The Purpose of Biblical Apologetics, compiled by David Brewer
• VALIDATE CHRISTIAN TRUTH: to help believers effectively defend their faith (in a gentle and respectful way) and to help them understand why they believe what they believe (1 Pet 3:15). To give them cogent arguments and reasons for why the Christian belief system should be considered true.To develop a rational and reasonable case for Christianity against opposing beliefs and worldviews (Acts 17:2-3)
• SAVE THE LOST: the goal is not to win an argument but to persuade unbelievers with the ultimate goal of bringing them to salvation. Apologetics helps guide skeptics and unbelievers through today’s worldview maze.
• REFUTE ERROR: to defend and uphold God’s truth (2 Tim 2:24-25; Tit 1:9).
• STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH: Attacks from skeptics and atheists can leave believers with doubts and a weakened faith. Apologetics supplies the church with rational, logical, and evidential truths that undergird their trust in the Bible (Eph 4:14-15; Heb 514).
Final Important Points:
• Apologetics is not the ultimate cause of a person’s salvation, but God is the One who saves.
• Every apologist should reflect Jesus in his/her character. Sadly, the best argument against Christianity can be a life that in no way represents the teachings of Jesus.
• Apologetics is an instrument God uses to drive His truth into people’s hearts and minds (from: http://www.blogos.org/compellingtruth/EA01-why-apologetics.php).