TEXT: Ephesians 1:3-6

SUBJECT: Evangelism and the 5 Points of Calvinism #2

This afternoon, I hope to continue our study of "Evangelism and the Five Points of Calvinism". To most believers, the two fit together like hand and shoe.

We laugh. But the laughter is nervous, isn't it? We must admit that Reformed Churches, for the most part, don't emphasize soul-winning. Evangelism is not our strong point. If you want to convert a believer to the doctrines of grace, you've come to the right place. But, if you hope to bring a sinner to Christ, you'd better go elsewhere.

Why is this? In my opinion, it is immaturity. But not everyone agrees. Some say our theology is to blame. Does Calvinism hinder gospel preaching and personal witnessing? For some, it does; but it need not. The two are perfectly consistent. If understood properly, the doctrines of grace will stimulate us to reach the lost for Jesus Christ.

I pray they will. Starting now. God make us "doers of the Word and not hearers only". For Christ's sake. Amen.

We needn't guess here. The Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 3, Sections 4 and 5, make it quite clear:

This is a bit wordy, of course, let me simplify it if I can. It teaches the following:

The Teaching of the Bible.

This is what the Reformed Faith teaches on election. Is it consistent with the Bible? I think it is. Our text alone makes five of the six points. "Just as (1) He chose us (2) in Him (3) before the foundation of the world (4) that we should be holy and without blame before Him...(5) to the praise of the glory of His grace".

As for the other point, that we are chosen without respect to foreseen faith, and so on, Romans 9:16 is decisive: "So then, it is not of him who runs, nor of him who wills, but of God Who shows mercy".

One last thought: If God's choice of sinners were based on their foreseen choice of Him, then no one would be chosen by God, for "There is none righteous, no not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God; they have all gone out of the way; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no not one".

Thus, the Bible teaches the doctrine of Unconditional Election. We don't believe it because it is Reformed; we believe it because it is true.

The Doctrine Misapplied.

Some believers accept this doctrine, but apply it wrongly. They say something like this: "If God has chosen one for salvation, he will be saved whether we evangelize him or not. On the other hand, if he is not chosen by God, he cannot be saved, no matter how fervently we evangelize him".

John Ryland, Sr. was an outstanding Baptist leader in the Nineteenth Century, but is remembered for one, unfortunate remark. When William Carey called for a missionary work in India, Dr. Ryland shot back:

Not many of us will admit to this extreme position. But deep down, I fear some of us believe it. We take comfort that God will save His Elect without our efforts. Thus, we don't worry much about bringing sinners to Christ. If they're chosen, after all, they will be saved. Why sweat it? If they're not chosen, we can't do anything for them. Why bother?

The Doctrine Properly Applied.

If this were a caricature, I'd laugh. But it's not! I know people who feel this way. They're not evil; they're not calloused. They are mistaken. They have taken a true doctrine and drawn from it false inferences.

How does the doctrine relate to evangelism?

First of all, there is no contradiction between the doctrine and the duty of evangelism. Our Lord saw none; neither should we. Matthew 11:25-30 could not be clearer.

Secondly, the doctrine should not come up when witnessing to the lost. Are we ashamed of it? We are not! But it does not meet the sinner's need, and is likely to distract him. What must the sinner be told? "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved".

Where does election fit in? It explains to the believer how he came to be saved. "Why do I believe in Christ?" he wonders. That's a good question. The doctrine answers it, "God has, from the beginning, chosen you for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth". "Oh--he says--"Now I get it. I chose Him because He chose me". Right!

The Westminster Confession of Faith is very careful about this doctrine. It calls it "a high mystery" and urges us to "handle it with special prudence and care". What's it for? This:

The doctrine belongs in the Church, not in the world.

Thirdly, the decree includes more than the salvation of the Elect. The means for their salvation is in it too. II Thessalonians 2:13-14a: "But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning has chosen you for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth by which He called you by our Gospel..."

Note carefully: God has not only chosen some to be saved, He has chosen them to be saved by faith in the Gospel we preach to them! So far from interfering with the Divine purpose, our soul-winning efforts fulfill it.

This is why Paul would "suffer all things for the sake of the elect". And why we should throw ourselves into the work of personal evangelism and worldwide missions! I Corinthians 15:58.

Lastly, the doctrine of election should give us hope in witnessing. How many has God chosen for salvation? We might think only a handful. But Revelation 7:9 counts "A great multitude which no man can number".

At Corinth, Paul was so discouraged. Until our Lord came to Him in a dream with the cheering news, "Fear not, Paul, but speak and do not keep silent...for I have many people in this city".

Was Corinth the last city God chose to save? Or was it a "first fruit" of better things to come? Who is to say God doesn't have "many people" in our city? Let's find out! How? By preaching the Gospel to as many as we can for as long as we're able. Then we can "Stand still, and see the salvation of God".

Close.

So, can election and fervent evangelism go together? They can and they do. I pray they shall, for Christ's sake. Amen.