Evangeli-what?
“The Page” is the weekly publication of the Evangelical Christian Union (ECU). ECU is a non-denominational Christian fellowship on campus. We are affiliated with the University of Wollongong Clubs and Societies and our national body, the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students.
But what does the word “Evangelical” mean? Are we anti-abortion pro-Israel six-day creationists? Are we Yet Another Christian Denomination?
The word ‘evangel’ comes from the Greek word ‘euangelion', which is variously translated as ‘good news’, or ‘proclamation’. This evangel, this good news, is about Jesus Christ. It is the proclamation that the Jewish man who walked in 1st century Palestine is God the Son, who died on the cross for the sins of the world, who was raised to life, who sits at the right hand of his Father ruling the universe and who will return to judge.
The label ‘evangelical’ should best be understood not by political or social categories means but theological. Evangelicals are those whose theology is evangelical, or gospel-centred. The evangelical movement crosses denominational, political and social boundaries. What does this look like? Consider these three distinctive features that shape evangelical theology and practice:
The Centrality of the Cross
“For in him [Jesus] the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV)
At the center of evangelical theology is the death and resurrection of Jesus. He died in our place to take the penalty for sin that we deserve and was raised to life, conquering death.
Christ’s death reconciles us to God. It brings forgiveness of sins. It demonstrates God’s victory over sin, evil and the devil. In the cross, we see the awful anger and judgement of God poured out on Jesus. In the cross, we see the love and mercy of God for his people. All of God’s promises to Israel are fulfilled in the cross, and the cross demonstrates to us God’s plan and purpose for the world and the world to come.
The Authority of the Bible
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
All 66 books of the Christian Bible, both Old and New Testament, are the living, active, word of God. As we read and understand the Scripture, God speaks to us through it, calling us to trust and obey him, teaching us about his nature and plans, training us for good works.
However, the Bible is not just a divine book, but also a human one. The authors were human, writing in different genres of writing such as poetry, narrative, letter, prophecy, proverbs, codes of law and genealogy. Our understanding of what God is saying comes through these means and through the historical context of the writing. The whole Bible is a gradual yet complete unfolding revelation of God’s purposes.
The Necessity for Evangelism
“For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’“ Romans 10:13-15 (ESV)
For those of us who believe that Jesus died for the sins of the world, we want to tell everyone what good news this is! For those of us who believe that Jesus is Lord of the Universe and will return to judge, we want to warn everyone to repent and trust Jesus. And it is through this telling or proclamation of the gospel that God will save people.
Sometimes evangelism is scary. People don’t want to hear our message, or mock and laugh at us for our beliefs. Some may even be hostile. But evangelism is more than preaching or walk-up. It is sharing the hope that you have with those in your class. It’s inviting your friends to mission events and chatting with them about what they have learnt.
At ECU, our aim is to present everyone on campus mature in Christ through the proclamation of Jesus’ gospel. We would encourage every Christian person on campus to partner us in this activity.
[Steve Bell]
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