Giving an Answer for Your Hope

Not long after I accepted a position at the seminary where I received my own training, I attended a conference of professors from around the country. One of the speakers had a Ph.D. in religion and theology. It wasn’t long before it became apparent that, while this person knew a lot about God, he did not have a personal relationship with God through Christ. During a lunch break, I sat with him and initiated a conversation about salvation and the gospel message. I’ll never forget this professor’s response, “Well, how can a good God let bad things happen?”

His question is a common question that believers are asked, and it brings up a common fear that most people have about sharing the gospel message with unbelievers. While believers may be worried about being asked a question that they are unable to answer, the chances of that happening are small. There are only about seven basic questions that are asked by unbelievers as they grapple with the truth of the gospel. The question from my unbelieving-Ph.D.-in-theology friend was number-one on that list!

You may be among those who are afraid of the questions that come your way after you’ve built the bridges, developed the friendships, and become a good neighbor. But questions are a good thing. Witnessing is not a one-way street, and evangelism is not a monologue, but a dialogue. Evangelism is listening to other people—understanding their objections, fears, and questions, and then seeking to give solid biblical answers.

The Christian faith demands that we have enough compassion to learn the questions of our generation and go to the Bible for its answers. Here is a list of the seven basic questions that unbelievers most often ask. Alongside each objection, I’ll also provide the most basic scriptures that will help you with the answers. My prayer is that you will develop the kinds of friendships with others that will make them feel comfortable with asking you one of these questions.

Six Basic Objections to the Gospel

1. Why do the innocent suffer? (Answer: Romans 5:12)
2. What about the heathen who have never heard the gospel? (Answer: Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:18-20)
3. How can miracles be possible? (Answer: John 1:1,14; John 3:2)
4. Isn’t the Bible full of errors? (Answer: 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
5. Isn’t the Christian experience psychological? (Answer: Acts 9—the conversion of Paul; Romans 5:8-10)
6. Won’t a good moral life get me to heaven? (Answer: Galatians 2:16; Titus 3:5; James 2:10)

I pray that you will take on the task of building relationships so that you will have an opportunity to “give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). The rewards of sharing the faith are eternal, for those who come to Christ through your witness will become fellow citizens of heaven. Show people that you really care. Show them Christ’s love through your love. Show them your heart!

RESPOND:

Lord, may I love unbelievers well, and not be afraid of their objections to the faith. May I study Your word and communicate with my neighbor well. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

If you are a man who desires God’s best for your life, read A Man After God’s Own Heart and find encouragement as you follow Him.

REFLECT:

What type of objections have you experienced when sharing the Gospel with other people?

What answers do you find most useful to help overcome someone’s skepticism?

REMEMBER:

The rewards of sharing the faith are eternal, for those who come to Christ through your witness will become fellow citizens of heaven.