WHY SHARE THE GOSPEL?
Calvinists and non-Calvinists have long debated whether man has any freedom in regards to his salvation. While the debate has significant theological ramifications, one practical implication is of utmost importance – sharing the gospel.
If the Calvinist is correct in that God is decisively in control of who will respond in faith and ultimately be saved, what is the purpose of sharing the gospel? Why does it matter whether or not we share the gospel when the Bible indicates that man contributes nothing to his salvation?
Many who reject the Calvinist or Reformed position do so on philosophical grounds. They question the point of sharing the gospel since it ultimately will not have an eternal impact on who will be saved.
In response, though, non-Calvinists must answer a related logical question – why would a Christian do anything other than share the gospel? How can a Christian justify any waking moment doing anything aside from sharing the gospel? If the salvation of others depends on our gospel presentation, then we must tirelessly and relentlessly share the good news with anyone and everyone. Taken to its logical conclusion, the non-Calvinist should never truly do anything but share the gospel.
I have written elsewhere concerning the question as to whether or not man contributes anything to his salvation. Why, then, should we share the gospel? Here are seven reasons for doing so:
- It is commanded in Scripture.
In what is commonly referred to as the Great Commission, Jesus commanded his disciples to share the good news with the world.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20)
This, in and of itself, should be enough to answer the question as to why we should share the gospel. Jesus commanded that we do so; our duty is to follow, not question the command.
- We do not know how many or who will be saved.
Only God knows the quantity and identity of the elect. As finite beings, we have no way of knowing who will or will not respond to the message of the gospel. It is our responsibility to proclaim the gospel to the world, not to fatalistically reject that responsibility on the grounds that it is meaningless.
- God has ordained the means as well as the ends of salvation.
God has ultimately determined who will respond in faith to the message of salvation. But those who are elect do not simply go to heaven when they die; they respond in faith to the gospel message during this life. This is the means by which God has chosen to save sinners. The presentation of the good news is a part of the means toward that end (Romans 10:14–15).
- We get to participate in God’s plan of salvation.
God does not need any help in accomplishing his plan. But as a gracious and loving God, he chooses to allow us to participate in seeing his perfect plan come to fruition. It is a great honor to participate with God in this process.
- We get to see others respond in faith to the transformative power of the good news of the cross.
Seeing lost sinners freed from the bondage of sin both reminds us of the power of the gospel in our own lives and simultaneously encourages us in seeing the beauty of the miraculous. A dead soul coming to life is overwhelming to witness.
- We bring glory to God.
When sinners are called out of darkness into light, God’s glory is prominently on display in the form of the cross. By sharing the gospel, we get to participate in bringing glory to the God who saves.
- We fulfill the purpose for which we were created.
God created us to glorify himself (Isaiah 43:7). In bringing God glory through the sharing of the gospel, we are able to fulfill our purpose. There is great contentment and satisfaction in doing what we were created to do.
As stewards of the good news, it is our responsibility to share it with others. However, it is more of an opportunity than an obligation.
God allows us to share the gospel with others. And that benefits us greatly.
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