who oppose the faith and seek to discredit the Gospel. And by the work of the Spirit, may we win souls to Christ.