Why should we evangelize if the elect will be saved anyway?
> This question touches on deep theological concepts regarding election, free will, and the responsibility of Christians to evangelize. While theological perspectives vary, there are several compelling reasons why Christians are called to share the Gospel, even within the framework of understanding that God’s elect will be saved:
Obedience to Christ’s Command
Divine Commission: Jesus commanded His followers to preach the Gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). He has not only decreed the end results but also the means to those ends, according to His good pleasure. This command doesn’t come with conditions based on our understanding of election but is a clear directive to be obeyed.
Participation in God’s Plan
Co-Laborers with God: Scripture reveals that God chooses to work through His people to accomplish His purposes, including the salvation of others (1 Corinthians 3:9). Sharing the Gospel is one way we participate in God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
Means of Bringing About Salvation: While God’s sovereignty includes the election of those who will be saved, the means by which He brings about salvation often includes the faithful witness of His people. Moreover, the success of our efforts does not depend on how persuasive or clever we can be, but on the power of God to change the hearts of men, according to His will, in conjunction with our often feeble efforts.
… Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Romans 10:13-15
In the end, salvation is from the Lord: Ultimately, salvation relies on God’s sovereign mercy and grace. Jesus informed Nicodemus that without being born again, one cannot perceive or enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3, 5). As we have no control over our own birth, it is God who brings about this transformation for us. Ephesians 2:4-5 further confirms this, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you are saved.
Love for Others
Reflecting God’s Love: God’s love for humanity is demonstrated in His desire that none should perish (2 Peter 3:9). Sharing the Gospel is an act of love, seeking the best for others, which is their reconciliation with God.
The Mystery of God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
Partnership in the Mystery: While the interplay between God’s sovereignty and human free will is complex and ultimately a mystery, Scripture holds both in tension. Christians are called to act in faith, leaving the outcomes in God’s hands.
“If you have a God great and transcendent enough to be mad at because he hasn’t stopped evil and suffering in the world, then you have (at the same moment) a God great and transcendent enough to have good reasons for allowing it to continue that you can’t know. Indeed, you can’t have it both ways.”
Tim Keller
Growth and Blessing
Spiritual Growth: Sharing the Gospel challenges and strengthens one’s faith, leading to spiritual growth and greater intimacy with God.
Blessing of Participation: There is joy and blessing in being used by God to impact someone’s eternal destiny positively.
Avoiding Presumption
Not Assuming Knowledge of the Elect: Since we cannot know who the elect are, our responsibility is to share the Gospel broadly and trust God with the results. To refrain from sharing because we presume someone might be elect or not misunderstands our role in evangelism.
The Warning Against Neglect
Responsibility and Accountability: Scripture warns against neglecting to do what is good and right (James 4:17). Knowing the value of the Gospel and withholding it from others can be seen as failing to act in love and obedience.
In essence, while understanding the doctrine of election is important, it should not paralyze Christian action but rather motivate faithful obedience, trusting in God’s sovereignty while engaging in the mission with love, hope, and humility. The call to share the Gospel is not merely about the outcome but about faithfulness to Christ’s command, participation in God’s redemptive work, and love for our fellow human beings.
