Why Do Women Need Apologetics?

Charles Spurgeon has said, “Defend the Bible? I would as soon defend a lion! Unchain it and it will defend itself.”

Indeed, God’s Word needs no defending, for it is truth (John 17:17) and it is eternal (Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:25). It is through this enduring Word that God the Father, by the power of His Holy Spirit, brings people to repentance and faith in the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 10:17).

Saving faith is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone, whose perfect life and sacrificial, atoning death purchased salvation for men (1 Peter 1:18–21). This message of salvation is exclusive (Acts 4:12) and is a sole work of God (John 3:3). It is a gift from God to men so that no man may boast of his own work in salvation (Ephesians 2:8–9).

In the days of the early church, Jude, the brother of Jesus, determined to compose a letter discussing the great salvation that is found in Christ alone; yet, as he began to write, he was instead compelled to appeal that his readers “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints” (Jude 3). Jude’s description of Christian faith speaks of its exclusivity. It is “the” faith, and it was handed down “once for all.” Jude went on to warn of false teachers who reject God’s authority and seek to lead men astray from God’s truth. His warnings were not the first to be uttered to the earliest Christians. Peter offered similar warnings (2 Peter 2), as did Paul (Acts 20:20–28; Galatians 1:8–9) and Jesus (Matthew 24:11, 24).

All Christians, men and women alike, are exhorted by Scripture to defend the faith when they see the truths of Christianity attacked or compromised.

Today, the attacks on Christianity have not ceased, and while God’s Word defends itself by its very nature, Christians are nevertheless called to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within them (1 Peter 3:15), that is, their faith. This defense of the faith is called apologetics, and it is not reserved simply for men as leaders in the church or as spiritual leaders of their households. All Christians, men and women alike, are exhorted by Scripture to defend the faith when they see the truths of Christianity attacked or compromised.

Have you ever been questioned about your faith or challenged to defend what you believe? The best way to be prepared to give an answer with grace and truth is to be in daily Bible study and prayer. These are the means God uses to strengthen our faith and to sanctify us as He conforms us to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). We must know the truth to recognize and refute the false, and so we study God’s Word, the only objective and ultimate source of truth.

While conferences are no substitute for daily Bible study, they are a helpful way to immerse us in the Scriptures in the fellowship of like-minded believers. That is why Answers in Genesis is excited to produce the annual Answers for Women conference. This year’s theme is “Defend,” and each session will bring us back to God’s Word to equip and encourage us to stand strong upon the firm foundation of truth that has been laid for us in Christ. Ladies, we hope you will join us as we learn to contend earnestly for the great faith that has been granted to us in Christ Jesus!