Today in Survey of Reformed Theology we discussed Revelation, which led to the topic that all non-reformed folk love to take up with reformed folk: predestination. And the question was raised, If election is true, why share the gospel? If God has already chosen the ones who will come to him, then why go out and witness to people?
These questions break my heart. If the doctrine of election leads us to laziness and apathy toward those who don't follow Christ, then our understanding of the gospel is off. You see, the gospel COMPELS believers to share it. By definition it is the "Good News". It is a joy to share, not a chore. It is life-giving, not just time-consuming.
Our understanding of the gospel (which by the way we should preach to ourselves everyday) should stir within us a passion for the Lord. This passion calls us to walk a life worthy of the calling and to share this glorious news. It's all a matter of perspective.
Do we obey because we have this overbearing all-knowing Big Brother? Do we live unsanctified lives, considering cheap the grace that has been afforded us? Or do we grasp this glorious news that we have been redeemed? This redemption is granted to all who hear and believe.
"But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed?
And how are they to believe on whom they have never heard?
And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
And how are they to preach unless they are sent?
As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news'" Romans 10:14-15
These questions break my heart. If the doctrine of election leads us to laziness and apathy toward those who don't follow Christ, then our understanding of the gospel is off. You see, the gospel COMPELS believers to share it. By definition it is the "Good News". It is a joy to share, not a chore. It is life-giving, not just time-consuming.
Our understanding of the gospel (which by the way we should preach to ourselves everyday) should stir within us a passion for the Lord. This passion calls us to walk a life worthy of the calling and to share this glorious news. It's all a matter of perspective.
Do we obey because we have this overbearing all-knowing Big Brother? Do we live unsanctified lives, considering cheap the grace that has been afforded us? Or do we grasp this glorious news that we have been redeemed? This redemption is granted to all who hear and believe.
"But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed?
And how are they to believe on whom they have never heard?
And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
And how are they to preach unless they are sent?
As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news'" Romans 10:14-15
Comments
May God continue to bless your studies! I am glad that you've not lost you passion for evangelism!