Evangelism is a big word and frequently people do not know what the word means. In the Christian space, we often use big words that can be difficult to actually understand in their entirety. Words like sanctification, justification, or propitiation aren’t exactly used in our everyday language, but they are important to understand as they relate to Christianity. We’re going to be taking a look at one of these words and see what it truly means in the context of our Christian lives. So, what is evangelism?
Evangelism is Spreading Good News About Jesus
Evangelism, at its core, is the act of spreading the gospel or the good news of Jesus Christ. The gospel is the message that our self-destructive sin separates us from God and that in order for us to be reconciled back to God, Jesus, the Son of God, was born as a human, lived a perfect life for 33 years on this earth, and died on a cross to take the punishment for our sins. Three days later, He rose again from the grave, defeating death, and paving a path for us to also have divine life for eternity through Him.
Evangelism is communicating this good news to others. Since this is good news and it has the power to save people’s souls, we shouldn’t keep it a secret. In fact, Jesus, before He ascended back to heaven, gave us a mission to take this message to the entire world so that everyone might have life. Technically, He was charging us to evangelize to the entire world.
Interestingly enough, you may notice that within the word ‘evangelism’ is the word ‘angel’. Whether this was intentional or not, it adds another layer of understanding to the word since in the Bible, angels act as God’s messengers. Throughout the Bible, we see many instances of God sending a message to certain humans through an angel. Similarly, we now act as God’s messengers for the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are to go to people and deliver God’s message of truth, grace, and abundant life for now and all eternity.
Is Everyone Called to Evangelize?
Some people may wonder if evangelism is a must or if only certain people are called to evangelize. After all, many people are extroverted and enjoy talking to people. Others are introverted and prefer not to go and talk to strangers about such issues as religion and beliefs about eternity. So, is everyone called to evangelize?
The answer is… yes! Everyone is called to evangelize, whether you’re introverted or extroverted. When Jesus left this earth, He commissioned all His disciples to go and spread the message of His gospel to the ends of the earth. However, He didn’t leave them without some help. He also sent the Holy Spirit to assist them in their mission and to guide them into all truth.
If you are uncomfortable with evangelizing or sharing the gospel with people, remember that you aren’t alone. If you are a born-again true believer of Jesus, you have the Holy Spirit inside of you who is called the Helper for a very good reason. In our times of need, He gives us the right words to say to bring people to God. You don’t have to rely on your own personality or knowledge when you evangelize because God is right there with you through His Spirit. He will take care of you and help you when you need it.
What we also must understand is that the call to spread the gospel is not one that should be undertaken merely out of duty, but out of love for people. Jesus said that the most important commandments are to love God and love people. Sharing the gospel and evangelizing is a way of loving people. In fact, it is the best way that we can possibly love people.
If the gospel is true and Jesus is the only way to true and eternal life for now and all eternity, shouldn’t we want to communicate that truth to people out of love? Evangelizing is the highest form of love to others because it is, in effect, an attempt to save their soul by the power of Christ.
So, don’t think of evangelism as something you have to do. Think of it as something that you get to do. Take time to thank God for partnering with you in His plans to reconcile and redeem humanity to Himself. Rely on the Holy Spirit as you evangelize and in your obedience, God will help you and protect you as you are communicating His message to the rest of the world.
ABOUT DANIEL KING
Evangelist Daniel King, D.Min is on a mission to lead people to Jesus. He has visited over seventy nations preaching good news and he has led over two million people in a salvation prayer. He is often called “The Evangelism Coach.” To support King Ministries in our quest for souls, click here!
