How to Make a Good Biblical Argument (and How to Avoid Making a Bad One)

How to Make a Good Biblical Argument (and How to Avoid Making a Bad One)

J. Neil Daniels

 

In an age where opinions are exchanged at the speed of a scroll, many believers feel compelled to stand for the truth of God’s Word in the public square. Whether discussing doctrine with friends, responding to challenges online, or teaching in a church setting, Christians are increasingly aware of the importance of being able to articulate their convictions clearly and biblically. Yet, the difference between a good biblical argument and a bad one is not always obvious, especially when passion and personal experience enter the equation. The goal of this article is to provide guidance in making sound, faithful, and edifying arguments from Scripture, while also highlighting common errors to avoid.

The Nature and Purpose of Biblical Argument

A biblical argument is not merely a logical contest or a display of rhetorical prowess. At its core, it is an effort to persuade others of the truth of divine revelation, to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:5), and to do so with reverence and gentleness (1 Pet 3:15). Biblical argumentation, then, is both a rational and spiritual endeavor. It requires clarity of thought, fidelity to Scripture, and the fruit of the Spirit. When rightly conducted, it becomes a form of discipleship—sharpening minds, correcting errors, and edifying the body of Christ.

Marks of a Good Biblical Argument

A good biblical argument begins with exegesis. That is, it carefully draws meaning out of the text rather than reading preconceived ideas into it. The grammatical-historical method of interpretation seeks to understand the intention of the human author in his original context, recognizing that he was the vehicle through whom the Holy Spirit spoke. Exegesis requires attentiveness to vocabulary, syntax, literary genre, and historical setting.

Second, a good biblical argument will appeal to the whole counsel of God. Scripture must be interpreted in light of Scripture. Doctrinal claims built on isolated proof texts often fall short of theological coherence. A sound argument recognizes the unity and internal consistency of the Bible, avoiding both fragmentation and contradiction. This principle guards against heresy and fosters a holistic understanding of doctrine.

Third, the argument should be logically sound. This includes defining key terms with precision, avoiding equivocation, and following a clear and coherent line of reasoning. Theological concepts are often complex, and clarity demands both intellectual rigor and pastoral sensitivity. Logical fallacies, even when couched in biblical language, undermine the credibility of the argument and may mislead others.

Fourth, the argument must be grounded in Scripture as the supreme authority. While theological traditions, personal experiences, or historical insights can be helpful, they must remain subordinate to the inspired text of Scripture (2 Tim 3:16–17). The Word of God is not merely a source of truth but the standard by which all truth claims must be measured.

Fifth, a good biblical argument is marked by charity. It accurately represents opposing views, acknowledges the strengths of alternative positions where appropriate, and seeks not merely to refute but to persuade. The goal is not to score points or humiliate an opponent but to speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15), aiming for correction that restores rather than destroys.

Lastly, humility must govern the entire process. Even strong convictions must be held with an awareness of one’s own limitations and fallibility. A teachable spirit, open to correction and deeper understanding, reflects the heart of one who trembles at God’s Word (Isa 66:2).

Signs of a Poor Biblical Argument

A poor biblical argument often begins with proof-texting—quoting verses out of context in order to support a predetermined conclusion. This approach neglects the broader literary and theological contours of Scripture and can lead to serious doctrinal distortions. Scripture must never be used as a slogan or soundbite but must be handled with the reverence its divine origin demands.

Second, bad arguments are often riddled with logical fallacies. Misrepresenting an opposing view (the straw man fallacy), appealing to emotion rather than reason or Scripture, or relying on slippery slope reasoning are all signs of faulty argumentation. Such tactics may be persuasive to the undiscerning, but they do not honor the Lord of truth.

Another danger lies in novelty. Theological innovation, when untethered from the historical witness of the church, is often a sign of error rather than insight. While the church has not always been right in every age, the consensus of faithful teachers throughout history should not be dismissed lightly. Claims that no one before has ever seen what one now claims to see in Scripture ought to be approached with great caution.

Furthermore, the weaponization of Scripture must be rejected outright. Using God’s Word to manipulate, belittle, or injure others violates both the spirit and the substance of biblical teaching. The tongue has the power to build up or to destroy (James 3:6), and those who wield Scripture as a weapon of personal attack are not handling the Word faithfully.

Selective use of sources also weakens an argument. Quoting theologians, scholars, or historical figures only when they happen to agree with one’s position—without considering the broader context of their thought or the strength of opposing views—can create a misleading impression of consensus. Intellectual honesty requires engaging with the strongest representations of other views, not merely caricatures.

Practical Counsel for Faithful Argumentation

Before entering into a biblical argument, one should begin with prayer. Ask the Lord for wisdom, clarity, and humility. Remember that you are not engaging in a merely academic exercise but in a spiritual discipline with real consequences for others’ beliefs and lives.

Take the time to study the relevant texts in context, consulting trustworthy commentaries and, when necessary, examining the original languages. Recognize the limits of your knowledge and be willing to say, “I do not know,” when appropriate. Better to admit ignorance than to feign certainty in error.

Read opposing viewpoints charitably and firsthand. It is easy to dismiss a position when only encountered through critique. Engage with primary sources and seek to understand why intelligent and godly people may differ. Doing so sharpens your own understanding and prevents simplistic dismissals.

Finally, always remember your audience. Speak in a way that builds up, not tears down. Whether you are writing online, preaching in church, or discussing over coffee, the goal is not simply to prove a point but to shepherd minds toward truth, with gentleness and respect.

Conclusion: Truth in Love, Clarity in Charity

The task of making a biblical argument is no small matter. It involves rightly handling the Word of truth, reasoning with clarity, and speaking with love. The Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy to be a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15). This remains the charge to every believer who seeks to defend and declare the faith. May we do so with reverence, precision, and a deep love for the One whose Word we proclaim.

Further Reading

Carson, D. A. Exegetical Fallacies. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1996.

A penetrating examination of common interpretive errors. Carson exposes linguistic, logical, and theological missteps that frequently plague biblical arguments.

Daniels, J. Neil. Thinking Clearly: How to Recognize Truth, Avoid Fallacies, and Build Sound Arguments. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, 2025.

An accessible guide to logic and critical thinking, especially written for Christians. This work introduces readers to both formal and informal logic with practical application to theology, ethics, and apologetics.

Daniels, J. Neil. Unity Without Uniformity: Balancing Conviction with Charity. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, 2024.

This volume explores models of doctrinal prioritization and theological method, offering a biblically grounded approach to maintaining both truth and charity within evangelical theology.

Feinberg, John S. Can You Believe It’s True? Christian Apologetics in a Modern and Postmodern Era. Wheaton: Crossway, 2013.

Feinberg explores how truth, logic, and argument function in defending the Christian faith. His discussion of logic and clarity is especially helpful for building sound arguments.

Henry, Carl F. H. God, Revelation and Authority. 6 vols. Waco: Word Books, 1976–1983.

A foundational treatment of the nature and authority of Scripture, the place of reason in theology, and the logic of biblical revelation. Dense but rewarding.

Köstenberger, Andreas J., and Richard D. Patterson. Invitation to Biblical Interpretation: Exploring the Hermeneutical Triad of History, Literature, and Theology. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Kregel Academic, 2021.

A comprehensive and methodologically robust introduction to biblical interpretation with emphasis on historical context, literary form, and theological coherence.

Packer, J. I. Fundamentalism and the Word of God. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1958.

A classic defense of biblical authority and rational faithfulness, Packer’s work still speaks powerfully to the challenges of making arguments grounded in Scripture.

Quiggle, James D. Christian Doctrine: The Theology of Christianity. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, 2025.

Offerd a comprehensive yet accessible overview of core biblical doctrines, structured to serve both individual readers and classroom settings with clarity and theological depth.

Stein, Robert H. A Basic Guide to Interpreting the Bible: Playing by the Rules. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2011.

Accessible yet insightful, Stein helps readers understand how genre, context, and language shape faithful interpretation—and how these relate to argument.

Thomas, Robert L. Evangelical Hermeneutics: The New Versus the Old. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2002.

A conservative critique of newer hermeneutical models, defending the traditional grammatical-historical method as essential for sound biblical theology and argumentation.

Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 9th ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2018.

For those wanting to write academic-level arguments, this guide offers a valuable resource for organizing thoughts, citing sources, and crafting precise prose.

Van Til, Cornelius. The Defense of the Faith. 4th ed. Edited by K. Scott Oliphint. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2008.

Although more advanced and presuppositional in orientation, Van Til’s work reminds us that all reasoning is ultimately theological and grounded in God’s self-revelation.