Doctrine and Evangelism

WEdnesday is the day when we will consider some of the practical applications and implications of Biblical Doctrine upon aspects of Christian living and Church practice. Today's featured article is by Ernest Reisinger entitled 'Doctrinal Content of the Message of Evangelism.'

'Biblical doctrine is the foundation of evangelism as it is the foundation of Christian experience, Christian worship, Christian behavior, and Christian service.

There are three areas of biblical truth found in Luke 24:46-48, and what we believe about these three areas of truth will have a profound effect upon the message and the methods for evangelism.

We have considered the goal as we find it in Matthew 28:16-20, and the scope and results as we find them in Mark 16:15, 16. Now we will look at the doctrinal content of the message of evangelism as we consider the heavenly mandate in Luke 24:46-48.

In verse 48, Jesus said, “And ye are witnesses of these things.’’ What things does He speak of? We must back up to answer that question. In verses 46 and 47, we learn what things we are witnesses of, and thus we have the doctrinal content of our Lord’s mandate.

In verses 46 and 47, we have three basic areas of Christian truth that contain the vital and essential content of the message of evangelism.

First, (v. 46) “it behoved Christ to suffer”: the cross. The message includes all the truths that hinge on the suffering of Christ on the cross. What actually took place at the cross? — the atonement in its design, its accomplishments, and its application.

Second, (v. 46) “and to rise again from the dead”: the resurrection. The message includes all the truths that hinge on the resurrection of our Lord. He ascended and is exalted to a throne — He is now the enthroned Christ. This will immediately bring us to proclaim His lordship. The resurrection establishes His lordship now.

Third, (v. 47)’ ‘And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations”: repentance and remission. Repentance — what is repentance? Whatever it is (we shall take it up later), it is part of the message of evangelism, and it involves the nature of saving faith.

It is the content of the message that needs to be carefully examined in our day. Therefore, I am going to spend more time on the doctrinal content of the message of evangelism. Let us take a serious look at these three areas of truth as we have them in Luke 24:46-48...'

Read teh entire article here.