THE PRIVILEGE OF EVANGELISM

MATTHEW 28:16–20

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”

(Matthew 28:19).

If God in His absolute sovereignty predestines a fixed number of people to be saved, why should we be involved in evangelism? The chief reason is because God is sovereign. God has not only sovereignly decreed the end, the redemption of certain people, but He has also sovereignly decreed the means to that end. He has chosen the “foolishness of what was preached” (1 Corinthians 1:21) as the means by which to bring people to salvation, and He has commanded His church to carry out that evangelism program.

God says, “I’ll take care of election, but you do the preaching. Bearing witness is your responsibility.” Now, does God need us? No, God has the power to do His work without us, but He has chosen to do it with us, by us, and through us. So we see that evangelism is first of all a duty.

Evangelism Is a Duty and a Privilege

Every human being wants to have a significant part in a significant enterprise. We want our lives to count for something. And what do Christians get to do? We get to work for the King of Kings. We get to be involved in the most significant enterprise in the universe. This is the highest calling in all creation.

Paul discusses evangelism in Romans 10, which follows his discussion of predestination in Romans 9. Speaking of the privilege of evangelism, he writes, “How can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ ” (Romans 10:15; Isaiah 52:7). Surely this is our greatest privilege. Perhaps you are not able to be directly involved; but by means of your tithes and prayer support you are every bit as much a part of God’s great cause.

CORAM DEO

John Blanchard said, “Election is a doctrine I am called to believe; evangelism is a command I am called to obey.” As you go through your day, be thankful for God’s calling of you; be obedient to God’s command to you.

For further study: Romans 10:8–15; 2 Corinthians 5:11–6:2

thursday

september