How do we defend and uphold our faith?

HOW DO WE DEFEND AND UPHOLD OUR FAITH?

1. THE CENTRALITY OF SCRIPTURE

Scripture undergirds every dimension of our faith. It establishes essential truths about who God is, how He relates to humanity, and why we need redemption. In 2 Timothy 3:16, we read, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” This concise statement holds the conviction that Scripture is neither accidental nor arbitrary; it is the intentional revelation of the Creator.

By cherishing Scripture’s authority, we align ourselves with the apostles, prophets, and the early Church, which meticulously preserved and passed down the words contained within its pages. Our convictions, doctrines, and moral standards find their roots in the inspired text, providing us with the foundation to stand firm in our faith.

2. RELIABILITY OF BIBLICAL MANUSCRIPTS

The abundance of manuscript evidence for the Bible aids in defending our faith against claims that Scripture has been corrupted over time. For the New Testament alone, thousands of Greek manuscripts—from the early papyri to more complete codices—confirm the consistency of the text. Early discoveries such as the Chester Beatty Papyri (P45, P46, P47) and the Rylands Library Papyrus (P52), which dates to the second century AD, show remarkable alignment with standard later texts.

For the Old Testament, the Dead Sea Scrolls (discovered near Qumran in the mid-20th century) testify to the integrity of the Hebrew Scriptures. These scrolls, which include much of Isaiah, reveal that the text has been transmitted with remarkable fidelity over centuries. Archaeological finds like the Ketef Hinnom scrolls (seventh century BC) containing the priestly blessing from Numbers 6 confirm that key biblical passages are ancient and accurately preserved.

The totality of these manuscripts, including early translations and quotations from the Church Fathers, places the Bible in a category of unparalleled preservation. The multitude of manuscripts allows scholars to cross-check and verify textual accuracy, making it one of the most reliable ancient documents.

3. ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SUPPORT

Archaeological findings also lend support to the historical narratives in Scripture. Excavations at sites such as Jericho, Hazor, and Megiddo provide insight into biblical events and corroborate many of the names, places, and cultural details described in Scripture. The Tel Dan Stele references the “House of David,” confirming a Davidic monarchy existed. The Pilate inscription at Caesarea Maritima identifies Pontius Pilate as the prefect of Judea, consistent with the Gospel accounts.

Documents from ancient historians like Josephus and Tacitus also confirm the historical existence of figures described in the Bible, including Jesus and Herod the Great. These external confirmations give additional weight to Scripture’s claims and underscore that the biblical text intersects with real-world history.

4. EVIDENCE OF INTELLIGENT DESIGN

We observe design in the natural world that aligns with the scriptural assertion that God is the Creator. In Romans 1:20, it says, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen…” Scientific discoveries such as the intricately balanced constants of physics and the information-rich complexity of DNA point toward a Designer rather than random processes. The fine-tuning exhibited in the universal constants (e.g., the gravitational constant, the speed of light) and biological systems reveal an underlying intelligence.

Earth’s geological features also inspire confidence in a purposeful creation. The presence of fossil graveyards, sedimentary rock layers spanning entire continents, and rapid burial evidence (such as soft tissue remnants in dinosaur fossils) are pointed to by some to fit within a biblical framework of a global flood. While there are diverse interpretations among scientists, the coherence of geological phenomena with a catastrophic event supports the possibility of a young earth model.

5. THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST

Central to defending our faith is the historical reality of the resurrection. Multiple lines of evidence converge to present a compelling case:

• The empty tomb: All four Gospels attest to the tomb being found empty (cf. Mark 16:6: “He is not here; see the place where they laid Him.”).

• Post-resurrection appearances: Numerous individuals and groups testified to seeing Him alive. In 1 Corinthians 15:6, the text notes Jesus appeared to “over five hundred brothers at once.”

• Transformation of the disciples: Frightened followers became bold witnesses, willing to endure hardship and martyrdom.

• Early creeds and sermons: Paul’s early letters (1 Corinthians 15) preserve a creed tracing to within a few years of the resurrection event, pointing toward a well-established core belief in the risen Christ.

This resurrection is presented in Scripture not merely as a myth but as a historical linchpin for Christian hope. Outside the Bible, supportive mentions from non-Christian writers (Josephus, Tacitus, and others) refer to the awareness of Jesus’ execution and the early Christian movement that insisted He was alive. The strength of the resurrection claim rests on solid historical footing and serves as both a spiritual and historical corner of our faith.

6. PHILOSOPHICAL AND BEHAVIORAL REASONS FOR CONFIDENCE

Beyond textual and historical evidence, there are philosophical and personal dimensions to defending our faith. Rational arguments for God’s existence—such as the Cosmological Argument (everything that begins to exist has a cause) and the Moral Argument (objective moral laws point to a Moral Lawgiver)—reinforce our confidence.

Behaviorally, individuals who embrace faith in Christ often exhibit lasting personal transformation, a change consistent with the inner renewal Scripture describes (2 Corinthians 5:17). Observed miracles and documented accounts of healings, from biblical times to present-day evidence, further affirm that God remains active in the lives of believers.

7. PRACTICAL WAYS TO UPHOLD OUR FAITH

• Study and Meditation on the Word: Immersing ourselves in Scripture fortifies our minds and hearts. Joshua 1:8 exhorts, “This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night.”

• Apologetics Engagement: Familiarizing ourselves with both scriptural and scientific arguments prepares us to address genuine questions. Being ready to answer (1 Peter 3:15) means proactively studying historical validations, manuscript evidence, and philosophical reasoning.

• Regular Fellowship: Meeting with fellow believers encourages accountability, provides mutual support, and fosters a deeper collective understanding of truth.

• Prayer and Communion with God: A vibrant prayer life helps maintain a personal relationship with the Creator and aligns our hearts with His will. Prayer is not just petition; it is communion, resulting in spiritual growth and assurance.

• Evangelistic Outreach: Sharing the gospel reinforces our own knowledge and spurs us to study Scripture more deeply, as well as reflect God’s love to those around us.

8. CONCLUSION

Defending and upholding our faith rests on a tapestry of evidence and personal conviction. The reliability of biblical manuscripts, corroboration from archaeology, the intricate design found in nature, and the historical reality of Christ’s resurrection converge to form a compelling foundation. Engaging thoughtfully with Scripture and the various evidences, while nurturing a daily relationship with God, leads to a faith that is both intellectually credible and spiritually transformative.

By remembering that scriptural truth resonates with all spheres of knowledge—historical, scientific, philosophical, and personal—we stand on sure ground. Our calling is to remain faithful students of the Word, ambassadors of His truth, and witnesses of His power to a world that desperately needs hope.