Why do Christians believe in proselytization?
Proselytization: The Call to Make Disciples and the Work of God
The term proselyte originates from the Greek word proselytos, meaning “stranger” or “newcomer.” Historically, it referred specifically to Gentile converts to Judaism, often from Greek paganism, who adopted Jewish practices and worshiped the God of Israel. Over time, the term has expanded to describe new converts to any religion or belief system. Today, proselytization refers to the act of seeking converts to one’s faith, and for Christians, it is an essential part of obedience to the Great Commission. Jesus commands His followers in Matthew 28:19–20 (NKJV): “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
While Christians are indeed called to evangelize, Scripture is clear that conversion is ultimately the work of God. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts, draws, and regenerates the human heart. This lesson explores the divine and human roles in proselytization, the biblical basis for evangelism, and the urgency and joy of fulfilling this command.
The Divine Work in Conversion
Before addressing the human responsibility in evangelism, it is crucial to recognize that true conversion is a supernatural act of God. Salvation begins with God, is carried out by His power, and is sustained by His grace. Jesus told His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit before beginning their mission, saying in Luke 24:49 (NKJV): “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” The Holy Spirit empowers believers to proclaim the gospel and works in the hearts of hearers to bring them to faith.
The Bible teaches that conversion is not merely a change of opinion or a decision to follow a new set of doctrines. It is a profound transformation in which the sinner is made alive in Christ. Ephesians 2:1 (NKJV) declares: “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Jesus describes this transformation as being “born again” in John 3:3 (NKJV): “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” It is God who rescues us from spiritual darkness and brings us into the kingdom of light: “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love” (Colossians 1:13, NKJV).
The making of a proselyte, therefore, is not accomplished by human persuasion or effort but by the Spirit of God. As Zechariah 4:6 (NKJV) reminds us: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord of hosts.
The Human Role in Proselytization
While conversion is God’s work, He has chosen to use human instruments to proclaim the message of salvation. Evangelism is a partnership between God and His people. When Cornelius, a Gentile, needed to hear the gospel, God sent Peter to share it with him. Acts 10:34 (NKJV) records that “Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.’” Just as Peter proclaimed the message of Christ, so must every believer open their mouth and share the good news.
The Apostle Paul emphasizes the necessity of preaching in Romans 10:14 (NKJV): “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” God has ordained that the gospel be spread through the faithful proclamation of His people. Paul also writes in 1 Corinthians 1:21 (NKJV): “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.”
As Baptist theology emphasizes, proselytization is not about coercion or manipulation but about faithfully presenting the truth of God’s Word, trusting the Holy Spirit to do the work of conviction and regeneration. John 6:44 (NKJV) declares: “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
The Gospel: The Universal Solution to the Universal Problem
Christians engage in proselytization because we believe that all people, regardless of nationality, race, or background, share the same problem—sin. Romans 3:23 (NKJV) declares: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The consequence of sin is death, but the solution is found in Jesus Christ. Romans 4:25 (NKJV) says: “Who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.” This is the gospel—the good news that Christ’s death and resurrection provide the only means of salvation for a sinful world.
The gospel must be shared urgently because the stakes are eternal. Jesus commands that the gospel be preached to all nations. Luke 24:47 (NKJV) states: “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Christians do not seek to convert others to a religious system but to lead them to a personal relationship with Christ, who offers freedom from sin and eternal life.
The Joy of Evangelism
One of the greatest joys for a Christian is seeing someone come to faith in Christ. Acts 15:3 (NKJV) describes how the early church celebrated the conversion of Gentiles: “So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren.” Sharing the gospel is not a burdensome duty but a privilege that brings joy to both the evangelist and the new believer.
Proselytization is driven by love—love for God, love for His truth, and love for those who are lost. It is the Holy Spirit who compels believers to share the gospel and who draws sinners to Himself. This distinguishes Christianity from other religions, which often rely on human effort to win converts. In Christianity, the true work of conversion is done by God Himself.
God’s Heart for All Nations
God’s desire is for people from every nation to worship Him. Zephaniah 3:9 (NKJV) prophesies: “For then I will restore to the peoples a pure language, that they all may call on the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one accord.” This prophecy points to the future conversion of believers from all nations, showing that God’s plan of redemption is global in scope. God loves and calls people of all races, nationalities, and backgrounds to Himself, offering them refuge, peace, and eternal life.
Conclusion
Proselytization is both a command and a privilege for Christians. While conversion is ultimately the work of God, believers are called to proclaim the gospel boldly and faithfully. Matthew 28:19–20 (NKJV) serves as the Christian’s marching orders: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
As Baptists, we affirm the urgency and necessity of evangelism, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to draw sinners to Christ. The gospel is the universal solution to the universal problem of sin, and it must be shared with love, boldness, and a reliance on God’s Word. Let us rejoice in the privilege of participating in God’s work of redemption, knowing that every soul saved brings glory to His name. Acts 1:8 (NKJV) reminds us: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
