Dear BPCWAians, It has been encouraging that several have been making efforts to invite unbelieving children to our Holiday Bible Program. In addition, some have also contacted unbelievers as well as those who had come before for the Christmas gospel service. Perhaps as you read this, you may be wondering, “Must I evangelise? Why? I have been faithful in studying God’s Word through fellowship groups and even FEBC courses and obedient to God in many ways, is that not sufficient as a Christian?” It is very good that we have been interested in God’s Word and living according to it. But we need to also grow in this area of obedience to Christ’s command –

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matt 28:19-20)

“Well the elect will get saved anyway”. There are 2 extremes when it comes to evangelism. The New Evangelicals emphasise it to the extent of downplaying all other doctrines such as sin, repentance, and holiness; while others downplay evangelism by thinking that since God has elected and predestinated, then whether I evangelise or not, they will still get saved. Some even blame this “Presbyterian doctrine” of election for the cause of apathy among Christians when it comes to evangelism. But we must remember that right doctrine should not be attacked just because believers fail to obey God. The failure to evangelise is due to the disobedience of believers to the great commission. The truth is that Presbyterians were among the most active in evangelism wherein many were saved in Christian history. The doctrine of election motivates evangelism. Without it, our evangelistic efforts are futile because, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: (11) There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. (12) They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Rom 3:10-12). Not a single soul would understand, none would be interested to know God, and all would refuse God’s way. But because of election, there will be souls saved out of evangelism.

Why I must evangelize. So why should I evangelise since God has chosen and will save the elect no matter what happens or does not happen? Well, the answer is simple – evangelism is God’s ordained means through which He saves the elect, “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe:” (1Cor 1:21). Did not many of us come to the Lord because someone preached the Gospel to us, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor 1:18)? It is hence our great privilege and joy to be used as His instrument by responding to the Great Commission. To be used of Him to translate someone from darkness and sure eternity in hell into His light and assured place in heaven forever must be more rewarding to the believer than whatever temporal earthly achievements on earth. Yes, God will surely save the elect. Hence, those who would not evangelise miss the opportunity to be the one God uses for this infinite work of salvation.

Have you gone for street evangelism or nursing home outreach? When was the last time you shared the gospel with your classmate, colleague, or relative?

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)

Yours in our Lord’s service

Pastor