The Greek word apologia means "to give a reasoned defense for what you believe to be true." It is used 19 times in the new Testament. 1 Peter 3:15 (Amplified) is one such instance.

"But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense (apologia) to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully"

We, as followers of Christ, are mandated to defend our faith in every area. This section is dedicated to answering the questions of many as to the authenticity of our faith as Christians. Though it will not give detailed answers, it will attempt to convey some core truths about Christianity.

Does the Bible claim to be the word of God?

There are many scriptures written in both the Old and New Testaments which claim that the Bible is the word of God, given by divine inspiration. In the Old Testament the scriptures are recorded in numerous places as words spoken directly by the Lord through the prophets. Phrases such as “God said” (Genesis 1:3,6), "The word of the Lord came to me” (Ezekiel 12:1,8,17 etc), "The Lord said” (Genesis 4:6), "This is what the LORD says (Exodus 4:22)", And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him” (Judges 14:19), "The Lord spoke to Moses” (Exodus 6:29), and "Truly the mouth of the Lord has spoken” (Isaiah 1:20) are used throughout the Old Testament attesting to the fact that the words written were done so by divine inspiration.

In the New Testament, in one among many such claims, Paul says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God" (2 Tim. 3:16), and in another Peter records "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Pet. 1:21). The Lord Himself said His word is eternal. “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Matthew 24:25), and He charged the Pharisees with “Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that." (Mark 7:13), when they disobeyed God’s commands to follow after their own traditions.

Peter states it is by this very word that we are born again -- “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Peter 1:23), for the Bible not only claims that it’s content is the word of God, but it is God. He is His word. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1,1).