5. Doubt Need Not Be Disastrous

Apologetics requires certainty and confidence. The basic point of apologetics is conquering the doubts cast on the Christian faith.

But what about the doubts of Christians? How do we defend a faith that, if we are honest, we are not always certain of? And what has become of our faith when our doubt makes us "like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind" (James 1:6)? Far from being the virtue it is sometimes claimed to be, doubt for believers is a serious problem.

Doubt is dishonorable. God wants us to trust him, to have faith in everything he has revealed to us. "Faith, by its very nature, is opposed to all doubt." Is expected in a fallen world. But it doesn't glorify God. Doubt is uncomfortable. If left untreated doubt can be worse than uncomfortable; it can keep us from trusting in Jesus who is the only lifeline for lost sinners. Doubt is paralyzing. Jesus warned the disciples that doubt would keep them from doing great things for God (Matt. 21:21).

Doubt is a problem. But it need not be disastrous.