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Dr. K. Scott Oliphint joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast for a conversation on covenantal apologetics. He explains what apologetics can look like in light of God’s eternal perspective and talks about every believer's responsibility to be prepared to defend what they believe.

Key Points from the Podcast

  • Apologetics may seem like something that is only for theologians, but in 1 Peter 3 all Christians are instructed to be ready to give a defense for the hope of the gospel.

  • God has given us everything we need to defend our faith—his Word and Spirit.

  • Everyone is related to God either through Adam—living in sin and under God’s wrath—or in Christ—living by grace through faith having received salvation.

  • God has made himself known to all people through his creation. They are without excuse when, through sin, they suppress the truth that they know God.

  • Our hearts, left to themselves, are idol factories. Only the truth and power of God can truly change the heart.

  • Christians must have the truth of Scripture as the foundation for living their life and defending their faith.

Bible Verses Referenced in the Podcast

1 Peter 3:15–16; 2 Corinthians 10:3–5; 1 Corinthians 15:45; Ephesians 2:1–8; Galatians 2:21; Romans 8:3; Romans 1:9–25

Resources Mentioned in the Podcast

About Dr. K. Scott Oliphint

Rev. Dr. K. Scott Oliphint is professor of apologetics and systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary. Dr. Oliphint’s academic interests include Cornelius Van Til’s apologetics, the relationship between Christian apologetics and philosophy, and the doctrine of God.

For those who are new to Dr. Oliphint’s writing and teaching on his research interests, he recommends several resources as places to start. On Van Tillian apologetics, he would recommend starting with his books Covenantal Apologetics or The Battle Belongs to the Lord, or the introductory video “Our Theology in Our Apologetics.” On Christian apologetics and philosophy, consider starting with Reasons for Faith: Philosophy in the Service of Theology, or his online post “Aquinas: A Shaky Foundation.”