Evangelism

Given that there is no other way to Salvation (Acts 4:12, John 14:6), how much of a blessing is it then to have all the answers. Think about it. In a way, when you have the truth of Christ, you have the deliverer of all the answers to other’s problems- not because you are so smart, or gifted, or talented, but rather because of your faith in Christ. What answers? How about the answers for redemption, creation, the fullness of God, reconciliation, hidden wisdom and knowledge, the ability to walk and be rooted in Him, filled in Him, have the completeness of his deity within us- not needing any other thing for salvation or sanctification; living in Him and not the flesh, raised in Him, triumph over the darkness, and fulfillment of the ministry we have received in the Lord (Colossians 1:14, 16, 19, 22; 2:3, 6-7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15; 4:17), and, to do all of this in prayer to Him (Colossians 1:9-14, Philippians 4:6). When Jesus was speaking about the faith of a mustard seed, I used to think he was referring to a certain amount of faith… as in  a “greater” faith. Instead, perhaps a more reasonable application is to understand that we have no faith without Christ, and that we must exercise our faith in all situations, because to not do so, would be relying on our own strength, our own wisdom, our own words. But this is not what our Lord has commanded of us. He instead desires us to use faith and teach the Gospel, and specifically, the only Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is from Christ, and to do so carefully, and with discipline (Galatians 1:6-8, 11-12). 

Anyone who is a Christian can be a witness, and must testify about Christ. But being a witness is testifying about the love, Lordship, and salvation offered through Jesus Christ- not the conversion of the individual, which is something only God Himself can do (Romans 10:14-15). Here is our obedience to His commandment to tell the world about the Gospel- it is in giving testimony about the truth of Christ. This is imperative, so others may also know about the gift of salvation, and so you may be in obedience to Christ. Salvation is indeed a gift, because it is neither of any cost to obtain (it’s free) or achieved/earned as a reward for some action or merit. It is God who draws us, and it is us who must share about Him. Also, the fact that salvation is a gift is an imperative concept to both understand and to convey. How it is received is also necessary to understand, because several things must happen to accept Christ, e.g., a) God must call you, b) You must have faith, which is also from God c) You must profess the Lordship of Jesus Christ d) you must believe His father, God, has raised Him bodily & spiritually from the dead, i.e. His resurrection (Romans 10:9-10). When those conditions are met, salvation from Christ is then given to the person, who has now been bought with a price- the sacrifice of Christ’s blood. They are no longer slaves to themselves, or to sin, but slaves to Christ, to life, and to righteousness (Romans 6:16-23). It is actually Christ who has done the accepting here, in that He has adopted you into his royal priesthood. You are an heir with Him, have been given every spiritual blessing, and He will testify to his Father about YOU that you are innocent of any sin- you are righteous, holy, and perfect before the Holy throne of the living God (Romans 8:17; Ephesians 1:3; 1 John 2:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:19-24). A believer responding to Christ is the fulfillment of God drawing them to Himself, each at the appropriate time, and each in accordance to God’s salvific will (Romans 8:28-30). He desires that all are saved, but, although many are called, only a few are chosen (1 Timothy 2:1-4, Matthew 22:14). When someone is willing to submit to Christ it is Christ who has done the saving, and that person who professes such things is indeed saved (2 Thessalonians 2:13-17). They are saved from death and eternal punishment, and are free to be with Christ for eternity (John 3:16). They are free to rely on living through Christ here on earth, and exercising their faith and telling others about Christ (Romans 1:16-18). The saving love of Christ is indeed free to those who believe, but to Christ, He has given the greatest sacrifice, His perfect and sinless life! It is His life that has saved yours when you believe in Him. Therefore believe in Him and live for Him, and through Him, you have life (John 10:10).