How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”

Romans 10:14-15 

In light of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16) it’s difficult to imagine the Christian faith void of evangelism. But there are several reasons why some might take a non-evangelical attitude.

Doctrine

While there are a variety of doctrinal positions covering a wide range of biblical topics, it is highly possible that our doctrine might be affecting the way that we view evangelism. Consider a doctrine that promotes the idea that God is not interested in saving some people. While this doctrine often boasts of being evangelical, it does seem illogical to desire to share the gospel with others, in an effort to lead them to salvation, while God Himself is apathetic to their plight. For some, this could be the reason why evangelism is abandoned.

Tradition

Quite frankly, some Christian traditions simply don’t promote evangelism. A study of church history would be necessary for us to completely understand the “why” behind these attitudes but tradition can have an incredibly strong influence on the lives of many in the Christian community. Some professing believers simply want to live in the comfortability that ritualistic motion and private faith bring. When we do not engage with others in matters of faith, it allows us to exist in the world of our personal beliefs, keeping us safe from any unwanted distress.

Apathy 

For some, caring about the spiritual condition of others simply does not exist. When our faith becomes about us to the exclusion of everyone else in the world, apathy can set in causing us to neglect our responsibility of sharing the good news with others. Perhaps we get discouraged over failed attempts at evangelism. Perhaps we are led to believe that the world doesn’t care anymore, leaving us to answer the question, “If they do not care, then why should I?” Whatever the reason, apathy for others will work to destroy the process of evangelism.

Today’s passage is a reminder that we are all to share with everyone the wonderful life that we enjoy because of our relationship with Christ. Scripture tells us that, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). So follow Paul’s logic as we work through each of his statements:

1. How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed?

It is only logical that someone cannot put their trust in someone that they do not know exists. To suggest that we can have a relationship with someone else in the world in whose existence we have no knowledge and who knows not of our existence would be ridiculous. We must first meet them in order to begin building such a relationship.

2. How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard?

So the next logical question addresses how these people, who do not know about Jesus, are going to believe in Him if they have never heard about Him. This seems to be one of the best arguments for carrying out the Great Commission. We have to seek out, speak to, and share with people in order for them to hear the good news. If we remain silent, these people may go through their entire lives void of knowing the name of Jesus. Regardless of how people respond, we must let Jesus’ name be heard.

3. And how will they hear without a preacher?

This is perhaps the most misunderstood portion of Paul’s argument. Unfortunately, some translations have rendered the word in this passage as “preacher.” This might leave people with the mindset that Paul is only referring to those who are in vocational ministry, especially those who take on the title of “preacher.” But the word actually being used in this passage is the Greek kerusso, which can be defined as “to be proclaimed” or “to be herald.” In other words, this is not person specific. It includes everyone who proclaims the good news to others. This passage can be applied to the whole church, not just those who have answered a calling to ministry.

4. How will they preach (proclaim) unless they are sent?

It is the responsibility of those who lead the church to equip all of the members with the necessary tools for growing spiritually and making disciples (Ephesians 4:11-13). In other words, the church should be in the business of multiplication and, because we serve an awesome God, exponentially at that. As we grow in our faith and allow the power of the Spirit to equip us, we can see evangelism begin to take place in our lives. And as we grow in the knowledge that God loves the world (John 3:16), that Jesus dies for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2), and that God desires for all mankind to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4), we can fully embrace the commission that Jesus has given to us.

Non-evangelical Christianity seems to work against the very instructions that Christ has given to us. It really is our responsibility to make sure that everyone has had the opportunity to hear about the salvation that can only be found in the name of Jesus! To whom will you proclaim this news today?

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!