The Nature of Evangelism (Part 1)

Today’s reading is Section 4 of the Lausanne Covenant - The Nature of Evangelism. Read Here.

To evangelize is to spread the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead according to the Scriptures, and that, as the reigning Lord, he now offers the forgiveness of sins and the liberating gifts of the Spirit to all who repent and believe.

The Definition of Evangelism

The word ‘evangelism’ comes from a Greek term meaning ‘to bring or spread good news.’ It is impossible to speak of evangelism without defining the content of that good news. At its heart, the good news is Jesus himself. If we were to transliterate Acts 8:35, we would say Philip ‘evangelized to him Jesus’, that is, he told him the good news of Jesus.

But what is the good news of Jesus? The Lausanne Covenant summarizes it as Peter did in Acts (especially 2:22-39), and as Paul did in 1 Corinthians 15.

• First, the gospel begins with the death and resurrection of Jesus. The apostles concentrated on the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead. His death and resurrection were real, historical events, but also significant events. Through his death, Christ carried the condemnation of our sin and secured our justification; his resurrection proved that this sacrifice had been accepted (Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:17-19).
• Second, the witnesses to these events were the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament apostles. The apostles quoted from the Old Testament, emphasising ‘we are witnesses of these things.’ They preached the death and resurrection of Jesus ‘according to the Scriptures’ (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). We must be faithful to the authentic, historical, biblical Jesus, presented in the Scriptures of both Old and New Testaments.
• Third, the good news includes what Jesus now offers. Exalted to God’s right hand, Jesus has the unique authority to offer the forgiveness of sins (removing guilt and bringing us into God’s family), and the gift of the Holy Spirit, who frees us from self-centredness to live for God and for others.
• Fourth, these gifts are received through repentance and faith, as we turn from sin, lies, and idols, and trust Jesus as the only Saviour.

This is the unchanging core of the apostles’ message: the events, the witnesses, the offer, and the response. We must never turn away from it.

Reflection:

Which part of the gospel’s core—events, witnesses, offer, or response—most challenges or encourages you today?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, keep me faithful to your gospel’s truth and bold in sharing it with clarity and love.