The Divine and Human Attitude in Evangelism

When discussing evangelism, it seems important to begin with an understanding of both the divine and human attitude. In 2 Cor 5:16-21, the divine attitude is revealed. Verse 18 teaches that God is the Author of reconciliation; verse 19 teaches Jesus is the Agent of reconciliation; and, verse 20 teaches the Christian is the Ambassador of reconciliation. The responsibility and privilege of the Christian in God’s work of reconciliation could not be clearer. Furthermore, it is evident that evangelism begins with God. Evangelism is more about the glory of God than about those who are separated from Christ or those who are proclaiming the Gospel.

Romans 1:1-17 reveals the human attitude. The “I am” statements from the Apostle Paul should be true of every Christian. His statement “I am under obligation” in verse 14 stresses the responsibility to proclaim the Gospel. The “I am eager” statement indicates the proper attitude to characterize all Gospel preaching. The “I am not ashamed” statement indicates the proper testimony of every witness for Christ. These three statements should be characteristic of every Christian. The foundational attitudes taught in these verses should immediately result in the development of a strategy for proclaiming the Gospel.