The Work of Evangelism is done by Individual Christians, not the Assembly of Christ

It is common in our society to “invite to church” people of the community as a way to reach and teach the lost. Yet despite their good intentions, this is a practice CONTRARY to the teachings of the New Testament.

Search throughout the entire New Testament and you will not find anywhere an instruction or command to Christians to invite sinners into their assemblies. Nowhere can a biblical example be found of Christians inviting sinners into the assembly of the saints as a way of teaching them the gospel. Nowhere can we find an inescapable conclusion from the biblical text that we may invite sinners into our assemblies as an acceptable way to do the work of evangelism.

The New Testament reveals that it is the responsibility of individual Christians, NOT the assembly, to reach and teach the lost.

After the assembly of Christ began (Acts 2), we can read throughout the book of Acts how individual Christians labored to reach and teach the lost. Like Jesus who sent His disciples out in pairs (Luke 10:1), we read of partnerships or teams of disciples working together to preach the gospel (e.g. Peter & John, Barnabas & Paul; Paul & Silas with Timothy, etc.). Individual Christians would sometimes do the work of evangelism on their own (e.g. Stephen, Philip, Peter, Paul).

Jesus commanded that we GO make disciples (Mat. 28:19; Mark 16:15), not ask sinners to come to us into our assemblies. Like Jesus, Christians are to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10) – seek the lost wherever they may be found and teach them the gospel. Christians taught the lost in many different locations (e.g. temple, houses, town square, marketplace, riverside, school, prison, etc; See Acts) but never in the assemblies of the saints.

To invite sinners into our assemblies before their conversion to Christ is the wrong order! Not only are they unprepared to partake of that which is holy in the assembly; their spiritual needs will not be met. Every sinner needs personal attention from individual Christians who will teach them how to be saved!

Traditionally, many churches have used assemblies, “revivals” or “gospel meetings” as the chief means of reaching the lost. So much so, that most people think of the work of evangelism as primarily inviting people to such meetings so that they may hear the gospel.

To support this approach to evangelism, people will point to what happened on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 as something we can recreate in our assemblies. They will invite multitudes into their assemblies in order to get them to respond to the gospel. Yet this is a wrong application of the text for at least two reasons:

1 First of all, the millions that gathered for Pentecost was not an assembly of the saints, but Jews who were lost in sin. It was only after three thousand became Christians do we then read of the assembly of Christ (Acts 2:41-47).

Secondly, it is falsely assumed that after they were told to repent and be baptized in order to receive forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) that 3,000 of them immediately “came forward” to be baptized into Christ.

The truth is it is only after they received further teaching did the 3,000 then obey the gospel to become Christians:

And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation." Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.” - Acts 2:40-41, NKJV

The process of converting the lost should not be rushed! In order to draw near to the Lord every person needs to listen to God’s word and have a chance to learn it (John 6:43-45). To receive God’s word and be converted, it is essential that every person truly understands the gospel of Christ (Mat 13:15).

Many want quick results by inviting people to a “gospel/revival meeting” or “church service” where they will respond to a “gospel invitation” and be saved. Yet, real meaningful results that lead to actual conversions to Christ will occur much more frequently when individual Christians commit themselves to teaching the lost, giving them the time and personal attention that they need and deserve.

For far too long, with devastating results, people have relied on the church (assembly) to do the work of evangelism that individual Christians were meant to do. Far too many people are “baptized” too soon and as a result unconverted – they get wet but are not truly born again (reborn into the image of Christ).

“Inviting people to church” does not fulfill your responsibility to reach the lost nor is it even a biblical option you have to choose from. Instead, get personally involved in the work of evangelism and let your light shine!

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” - 1 Peter 2:9, NKJV

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16, NKJV

Do not hide your light inside of a “church building” where you wait for sinners to come to you so they may hear the preacher. Be invested in the work yourself. Give your time to reaching and teaching the lost just as the Lord has commanded us to do! (Mat. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15).

2 Is There At Least One Biblical Example of Inviting Unbelievers into the Assembly?

Some assert that we have at least one example of Christians inviting unbelievers into the assembly (e.g. 1 Cor. 14:24-25) and therefore conclude that we may use this method of evangelism with the Lord’s approval.

Those who make such an assertion are taking the verses out of context leading to misunderstandings and errors. A text (or verse) without a context is a pretext and when a verse becomes a pretext the true meaning becomes concealed. We must not take verses out of its context because the context defines how the words or verses are being used. Therefore, let us endeavor to understanding the meaning of this passage in view of the context.

In the first part of this chapter (1 Cor. 14:1-19), instructions are given on the use of gifts and the blessings they offer to others if used properly, in particular the gift of speaking in tongues and the gift of prophecy. Much emphasis is made on the importance of using spiritual gifts for the edification of the assembly.

Repeatedly, tongues and prophecy are compared to one another. The case is made that the gift of prophecy is greater than the gift of tongues (unless it is interpreted) because prophecy does not require interpretation and can readily be understood for the edification of the assembly.

By way of several illustrations, it is demonstrated just how important it is to speak that which can be understood for the edification of the assembly. Tongues most especially need interpretation to be understood!

In the last part of the chapter (1 Cor. 14:27-40), further rules for decency and order in the assembly are given, such as taking turns speaking and for the women to keep silent. All of these instructions are “commandments of the Lord.” No one should choose to be “ignorant” or fail to “recognize” these as such.

With the context in view, we can now proceed to interpret the true meaning and significance of verses 20-26.

20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature. 21 In the law it is written: "With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; and yet, for all that, they will not hear Me," says the Lord. 22 “Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. - 1 Corinthians 14:20-22, NKJV

Brethren/Christians are to be mature in their understanding of God’s word. This is not the case however, with unbelievers who “will not hear Me, says the Lord.” (A quotation from Isaiah 28:11-12). Therefore, what purpose do tongues have?

3 They are not for Christians who already believe in the Lord (believers). They are a “sign” (miracle, wonder, confirmation of God’s power) to unbelievers so that they may believe in the Lord.

In contrast to tongues, prophesying is “for those who believe” or believers who are mature in their understanding of spiritual things and therefore are willing and able to listen to the Lord.

Note: In Scripture, there are different types of prophesy. Often, prophesy was about foretelling future events (e.g. Acts 11:28-30; 21:10-11). On other occasions, prophesy also revealed God’s will (e.g. 2 Chron. 15:1-8; Rev. 1:3) or disclosed hidden truths or mysteries found in His word (Eph. 3:3-5; 2 Peter 1:19-21). Such prophesy is for believers who are spiritually-minded, not unbelievers who are carnally-minded who are unable to receive it (1 Cor. 2:6-16). However, there is another type of prophesy that reveals what is in a person’s heart (e.g. Ezekiel 14:3; John 4:16-19) which could be given to anyone God chooses. This kind of prophesy is described by the apostle Paul later in the passage (1 Cor. 14:24-25).

They would recognize the importance of speaking only what can be understood by the assembly for their edification (vs. 20-21), namely prophesy instead of tongues (not interpreted), when they understood the purpose for each one: “Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.” (v. 23)

While tongues would be more valuable as a sign to unbelievers outside the assembly, they could still be used inside the assembly as long as they were interpreted. And while prophesy is for believers inside the assembly, prophesy could be shared with unbelievers outside the assembly, as God willed it to occur.

Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? - 1 Corinthians 14:23, NKJV

Once again, the apostle Paul teaches by way of illustration as he did earlier in the chapter (vs. 7-11). Notice his use of the word if. The word if is used to describe hypothetical situations that did not normally exist in order to illustrate the importance of order in the assembly. Let’s keep the word if in mind throughout.

Were there situations in which the entire assembly had the gift of tongues and spoke in tongues at the same time? “Do all speak with tongues?” (1 Cor. 12:30). No, because each member of Christ’s body was given a different gift according to the will of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:4-11). So why does Paul paint such an exaggerated picture of everyone speaking in tongues? To illustrate the point on how confusing the assembly becomes when tongues are used without an interpretation.

4 Imagine if all spoke in tongues in the assembly. Not only would it provide no edification to the assembly, it would demonstrate instability and disorder instead of the greatness and glory of God. This would even cause outsiders to conclude that they were “insane” bringing shame and reproach upon the assembly.

Imagine if the “uninformed” (i.e. unlearned, ignorant) or “unbelievers”, both of which are outsiders, were to come into the assembly, they would think you were out of your mind!

24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you. - 1 Corinthians 14:24-25, NKJV

In contrast to all speaking tongues in the assembly (v. 23), imagine if all prophesied. This could immediately be a blessing to others because the words spoken would be understandable and not be spoken in tongues.

Were there situations in which the entire assembly had the gift of prophecy and all prophesied at the same time? “Are all prophets?” (1 Cor. 12:29). No of course not. Again, members had different gifts according to the will of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, for edification to occur, all who prophecy would have to take turns speaking (1 Cor. 14:29-33) in order to avoid confusion. Clearly, this illustration should not be taken literally.

Now imagine if an unbeliever or an uninformed person entered the assembly where “all prophesy.” Their reaction would be completely different to observing the entire assembly all speak in tongues. Instead of witnessing what appeared to be insanity and chaos, they could actually benefit by what was being said and also conclude that God was indeed among them.

Keep in mind that this illustration is purely a hypothetical situation that did not or would not normally exist (i.e. all prophesying and outsiders coming in). Earlier Paul stated that prophesying is not for unbelievers (1 Cor. 14:22). So to make his illustration more effective, he is careful to describe the kind of prophecy that would benefit unbelievers – prophecy that would convince and convict a person by revealing what was in their heart (1 Cor. 14:24-25; cf. Ezek. 14:3; Jn. 4:16-19).

What exactly was the purpose of this illustration? (vs. 24-25)

Many will erroneously use this passage as “proof” that we are authorized by Christ to invite unbelievers into our assemblies. Sinners will be convinced and convicted by the hearing of God’s word and as a result want to worship God!

However, when we take a closer look at the text we soon discover that such an

5 interpretation is inaccurate. We must stay true to the context which will define how these verses are being used if we want to understand its true meaning. The unbeliever was “convinced by all” and “convicted by all” doing what exactly? The saints were all prophesying. Prophecy is about proclaiming something that could only be known by divine revelation. In this case, the secrets of their hearts were revealed. Only God could know the secrets of a person’s heart (1 Kings 8:39; Ps. 44:21; Mark 2:8). Only real prophecy which came from God could reveal what was in a person’s heart.

Now imagine if “all prophesy” (hypothetically, not in actuality) what a major impact this would have on outsiders who entered into the assembly. Profoundly affected by what they heard, they would fall down to worship God and recognize that this was no ordinary group of people assembled together. The one and only true and living God dwelt among them! The saints at Corinth needed to understand that their assembly should always bring honor to God.

Note: After God’s word (the Bible) was completed at the finish of the book of Revelation or in other words after “the perfect” had come (1 Cor. 13:8-10), no additional revelation or prophecy was given and the gift of tongues ceased. This is important to take note of. These verses (1 Cor. 14:24-25) illustrate the impact the use of miraculous gifts had on unbelievers, gifts which have now ceased to exist. Therefore, we could not recreate a similar effect on unbelievers in our assemblies today even if we wanted to. This illustration in no way resembles the modern day practice of inviting unbelievers into the assembly to teach them the gospel. Those who use this passage to support their tradition are grasping at straws!

Furthermore, as we look further into the context, notice that the real point that Paul is making is not that we should invite unbelievers into our assemblies, but that everything we do in the assembly should be understandable so that edification can take place as stated in the very next verse:

How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. - 1 Corinthians 14:26, NKJV

“How is it then, brethren?” This question follows everything that Paul just got done saying. What is actually taking place in your situation? What is the state or condition of your assemblies? How do they compare to what I just described? Paul is calling them to examine the way they conduct their assemblies which should then cause them to make any corrections that may be necessary.

Be absolutely certain that WHENEVER you come together, that ALL things are done for edification. That is the main take away point of this context. Using this passage to support the modern day practice of “church evangelism” not only takes the verses out of their context and misapplies them, it also diminishes the responsibility that Christians have to make certain that whenever they assemble that all things are done for the edification of the saints.

6 Let us remember to always seek harmony with the rest of the Bible when examining any passage of Scripture! If an explanation or interpretation is contrary to the rest of the Bible, it is the wrong interpretation!

To conclude from 1 Corinthians 14:24-25 that we are to invite unbelievers to come to us into an assembly of believers as a means to teach and convert them contradicts a number of passages of Scripture:

Jesus commanded us to go to the people in order to teach them, not ask them to come to us into our assemblies: And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” - Mark 16:15 (See also Matthew 28:18-20)

New Testament examples of the work of evangelism demonstrate that they taught unbelievers most anywhere except in the assemblies of the saints: And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. - Acts 5:42

Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. - Acts 17:17 (Read through the book of Acts for more examples)

The assembly is a gathering of the Lord’s people in fellowship with God and in fellowship with one another - a meeting exclusive to Christians: Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. - Acts 2:41-42 (cf. 1 John 1:5-7)

And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church [assembly] and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. – Acts 11:26 (Read through Acts-Revelation. There is not a trace or hint of an example of the presence of unbelievers with God’s approval.)

Unbelievers are not to be invited to take part in the spiritual acts of fellowship of believers, but instead are to be separate from them: Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said "I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people." Therefore "Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you." 'I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." - 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (cf. Eph. 2:19-22)

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