Evangelicalism is a worldwide transdenominational movement within Protestant Christianity that emphasizes the authority of the Bible, the necessity of personal conversion, and the importance of sharing the Christian faith (evangelism). The term “evangelical” comes from the Greek word euangelion, meaning “good news” or “gospel,” reflecting the movement’s focus on the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Historical Context

Origins and Development

Evangelicalism has its roots in the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, which emphasized the principles of sola scriptura (Scripture alone) and sola fide (faith alone). These principles laid the groundwork for a movement that would later emphasize a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, the authority of Scripture, and the importance of evangelism.

• The Reformation: Figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin laid the theological foundation for Evangelicalism by asserting that salvation is by faith alone and not by works, and that Scripture is the sole authority for Christian life and doctrine.
• The Great Awakenings: The modern Evangelical movement began to take shape during the Great Awakenings of the 18th and 19th centuries in Britain and North America. These were periods of religious revival that emphasized personal conversion experiences, the necessity of being “born again,” and a heartfelt, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Key Figures: Leaders like George Whitefield, John Wesley, and Jonathan Edwards played pivotal roles in these revivals, spreading the message of the gospel with fervor and passion. The movement emphasized the need for individuals to experience a personal transformation through faith in Christ.

20th Century and Beyond

In the 20th century, Evangelicalism continued to grow, particularly in the United States, where it became a major force in American Christianity. The movement saw the rise of influential leaders like Billy Graham, whose evangelistic crusades reached millions worldwide, and organizations like the National Association of Evangelicals, which sought to unite Evangelical Christians across denominational lines.

• Fundamentalism vs. Evangelicalism: In the early 20th century, the rise of theological liberalism within mainline Protestant denominations led to the emergence of Fundamentalism, which sought to defend the core doctrines of the Christian faith against modernist reinterpretations. Evangelicalism, while sharing many of the same concerns, sought to engage with the broader culture in a more positive and less separatist manner, leading to a distinction between the two movements.
• Global Influence: Evangelicalism has also become a global phenomenon, with significant growth in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The movement’s emphasis on the authority of the Bible, personal conversion, and evangelism resonates across cultures, making it one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing segments of Christianity today.

Core Beliefs and Practices

Authority of Scripture

One of the defining characteristics of Evangelicalism is its high view of Scripture. Evangelicals believe that the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God, and that it is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice.

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV):
  

  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

  NIV:

  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

  This passage underscores the Evangelical belief in the Bible’s divine inspiration and its practical application for living a life pleasing to God.

Necessity of Personal Conversion

Evangelicals emphasize the necessity of personal conversion, often referred to as being “born again,” which is based on Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in John 3.

• John 3:3 (KJV):
  

  “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

  NIV:

  “Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.'”

  This emphasis on personal conversion reflects the Evangelical belief that faith in Jesus Christ leads to a transformative experience of salvation, where an individual’s life is changed by the Holy Spirit.

The Centrality of the Cross

Evangelicalism places a strong emphasis on the atoning work of Christ on the cross as the central message of the gospel. The cross is seen as the place where Jesus bore the sins of humanity, offering salvation to all who believe.

• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (KJV):
  

  “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

  NIV:

  “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”

  The emphasis on the cross highlights the Evangelical belief in the necessity of Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life.

Evangelism and Mission

Evangelicals are committed to the Great Commission, the command of Jesus to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). This commitment to evangelism and mission is a hallmark of Evangelical identity, leading to a strong emphasis on sharing the gospel both locally and globally.

• Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV):
  

  “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

  NIV:

  “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.”

  Evangelicals see the proclamation of the gospel as central to their mission, driven by a desire to see others come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Theological Distinctions

Conservative Theology and Biblical Inerrancy

Evangelicalism is often associated with conservative theology, particularly in its affirmation of the inerrancy of Scripture. Evangelicals believe that the Bible is without error in all that it affirms, and they hold to a literal or plain reading of Scripture, especially concerning the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith.

• Psalm 119:160 (KJV):
  

  “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.”

  NIV:

  “All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.”

  This belief in the inerrancy and authority of the Bible is central to the Evangelical worldview, guiding their understanding of doctrine, morality, and practice.

Justification by Faith Alone

A core tenet of Evangelicalism is the belief in justification by faith alone (sola fide). Evangelicals assert that individuals are made right with God solely through faith in Jesus Christ, not by any works or human effort.

• Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV):
  

  “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

  NIV:

  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

  This emphasis on salvation by grace through faith underscores the Evangelical commitment to the doctrine of justification as taught in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul.

The Priesthood of All Believers

Evangelicalism holds to the doctrine of the “priesthood of all believers,” which teaches that every Christian has direct access to God through Jesus Christ and does not need a human mediator, such as a priest, to intercede on their behalf.

• 1 Peter 2:9 (KJV):
  

  “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”

  NIV:

  “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

  This doctrine emphasizes the equality of all believers in Christ and the responsibility of every Christian to live out their faith and share the gospel with others.

Practical Implications for Worship and Life

Worship and Church Life

Evangelical worship is characterized by a focus on preaching, Bible reading, and music that is often contemporary and accessible. Worship services typically emphasize the importance of engaging with God’s Word and responding to the gospel message.

• Hebrews 4:12 (KJV):
  

  “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

  NIV:

  “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

  The centrality of Scripture in worship is a hallmark of Evangelicalism, with sermons often being expository in nature, aimed at applying biblical truths to everyday life.

Evangelism and Social Engagement

Evangelicals are known for their commitment to evangelism and social engagement. They believe in the importance of sharing the gospel with others and are often involved in missions, both at home and abroad. Additionally, many Evangelicals are active in social causes, such as pro-life advocacy, humanitarian aid, and promoting religious freedom.

• James 1:27 (KJV):
  

  “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

  NIV:

  “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

  This verse encapsulates the Evangelical emphasis on living out the Christian faith in practical ways, demonstrating the love of Christ through action as well as word.

Broader Thematic Connections

The Great Commission and Global Missions

Evangelicalism’s focus on the Great Commission has led to a global movement of missions, with Evangelicals playing a leading role in spreading the gospel around the world. This commitment is rooted in the belief that Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations is a mandate for every believer.

• Acts 1:8 (KJV):
  

  “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

  NIV:

  “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, along with the Great Commission, underpins the Evangelical drive for global evangelism, as believers seek to fulfill Jesus’ command by sharing the gospel with all people.

The Doctrine of Christ

Central to Evangelical theology is the doctrine of Christ, particularly His atoning death and resurrection. Evangelicals affirm the deity of Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His substitutionary atonement, and His bodily resurrection and ascension.

• Philippians 2:6-11 (KJV):
  

  “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

  NIV:

  “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

  This passage captures the essence of the Evangelical commitment to Christology, emphasizing both the humility of Christ in His incarnation and His exaltation as Lord of all.

Legacy and Influence in Christian Doctrine

Evangelicalism has had a profound impact on Christianity, particularly in the areas of evangelism, social engagement, and the development of parachurch organizations. The movement has also played a significant role in shaping modern Christian worship, with contemporary Christian music and megachurches being notable expressions of Evangelical culture.

Conservative Reflection on Evangelicalism

From a conservative theological perspective, Evangelicalism is seen as a faithful expression of the core truths of Christianity, grounded in the authority of Scripture and the necessity of personal conversion. Evangelicals are commended for their commitment to evangelism and their emphasis on the transformative power of the gospel.

However, conservative theologians also caution against the potential for theological compromise in the pursuit of cultural relevance. The challenge for Evangelicals is to maintain fidelity to the core doctrines of the faith while engaging the culture in a way that is both loving and truthful.

Final Thoughts on God’s Love and Jesus

At the heart of Evangelicalism is a deep commitment to the gospel message: that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, to save sinners and bring them into a right relationship with Him. Evangelicals seek to live out this message by sharing the love of Christ with others and demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel in their lives.

• John 3:16 (KJV):
  

  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

  NIV:

  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

This verse encapsulates the heart of Evangelicalism, reflecting the movement’s focus on the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ and the call to share this good news with the world.