What is the purpose of evangelizing?

Definition and Scope

Evangelizing is the act of sharing the good news of redemption and eternal hope found in the message of Jesus Christ. This includes proclaiming salvation, inviting others to repent and believe, and testifying about what God has done through Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. According to Mark 16:15: “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’” The purpose extends beyond mere conversation; it is a calling to lead others to the knowledge of God’s redemptive work and to encourage them toward a personal relationship with Him.

1. Biblical Mandate for Evangelizing

Throughout Scripture, believers are commanded to share the gospel:

• In Matthew 28:19–20, Jesus instructs, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.” This commission is foundational, urging believers to spread the message of salvation universally.

• Romans 10:14–15 reinforces that people cannot believe unless they hear the message, saying, “How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard?”

These passages underscore evangelism as a core responsibility. It links the believer’s love for God with a genuine concern for the eternal well-being of others.

2. Proclaiming the Path to Salvation

The primary goal of evangelizing is to guide individuals toward faith and salvation in Christ. Scripture attributes restoration and eternal life exclusively to Him (John 14:6). This proclamation acknowledges humanity’s need for redemption from sin (Romans 3:23) and declares that faith in the resurrected Christ reconciles people to God (Romans 10:9). Evangelizing, therefore, serves as the channel through which this life-saving knowledge is communicated.

Moreover, the resurrection of Christ is central to the good news (1 Corinthians 15:14) and is the anchor of hope for believers. Various sources, including the accounts of first-century historian Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 20) and Roman historian Tacitus (Annals, Book 15), acknowledge the historical existence of Jesus and His followers. The Church’s rapid growth shortly after the events surrounding the resurrection suggests a profound transformative effect on those who encountered and embraced this truth.

3. Demonstrating God’s Love and Character

Evangelizing also reveals the character of God. By offering grace and mercy in the gospel message, believers model God’s own compassion and lovingkindness. Romans 5:8 declares, “But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Sharing that message allows others to see a tangible expression of God’s love manifested in the lives of people who have been forgiven and transformed.

In both ancient and modern anecdotal accounts, countless individuals testify of changed lives, healed relationships, and restored hopes upon encountering the gospel. These stories bear witness to the depth of God’s care for humanity.

4. Obedience and Blessing for the Believer

In addition to serving the hearer, evangelizing benefits the person who shares the good news. Believers actively participate in God’s plan of redemption, cooperating with the Holy Spirit’s work in drawing people to faith. This obedience to Christ’s command carries a blessing:

• 2 Timothy 4:2 calls believers to be faithful in proclaiming the word “in season and out of season,” indicating perseverance in sharing truth.

• The joy found in seeing others come to faith further cultivates a heart of gratitude, humility, and service in believers (Luke 15:7).

Thus, evangelizing shapes the believer’s spiritual maturity, aligning with the practice of selfless love.

5. Fulfilling Our Purpose to Glorify God

God’s glory is the pinnacle of all Christian endeavor (1 Corinthians 10:31). Evangelizing glorifies Him by revealing His saving work in Christ to the world. The public proclamation of the gospel showcases God’s power (Romans 1:16) and highlights the fulfillment of His redemptive promises across history. Archaeological discoveries—such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, which affirm the faithful preservation of Old Testament prophecies—provide further context to God’s unfolding plan that ultimately culminates in Jesus.

Additionally, fulfillment of prophecy and historical evidence of biblical people, sites, and events (such as excavations in Jericho and Jerusalem) remind us that God has acted concretely in history. Sharing these realities exalts God as the Creator and Redeemer who has entered His creation with a purposeful plan.

6. Encouraging Community and Discipleship

Evangelizing fosters growth in the global community of believers. When newcomers respond, churches expand, and discipleship deepens the faith and unity of all (Ephesians 4:11–13). Teaching new believers the truths of Scripture cultivates fellowship, accountability, and spiritual maturity. This cycle continues as those who have heard and believed are themselves equipped to evangelize others (2 Timothy 2:2).

7. Addressing Common Concerns

• “Does evangelizing force beliefs on others?” Evangelizing involves sharing and inviting, not compelling. It respects personal will while lovingly offering life-changing truth.

• “Isn’t religious belief just cultural conditioning?” While culture can influence beliefs, historical and archaeological evidence, as well as documented transformations, point to a reality that transcends cultural context. Lives changed by the gospel, despite diverse backgrounds, suggest a universal truth rather than a simple social construct.

• “What about those who have never heard?” Scripture repeatedly underscores God’s justice and righteousness (Psalm 145:17). While believers are commanded to reach everyone possible, we trust in God’s merciful and upright nature regarding those out of earshot.

8. The Broader Apologetic Value

Evangelism benefits from the consistency of biblical manuscripts, supported by numerous ancient copies (e.g., Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Alexandrinus), corroborations of geographical and cultural details, and the cross-referencing of secular historians. These external evidences lend weight to the reliability of the Bible’s message. Sharing such data aids those who require historical and intellectual grounding for faith.

Additionally, pointing to the intricate complexity and fine-tuning in creation aligns with the concept of a purposeful design, reflections from modern scientific findings illustrating precision in the cosmos—whether in planetary orbits or the DNA structure. Such insights can open discussions about the Designer’s identity and intentions for humanity, reinforcing the substance of the gospel invitation.

Conclusion

Evangelizing is not merely a directive to convey religious information. It is an invitation for all humanity to experience transformation, to know God personally, and to engage with His redemptive plan evidenced across history. Moreover, it aligns with human purpose by glorifying the Creator, benefiting the bearer and the recipient alike. As the Scriptures declare, God’s love is most powerfully displayed through Christ’s saving work, and evangelizing joyfully shares that hope “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).