Eternal Impact: Unveiling the Rewards of Evangelism
Evangelism, at its core, is a profound act of sharing the transformative message of God’s love and salvation. While the primary goal is to bring others into a relationship with Christ, the rewards of evangelism extend beyond earthly measures. In the process of spreading the Gospel, both the evangelist and the recipient experience a cascade of blessings that reverberate through time and eternity.
1. Fulfilling the Great Commission
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus imparts a timeless mandate known as the Great Commission: “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.” The act of fulfilling this commission is, in itself, a reward – a divine purpose woven into the fabric of a believer’s identity.
2. Joy in Heaven over Repentant Souls
In Luke 15:7, Jesus reveals the heavenly perspective on repentance: “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Evangelism sets the stage for celestial celebrations as souls turn to Christ, bringing joy to the very heart of God.
3. Transformation of Lives
Witnessing the transformative power of the Gospel in someone’s life is a reward like no other. 2 Corinthians 5:17 beautifully captures this essence: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” As evangelists share the message, they become instruments in God’s hands for the miraculous metamorphosis of hearts and minds.
4. Closer Relationship with God
Engaging in evangelism deepens the evangelist’s relationship with God. It’s an intimate journey of reliance on the Holy Spirit, continuous prayer, and a growing understanding of God’s heart for humanity. Proverbs 11:30 states, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives.” Through evangelism, believers become bearers of the “tree of life.”
5. Heavenly Rewards and Crowns
While earthly rewards are meaningful, the Bible speaks of heavenly rewards and crowns awaiting those who faithfully engage in evangelism. Revelations 22:12 affirms, “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” The crowns mentioned in the New Testament symbolize achievements and faithfulness in various aspects of the Christian journey.
6. Building God’s Kingdom
Evangelism is the cornerstone of building God’s kingdom on Earth. Each soul won is a testament to the expansion of God’s eternal kingdom. Matthew 16:18 records Jesus saying, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Evangelism propels the growth and influence of the Church globally.
7. Eternally Impacting Generations
The ripple effect of evangelism extends beyond individual conversions. As new believers grow in their faith, they become agents of change in their families, communities, and even nations. The impact of a single act of evangelism can reverberate through generations, leaving a lasting legacy of transformed lives.
In conclusion, the rewards of evangelism are both immediate and eternal. It’s a divine assignment that not only fulfills a biblical mandate but also brings immeasurable joy to heaven, transforms lives, and secures heavenly rewards. Evangelism is not merely an obligation but a privilege that unlocks the door to a multitude of blessings for both the evangelist and those reached by the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.
