A Theological Basis for Evangelism

Evangelism is to be done according to
Biblical principles and instructions.

I. New life is produced by God (Jms 1:18).

1. Conversion and regeneration are effected by the truth of God's Word.
2. The evangelist is only the proclaimer of truth.

II. The Holy Spirit is the agent who produces conversion.

1. Rely on the Holy Spirit to convict, convince, and convert through illumination of the Word.
2. Ask God for His leading, involvement, and empowering.

III. The power of new life is God's Word - the Gospel (Jms 1:18, 21).

1. The Word of God is powerful - sufficient and efficient - for salvation (Rom 1:15-16).
2. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Rom 10:14, 17; Gal 3:2).
   1. Hearing the gospel is necessary for faith. Faith is impossible without knowledge of the gospel.
      • Man is sinful, needs forgiveness, and must repent (Rom 3:23, Acts 13:38; Mk 1:15).
      • God exists, is perfect, is involved in the world, and is generous (Heb 11:6; Rom 10:13)
      • Jesus lived a life without sin, died as the payment for sin, and was resurrected (Rom 10:9).
      • Jesus is Lord (God, the Messiah) (Rom 10:9).
      • Salvation is a gift and is received through faith alone (Eph 2:8-9).
   2. Faith is awareness, understanding, acceptance, commitment, and reliance.
      • Do not encourage a 'blind' person to take a step into the dark - that is faith in you, not faith in God.
      • Faith is stepping into the light of God by the beam of God's Word, which is illuminated by the Holy Spirit.

IV. Only repentance and faith are necessary for salvation (Lu 24:47; Acts 20:21; 2 Pet 3:9).

1. Faith and repentance are 'two sides of the same coin.'
   1. Repentance is turning away from self and sin.
   2. Faith is turning to God
2. Reformation is not adequate, but can be confused with conversion (true repentance and belief).
   1. Reformation is change on the 'outside.'
   2. Transformation is the inner change (repentance, conversion, and regeneration) that results in outward changes (works done in faith through God's indwelling Spirit).
3. Avoid misrepresenting the gospel by adding works to faith.

V. The task of the evangelist is to proclaim and explain the gospel (Rom 10:14-15; Acts 8:35; Lu 24:47, 32; 2 Tim 4:2-5; 1 Tim 4:13).

1. Prayerfully proclaim the gospel.
   1. Be a witness of God's salvation through His message.
   2. Explain and exemplify God's Word accurately and clearly (2 Tim 2:15).
   3. Invite, encourage, and urge people to believe in Jesus.
2. Rely on the Holy Spirit to enlighten the mind through God's Word (Jms 1:18, 21).
   1. Do not try to assume the role of the Holy Spirit.
   2. Avoid methods and activities that encourage false decisions.
   3. Since God's Word will accomplish its proper purpose, do not be discouraged by an absence of immediate results.
3. Make sure the person's decision is based on and has adequate knowledge and has the corresponding commitment. Acts 8:37
   1. Do not manipulate or force a person to make a premature decision that is lacking belief - information, understanding, repentance, and commitment.
   2. Do not deliver any 'premies' (those whose decision is only an emotional release or intellectual agreement without a change of will and ownership of one's life).
   3. Do not confuse results of salvation (works - such as worship, service, prayer, baptism) with the access to salvation, which is faith).

Scripture References

"In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures."   James 1:18

"Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls."   James 1:21

"So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."   Romans 1:15-16

"for "Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved." How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things!" However, they did not all heed the glad tidings; for Isaiah says, " Lord, who has believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."   Romans 10:13-17

"But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart"-- that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved;"   Romans 10:8-9

"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him."   Hebrews 11:6

"This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?"   Galatians 3:2-3

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast."   Ephesians 2:8-9

"And beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. ... And they said to one another, "Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?" "   Luke 24:27, 32

"Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry"   2 Timothy 4:2-5

"Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching."   1 Timothy 4:13

"And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. And as they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch *said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?" And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."  "   Acts 8:35-37

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth."   2 Timothy 2:15

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

L.D. Hammons © 2001 This article may be freely copied and distributed without charge if it is copied in its entirety (without editing) along with this notice - including the author's name and copyright notice.

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