You may be aware of the phrase “Biblical Evangelism,” but question what is meant by it. Let’s focus on some basic principles in Biblical evangelism. While this is not an exhaustive list, it is definitely the essentials. Biblical evangelism exercises the following:
The Use of the Law
Law to the proud, grace to the humble. We use God’s Law to show a sinner their need for a Savior. A correct handling of the law will show a sinner his true condition. We must use the law to prepare-plow the heart before planting the seed of the Gospel so that when the seed is planted, it may find good soil and produce a crop of 30, 60, or 100 fold. Romans 7:7
The Proclamation of the Biblical Gospel
The Gospel offers nothing the unregenerate man wants. Jesus doesn’t offer a better life at the world’s standard. He offers forgiveness of sins and eternal life to all who repent and believe because of the finished work of Christ; His life, death and resurrection. We do not need to add to it to make it attractive. Romans 1:16
The Usage of Scripture
There are some who say we should avoid quoting the Bible because the Hearer may not believe the Bible is the Word of God. We rely on the truth of God’s Word and not Man’s wisdom. Hebrews 4:12
A Correct Theology of God
In an age where the 2nd Commandment is continually violated without hesitation, God’s character and nature and attributes need to be clearly explained to the Hearer. 2 Corinthians 10:5
The Certainty of Judgment Day
If sinners are not warned of the Day in which they will give an account of their lives to God, they will not see a need to heed God’s command to repent. Acts 17:20,31
The Reality of Hell
A doctrine that many would like to ignore today, even though Jesus spoke more of hell than of heaven and spent much time warning people not to go there. Shouldn’t we do the same? 2 Thessalonians 1:9
A Defense of Justification by Faith Alone in Jesus Christ Alone
The supremacy and sufficiency of faith in Christ’s penal substitutionary atonement and His physical bodily resurrection. Justification is at the heart of the gospel. Galatians 2:16
The Necessity of Repentance
A doctrine that is neglected today, but an explicit command throughout all the Bible. It’s God’s kindness that leads us to repentance. Luke 13:1-5
An Understanding of True & False Conversions
This is crucial. It’s a faulty assumption that everyone who professes Christ is a true, genuine born-again Christian. A fruit-bearing Christian’s life will be marked by the will of God. Mark 4:2-9, 13-20
Central Focus of Faithfulness
In today’s microwave economy and drive-thru lifestyle, we want immediate results. Biblical evangelism avoids pragmatic results to where the ends justify the means. We believe in the sovereignty of God and the obedience of the Saints in seeing sinners brought into a right relationship through His Son in the Gospel. John 4:36-38
Biblical Evangelism is seen in action by personal, intentional witnessing; not only to friends, family, teachers, co-workers, but to complete strangers who by divine appointment have the opportunity to share the gospel with them. And not only to the masses who you may only witness to once, but also our friends, family, teachers, co-workers with whom we have the advantage of a relationship already established to repeatedly give them multiple chances to hear the gospel.
Hopefully, this was instructive in clarifying concepts and principles in applying Biblical evangelism. If you lack the skills or the confidence to share your faith, please contact Fishermen’s Call to get properly equipped.