Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God


If God has an elect and all of them will be saved, why bother about evangelism? Why not relax and trust in the sovereignty of God? Whatever happens none of the chosen will perish. When William Carey spoke to ministers at Northampton of the need to send out missionaries, old Dr Ryland denounced him: “Young man, sit down: when God pleases to convert the heathen, he will do it without your aid or mine”. This is Hyper-Calvinism and leads to dying churches. There is a logic about it but it is not Scriptural. Human reason is always fallible. Christ gave His disciples a “great commission” which is relevant till the “end of the world” (Mat.28:19-20). There is “good news” which we must make known and God promises success (Is.55:11).

Election is taught in the Bible
In Romans 9, Paul begins by grieving over his fellow Israelites who had so many privileges. They were outwardly adopted as God’s children and enjoyed His Shekinah presence among them. He gave them His gracious covenants, His law and promises and eventually His Son. The majority rejected Him, but not all. There was the true Israel. For example, Abraham had two children but only Isaac was elect. Rebecca bore twins but “the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth, it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated” (Rom.9:11-13). Some will object that this election is not fair. But the Apostle responds with God’s words to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy....So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy” (9:15-16). You may argue, “Why doth he yet find fault? for who hath resisted his will? Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?” (9:19-20). The Potter has sovereign power over His clay.

The Implications of Election
A certain number were chosen by God in eternity and given to Christ (Jn.17:9). He came as their Saviour and gave His life as a ransom for them (Mk.10:45). They are “the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). The atonement was made for the elect and none of those for whom He died can perish. When God’s time comes, He sends His Spirit to raise them since they are by nature “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph.2:1). God’s grace is irresistible. Without this resurrection the sinner will not take one step to God. Also, “he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil.1:6). How comforting it is to know that in evangelism it is not our persuasive powers that convert people but God’s Spirit working through His own Word! We might stammer but His sword is sharp. “It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1Cor.1:21).

Sinful Distortions
Hyper-Calvinists argue that because it is God’s intention only to save the elect it is wrong to preach the gospel to all. Since Jesus died only for a certain number He must not be offered to people indiscriminately. They argue that as we do not know who the elect are, it is better to restrict the offer in case it is made to someone for whom Christ did not die. The elect will be saved anyway. Though it sounds logical this is disastrous for the church. A more sophisticated form of hypercalvinism argues that we must call upon all to repent, but we must not offer Christ to them. Yet the Scriptures are full of gospel offers: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters....Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near” (Is.55:1,6). “Come unto me, all ye that labour” (Mat.11:28). “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev.22:17). We are assured that God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2Pet.3:9).
Just as election is clearly taught in Romans 9, the very next chapter teaches the free offer of the gospel. Paul refers to “The word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved....For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed” (Rom.10:8-11). This “whosoever” is truly precious and is in no way to be restricted. Election is fixed but God chooses means and “He that winneth souls is wise” (Prov.11:30).
Why should Arminian churches grow but not Calvinistic ones? Calvinists have a gospel for all, but also a sovereign powerful God who is able to save the most hardened of sinners. Look for results. Yes, there are “good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” (Lk.2:10). Do not erect barriers to keep people from Christ. Plead with all as though God were speaking through you, “Be ye reconciled to God” (2Cor.5:20). Remember the picture that we have of a loving God: “All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people” (Rom.10:21).


Any comments or questions please E-Mail me or Rev William Macleod the editor.

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