Why is Evangelism Important
by Bobby Liddell
Evangelism (bringing glad tidings, good news) is important because SIN IS REAL—it really does exist. After all of man’s denials, excuses, dismissals, arguments, and wishes to the contrary, the truth is: Sin is real! Paul, by inspiration, wrote: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Christ’s apostle, John, wrote: “All unrighteousness is sin” (1 John 5:17), and, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4). Likewise, sin involves acting contrary to what one believes: “For whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23). The New Testament also teaches: “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin” (Jam. 4:17). Sin is real. The reality is that man may sin, and all accountable men have.
Evangelism is important because SIN IS DEADLY. Not only does sin destroy one’s soul, it also can destroy health, hope, happiness, home, friendship, fellowship, and one’s future. It takes from one his spiritual life, and any hope of eternal life with his Creator. If one lives in sin, he is already dead in sin: “And you [hath he quickened (made alive, BL)], who were dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1). If one lives in sin, he will die in sin, and if one dies in sin, he will find the consequences to be an eternity of everlasting punishment (Mat. 25:46). Jesus said, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am [he], ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24).
Evangelism is important because men must KNOW THE TRUTH, in order to be saved. Men need to know the truth that sin is deceitful: “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:13). Men need to know the truth that sin robs man of that which is most valuable, his soul. Paul declared one, who yields himself to sin, becomes the servant of sin (Rom. 6:16-18). All need to know the truth of the terrible, true cost of sin: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Men need to know the truth that sin will keep one out of Heaven: “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Rev. 21:27). Jesus said: “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
Evangelism is important because man needs to know there is a REMEDY for sins. Sin is man’s greatest problem, and salvation is his greatest need. Yet, solving the problem of sin is beyond man’s ability. Evangelism provides the solution to those, who with honest and good hearts, seek forgiveness. Salvation is what man desperately needs, and Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). The saved must preach the Gospel to the lost, in order that the lost might be saved; thus, Jesus commanded: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).
Evangelism is important because all men, everywhere, need to know about the SINLESS SACRIFICE Jesus made for them: “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world” (1 John 2:2). Paul wrote: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). Notice, Paul said, “Christ…gave himself FOR ME.”
Evangelism is important because all need to hear the GOOD NEWS: “Jesus loves ME!” This IS good news! That is what evangelism is, “bringing good news,” and that is what Christians do. We seek to tell people about Jesus, who can bring them from the despair of being downtrodden to the delight of being lifted up, from the depths of darkness to lovely light, and from death in sin to life in the Savior. By evangelism, we can help the lost to escape the shackles of doubt, fear, uncertainty, and crippling discouragement. Those, who are struggling with the guilt and burden of sin, ask, “Does Jesus care?” We can give them the good news, “Oh, yes, He cares—enough to die for you.”
We will choose whether to evangelize, or not, when we choose whether to obey our Lord, or not. We will choose to obey the Lord, or not, when we choose to love Him, or not (John 14:15). So, for those who love the Lord, and obey Him, evangelism will result, naturally, as a consequence of that love and obedience. These are reasons why evangelism is important.