True and False Evangelism

A fundamental difference between the biblical (or, Puritan, Reformed) mode of evangelism; and that which is most prominent today (in mainline and broadly evangelical Christianity), is this:

We, following the example of Christ, the apostles, and the prophets of the OT, do not call people to a "decision." Instead, we call people to faith in a Person (Jesus), with corresponding repentance toward the sins that have alienated the sinner from the Savior.

Charles Finney-type "evangelism," largely-prevalent since the mid-19th century, calls people to make a "decision." There is typically quite a bit of pressure exerted on the person; and usually great promises accompany the "making" of this decision: everlasting life, a relationship with God, assurance of heaven.

Biblical, etc. evangelism, rather, calls on people to believe and repent. The persons to whom loving evangelism is addressed are immediately directed to the church, the Body of Christ. There, these souls are encouraged to begin to listen to the Gospel proclaimed (on Sundays), and to begin to *immediately* accord their new lifestyles to one of Sunday observance, church membership, and the worship of the True God.

Finney evangelism is largely responsible for the sorry state of religion in the world today. Nonetheless, let us not shy away from our great heritage; and may we be at the vanguard of calling sinners to the Savior.

Some of the "sinners" we will call were already sold a bill of goods. They think they already have a relationship with God, since they said a prayer, walked an aisle, signed a book, or raised a hand. These folks may never have demonstrated any fruit, i.e. they may never have joined a church, etc.--but they are still to be the objects of our loving concern, and evangelism.