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Do We Choose God, or Does He Choose Us?

Attempts to understand and reconcile the sovereignty of God with the free will of mankind is a conundrum that, in humanistic terms, seems to be without resolution. Differing interpretations of the scriptures on this controversial topic have caused heated division in Protestant Christendom. The Bible clearly presents two foundational truths of salvation that seem to contradict each other. On the one hand, we are told that God chose those who will be saved from condemnation before the beginning of time. ^{Ephesians 1:4} On the other hand, we are told that “Whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” ^{John 3:16} What follows is my conclusion on whether we choose God, or if he chooses us.

The Will and Work of God

In the verses below, we see that before the beginning of time, God chose those who would be his people, a royal priesthood, holy and blameless, sanctified to mirror the character, behavior, and moral likeness of his Son, and made partakers of the coming glory of Jesus Christ.

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. ^{Ephesians 1:4-5}

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light ^{1st Peter 2:9}

Because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. ^{2 Thessalonians 2:13-14}

We also see that God, by his grace (undeserved favor) and mercy (not dispensing the punishment deserved), redeems unrighteous and unworthy people from Satan’s domain of darkness, delivering them justified into the Kingdom of his Son.

The foundation of this operation of redemption is faith that Jesus is who he claimed to be. Faith, enabled by God, not conjured by will or effort, is a gift to the Elect. He chose you, provided you with the gift of salvation, and gave you the ability to accept it. Salvation, therefore, is entirely facilitated and achieved by God for us, not by any actions one may take.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. ^{Ephesians 2:8-9}

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. ^{John 6:44}

Jesus answered and said unto them, this is the work of God, that ye believe on him who he hath sent.^{John 6:29}

So then it is not of him that willeth, not of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy. ^{Romans 9:16}

Man’s Free Will to Accept or Reject

Created in the “image of God” ^{Genesis 1:26} humanity is endowed with free will – the ability to make independent choices. Man’s free will is essential, as only one who believes, loves, and serves God of their own volition can participate in a sincere, genuine relationship with him. Without free will, professions of faith, love, devotion, worship, gratitude, and service have no merit at all.

By free will, man can accept or reject the word of God, the offer of salvation and reconciliation, and Jesus as the Son of God. Though chosen, no one is coerced. The Jewish nation is an excellent example of a chosen race that rejected God’s Son and the New Testament covenant.

In the verses below, we see that every person given the capacity for faith may accept the offer of salvation or reject it and rely on their own righteousness when facing judgment: Yikes!

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ^{John 3:16}

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. ^{John 3:36}

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. ^{John 3:15}

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ^{Romans 10:9-10}

But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. ^{Matthew 10:33}

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. ^{John 12:48}

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. ^{2nd Peter 3:9}

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. ^{1st Timothy 3:3-4}

The Responsibility of Man

The responsibility of a man blessed by God with saving faith is to actively and voluntarily submit his will, life, and desires to the supreme authority of Jesus. Submission distinguishes a Christian from a demon, because demons also believe, even more profoundly than we do, but they do not submit.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.^{Matthew 16:24-25}

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. ^{Romans 12:1-2}

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. ^{James 2:18-19}

Conclusion

The answer is that God chooses us; we do not choose God because we are unable to. Therefore, in humility, those chosen by God have eternal joy, devotion, and gratitude when they accept God’s offer of salvation, reconciliation, and eternal life. Man’s choice, exercising free will, is to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ or to reject it and live for temporal desires, trading an eternity in Heaven for the fleeting pleasures of the world

What about Those Not Chosen?

This doctrine of “Election” is disturbing to many because it seems to imply that if God chooses some for salvation, he must also choose others for Hell. But a holy and loving God would not, and does not, create people to destroy them. Mankind chose disobedience and therefore hell from the beginning. Choosing to save some from an unrighteous population does not equate to choosing others for damnation, or does it?

In the scriptures below, do the words “any” and “all” refer to humanity in total, or only to those chosen before the world’s foundation? Answer that, and the mystery is solved.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. ^{1st Timothy 3:3-4}

God has not enlightened mankind on how his sovereign election relates to those who are passed over. Until he provides clarity, this remains beyond our comprehension, and by faith we trust that God’s will is righteous and just. The Apostle Paul tells us that it is not our place to question God about why he does things the way he chooses.

Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory. ^{Romans 9:20-23}

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? or of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. ^{Romans 11:33-36}

The crux of the conundrum is humanity’s desire and attempt, with mortal intellect, to analyze, rationalize, and conclude how God operates. I like what W.H. Griffith Thomas (1861 – 1924) says, “The reconciliation of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility is beyond our power. The Bible states and emphasizes both, and then leaves them. We would be wise if we did the same.”

The Good News of Jesus Christ

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For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.^{John 3:16}

There is one true and living God, evident in his creation, perfectly holy and merciful. He is a God of love who also impartially judges mankind with truth and righteousness.

There is no one righteous; everyone, including you, has sinned and fallen short of God’s perfect standard.

The penalty for sin is separation from your creator and eternal conscious punishment in Hell.

Thankfully, God, in his mercy, has provided a rescue from the penalty of your sins through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus paid the price for your sins by dying in your place on the cross and was then raised from the dead, confirming that he is who he claimed to be.

If you believe this, call on God in humble prayer, express your repentance and faith, and submit your life to him.

The good news is that you will be clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. You will be forgiven and saved by God’s mercy from the punishment you deserve. Also, by God’s grace, you will be reconciled to him, no longer his adversary, and at peace with him for eternity in Heaven.

The Five Solas

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After the Reformation in 1517, the following five core theological convictions were identified by the Protestant church as the foundation of doctrine and dogma, grounded in the truth of the Holy Bible. These present the source of spiritual authority, the elements of unquestionable salvation, and the reason for all of this.

Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) – The Bible is the sole, inerrant, and final authority for faith and practice. It rejects the idea that church tradition or councils hold equal authority to the written Word of God.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. ^{2nd Timothy 3:16-17}

Sola Fide (Faith Alone) – Justification (being declared righteous by God) is received by faith alone, apart from any human works or merit. Humans are justified solely by God’s unmerited favor rather than their own righteousness or efforts.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. ^{Ephesians 2:8-9}

Sola Gratia (Grace Alone) – Salvation is a completely free gift of God, bestowed upon sinners solely by his grace, not earned by human merit. Humans are justified solely by God’s unmerited favor rather than their own righteousness or efforts.

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. ^{Romans 11:6}

Solus Christus (Christ Alone) – Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man, and his sacrifice is the only basis for justification. Salvation is found in no other name.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. ^{John 14:6}

Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone) – Since salvation is of God and from God, all glory belongs to him alone. The purpose of all life and theology is to glorify God, not to promote human beings or church institutions.

For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. ^{Romans 11:36}

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. ^{Ephesians 1:11-12}

LOVE

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Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. ^{Matthew 22:37-39}

What is the meaning of love in these verses?

The greatest commandment calls us to love God with everything we have. This means being obedient, submissive, grateful, devoted, and faithful, always seeking to please him in all we do. Show love for God by making him the object of your life.

To love your neighbor means showing them the same selfless, benevolent love that God shows us, prioritizing their well-being over our own. Love is an action, not merely feelings of attraction or adoration; it centers on how we treat others rather than on how we expect to be treated in return. The Apostle Paul describes the qualities of godly love in the scripture below.

Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.Love never fails; ^{1st Corinthians 13:4-8}

The qualities of love in these verses are so good. But loving someone like this is challenging and often requires divine help, since these qualities are usually lacking in our natural selves. Someone who loves their family and friends with this kind of love is doing well; however, true Christian greatness is shown when we extend this love to our enemies, just as God did when we were his adversaries.

In contrast, secular love is often driven by self-interest and what one can gain from a relationship. For instance, you might “love” your wife because she is attractive, affectionate, and cooks your meals. However, relationships or marriages based on what one partner gains from the other are often doomed in the long run.

The primary goal of loving others as Christ loves us isn’t to expect anything in return, though it is nice when it happens. Instead, we should focus on serving others, even our enemies, with kindness and the qualities of love described in these verses. When we love others this way, we become a powerful testimony to Christ’s love for a lost world.

You Are What You Think.

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You are not what you think you are; instead, you are what you think. The spiritual struggle is for your mind because that is what feeds the soul, with either good or the filth and debauchery of the world. Protect your mind because what it holds determines your desires and wants. The content you put into your mind influences how you respond to life.

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. ^{Proverbs 23:7}

Thanks to today’s incredible technology, we have efficient access to endless content, both good and bad. You can feed your lust for pornography or immerse yourself in every kind of evil, debauchery, and depravity. You can indulge in the violence of revenge and hatred, watch terrifying, demonic images, or acquiesce to the normalization of perversion. You might spend hours on the vanity and arrogant nothingness of celebrity elites or waste days on mindless crap in an entertainment wasteland. Or, instead of poisoning your mind, you could pursue wholesome, godly things, pursuing the holy, righteous, and virtuous.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ^{Philippians 4:8}

Know that some things cannot be unseen, unheard, or forgotten. Turn away from the filth of the world, which is a corrosive evil and brainwashing from the pit of hell. If you let your mind soak in this poison, your thoughts, feelings, desires, and actions will align with the world’s ideologies, which will kill your soul. Stay alert and guard your mind!

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. ^{Colossians 3:2}

The Sinning Christian

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The Bible teaches that those saved by faith in Christ are deemed righteous in God’s sight ^{Romans 4:5-8} We are told that our old self has been crucified, ^{Romans 6:6-7} that we are now free from the power of sin, ^{Romans 6:18} and that we are no longer slaves to sin. ^{Romans 6:22}

Yet we all continue to sin until the day we die, and critics of the faith call this hypocrisy. The reality of salvation through God’s grace alone raises the question of why Christians proclaim themselves holy and destined for Heaven yet continue to live as they always have. They argue that Christians are no better than anyone else, that our piety, faith, and God are all a sham, and that we are frauds, as evidenced by our sin.

A Christian is indeed no better than a non-Christian, except that the Christian is forgiven. Becoming a Christian doesn’t make someone perfect, and Christians struggle with sin throughout their lives. Nevertheless, this does not diminish God’s validity or undermine the conviction and sincerity of our faith.

Why do Christians sin?

Christians sin after coming to Christ because they live in unredeemed flesh, struggling with lust, covetousness, and pride until they depart this world. ^{Romans 7:14-24} The righteousness imputed to Christians by faith is a declaration; by the grace of God, we are adjudicated as righteous. The miracle of Jesus’ substitutionary atonement is that we are clothed in his righteousness, thereby avoiding condemnation and the wrath of God at judgment. ^{Romans 8:1} But the saved man is, by nature, still physically a sinner.

What, then, does the Bible mean that “we are free from the bonds of Sin and no longer Slaves”?

People are slaves to what they prioritize, seek, and serve, and it is clear that secular individuals are indeed enslaved by their sins. ^{Romans 6:16} The profane man pursues his desires and lives to indulge lustful self-satisfaction, coveting what he does not have and taking pride in what he does. In contrast, the faithful Christian submits to God, striving to serve him and always keeping in mind the eternal inheritance that awaits. The Christian is then a slave to the pursuit of righteousness, resisting the world’s temporary, fleeting pleasures. Although still tempted and tormented by fleshly desires, the Christian is no longer a slave to sin. Temptation is a trial, a persistent test of faith, in which we all stumble.

I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. ^{Romans 7:21-25}

What is the difference between the saved Christian and the Profane man?

If everyone is out there sinning, what makes a Christian different from anyone else? In today’s society, it can be hard or even impossible to spot a Christian in a crowd. Sadly, few lives seem to have changed enough to make a clear distinction, but meaningful differences remain between those in Christ and the rest of the world.

First, Christians recognize their sin. Those who have come to Christ become increasingly aware of it. As one matures in the faith, the awareness of persistent sin grows, and the effort to resist is hopefully intensified, resulting in a deeper gratitude for God’s unfailing mercy. Those not in Christ do not feel this weight, as they are spiritually dead, unaware, and unconcerned with their error.

Second, Christians struggle with sin as their conscience convicts them. Sin deeply troubles a Christian, and the repentant Christian is contrite. The good news is that Christians will improve over time as the Holy Spirit sanctifies them. To be sanctified is to become increasingly conformed to the image of Jesus as we diligently live in the word of God. The lost are not troubled by sin, though there may be pangs of guilt or alarm from a conscience not yet thoroughly seared and hardened. The profane man enjoys sin.

Third, Christians are forgiven. Thankfully, God’s mercies are fresh every day. ^{Lamentations 3:22-26} But the unrepentant, godless man is not forgiven. Instead, he accumulates offenses that magnify God’s wrath on judgment day. ^{Romans 2:5-6}

Fourth, Christians fear God. Knowing God, understanding that he is the ultimate authority who holds our lives in his hands, being in awe of him, and fearing his wrath are effective deterrents to sin if we keep that truth in mind. The lost have no fear of God. To them, God is an irrelevant, fictional character to dismiss and mock. But in the end, they will learn the meaning of woe.

What is the impact of sin on the Christian?

If we are consistently forgiven, is it then OK to sin? Absolutely not! ^{Romans 6:1} Willful sinning without repentance indicates someone who is not truly saved. This life is a test: first, we are called to Jesus Christ; then we must strive to live according to his will, succeed in our calling in this life, ^{1st Peter 2:11-12} and spread the good news to the world. ^{Matthew 28:18-20} When we sin, we fail at these things. The most regrettable consequence of sin in a Christian’s life is a tarnished or even destroyed testimony to God’s perfect will. Hearing the words, “How can you call yourself a Christian and do or say those things?” deeply grieves the Christian soul.

Good People and Bad People

Understand that Christians are no better than anyone else because we are all sinners. Many unbelievers are kind, charitable, and striving to be good people. On the other hand, some who call themselves Christians can be ungodly and immoral. The problem is that a “good” person in this life is considered good compared to others, but the best person on Earth falls far short of God’s perfect standard of righteousness. ^{Isaiah 64:6-7} This is why we all need a savior.

The Will of God

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God’s Sovereign Will

God’s sovereign will is what he determines, and it is 100% certain to happen exactly as he desires. His will of purpose or decree controls the outcome of all things past, present, and future, and his plans cannot be hindered or thwarted. For Christians, his sovereign will results in the best possible outcome for us. But for those who reject Christ, his sovereign will is that they be punished forever in hell.

God’s Will of Command

God’s will of command is his desire that we obey the commands and direction he has revealed to us. Living according to his will of command distinguishes the truly transformed Christian and is made possible by faith and wisdom, both gifts from God. In contrast to God’s sovereign will, his will of command is often not realized because humanity is proficient at disobedience.

God’s Will for Each of Us (as preached by John MacAuthor on March 2, 1980)

God has a clear plan for every person. It isn’t hidden or hard to find, because it’s clearly shown in the Bible. Here are six points about God’s will for us:

That we repent and be saved He has provided the means for redemption, and it is his will that we accept his gift by faith in his Son, Jesus. It is not God’s will that we perish, but those who reject his Son will never know the joy of salvation; they will only face judgment and his wrath.

Who (God) will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. ^{1st Timothy 2:4}

That we are filled with the Spirit and not controlled by worldly things. Instead, we should be fully committed and obedient to the Word of God, doing the things that identify a spirit-filled Christian.

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; ^{Ephesians 5:17-18}

That we are sanctified, seeking righteousness, being reproved, and refraining from sin. It includes controlling your passions that lead to sin and becoming more like Christ in attitude, thought, and behavior through the Holy Spirit. Being sanctified means being set apart for God’s purpose.

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: ^{1st Thessalonians 4:3}

That we are submissive to authority, cooperative, good citizens, good employees, and servants. Be a testimony to the extraordinary character of a genuine Christian. But never submit if it goes against the word of God.

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: ^{1st Peter 2:13-15}

That we suffer, it is God’s will that we suffer for his name’s sake. You will face hardships when you live a godly life in an ungodly society. But it’s better to suffer as a Christian at the hands of man than as a worldly fool at the hands of God.

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: ^{1st Peter 2:21}

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; ^{Philippians 1:29}

That we are grateful for the ridiculous shower of unmerited blessings we enjoy, the forgiveness of our sins, and reconciliation with God through the blood of Jesus Christ sits at the top of that list.

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; ^{Ephesians 5:20}

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ^{1st Thessalonians 5:18}

Application

Here is the practical application: Strive daily to embody these qualities: saved, spirit-filled, sanctified, submissive, suffering with calm joy, and thankful, then God will direct your desires, and they will align with his will rather than your selfish inclinations. The remarkable realization is that those who live in Christ can do whatever they want because what they want will please God. But tread lightly – when contemplating a decision or course of action, it is wise to consider if it is illegal, immoral, idolatrous, biblical, and if it benefits others as well as yourself.

Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. ^{Psalm 37:4}

Effective Evangelism

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What is Evangelism?

Evangelism is sharing the “good news” of Jesus Christ, namely that he is God incarnate, that he was crucified in substitutional atonement for your sins, that his resurrection from the dead validated his deity and the efficacy of his atonement for your sins, and that those who believe this will be forgiven, saved from eternal damnation, and reconciled to God. The hope of evangelism is that others come to believe and accept God’s offer of salvation.

Why Evangelize?

The Bible clearly states that those who are saved and adopted were chosen by God before the foundation of the world. So, why are we commanded to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others? What difference does that make? The answer is the impact on the evangelist as well as on the souls “won” for Christ.

First, evangelism is the method of fulfilling God’s will to save lost souls. God’s elect come to saving faith by hearing the message of salvation. This places the responsibility on believers to share with those who do not yet believe, including those who never will.

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! ^{Romans 10:14-15}

Secondly, we obey God’s commands. Jesus commanded us to teach everyone and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. This means making disciples, which is the primary responsibility of believers.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. ^{Matthew 28:18-20}

If evangelizing is a command from God, then neglecting to share what we know and failing to defend the hope within us is disobedience. It is the sin of omission, as James tells us.

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. ^{James 4:17}

Thirdly, we live to glorify God, and what better way than to proclaim his mercy, grace, and love to the world.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. ^{Matthew 5:16}

Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Jesus said that if we follow him, he will make us fishers of men. So, how is this done? What follows is what I have seen and believe to be a reasonable approach that aligns with my personality, intellect, and interpersonal skills. Your approach may differ, as you may have skills that I do not. The goal here is to define a methodology that I believe would be effective and boost my conviction, enthusiasm, and, consequently, zealous execution.

What I commonly hear is an approach that sounds like a cold-call sales technique for engaging the public. Some condense the message into a clever acrostic to remember, start with a hook like “If I could tell you how to go to heaven, would you be interested?” hand out a pamphlet with cartoons preaching the gospel, or quote some key verses, and wait for the miracle of salvation to happen. These might work; many use them, but I have never seen them produce a positive response. This is not to say they don’t work; I just haven’t seen it. Approaching strangers with a canned presentation makes me uncomfortable. I feel that this method, attempted by someone with my traits, might seem scripted and be counterproductive.

So, here are my thoughts on the elements of a method that would constitute an effective evangelistic style for me, maybe for you as well.

Preparation

Be confident in God’s power to save.

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. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. ^{Romans 1:16-17}

Be confident and bold when sharing the good news of Jesus. Trust in God’s power, and don’t worry about the outcome; it is God who saves, not you. Your goal is to deliver the message and leave the work to the Holy Spirit.

Live your life so that it is a positive testimony to the perfect will of God.

Our evangelistic effort is credible when we strive to live a holy life, but it becomes discredited when unrepentant sin is present, making us no different from those chasing worldly things. Your goal is to be asked why your life is different – different in a good way – because your Christian character shines through in a higher quality of living. Keep your conscience clear so you can witness sincerely.

Pray for doors to be opened.

Pray that God provides you with the opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus. Also, pray that God grants you the wisdom to recognize when such an opportunity arises.

The most fruitful encounters happen during conversations with people you have some kind of relationship with. When someone is struggling, shows openness or curiosity, or asks questions, then a ripe opportunity is in your lap. Forced encounters are seldom productive.

Be alert and ready to share the good news of Jesus Christ whenever the opportunity presents itself. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you, and remember that staying silent when you should share the message is a sin.

You can recognize a closed door by disinterest or hostility. Most likely, a hard heart won’t be receptive. Don’t cast your pearls before swine.

Be prepared, kind, humble, and respectful.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:^{1st Peter 3:15}

You should understand what the Bible says before you try to tell others. This is one of the best reasons to stay immersed in the Word. A godly character combined with a strong knowledge of the Scriptures will make an effective and powerful evangelist. How blessed is the person who provides God with a capable resource to reach the lost!

Your demeanor as a representative of God should be humble, kind, respectful, and engaging. Avoid attitudes that repel – judgment, condescension, threats, pious superiority, insincerity, excessive enthusiasm, and so on. Be mindful that you might lose those you offend. Do not show off your zeal for the faith or serve a religious ego. Your goal is to say, “come and see,” not “stay away!” Therefore, share the message with genuine love and hope, trusting God to handle the rest.

Delivery

Have a Discussion, not a Monologue.

When God opens a door, ask about their life and show genuine interest in their situation. Build rapport if possible, then ask a question to gauge their openness, such as “What do you think happens after you die?” or “Do you believe that God exists?” If they are not available, then leave it alone. If there is any interest or curiosity, your response might be a firm, confident claim, such as “I know that there is life after death” or “I know that there is a God.” They will surely ask, “How do you know?” Then you’re off to the races.

Start an impromptu discussion by sharing what God’s Word has taught you about the good news of Jesus Christ, Heaven and Hell, Salvation, and the purpose of our time here on earth.

Share how Christ has transformed your life, including the new priorities, attitudes, and motives that now influence your thoughts and actions. Be sure to speak to the fundamental elements of the Gospel of Jesus Christ:

No one is righteous enough on their own merits to make it into Heaven.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God ^{Romans 3:23}

Therefore, everyone needs a savior because the penalty for sin is eternal separation from God, to exist in Hell.

A just God requires atonement for every unrighteous act, and thankfully, Jesus has paid the price for your sins through his death on the cross.

Faith in Jesus leads to salvation and reconciliation with God.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.^{Romans 6:23}

Acceptance of this gift from God is as simple as belief, and as serious as putting your old self to death.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ^{Romans 10:9-10.}

Encourage them to think about what they have heard.

Let them know you’re available any time to talk about this.

Suggest that they read the Bible. It would be wonderful if you could give them one! Recommend they start with John, then Romans, then 1st Peter, and Colossians. Provide them with a list of scriptures to look up. The power of God’s Word is astounding. If you can, close with these two verses:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ^{John 3:16}

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. ^{John 3:36}

Pray for God to turn his or her heart to him.