“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you
to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
(1 Peter 3:15 NIV)
A few years ago my kids and I were reading about scientists in the Renaissance and Enlightenment whose developments have impacted our world. These scientists included Nicholaus Copernicus (1543) who promoted the heliocentric (sun-centered) view of the solar system; Galileo Galilei (1632) who set forth the laws of gravity; Sir Isaac Newton (1666) who developed calculus, the laws of motion, and an understanding of light; and Blaise Pascal (1654) who had brilliant advances in mathematics and our understanding of air pressure, and developed the first mechanical calculator. As the world was coming out of the “Dark Ages” where most science was not based on the scientific method but on ancient Greek theories, these men and many others helped to propel Western culture into the modern age.
Although I had read about these individuals before, I found it particularly interesting to note that they were all devout Christians whose work and writings were deeply rooted in their faith in the God of the Universe. For them, both the world and science could not be fully understood without acknowledging a Creator who set everything in motion. Some of these scientists even faced persecution from the Church for their scientific ideas—similar to how modern-day scientists who hold Christian beliefs may face opposition from secular members of the scientific community.
In the Bible Peter tells us to, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV) Blaise Pascal came to faith later in his short 49 years, but was able to defend his faith to those around him. The book we were reading outlines “Pascal’s Wager:”
“If I wager (or take a chance believing) that there is a God, and I’m right, then I gain eternity for having believed in Him.
“If I wager that there is a God, and I’m wrong, then I lose nothing for having believed in Him.
“If I wager that there is no God and I’m right, then I lose nothing for having not believed in Him.
“If I wager that there is no God, and I’m wrong, then I lose eternity for having not believed in Him!”*
As a Christian, Pascal chose to wager that there IS a God and he gains eternity for his belief in God. If you are reading this, I assume that you have also made the same “wager” for your faith. There’s a lot to lose if we choose incorrectly, but so much more to gain. Peter challenges us:
“But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15 AMP)
When we place Christ at the center of our lives, we must be prepared to offer a clear and logical defense to anyone who asks about the hope we have in Him. People may question why we would take such a “wager” on our faith, and we should be ready to explain, with respect, why we have assurance and hope for our eternal future in Christ. In Revelation 12, John tells us that Christ’s followers overcame the attacks of the enemy through the Blood of Jesus (His sacrifice on the cross) and the word of their testimony. Sharing our testimony not only defends our faith, but also strengthens us in the spiritual battle we face. When we explain why we have chosen to “wager” on Christ, we are not only helping others find faith, but we are also actively fighting the good fight and keeping our faith.
Let us be prepared today to give testimony and defend our faith.
Creator God,
We thank You for the many men and women of faith who have gone before us, serving as examples of how to defend and uphold the truth. We are grateful for the brilliant scientists and theologians who help us understand the world around us, as well as the teachers and pastors who guide us in our spiritual growth. When we feel weak or struggle to fully believe, like the father in the Bible who cried, “I believe; help my unbelief,” strengthen us. Focus our hearts on Your goodness and mercy, Your salvation and power, Your Kingdom and Your authority. Help us to understand who we are in You, to be prepared to defend our faith, and to boldly share our testimony. Thank You for overcoming all the darkness in this world and for sending us to be a light in this broken land. May the meditations of our hearts and the words of our mouths be pleasing and honoring to You, our Rock and Redeemer. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere 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 3:13-16 NIV)
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'” (Mark 9:23-24 NIV)
““Now have come the salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Messiah.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters,
who accuses them before our God day and night,
has been hurled down.
11 They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.” (Revelation 12:10-11 NIV)
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV)
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14 NIV)
* “The Mystery of History Volume III: The Renaissance, Reformation, and Growth of Nations” by Linda Lacour Hobar (c)2008
[first published May 12, 2022]