Defending The FaithBy John R. Gentry |
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Some claim we should not engage in discussing, debating, and defending the Word of God. One man expressed to me how he could not believe a minister of the gospel would talk of debating when Romans 1:29 clearly condemns debating. This passage does condemn ungodly “quarrelling,” “strife,” or “bitter conflict” (cf. 2 Cor. 12:20; Gal. 5:20), but it does not condemn debating and defending God’s Word. However, just because this passage does not condemn discussing God’s Word does not mean that we have authority to engage someone in a discussion of God’s Word. In a world in which “Judge not, that you be not judged” is perhaps one of the more frequently quoted, or rather misquoted, passages today, what are we to do? What saith the Scripture? Is it right for us to defend the faith? Jesus did. Jesus is said to have been “reasoning together,” that is discussing, with the Sadducees concerning the resurrection (Mark 12:18-28). In addition to his preaching, much of Jesus’ teaching involved answering and asking questions, that is discussing, both publicly and privately (Matt. 21:23-46; 22:15-46; John 8; etc.). Paul did. While in Antioch Luke tells us that “Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with” the men from Judea who were teaching “unless you are circumcised…you cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1-2). Luke also tells us that it was Paul’s custom, that is to say his regular practice, to dispute, reason with, and persuade people concerning Christ (Acts 9:29; 17:2, 17; 18:4, 19; 19:8, 9). Other passages. Jude tells us “I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Peter proclaimed, “Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 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; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame” (1 Peter 3:14-15). Speaking of our waging war against sin, Paul penned, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God…” (2 Cor. 10:3-6). The “weapons” mentioned here are found in the “knowledge of God,” his word (cf. Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12). On other occasions Paul said we “ought to answer each one” and “expose…the unfruitful works of darkness” (Col. 4:6; Eph. 5:11). And in speaking with Timothy he said, “The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but…correcting his opponents with gentleness, that God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will” (2 Tim. 2:22-26). Is it right to defend the faith? Not only is it right, it is our responsibility. Don’t be numbered among the “cowardly” whose “portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8). Earnestly contend for the faith! |
Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. |
