This post is written by Andrew Hall as a companion for Unit 34, Session 3 of The Gospel Project for Adults, Volume 12: From This World to the World to Come (Summer 2024).

“The best offense is a great defense.” In sports, this adage is quite true. Developing an effective defense prevents the opposition from running up the score. In basketball, teams will work hard to keep the opposition from getting in the key, the zone in front of the basket. By forcing the other team to the outer edges and by guarding the basket, longer throws are more likely to result in rebounds and turnovers.

But the best defense can also be a great offense. Instead of being passive, some have suggested that a better way forward is to be proactive. This philosophy has been the strategy of many who have gone to war. By gaining a sudden and quick advantage through capturing high ground or other key locations, a counterattack is minimized and the likelihood of success is more achievable.

When it comes to the gospel, we need both a good defense and a good offense. Thankfully, God has given us both ways to safeguard the gospel.

In the first instance, a great defense is required by knowing the truth. Being able to sense when something is off theologically, being astute to error, and being ready to help those who are ignorant or uncertain can prevent many troubling issues from ever arising.

But a great defense isn’t enough. Protecting the gospel from error is crucial, but so is a great offense. By accurately proclaiming Christ, people hear the good news and believe. Lives are transformed. Practices that are contrary to Scripture in a culture are challenged.

Christians have always had a great defense. Knowing the truth is crucial. But we have been given a greater offensive line—we have news that sets people free from the power of sin and death and that brings them into relationship with a God who loves them and gave His one and only Son for them.

So what should we choose? A good offensive line or a great defensive line? In Jesus Christ, we have something better than the choice between offense and defense. We don’t have to specialize. We can be gospel people. When we know the message that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who came to defeat the power of sin and the penalty of death and hell, and when we know that He has come that we might have life to the full and dwell with God forever, we don’t have to choose the offensive or defensive line. We can choose the gospel line. As we know the gospel message, we will find that there will be times when we have to bring correction and gently instruct those who are confused. Other times we will have opportunity to proclaim Christ.

Regardless of our disposition, God has given us a great offense and a great defense. The gospel of Jesus Christ is our line, and we can be built up while protecting the integrity of the message.

Andrew Hall is the lead pastor of Community Bible Church, located in Ilderton, Ontario, Canada. He is a graduate from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Melanie, have four children.