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Romans 10:10–15
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? (Rom. 10:14).
Any mention of the doctrine of predestination seems to spark a debate about evangelism. The charge is sometimes made that those who believe in predestination are not concerned about evangelism. And it is said that the teaching of predestination makes evangelism seem less urgent, for the elect surely will come to faith and the reprobate will remain lost in their sins no matter what the church does.
History bears witness that the first objection is not true. From the Reformation to the Great Awakening to our own time, many great Christian leaders who held the Augustinian view of predestination have been involved in taking the gospel to unbelievers. But what of the second objection? We must say that this argument is admirable in that it respects the absolute nature of God’s decrees. Nevertheless, there are two excellent reasons why those who believe in predestination should be involved in evangelism. First, it is a duty. God commands that we reach out to the lost, and that is reason enough to do it. Belief in predestination implies a high view of God’s sovereignty, and no one with such a view should despise the mandate of God. He is sovereign in His commands as well as His grace, and He clearly commands that the gospel be preached to every person. Thus, believers in predestination must evangelize, whether or not they understand the reasons for doing so. Second, it is a privilege. God could save people directly, without the assistance of human messengers. He does not need our help to accomplish His saving purposes. But He ordains not just ends but means, and Scripture says He has chosen to use the foolishness of human preaching as His means (1 Cor. 1:21). Clearly, then, we should see God’s call to engage in evangelism as an unspeakable honor. To think that He would deign to allow us to play any role in bringing others into His kingdom is incredible. We should rejoice to participate in this God-given role.
In a way, the doctrine of predestination actually impels evangelism, for it assures us that God has marked some people to receive the gospel message. Apart from His predestining work, we have no assurance that any will respond, and it is left to our own persuasiveness to win them over. But knowing that God has His elect, we can preach the gospel faithfully and trust Him to reap His harvest.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Who did God use to bring you to Christ? A parent or grandparent, a pastor, a friend? If you have never thanked that person for his or her role in your salvation, do so. But thank God, as well, for predestining you to salvation and for ordaining the means by which you should be saved. Then go forth and share the gospel with others.
For Further Study
- Matthew 10:6
- Luke 9:60
- Luke 15:4
- 2 Timothy 4:5