|
One of the most common 'opening statements' when sharing the good news of the gospel with an unbeliever about is to tell them that 'God loves them'.
Is this Biblical or even accurate?
I hope that when it comes to sharing the Gospel with a non-believer (and everything else that pertains to the Christian life) we would use the first century disciples and apostles as examples of what to do and what to avoid.
The Apostles
So did the earliest church tell unbelievers that God loved them?
Short answer - No!
They never did. Not when they were speaking to a large or small crowd nor to any one person.
In fact, although the word 'love' is used many times in the Epistles (primarily related to the love believers do or should show each other). It is never once seen in the entire book of Acts.
Let me repeat that.
In the many instances of the apostle's evangelical sermons in the book of Acts, the sentiment 'God loves you;' is conspicuous by its absence. Much to the contrary, the apostles stressed that because their listeners had sinned and the day of judgment was approaching they urged them to repent and believe in Jesus Christ whom God had raised from the dead. See every instance of evangelistic preaching in the book of Acts and not what the emphasis was in each case (Below)
So why didn't the apostles begin their evangelical messages by telling their listeners that 'God loved them'. Simply because ...
The Bible
Beginning with John the Baptist's question to the Pharisees, the Bible is very clear that unbelievers will face God's wrath.
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (Matthew 3:7 NASB)
"The one who believes in the Son has eternal life; but the one who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” (John 3:36 NASB)
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18 NASB)
But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, (Romans 2:5 NASB)
However, when it comes to believers as 1 Thessalonians 5:9 says
For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ (NASB)
Also,
For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15 NASB)
For you are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26 NASB)
What About
John 3:16,
"For God so loved the world (Gk. kosmos), that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NASB)
There is no question that God cared so much that He sent His Son to die a horrible death to give people the opportunity to believe and follow Him and thus obtain eternal life. However, although it sounds like it, Jesus was not the Savior of the world nor did He take away the sins of the world - just the sins of those who believe in, follow and obey Him. The Greek word kosmos does not necessarily mean the entire planet, but is also used in a far more limited sense in the New Testament.
The next day he *saw Jesus coming to him, and *said, “"Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29 NASB)
and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One truly is the Savior of the world.” (John 4:42 NASB)
"For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven and gives life to the world.” (John 6:33 NASB)
Again the Pharisees where not saying that even people in China were going after Jesus, but that very many people were following Him. The "world" was simply an expression.
So the Pharisees said to one another, "You see that you are not accomplishing anything; look, the world has gone after Him!” (John 12:19 NASB)
Ditto for Paul's words in Romans 8
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the world. (Romans 1:8 NASB)
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NASB)
The Rich Young Man
Mark 10 relates the story of the rich young man who came to Him to ask what he had to do to inherit eternal life. Although it is true that, as Mark wrote, Jesus looked at the young man with love, He told him that he lacked one thing. If he wanted treasures in heaven, he needed to sell all he possessed, give the proceeds to the poor, and follow Him. In other words, to show that he loved God more than he loved his wealth.
Jesus felt compassion for the young man but never once told him that God loved him.
Love Your Enemies
"You have heard that it was said, 'you shall love (Gk. agapao) your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ "But I say to you, love (Gk. agapao) your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (Matthew 5:43-44 NASB)
The Greek word Agape, does not mean the mushy, don't step on any one's toes, avoid stating facts because it might "offend" someone baloney as it commonly perceived in this day and age. In fact, Agape is not even based on emotion.
When the Bible speaks of loving your neighbour it means you would not turn your back on them if they were in need. When Jesus told the story of the man beaten half dead by thieves, He said that both a Levite and a priest passed by neither of whom stopped to help the wounded man. However, a Samaritan - a sworn enemies of the Jews - bound and dressed the man's wounds, piled him on his beast and took him to the nearest inn. He then he paid the inn keeper to look after the man. Who, as Jesus asked, was the true friend of the wounded man?
Most importantly, this love means endeavoring to save people from eternal death, ie. telling them how they too can be forgiven their sins and live forever in God's coming kingdom. In fact, because eternity is a very long time, this is the most important, though not exclusive way we can show "love" for our fellow man.
The following section is by Gregory Koukl of Stand To Reason
The list below includes every instance of evangelistic preaching in the book of Acts, a summary of content, and an analysis of emphasis.
1. Pentecost, Acts 2:14-39
Peter notes the manifestations of the Holy Spirit that all had been witnessing, then ties them to the fulfillment of prophecy of Joel about the last days. He then preaches Jesus as the Messiah attested to by miracles and by the resurrection which was prophesied by David and the guilt of the crowd for the crucifixion.
The emphasis is on forgiveness of sin by Jesus the Messiah. There is no mention of God's love or a relationship with Him.
2. Peter at the Gate Beautiful, Acts 3:12-26
After Peter and John healed a man lame from birth, Peter placed the blame for Jesus’ death on the shoulders of the listeners. He then appealed to fulfilled prophecy and told them either to believe and return and thus receive forgiveness and times of refreshing, or be destroyed.
The emphasis is on forgiveness of sin by Jesus the Messiah. There is no mention of God's love or a relationship with Him.
3. Peter before the High Priest, Acts 4:8-12
Peter attributes the healing of the man lame from birth to Jesus the Messiah, whom the Jews had crucified, but whom God had raised from the dead. He quotes prophecy and says there is no other means of salvation but through Jesus. Peter then refuses to be silent about the Gospel.
The emphasis is on forgiveness of sin by Jesus the Messiah. There is no mention of God's love or a relationship with him.
4. Peter's Defense a Second Time before the Council, Acts 5:29-32
Peter proclaims the resurrected Christ as Prince and Savior who brings forgiveness of sin and gives the gift of the Holy Spirit. He accuses the Council of putting Jesus to death. They are so infuriated they want to kill the Apostles. Instead, on the advice of Gamaliel, the believers are flogged and released.
There is no mention of God's love or any kind of tender relationship with Him.
5. Stephen's Defense before the Council, Acts 7:1-60
Stephen recounts the history of the Jews in which they constantly rebel, rejecting God's deliverer. He accuses the Jews of being stiff-necked, resisting the Holy Spirit just as their forefathers had. He accuses them also of betraying and murdering the Righteous One, the Messiah. They are so filled with rage they murder him.
Emphasis is on the guilt of the Jews. There is no mention of God's love.
6. Peter's Message to the Household of Cornelius, Acts 10:34-43
Peter talks of the ministry of Jesus, His miracles, death on the cross, and resurrection. Peter tells the Gentiles it is his job to solemnly testify that Jesus is the One appointed by God to judge the world, that Jesus’ coming was prophesied, and that belief in Him brings forgiveness of sin.
The emphasis is on Jesus, the prophesied Messiah who either brings judgment or forgiveness of sin. There is no mention of God's love.
7. Paul's Message to the Jews in the Synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, Acts 13:16-41
Paul preaches Jesus as the anticipated Savior, affirmed by John the Baptist, crucified by the Jews, who rose from the dead in fulfillment of prophesy. Paul then proclaims forgiveness of sin and freedom from the Law for all who believe.
Paul proclaims Jesus the prophesied Messiah crucified and resurrected. His emphasis is on forgiveness amidst warning.
8. Paul at the Areopagus in Athens, Acts 17:22-31
Paul discloses the nature of the "unknown God," One who is responsible for all creation, and in whom we all depend for our very existence. He calls all men to repent, because God has appointed a judge, a man who has risen from the dead.
Emphasis is on the nature of God, and the reality of judgment. There is no mention of relationship or God's love.
9. Paul's Defense before the Jews in Jerusalem, Acts 22:1-21
Paul gives his testimony, detailing his persecution of Christians motivated by his zeal toward God, his conversion on the road to Damascus, and how his sins were washed away in Jesus' name. When he mentions his mission to the Gentiles, however, the Jews protested violently.
Emphasis is on Paul's personal encounter with Christ, his own forgiveness from sin, and his subsequent mission. There is no offer of personal relationship with God or mention of God's love.
10. Paul's Defense before the Sanhedrin, Acts 23:1-6
Paul says he is on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead. There is no mention of the love of God.
11. Paul's Defense before the governor, Felix, Acts 24:10-21
Paul establishes his innocence regarding the Jews' charges, then affirms the Law and the Prophets and the general resurrection of both righteous and wicked, a belief for which he says he is on trial.
There is no mention of God's love or even of forgiveness.
12. Paul before Felix and Drusilla, Acts 24:24-25
Paul speaks of righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come which frightens Felix who then sends Paul away.
There is no mention of God's love or of a personal relationship with Him.
13. Paul's Defense before the Agrippa, Acts 26:1-29
Paul gives his testimony, noting the importance of the resurrection. He tells of the commission Jesus had given him, proclaiming the Gospel with a goal of deliverance from Satanic darkness to receiving forgiveness and an inheritance from God. Paul claims his message is the same as the prophets regarding the Messiah's suffering and resurrection.
Emphasis is on the resurrection of Christ, prophetic fulfillment and forgiveness, and Paul's responsibility to preach the Gospel. There is no mention of love or a relationship with God.
The love of God is never mentioned a single time in the entire book of Acts.
Conclusion
So what should we tell unbelievers? Tell them exactly what the apostles did. God certainly did love the world so much that Jesus made the supreme sacrifice in order to save as many as possible. See Salvation
Warn them of His coming judgment of our sins, then tell them that all is not lost. Because as 1 John 1:9 says
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
The warning could and should include Romans 2:4-6 that says,
Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who ho will repay each according to his deeds. (Romans 2:4-6 NASB)
|
