The act of sharing the gospel is fundamental to many faiths, yet some may struggle with this responsibility. The Bible encourages believers to spread the good news and provides motivation for doing so. Let’s look at the Scriptures that address the importance of sharing the gospel.
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What Does The Bible Say About not sharing the gospel
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
This verse highlights the reality that some people may not be receptive to the gospel message. It underscores the spiritual blindness that can prevent unbelievers from understanding and accepting the truth of the gospel. It serves as a reminder of the importance of sharing the gospel with others, as they may not have the opportunity to encounter it on their own.
The veiling of the gospel is attributed to the influence of the enemy, who seeks to keep people in darkness and ignorance. Thus, as followers of Christ, it is our responsibility to actively share the light of the gospel, knowing that it has the power to bring salvation and transform lives.
Mark 16:15
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’
This verse contains the Great Commission given by Jesus to His disciples. It is a clear command to share the gospel with all people. The gospel is not meant to be kept within the confines of the church, but rather proclaimed to the whole world.
“All creation” emphasizes the universality of the gospel message. It is not limited to a specific group or nationality but extends to every person, regardless of their background or circumstances. This verse underscores the fact that every individual has a right to hear the gospel and deserves the opportunity to respond to its life-changing message.
Romans 10:14
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
This verse poses a series of thought-provoking questions. It highlights the interconnectedness between belief, hearing, and preaching. Without someone sharing the gospel, people may not have the chance to believe in Christ and experience His salvation.
It emphasizes the importance of actively proclaiming the gospel, as it is through the preaching of the Word that faith is awakened in the hearts of individuals. This verse challenges us to consider the role we play in making the gospel known and inviting others into a relationship with Jesus.
Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
This verse expresses the apostle Paul’s firm conviction in the power of the gospel. He declares his lack of shame and fear in proclaiming it, recognizing that it holds the potential to bring salvation to all who believe.
Despite potential opposition or societal pressures, Paul remains unashamed because he understands the transformative effect of the gospel message. This verse encourages believers to boldly share the gospel, recognizing that its power goes beyond human eloquence and persuasion, but rests in the work of God to bring about salvation.
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
This verse highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to be witnesses for Christ. It emphasizes that the mission of sharing the gospel is not to be carried out in human strength alone, but with the divine power of the Holy Spirit.
By mentioning Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth, this verse emphasizes the scope of the gospel’s reach. It challenges believers to take the message of salvation beyond their immediate surroundings and into unreached regions. It reminds us that the Holy Spirit equips us to fulfill the Great Commission and make disciples of all nations.
1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of being ready to share the reason for our hope in Christ. It encourages believers to have an internal posture of reverence towards Christ as Lord, which should naturally flow into external actions that reflect the hope we have in Him.
As we interact with others, they may inquire about the source of our faith and hope. This verse reminds us to be prepared to explain the gospel with gentleness and respect, recognizing that our words and demeanor can greatly impact how the message is received.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This verse is often referred to as the Great Commission and serves as a mandate for all believers to make disciples. It involves not only sharing the gospel but also guiding new believers in their journey of faith, baptizing them, and teaching them to live in obedience to Christ’s commands.
It is a reassurance that the presence of Jesus will accompany and empower believers as they fulfill this mission, regardless of the challenges or opposition they may face. This verse reminds us that sharing the gospel is not an isolated event but an ongoing process of discipleship and spiritual growth.
Luke 14:23
“Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.”
This verse provides a parable in which the master instructs his servant to invite people into his house. It depicts the urgency and determination with which we should approach sharing the gospel, going beyond only inviting the willing and actively seeking out those who may not have heard or responded.
It challenges believers to step outside their comfort zones, reaching out to people in various contexts and situations, compelling them to come and experience the love and grace of God. This verse motivates us to be intentional and persistent in our efforts to share the gospel, desiring to see the house of God filled with those who have embraced salvation through Jesus.
1 Corinthians 9:16
“For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”
This verse highlights the Apostle Paul’s deep sense of responsibility to preach the gospel. He recognizes that it is not a matter of personal choice or self-promotion but rather a divine calling and compulsion.
It serves as a reminder that the gospel message is not to be treated lightly or neglected. As believers, we are entrusted with the message of salvation, and failing to share it carries serious consequences. This verse underscores the urgency and importance of faithfully proclaiming the gospel to all who will listen.
Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
This verse uses the metaphor of light to depict the role of believers in the world. It emphasizes that Christians are called to stand apart and make a positive impact in their surroundings, rather than secluding themselves or hiding their faith.
By letting our light shine through good deeds and godly character, we have the opportunity to draw others to Christ and bring glory to God. This verse encourages us to live in a way that reflects the truth and love of the gospel, illuminating the darkness around us and pointing others to the source of all light.
John 20:21
“Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’
In this verse, Jesus speaks to His disciples after His resurrection, commissioning them to go out into the world just as He was sent by the Father. It reinforces the idea that sharing the gospel is not an optional task but a divine assignment given by Christ Himself.
It reminds us that we are called to be representatives of Jesus, continuing His mission on earth. Just as Jesus brought peace to the world, we are to carry His message of reconciliation and peace, inviting others into a relationship with Him.
Romans 10:17
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”
This verse highlights the crucial connection between hearing the message of the gospel and developing faith. It affirms that faith is not a product of human effort or reasoning, but rather a response to the message of Christ.
It underscores the vital role of sharing the word about Christ, as faith cannot be ignited without first hearing the message. This verse encourages believers to actively engage in sharing the gospel, recognizing that it has the power to spark faith and transform lives.
Isaiah 6:8
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'”
In this passage, Isaiah responds to God’s call by willingly offering himself to be sent on His behalf. It serves as an example of a willing heart that is ready to share the message of God.
It challenges believers to adopt a similar posture of readiness and willingness to be used by God for the purpose of sharing the gospel. This verse reminds us that being actively engaged in spreading the message of salvation requires a willingness to leave our comfort zones and respond to God’s call with a resounding “Here am I, send me!”
1 Thessalonians 2:4
“On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.”
This verse emphasizes the motivation behind sharing the gospel. It reminds us that our primary focus should be to please God rather than seeking acceptance or approval from others.
By recognizing that we have been entrusted with the gospel and appointed by God, we are driven by a desire to faithfully fulfill our calling and stewardship. This verse encourages believers to prioritize the message of the gospel above the opinions and expectations of people, knowing that it is God who evaluates and tests the integrity of our hearts.
Luke 24:46-47
“He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.’
In these verses, Jesus instructs His disciples about the message they are to proclaim. He emphasizes the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies and the need for repentance and forgiveness of sins, which will be preached in His name to all nations.
This verse serves as a reminder that the gospel is ultimately about Jesus and His redemptive work. It emphasizes the universal scope of the message, beginning with Jerusalem but extending to all nations. It inspires believers to faithfully share the transformative power of Christ’s death and resurrection, inviting others to experience forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
Acts 4:12
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
This verse makes a bold declaration about the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ. It asserts that there is no alternative path or means of being saved apart from faith in Him.
It underscores the uniqueness and centrality of Christ’s role in the plan of salvation. This verse serves as a powerful incentive to share the gospel, recognizing that the eternal destiny of individuals hinges on their response to the name of Jesus, which alone brings salvation.
Matthew 9:37-38
“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
These verses express Jesus’ observation about the abundance of souls in need of salvation. He compares them to a plentiful harvest, but highlights the scarcity of workers to gather it.
It challenges believers to recognize the urgent need for more laborers in the harvest field of souls. By asking the Lord of the harvest to send out more workers, we align ourselves with His heart and participate in the divine mission of reaching the lost. These verses serve as a reminder to fervently pray for more laborers and to be willing ourselves to heed the call.
1 Corinthians 1:18
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.”
This verse acknowledges that the message of the cross, which lies at the heart of the gospel, can appear foolish to those who are outside of a saving relationship with Christ. It can be incomprehensible and illogical from a worldly perspective.
However, it reveals that to those who are being saved, the message of the cross holds the power of God, bringing salvation and transformation. This verse motivates believers to share the gospel despite potential ridicule or disbelief, knowing that it is through the message of the cross that lives are eternally changed.
Psalm 96:3
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
This verse exhorts believers to declare the glory of God among the nations and proclaim His marvelous deeds to all peoples. It emphasizes the global nature of the mission to share the gospel and praises God for His greatness and faithfulness.
It inspires believers to actively participate in spreading the good news of God’s love and salvation, recognizing that the message of the gospel transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. This verse challenges us to join in the universal chorus of declaring the greatness and glory of God to every nation and people group.
Psalm 105:1
“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.”
This verse calls believers to give praise to the Lord and proclaim His name among the nations. It emphasizes the importance of making known the works of God and sharing His acts of deliverance and faithfulness with others.
It reminds us that the gospel is not just a private matter of personal faith but a message to be proclaimed and shared with the world. This verse encourages believers to be intentional in declaring the name of the Lord, sharing the testimonies of His goodness, and inviting others to encounter His love and grace.