5 Things to Remember When Sharing the Gospel: A Guide for Reformed Christians

Evangelism, sharing the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, is an integral part of the Christian faith. While all evangelical theological traditions emphasize evangelism, in the Reformed tradition, evangelism has a distinct contour, shaped by foundational doctrines that emphasize the sovereignty of God, the sufficiency and authority of Scripture, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the salvation of sinners. This article is intended to guide those in the Reformed tradition as they communicate these profound truths and to do so with compassion and clarity.

Whether you are a seasoned evangelist looking to enrich your approach or a novice seeking guidance, these tips aim to support your efforts in sharing the transformative power of the Gospel per the wonderful and biblical truths of Reformed Theology.

Understanding Reformed Theology and the Gospel

Reformed theology provides a uniquely biblical perspective on evangelism. Understanding its core tenants is crucial when sharing the Gospel of Christ with others. These biblical truths are often summarized under five headings known as the "Five Solas": Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Fide (faith alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), and Soli Deo Gloria (to the glory of God alone.)

When sharing the Gospel, these Five Solas serve as our guide:

1.     Sola Scripture: The Bible is the ultimate authority about God, salvation, and life. Therefore, Scripture must form the basis and foundation for our message when sharing the Gospel.

2.     Sola Fide: Faith in Jesus Christ is the only means of salvation. We must make clear that this faith, not works or human effort, is the way to salvation.

3.     Sola Gratia: We are saved only by God's grace. We must highlight that it’s not about what we have done for God but what He has graciously done for us through Christ.

4.     Solus Christus: Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man. We must communicate that Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection is the only way to be forgiven of our sins and reconciled to God.

5.     Soli Deo Gloria: All things, including evangelism, are to be done for the glory of God. Our ultimate motivation in sharing the Gospel must be to honor God and magnify His name.

Understanding these timeless truths will guide us to share the Gospel in a way that remains faithful to and consistent with Scripture.

Pray and Prepare

Before stepping into any evangelistic endeavor, it is vital to start with prayer and thorough spiritual preparation. While often overlooked, prayer and preparation are the cornerstone of effective evangelism.

Prayer is not merely a formality nor a ceremonial prelude to our evangelistic efforts; it is essential to sharing the Gospel. When we share the Gospel, we are not just individuals sharing our beliefs; we are God's instruments used to reveal His redemptive plan.

In your prayer time, seek God's wisdom and guidance. Pray that He may grant you the right words and the proper mindset. Pray for the people you share the Gospel with so their hearts may be receptive. In doing so, you surrender the outcome of your efforts to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and grace.

Spiritual preparation involves grounding yourself in the Word of God. We must diligently study the scriptures since it is the authoritative foundation upon which our faith and the Gospel rest. Familiarize and even memorize key passages that succinctly encapsulate the Gospel message.

A key part of preparation is introspection and personal readiness. Some critical questions are: Are you ready to share your faith and testify to God's work in your life? Can you share the Gospel in a manner that is truthful to its core and relatable to the listener? We must examine ourselves as we prepare to bring the Gospel to the lost.

We must rely on the Holy Spirit in our preparation. Remember, it is not our eloquence, persuasiveness, or knowledge that converts souls but the work of the Holy Spirit. Our responsibility is to be ready, willing, and available to share the Gospel, relying on the Holy Spirit to lead and empower our efforts.

Understand and Respect the Person’s Context

Sharing the Gospel effectively requires us to remember that each person we engage with is unique, with their beliefs, backgrounds, and life experience. Understanding the person's context can profoundly influence our approach to sharing the Gospel, making our conversation more relatable, respectful, and impactful.

Investing time is important to get to know the person. Learn about their background – their culture, personal beliefs, family life, and anything else that might be significant. It might be helpful to ask open-ended questions and show genuine interest. This creates a bond of trust and gives us insights into how the Gospel might be more effectively communicated to them.

Remember, respect is important. Sharing the Gospel is not about winning arguments but about displaying the love of Christ. Our aim should not be to force our beliefs on others but to present the truth of the Gospel in love, trusting the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts.

Paul's approach to the Athenians in Acts 17 is a prime example. He began by acknowledging their religiosity and even quoted their poets to make a connection and used it as a starting point to share the Gospel. His approach was respectful, laying the foundation for the Gospel message he presented.

Finally, it’s important to approach evangelism with humility. We must be ready to admit when we don't know the answer to a question, be patient, and not be discouraged if there are no immediate results. We are simply vessels that God uses; conversion ultimately lies in His hands.

Remember, understanding and respecting the person's context is not about compromising the Gospel but being thoughtful and intentional in communicating its’s profound truths.

Present the Gospel with Clarity and Simplicity

The Gospel is a simple message: Christ died for sinners, was buried, rose again, and offers salvation to all who would trust in Him (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 and Romans 5:6-8). While simple, the message of the Gospel engages profound and multifaceted truths that demand careful articulation.

When sharing the Gospel, it’s crucial to present the message clearly. Avoid unnecessary theological jargon that could confuse the listener. Instead, strive to use language that is accessible and understandable. Remember, our goal is not to show off our theological knowledge but to make the message of Christ clear to those who may have never truly heard it.

When evangelizing, focus on the key doctrines that encapsulate the Gospel: human sinfulness, God’s holiness, Christ’s atoning death and resurrection, and the necessary response of faith and repentance.

1.     Human Sinfulness and God’s Holiness: Begin by discussing the reality of sin and its consequences, emphasizing God’s absolute holiness and our inability to reach his perfect standard. (Romans 3:23; 6:23)

2.     Christ’s Atoning Death and Resurrection: Transition into the central event of the Gospel – the sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ, God’s provision for sin. (Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

3.     Faith and Repentance – Finally, highlight the necessity of personal response to the Gospel – faith in Christ and repentance from sin. (Acts 20:21; Ephesians 2:8-9)

In the Reformed Tradition, a profound recognition of God’s sovereignty in all things pervades our understanding of the Gospel. Salvation depends on God’s grace and not human effort. (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 6:44) Far from leading to fatalism, this truth should imbue our evangelism with a deep sense of humility and reliance on the Holy Spirit to regenerate hearts.

Be Patient, Persistent, and Ready to Answer Questions

As you are engaged in evangelistic conversations, it’s crucial to approach every interaction with both patience and persistence. Remember, God, in His own time, calls His people to Himself, and it is not our pressure or persuasive tactics that bring about regeneration. Understanding this allows us to have gracious patience in evangelism.

Changes rarely happen overnight. Often, people wrestle with questions, doubts, and existing beliefs for a long time before they are open to the Gospel. Remember, regeneration is the work of the Holy Spirit, and He works in His time, not ours. When you encounter resistance or apathy, don’t be discouraged. Stay persistent in your efforts, continually praying for the person and displaying the love of Christ in your interactions. Draw from the biblical example of Paul, who faced numerous rejections and hardships but remained unwavering in his mission to spread the Gospel (2 Timothy 4:2).

Another important aspect of evangelism is being ready to answer questions about your faith. As Peter tells us, we should "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15). We must not only know what we believe but why we believe it to be able to share it.

It’s essential to approach tough questions with humility and grace. Remember that it is ok not to have all the answers. It’s better to admit that you don’t know something than to attempt an unsatisfactory explanation. Use those moments to explore the answers together or introduce resources that can provide a more in-depth explanation.

Fostering Relationships and Trust in the Holy Spirit

Building authentic relationships plays a vital role in sharing the Gospel effectively. It is not just about delivering a message; it’s about demonstrating Christ’s love in action.

When we take the time to foster relationships with those with whom we are sharing the Gospel, we communicate that we value them not only as recipients of the Gospel message but as individuals created in the image of God.

We must engage with people in meaningful ways. Listen to their stories, concerns, and questions. Invest in their lives outside of your conversations about faith. Show them the transformative power of Christ through actions as well as words. Remember, the great commission is about more than evangelism; it’s also about discipleship.

With that in mind, providing ongoing spiritual support is also important. Invite others to church and bible study, offer resources for understanding the faith better, or be available for regular conversations.

As Reformed Christians, we firmly believe in the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit in salvation. It’s not our eloquent words or persuasive arguments that bring about regeneration; it is the work of the Holy Spirit.

Our role is to faithfully share the truth of the Gospel, live out the love of Christ, and pray earnestly for the advancement and expansion of God's Kingdom. Regeneration is in God's hands, and realizing this should bring us comfort. Even when our words seem to fall on deaf ears, we can trust that the Holy Spirit is at work in ways we cannot see.

Conclusion

Sharing the Gospel as Reformed Christians is a journey that involves prayer, understanding, clarity, patience, and relationship building. It is a divine commission that requires us to respect and show grace to others, keeping the sovereignty of God at the forefront. As we engage in evangelism, remember that our primary role is to be faithful messengers of God's word, trusting the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those we engage with. Let us apply these five key tips in our efforts and pray for the Lord to use our humble attempts for His glory and the spread of His kingdom. Soli Deo Gloria.