Why do Christians believe in proselytization?

Answer

The origin of the word proselyte is a Greek term meaning “stranger” or “newcomer.” Initially, a proselyte was merely a convert to Judaism, typically from Greek paganism. Nowadays, the term proselyte pertains to a recent convert to any faith or belief system. Proselytization involves the pursuit of converts, a duty that Christians are instructed to fulfill (Matthew 28:18-20).

While Christians are instructed to proselytize, the Bible emphasizes that the transformation of the human heart is primarily an act of God. Before the disciples could spread the gospel worldwide, Jesus instructed them to await the arrival of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem «And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. », (Luke 24:49). Converting a proselyte involves more than just securing agreement to a set of doctrines. A genuine convert is someone who has been revived from spiritual death «And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; », (Ephesians 2:1), born anew «Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. », (John 3:3), and rescued from the dominion of darkness to be transferred into the realm of righteousness «who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: », (Colossians 1:13). The conversion of a proselyte is undeniably the work of God. It is “not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.”

It says the LORD Almighty” «Then he answered and spoke unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. », (Zechariah 4:6).

However, there is also a human element required in the process of proselytization. When Cornelius needed to be saved, God sent a human preacher (Peter) to share the gospel with him. “Peter opened his mouth” «Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: », (Acts 10:34, ESV), and so must we. “How can they hear without someone preaching to them?” «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? », (Romans 10:14). It has pleased God “through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe” «For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. », (1 Corinthians 1:21).

Christians believe in proselytization because we believe that the universal problem (sin) has a universal solution (Christ’s sacrifice). “All have sinned” «for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; », (Romans 3:23) and are deserving of death. Yet Christ “was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” «who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification.», (Romans 4:25). This is the gospel, the good news that must be shared with a needy world. We evangelize because we believe the need is urgent.

Christians strive to evangelize all nations because Jesus desires all nations to hear and respond to the gospel «and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. », (Luke 24:47). Jesus did not speak of conversion to a religious system, but He presented Himself as the freedom of the oppressed and a sign of the Lord’s favor (Luke 4:18-19). Concerning the nations, God says He will transform the speech of the peoples to a pure language, so that they may call upon the name of the Lord and serve Him «For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent. », (Zephaniah 3:9). This prophecy of Zephaniah refers to the eventual conversion of the believing from all nations, demonstrating that God loves and calls people of all races, nationalities, and creeds to be His own. The prophecy continues to say that the people will seek refuge in God’s name, and there will be no more deceit and no more fear.

Christians believe in evangelism because we believe in this refuge of God, and we desire all people to come to Him and experience His rest, peace, and love. It is a joyful thing for a Christian—perhaps the most joyful thing—to know that those we know and love are secure in Him «And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. », (Acts 15:3).

Christians participate in witnessing, sharing the gospel, and proclaiming the truth (all considered evangelism) for the sake of that joy. We are compelled by the Holy Spirit to speak, and those who embrace the faith are also drawn by Him. This is one distinction between Christianity and other faiths. A genuine convert to Christianity is drawn by God Himself, not coerced into conversion by human methods «No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. », (John 6:44).