The Great Commission: A Biblical Review of Evangelism and Every Believer's Role

Digging Deeper

Declare Witness

Witnessing for Christ is central to the identity and mission of every believer.   Because your testimony is grounded in a personal encounter with truth, your witness is a natural overflow of genuine thanksgiving.  As you are captured by the price Christ paid for your redemption – as His truth grasps your innermost core – you cannot help but desire others to know Him as you do.  You are driven by a sense of urgency for others to experience the freedom of reconciliation with the Father.  “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”  2 Corinthians 5:20

While the church – the body of believers – has an important role in declaring witness for Christ, too many Christians abandon their personal responsibility to the church.  Such attitudes and behaviors are contrary to Christ’s command.  Matthew 28:18-20 records Jesus’ directive: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.   Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Scripture is clear we are to witness to the person and work of Jesus Christ.  This gospel message is summarized in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4: “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved … that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”   Acts 4;12 declares the exclusivity of the gospel message: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” 

Your witness declares Jesus’ resurrection and lordship as your confession and belief proclaims salvation.  Romans 10:9-10 reveals: “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”  Declare your gratitude as directed by Psalm 107:2: “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble.” 

Witness glorifies God by proclaiming His character and His saving work.  Romans 1:16 exclaims: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”  Yet, your witness is not with human strength, but with Spirit-empowered boldness.  Acts 1:8 promises: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.”   Luke 12:12-12 assures believers: “Do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

Your witness goes beyond your words to permeate every aspect of your life.  Matthew 5:14-16 says: “You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  While good works will not save you, they do authenticate your witness and draw others to Christ.  To adapt a popular quote from St Francis of Assisi – “Witness at all times; use words when necessary.” 

Clearly, the greatest witness you can offer someone who has experienced “Christian” hypocrisy is your personal integrity.  1 Peter 3:15 teaches readiness: “In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience.”  Such witness enables you to respond powerfully should you suffer unjustly for your witness.  1 Peter 3:16-17 continues about speaking with a clear conscience: “so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.  For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”

Speak always of God’s transformative work in you. Allow honest transparency, without guile or pride, and with humility always. Do not be timid - show up, stand up, speak up - boldly declare witness!

This living witness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, challenges the false narratives of this world.  John 18:37 records Jesus saying: “The reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth.  Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”   Jesus also notes in John 15:8: “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”  Your actions, your character and the way you treat others are powerful testimonies to the reality of God’s work in your life.  When your life aligns with your faith, in demonstration of the power of Christ’s redemption and the work of the Spirit, your witness draws people to the source of your transformation – all to the glory of the Father.