From Calvin to the Great Commission: How Reformed Theology Shapes Our Approach to Sharing the Gospel

Reformed Theology is a branch of Protestant Christianity that emerged during the Reformation in the 16th century. It is characterized by its emphasis on the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the doctrines of grace. Reformed Theology has had a significant impact on evangelism, shaping the way believers understand and communicate the gospel message.

Understanding the impact of Reformed Theology on evangelism is crucial for Christians who desire to effectively share their faith. It provides a framework for understanding God’s role in salvation, the importance of preaching, the centrality of the gospel, and the role of the Holy Spirit in evangelism. By grasping these foundational principles, believers can engage in evangelism with confidence and clarity.

The Sovereignty of God and its Role in Evangelism

One of the key tenets of Reformed Theology is the sovereignty of God. This means that God is in control of all things and has complete authority over creation. In the context of evangelism, understanding God’s sovereignty helps believers to trust in His power to save and to recognize that salvation ultimately depends on Him.

The sovereignty of God affects evangelism by shifting the focus from human effort to divine initiative. It reminds believers that they are not responsible for converting hearts, but rather for faithfully proclaiming the gospel message. This understanding frees believers from feeling burdened by the weight of someone’s salvation and allows them to trust in God’s timing and plan.

When communicating this aspect of Reformed Theology to non-believers, it is important to emphasize that God’s sovereignty does not negate human responsibility. Believers can explain that while God is ultimately in control, He has chosen to use human agents to carry out His work on earth. This can be a comforting message for those who may feel overwhelmed by their own inadequacies or unsure of their ability to share the gospel effectively.

The Doctrine of Election and its Implications for Evangelism

Another key aspect of Reformed Theology is the doctrine of election. This doctrine teaches that God, in His sovereignty, has chosen certain individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world. This means that salvation is not based on human merit or effort, but on God’s gracious choice.

The doctrine of election can have a profound impact on evangelism. It reminds believers that their role in sharing the gospel is not to convince or persuade, but to faithfully proclaim the message. It takes the pressure off believers to “win” souls and instead encourages them to trust in God’s sovereign plan.

When communicating the doctrine of election to non-believers, it is important to emphasize that God’s choice does not exclude anyone from the opportunity to be saved. Rather, it highlights the incredible grace and mercy of God in choosing to save sinners. Believers can explain that while they may not fully understand why God chooses some and not others, they can trust in His goodness and love.

The Role of Preaching in Reformed Evangelism

In Reformed Theology, preaching plays a central role in evangelism. Preaching is seen as the primary means by which God communicates His truth and brings about transformation in the hearts of individuals. It is through the proclamation of the gospel that people come to faith and are saved.

The importance of preaching in Reformed Theology affects evangelism by emphasizing the need for clear and faithful communication of the gospel message. Believers are called to boldly proclaim the truth of Scripture, trusting that God will use their words to bring about conviction and repentance.

To preach effectively in evangelism, believers should focus on accurately presenting the gospel message and explaining its implications for salvation. They should rely on Scripture as their authority and seek to communicate with clarity and conviction. By doing so, they can effectively communicate the life-changing message of the gospel to those who have not yet heard or understood it.

The Importance of the Gospel in Reformed Theology

The gospel is at the heart of Reformed Theology. It is the good news that God has provided a way for sinful humanity to be reconciled to Him through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The gospel is not just the starting point of the Christian faith, but also the ongoing source of hope and transformation for believers.

In Reformed Theology, the centrality of the gospel affects evangelism by reminding believers that their primary message is not about morality or self-improvement, but about salvation through faith in Christ. It encourages believers to focus on communicating the gospel message clearly and persuasively, trusting that it is the power of God for salvation.

To communicate the gospel effectively in evangelism, believers should emphasize its key components: the holiness of God, the sinfulness of humanity, the person and work of Jesus Christ, and the need for repentance and faith. They should also highlight the transformative power of the gospel in their own lives and in the lives of others. By doing so, they can effectively communicate the life-changing message of the gospel to those who have not yet experienced its power.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Reformed Evangelism

In Reformed Theology, the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in evangelism. The Holy Spirit is seen as the one who convicts hearts, opens minds to understand spiritual truth, and empowers believers to share their faith with boldness and clarity.

The role of the Holy Spirit affects evangelism by reminding believers that they are not alone in their efforts to share the gospel. They can rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and empowerment as they engage in evangelistic conversations and activities. This reliance on the Holy Spirit helps believers to overcome fear, doubt, and uncertainty, and to trust in God’s power to work through them.

To rely on the Holy Spirit in evangelism, believers should cultivate a close relationship with Him through prayer, study of Scripture, and dependence on His guidance. They should also be sensitive to His leading and promptings, allowing Him to direct their conversations and actions. By doing so, they can effectively share the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Relationship between Faith and Works in Reformed Theology and Evangelism

In Reformed Theology, there is an emphasis on the relationship between faith and works. While salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, true faith is always accompanied by a transformed life and good works. This understanding affects evangelism by highlighting the importance of both proclaiming the gospel message and demonstrating its power through a life of obedience.

When communicating this aspect of Reformed Theology to non-believers, it is important to emphasize that good works do not earn salvation but are evidence of genuine faith. Believers can explain that while they are saved by grace through faith, their faith naturally leads to a desire to live in obedience to God’s commands. This can help non-believers understand that Christianity is not just a set of beliefs but a way of life.

The Importance of Discipleship in Reformed Evangelism

Discipleship is a key component of Reformed Theology and has important implications for evangelism. Discipleship involves teaching new believers the truths of Scripture, helping them grow in their relationship with God, and equipping them to share their faith with others.

The importance of discipleship affects evangelism by emphasizing the need for ongoing support and guidance for new believers. It recognizes that conversion is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of growth and transformation. By investing in discipleship, believers can help new converts develop a solid foundation of faith and become effective witnesses for Christ.

To disciple new believers effectively, believers should provide them with opportunities for spiritual growth, such as Bible study, prayer, and fellowship. They should also model a life of faith and obedience and provide guidance and support as they navigate the challenges of the Christian life. By doing so, they can help new believers become mature disciples who are equipped to share their faith with others.

The Role of the Church in Reformed Evangelism

The church plays a crucial role in Reformed Theology and has important implications for evangelism. The church is seen as the body of Christ, called to proclaim the gospel, make disciples, and be a witness to the world.

The role of the church affects evangelism by emphasizing the importance of community and corporate worship in the process of sharing the gospel. It recognizes that evangelism is not just an individual endeavor but a collective responsibility. By involving the church in evangelism, believers can benefit from the support, encouragement, and accountability of fellow believers.

To involve the church in evangelism, believers should participate in corporate worship, engage in evangelistic activities as a community, and seek opportunities to serve and reach out to those in need. They should also pray for and support missionaries and evangelistic efforts both locally and globally. By doing so, they can fulfill their role as members of the body of Christ and effectively share the gospel with others.

The Great Commission and Reformed Theology: A Biblical Perspective

The Great Commission is a foundational passage of Scripture that has significant implications for evangelism in Reformed Theology. In this passage, Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Great Commission affects evangelism by providing a clear mandate for believers to share their faith with others. It reminds believers that evangelism is not optional but an essential part of their calling as followers of Christ. By fulfilling the Great Commission, believers can participate in God’s redemptive work in the world and bring glory to His name.

To fulfill the Great Commission in evangelism, believers should be intentional about sharing their faith with others, both locally and globally. They should seek opportunities to engage in evangelistic conversations, participate in missions trips, and support evangelistic efforts financially and prayerfully. By doing so, they can actively participate in God’s mission to seek and save the lost.

Applying Reformed Theology to Evangelism in our Modern Context

In conclusion, understanding Reformed Theology and its impact on evangelism is crucial for Christians who desire to effectively share their faith. The sovereignty of God reminds believers to trust in His power to save and frees them from feeling burdened by the weight of someone’s salvation. The doctrine of election emphasizes the need for faithful proclamation of the gospel message, trusting in God’s sovereign plan. The importance of preaching highlights the need for clear and faithful communication of the gospel message. The centrality of the gospel reminds believers to focus on communicating the message of salvation through faith in Christ. The role of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to share their faith with boldness and clarity. The relationship between faith and works emphasizes the importance of both proclaiming the gospel message and demonstrating its power through a life of obedience. The importance of discipleship recognizes that conversion is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of growth and transformation. The role of the church emphasizes the importance of community and corporate worship in the process of sharing the gospel. The Great Commission provides a clear mandate for believers to share their faith with others.

In our modern context, applying Reformed Theology to evangelism is more important than ever. As society becomes increasingly secularized and hostile towards Christianity, believers must be equipped with a solid theological foundation and a clear understanding of the gospel message. They must be able to communicate the truth of Scripture with clarity and conviction, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to bring about transformation in the hearts of individuals. They must also be committed to discipleship, investing in the spiritual growth of new believers and equipping them to share their faith with others. By applying Reformed Theology to evangelism in our modern context, believers can effectively engage with the culture and boldly proclaim the life-changing message of the gospel.