Why Is It So Important for Us to Be Able to Defend Our Faith?

Two passionate individuals locked in a verbal duel, their voices rising like crackling flames, each fiercely defending their own beliefs. It's a heated conversation, a clash of convictions that reverberates through the room like a blazing inferno. Sparks fly, arguments ignite, and the air becomes charged with intellectual electricity. This isn't just any debate; it's a battleground where ideas collide, challenging the very core of their faith and forcing them to examine what they hold dear.

A guy is red-faced, angrily yelling, puffing out his chest, and using words to cause another person to back down. Is this person noble or an angry villain? I suppose it depends on what he’s protecting. We would excuse a man, perhaps even congratulate him, if he’s angry tirade was to thwart a potential intruder who aimed to harm his young daughter. He’s right to protect his family with all the passion he’s got. But we’d have different words for a guy whose emotional temperature rises to this level to argue about the merits of Coke over Pepsi. 

What if the aforementioned red-faced fella was defending the faith? 

There is something off-putting about this isn’t there? We know it’s far more important than a debate about Coke vs. Pepsi, but it also seems counter-productive. Perhaps we know in our spirit that “the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). Or we’ve heeded the words of 1 Corinthians 13 about love, and acknowledge that if I succeed in “defending the faith” but have not love, then I haven’t accomplished anything. 

Yet it seems like apologetics (defending the faith) is the art and science of being a jerk. Because we so often associate angry fights and know-it-all’s with apologetics, many shy away from the discipline. But does the Bible say we ought to defend the faith? And what does that even look like? Why might defending the faith be important? 

Does the Bible Say We Should Defend the Faith? 

In 1 Peter 3:15 the apostle writes, “…but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” In Jude 3, the author explains why he is writing. It is, he says, “to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” And in 2 Timothy 1:14, Paul tells Timothy to “guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” 

Yes, there does seem to be a biblical warrant for defending the faith. Of course, if we’re doing that in anger and not gentleness then we are not engaging in apologetics in the way the Bible tells us to do so. We are to gently instruct and lovingly admonish as we warn others and proclaim truth. 

There is also a difference between defending the faith and defending my faith. We are in danger when we conflate the two. I’ll admit it’s difficult not to do this. Of course, I believe that my faith is synonymous with the faith. If I don’t, then I’m foolish for not adjusting my own belief to the truth that has been handed down to all the saints. Yet, I also must humbly acknowledge that I could be wrong. I still have growth to do. I haven’t yet arrived at all truth. Therefore, I defend my faith with great humility and having an openness to learn. 

But defending the faith, while still requiring humility and gentleness, is a bit different. Here I am showing why Christians through the centuries have believed certain things. I am giving evidence not only for my belief but I am presenting arguments for why others (perhaps those like me) believe as they do. A good apologist should be able to present arguments from all beliefs in a way that is consistent to their actual beliefs. And then to weigh that evidence. 

1 Peter seems to be us sharing the reason for the hope that we have. That’s more akin to sharing my faith. But Jude is doing something different, he is contending for the faith. It’s important to remember this distinction. But Christians are called to do both. 

What Does It Look Like to Defend the Faith? 

When I was a youth pastor, one of my students was particularly burdened for his unbelieving family. He wanted to share his faith with them — but was discouraged because they wouldn’t “listen” to him. My advice was to start taking out the trash and helping with the dishes. Defending the faith is a holistic endeavor. It is not merely a matter of theological debates or intellectual arguments. 

We must share Christ with our life and our lips. At times, we’ll need to proclamation heavy — like when a quick discussion happens on public transit as you return from work. At other times — like when you’re a teenager trying to show Christ to parents — you have far more time to display a changed life. In both we are called to reflect the good news of Jesus.  

Defending the Christian faith, then, entails living a life that aligns with the principles and values found in the Scriptures. It means embodying the love, grace, and forgiveness exemplified by Jesus Christ, thereby showcasing the transformative power of the Gospel in our own lives. By living out our faith authentically, we become walking testimonies of God's work in us, compelling others to consider the truth of Christianity.

But we cannot merely “preach the gospel” with our lives. The word lends itself to proclamation. There is a declarative nature to the gospel. Therefore, defending the Christian faith involves engaging in respectful dialogue with others, addressing their doubts, questions, and objections with humility and compassion. It requires listening attentively, seeking to understand their perspectives, and responding with clarity and grace. Through reasoned discussions, we can demonstrate the coherence and rationality of the Christian worldview, presenting compelling evidence and logical arguments that support our beliefs. However, it is essential to remember that defending the faith is not about winning arguments or proving others wrong, but about providing opportunity for others to hear the good news of Jesus.

In other words, you cannot be silent in your life or your lips. 

Why Is It Important to Defend the Faith? 

There are many benefits to defending the faith. There are benefits for us personally, and a defense and confirmation of the gospel can also benefit society — both believers and unbelievers. Here are a few reasons why it is important to defend the faith: 

It is used in the preservation of truth.

Many of the books in the New Testament are there as defenses of the faith. Defending the faith is a commitment to the eternal truth of God. It is a means which God uses to keep the truth for each generation. 

It strengthens believers.

In a world bombarded with alternative worldviews, ideologies, and moral relativism, believers can easily become confused or swayed from their convictions. Defending the faith can help other believers know why they should believe. 

It proclaims the good news.

All apologetics should have the gospel of Jesus Christ at the center. We aren’t hoping to merely move someone from atheism to theism. That’s just transferring them from one demonic faith to another. The only name under heaven by which men will be saved is Jesus Christ. Defending the faith lovingly proclaims this good news of Jesus. 

It pushes back harm.

It has been said that ideas have consequences. Some philosophies and worldviews are far more than just theories and questions. They can be absolutely deadly. Christian apologetics can push against harmful ideologies. 

It promotes justice and love.

If the gospel is true, and I believe it is, then partnering our life after God’s revealed Word will create the most flourishing. When we engage in apologetics, we’re giving a road map for belief which will create the most flourishing. 

These are a few of the benefits of defending the faith. As you can see, this is something which Christians are called to and it is a good which we ought to engage in. Yet, it’s an often-abused discipline. But the more Christians who are being truly formed by the gospel and engaging in apologetics, the better. It’s a way for us to proclaim the good news of Jesus in our life and our lips. 

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