Evangelism—the act of proclaiming the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ—is central to the mission of the Church and the calling of every believer. Rooted in the Great Commission and empowered by the Holy Spirit, evangelism is not merely a religious activity but a divine mandate grounded in the character and redemptive purposes of God. Scripture consistently affirms that salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), and that faith comes by hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). Therefore, proclaiming the gospel is indispensable to God’s plan for redeeming the lost.
The foundation of evangelism is found in Jesus’ command to His disciples in Matthew 28:18–20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This commission is not limited to clergy or missionaries but extends to all followers of Christ. Similarly, Acts 1:8 declares that believers will receive power from the Holy Spirit to be witnesses “in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Evangelism, then, is both a Spirit-empowered activity and a global calling that transcends cultural, ethnic, and national boundaries.
The gospel message centers on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul articulates this clearly in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4, where he writes, “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures… he was buried… and he was raised on the third day.” To share the gospel effectively, believers must communicate both the problem of human sin (Romans 3:23) and the solution provided through Christ’s atonement (Romans 5:8). Evangelism involves calling individuals to repentance and faith in Christ alone for salvation (Mark 1:15; Acts 2:38).
Practically speaking, evangelism should be approached with humility, clarity, and compassion. 1 Peter 3:15 instructs believers to always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in them, yet to do so “with gentleness and respect.” This implies a relational and respectful method of sharing, rooted in genuine concern for the spiritual well-being of others. The evangelist must not rely on persuasive speech or emotional manipulation but on the truth of the gospel and the convicting work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8).
Furthermore, evangelism should be marked by integrity and consistency. The message of Christ must be matched by a life that reflects His character. Paul exhorts Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:5 to “do the work of an evangelist” and to “fulfill your ministry,” which includes both the faithful preaching of the Word and a lifestyle that supports it (Philippians 1:27). The gospel must not only be proclaimed but also embodied.
In conclusion, evangelism is a theological necessity and a practical responsibility. It arises from God’s desire that none should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Through faithful witness, the Church becomes a means by which God draws sinners to Himself. Every believer is called to participate in this redemptive mission—not with fear or reluctance, but with confidence in the power of the gospel, which “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).
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