Brad Alles

Christians believe that Jesus is the Savior of the world, the promised Messiah.  Are you a Christian?  If someone asked you why you were a Christian, what would you say? Would you say that you’re a Christian because you were raised that way, or would you say you’re a Christian because you “just believe it”? Wouldn’t that answer fit a person of another faith—perhaps a Muslim or a Hindu? When you give these responses to that question, they reveal a pretty weak rationale for believing Christianity. Do you have a good defense for why you believe what you do?

There is a better answer to the question of why you are a Christian. You are a Christian because it is true. How can you defend that statement?  Welcome to the wonderful world of apologetics.

Apologetics is by definition a defense of your actions or beliefs. It is explaining why you believe what you believe. We can find this concept in the Bible in 1 Peter 3:15-16, which says, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

We are to always be ready to gently and respectfully share the reason for the hope that we have—why we believe in Jesus as Savior, who rescued us from our sinful condition and will grant us eternal life in heaven one day.  How do you practice apologetics?  Can you defend the faith as true?