Ways To Give

When Someone Challenges the Bible

Written by Darren Hewer

“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” 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.” 1 Peter 3:14-16

Here’s the situation: You’re talking with someone who’s not Christian, and they say something negative about the Bible. How should you respond?

First, remember that while we must “Always be prepared to give an answer”, the apostle Peter explains we are to “do this with gentleness and respect”

. The worst way to respond is in anger and disrespect.

Next, think about what was said. Was the person asking a question or making a claim? This makes a big difference, because the person who makes a claim bears the burden of proof.

All that means is that if someone says “The Bible? Everyone knows that’s just a bunch of myths.” or “The Bible has been copied so many times it’s been totally changed from the original.” you don’t have to try to refute their claims, at least not right away. Just ask a question, like “How do you know?” or “What led you to that conclusion?” They are the ones making a claim; it’s up to them to prove it.

If they are actually asking a question, like “Why do you believe what the Bible says?” then at that time you should respond by explaining your reasons. Personal experience, through your own testimony, can be powerful, and demonstrates how God is real and at work in your life. However, that won’t always be convincing to people.

So you should know objective reasons why we can be confident that the Bible is reliable history, and be able to explain them to someone else. The “person who makes a claim bears the burden of proof” applies to you too! This is why exploring apologetics literature can give you the reasons you need to explain why we can trust the Bible. Two excellent entry-level books are Lee Strobel’s The Case for Christ and Mark D Roberts’ Can We Trust the Gospels?. My own short free eBook The Historical Reliability of the New Testament explores the same topic.

Have you ever heard someone challenging the authenticity of the Bible? How did you respond?

Image credit: knowhimonline

Tags: apologetics, Bible, darren hewer, evangelism, Experience, faith, Men, New Testament, Women

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