According to Scripture, what role do biblical Christians have in the world?
I pose this question because followers of Jesus seem often pulled this way and that as a measure of their devotion to Christ, particularly with respect to socio-political matters. Should we simply mind our own business, enjoy life, and let the world do what it does, or become political activists seeking to return America to its Judeo-Christian roots? Is our Christianity “personal” or “public”? How do we juxtapose submitting to “all authority” (Romans 13:1-7) yet standing up for biblical principles against such authority?
One thing is certain. The answer is not indifference.
Biblical Christians live in a world increasingly antagonist toward the Kingdom of God and a biblical worldview. Traditional bastions of Judeo-Christian values, such as the United States, are methodically disintegrating into post-Christian societies. Today, over 350 million Christians worldwide are routinely persecuted, imprisoned, and killed. The current slaughter of Christians in Nigeria alone is testament to this anti-Christian sentiment.[1]
That’s why understanding our role is important. Surely in this battle between good and evil we have a responsibility, right?
Because the Church (the Body of Christ) is a collective organism of those who by God’s grace have embraced the Gospel and subsequently transformed into new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17), with a variety of gifts and callings (1 Corinthians 12:12-27), who align their lives with Christ’s (1 John 2:6), its relationship to the world is expressed in both individual and communal terms.
For example, the description of Christians being “in the world but not of the world” (from John 15:18-25, 17:14-18),[2] refers to each individual Christian as well as the Church, as we see in Jesus’ words:
“Sanctify them [disciples of Christ] by the truth; Your [the Father’s] word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify Myself, that they too may be truly sanctified” (John 17:19).
The terms “sanctify” and “truth” are important. The Greek word here for sanctify (ἁγιάζω – hagiazó) refers to God’s Word living (the sanctification of the saints through the crucifixion of Jesus) and written (our continued sanctification through the truth of the Bible). It means, “to be set apart by God as pure, holy; to be consecrated.” Thus, to understand our role in the world as biblical Christians, we must first understand that we are, through Christ, distinct from it:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
“Since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I [the Lord] am holy’” (1 Peter 1:16).
“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, ‘I will make My dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore, go out from their midst, and be separate from them,’ says the Lord, ‘and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,’ says the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).
What we DO as biblical Christians in the world is a fruit of who we ARE in Christ. Our actions stem from our new identity in Him, fueled by the reality that we are part of a kingdom distinct from and transcending all other kingdoms. We think differently. We see things differently. Again, as Romans 12:2 declares:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” [Emphasis mine]
Considering this, let’s return to the question that begins this post: According to Scripture, what role do biblical Christians have in the world?
Not what role HAS the Church played, but what role SHOULD the Church play—for much has occurred in the name of Christ that is not supported biblically.[3] Biblically, there are three purpose-pillars of the Church:
- Exaltation of God
- Edification of the Saints
- Evangelism of the World
These are interrelated tenets; however, evangelism, generally being the outward expression to the world of the first two pillars, most closely addresses the question of our role in the world. In general, the Bible describes evangelism as being:
- Witnesses of the work of Jesus Christ in our lives.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Jesus to His disciples—Acts 1:8).
From the Greek μάρτυς (martus), the word “witness” here means “to testify as an eyewitness of Christ’s transformative work.” It’s to demonstrate evidence of a changed life and invite others to experience the same.
- Sowers of the seed of the Gospel.
“The farmer sows the word” (Mark 4:14).
In His explanation of how the Gospel is spread, Jesus uses a farming analogy in which He also explains that the Gospel will not always take root and produce fruit—that the farmer’s responsibility is simply to sow. From the Greek σπείρω (speiró), the word “sow” here means “to spread the ideas, precepts, instruction, and hope of the Gospel.” Furthermore, Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 3:3-8 that although we plant and water the seeds of the Gospel, the growth belongs to the Lord. We cannot manufacture a harvest, nor take credit for it when it happens.
- Laborers in the preparation and harvest of souls.
“Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Jesus speaking to His disciples—Matthew 9:38).
Paul reiterates in 1 Corinthians 3:3-9 that it is the Lord’s harvest into which we are called, and this as co-laborers with Him. The Greek word for “laborers” (ἐργάτης – ergatés) in Matthew 9:38 means, “commissioned by a landowner to collect his harvest.” Yet the term “co-laborers” in 1 Corinthians 3:9 adds important meaning. From the Greek συνεργός (sunergos), here it means, “a joint promoter.” It’s not simply that we proclaim the Gospel but that we do so with the Holy Spirit’s power and influence, which should keep us from manufacturing a message to appease the demands of the unregenerate (e.g., “seeker sensitivity”), or as previously noted taking credit for any aspect of our role in the harvest.
- Ambassadors of His kingdom and advocate for biblical principles.
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20a).
From the Greek πρεσβεύω (presbeuó), the word “ambassador” here means, “to fully and with authority represent a foreign kingdom.” To do this we must become familiar with the kingdom we represent by comprehending, possessing, and living out a biblical worldview.
- Salt amid blandness.
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet” (Jesus to His disciples—Matthew 5:13).
From the Greek ἅλας (halas), the word “salt” here means, “that which preserves and adds flavor.” Biblical evangelism influences, changes, and enhances for God’s glory those people and environments to which we’ve been called. Over time, people recognize a peculiarity in our interactions with them—a Divine encounter.
- Lights amid darkness.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Jesus to His disciples—Matthew 5:14-16).
From the Greek φῶς (phós), the word “light” here means, “the imbuement and display of Divine truth, including what this light exposes.” This is why Jesus refers to Himself with the same word (John 8:12). Being “light” means the reality of God is revealed through His Son (Matthew 11:17; John 1:5, 18, 5:37, 14:9-10; 2 Corinthians 4:6, et al), through His creation (Psalm 19:1; John 1:18, 14:9-10; Romans 1:19-25; 1 Corinthians 2:10-12, et al), and now through us, His Church. This “light” also exposes the works of darkness (John 3:20; Ephesians 5:11-14), that the hearer of the Gospel would comprehend the contrast.
- Apologists for the Gospel to all who inquire.
“…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)
Rendered “give an answer” in some translations, the phrase “make a defense” (Greek ἀπολογία – apologia), here means, “a well-reasoned, thoughtful, intelligent defense of the Gospel.” An integral facet of biblical evangelism is the ability to explain and defend the narrative of John 3:16-17:
“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. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”
Collectively, being witnesses, sowers, laborers, ambassadors, salt, light, and apologists for Christ is known as the Great Commission:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Jesus to His disciples, Matthew 28:19-20).
“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Jesus to His disciples, Mark 16:15).
“And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that My house may be filled’” (Parable of the Great Banquet, Luke 14:23).
Notice the verbs “make” (Matthew 28:19), “proclaim” (Mark 16:15), and “compel” (Luke 14:23). Each of these reveals important aspects of biblical evangelism.
- Make. Greek μαθητεύω (mathéteuó), the word here means, “make an effort to form students (“disciples”) of Jesus Christ.
- Proclaim. Greek κηρύσσω (euaggelion), the word here means, “to publicly herald a message.”
- Compel. Greek ἀναγκάζω (anagkazó), the word here means, “to persuade with urgency.”
Biblical evangelism is public, intentional, and persuasive. It requires conviction that results in courageous action. It’s neither passive nor fickle. It is objective truth spoken in love, even knowing that only those with ears to hear will respond (Matthew 11:15, 13:9; Revelation 2:7, 11, 3:6, 13, 20).
Here you might be thinking, “But I’m not an evangelist. That’s a specific office [calling] in the Church.”
Let’s look at Ephesians 4:11-13 more closely:
“And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ.”
As previously noted, all biblical Christians are called to evangelize within the sphere of influence God has given them. Still, there is a distinct role to the Church that helps make this a reality—that of an evangelist. From the Greek εὐαγγελιστής (euaggelistés), the word here means, “a bringer of good news.”
But why would those who’ve already accepted the Gospel need a “bringer of good news”?
Because in this context, such “good news” is not restricted to the message of salvation in Christ. It’s a form of ongoing encouragement; a reminder of why we have hope, and for what, and in Whom, we exist. As a distinct calling (or “office” as some would say) in the Body of Christ, an evangelist uniquely communicates the story of Christ’s incarnation, and His teachings, to believers.
This is why the gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) are in addition to other roles referred to traditionally as “evangelists”—their narratives are addressed primarily to the Church for its edification, in keeping with Ephesians 4:11-13. They are storytellers whose words, inspired by the Holy Spirit, have informed, persuaded, and edified millions of people over nearly 2,000 years.
Likewise, we have a story to tell.
Therefore, to say, “I’m not called to be an ‘evangelist’” to justify silence and indifference is unbiblical. While we may not possess the “office” of evangelist, we are all called to evangelize the world.
Have you ever heard the quote, “Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words, if necessary”? It’s often used as an excuse for silence or indifference. Not only is the quote falsely attributed to St. Francis of Assisi (there is no record of him saying or writing such a thing), but it also conveys a false premise—that the proclamation of the Gospel does not require explanation. Each time Jesus declared, “Preach (or proclaim) the Gospel,” He used the Greek word κηρύσσω (kérussó), which translates, “to publish or speak in a convincing manner.” Words were inexorably part of the Gospel. Yes, our actions should align with our words and vice versa, but we cannot deny the importance of verbal (or written) proclamation of our story.
Let me use a personal example of the frailty of simply being a nice or moral person, and not explicit, in our witness for Christ.
Early in my corporate career as a Production Planner, and not long after I’d given my life to the Lord, a conversation with a co-worker struck me deeply. It was the end of the day, and several employees were planning to meet up at a nearby bar for drinks. One of them came over to me and said, “I figured you wouldn’t want to go, so I didn’t invite you.” While I may not have engaged in the “drinking,” I wouldn’t have minded joining them. So, I asked, “What makes you think I wouldn’t want to join you?” She smiled, and said, “Well, you’re a Mormon, right? I mean, like John in Accounting. You don’t cuss or drink either, so I just figured you were Mormon.”
I was convicted. Without telling the story of my newfound life in the biblical Christ, by simply being “nice” and “moral,” in the eyes of others, I was no different from my Mormon co-worker…or Buddhist, or nice Atheist person for that matter. Without biblical evangelism, I offered nothing of eternal substance.
Yes, the world will know we are truly followers of the biblical Jesus by our love for one another (John 13:35). Yes, a declaration of our commitment to Christ alone does not equate to an authentic relationship with Him (Matthew 7:21-23; James 1:22-25). But our faith must also be put into action by proclaiming the Gospel.[4]
Lastly, we must understand that our battle against the evil of this world is not against flesh and blood, but against the power and principalities of darkness—the command-and-control centers of evil. As we evangelize, we must also address the powers of darkness that often control, or at least fan the flames of, the evil we see around us:
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
This spiritual battle is waged on our part through preparation and prayer (Ephesians 6:11-12), discernment (1 Peter 5:8), and resisting Satan (James 4:7). It should form the basis for our influence in the world. Taking out the command-and-control centers of Satan in the spiritual realm makes being a witness, sower, laborer, ambassador, salt, light, and apologist for Christ much more effective. It’s a both/and process—spiritual and earthly.
Historically the Church has ebbed and flowed in its evangelistic success. The Early (Apostolic Era) Church changed the Roman Empire through living out Acts 2:42-47:
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awecame upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
They were distinct from the Roman culture, dedicated to equipping and encouraging one another to be witnesses, sowers, laborers, ambassadors, salt, light, and apologists. They took care of the downtrodden, oppressed, and discarded.[5] They also did not allow the world’s ways to infiltrate their community:
“For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the father but are from this world” (1 John 2:16).
“Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4).
The Early Church wasn’t unfriendly to the lost, it simply did not have affection or fondness for the unbiblical ideologies of the lost. It passionately maintained a biblical worldview.
Modern Western “Christianity” has strayed from this biblical foundation. It is dedicated to “self” rather than Christ, eventalism rather than evangelism, motivational quips rather than Scripture, celebrity of preachers rather than the Person of Christ, and mimicking the ways of the world rather than avoiding them. This speaks of a lifeless Church at best, a false Church at worst, which the world largely ignores.
But the good news is that while the Western Church declines in biblical orthodoxy and influence, the Asian/African Church, often under incredible persecution, grows exponentially in size and influence. Why? Because it remains devoted to the three purpose-pillars of the Church (Exalt God, Edify Saints, Evangelize the World), and to being witnesses, sowers, laborers, ambassadors, salt, light, and apologists for Christ.
We can learn from our brothers and sisters here and elsewhere who remain distinctly biblical in their beliefs and behaviors—not perfect, but certainly heading in the right direction. Yes, the world is ever darkening. But let us in response not fall prey to the temptation to be indifferent, silent, or even uncaring, nor rely on our own strength to be witnesses, sowers, laborers, ambassadors, salt, light, and apologists for Christ.
Instead, let us be dedicated to such a role as a reflection of our identity in Christ. What we DO as biblical Christians in the world is a fruit of who we ARE in Christ.
In other words, let’s be like the biblical Jesus.
[1] I encourage you to check out organizations such as Open Doors and The Voice of the Martyrs for more information, and prayer.
[2] While the exact phrase “in the world but not of the world” nowhere appears in these passages, the sentiment is inferred by phrases such as “…If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” and “…My prayer is not that You [the Father] take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.”
[3] Such as indulgences, prosperity gospel, universalism, legalism, subjectivism, etc.
[4] Here I must note that “They will recognize them by their fruits” is often misapplied to Christians. In fact, in Matthew 7:15-20 Jesus refers to the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, not believers. A better application occurs in 1 John 3:7-10 with the comparison between children of God and children of the Devil.
[5] The Church famously rescued abandoned babies from the Roman practice of infanticide, known as expositio, in which unwanted children were thrown into trash heaps.
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