In Defense of What You Believe

“Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?  But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed.  Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor 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.  For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” –1 Peter 3:13-17.

The Greek word for a body of beliefs, or doctrines, that one holds in his Christian theology is often termed apologeia or apologetics.  Dr. C. S. Lewis (1898-1963), English writer and theologian, is well known as a twentieth century apologist.  In college, I had the privilege of studying apologetics under Dr. Harold McManous.  Apology in the respect it is used to defend our beliefs does not mean asking forgiveness for, as our frequent use of apology indicates.  It means, rather, to stand in defense of, to plead or present one’s case, to settle within the heart what one believes and why he believes it, and to be able to speak it with positive gentleness.  Paul the Apostle defended himself before the Roman rulers, Felix (see Acts 24:10) and Festus (see Acts 25:8).  In today’s focal passage, Peter was encouraging Christians against the coming persecution which he knew they would endure.  Believers are to respond to suffering and persecution in a godly way, being assured that their faithful endurance will be rewarded by God.  And always, we are to “make a defense to anyone who asks … for a reason for the hope that is in you” (I Peter 3:15).  And the defense should be done in “gentleness and respect.”  In the light of current trends and of laws passed that eat away at the heart of Christian morals and beliefs, it is imperative that Christians stand firmly for the right, putting on the whole armor of God as denoted in Ephesians 6:10-20).  And, having done all of that, “Stand”…!(v. 14).