Why do we need to evangelize? Do we really need to get involved, or can we just leave it to pastors and church leaders? Below are some reasons why evangelism should be a lifestyle for every Christian:
We are commanded by Christ Himself to proclaim the gospel into all the world, be His witnesses, and make disciples of all nations. What we find in Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8, and Matthew 28:19-20 are imperatives. They are absolute commands, not requests. Hudson Taylor once said that the Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed.
David Brainerd, one of the greatest missionaries who ever lived, wrote, “I care not where I go, or how I live, or what I endure so that I may save souls. When I sleep I dream of them; when I awake they are first in my thoughts.” We heard the good news and became Christians because someone who loved the Lord so much also loved us enough to share the gospel to us. We live in a fallen world where there is nothing but helplessness and hopelessness, and people who are lost need to be rescued from sin and death. They need to know that there is one Help, one Hope, and one Savior, but someone needs to tell them. (Titus 2:13, Romans 10:14) It is only by the work of the Spirit through the proclamation of the gospel can people turn to Christ in faith be saved.
We know that Christ came to seek and save the lost and reconcile them to God, but His chief purpose was to glorify the Father here on earth as revealed in His high priestly prayer in John 17. With this in mind, it is clear the paramount motivation for a Christian’s involvement in evangelism is the glory of God. Spurgeon once said that the salvation of men is a grand aim, but it must always be in subordination to the glory of the Lord, that His arm may be revealed, and that all flesh may see it together. Our commitment to evangelism goes beyond our love for lost souls. His glory to be made known in all the world must be our primary goal. We proclaim the gospel and the whole counsel of God so that people from every nation, tribe and tongue may come to Him, bow down in worship together, and glorify His name forever. (Psalm 67)
Every Christian is tasked to take part in the glorious work of evangelism. May we all do so in obedience, with love for the lost, and a burning passion for God’s glory
