Will people go to hell if I don't share the gospel?

"Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes." —Ephesians 1:4 (NLT)

The idea that we might be personally responsible for whether a person is saved or goes to hell is absolutely terrifying. What if we're shy or get tongue-tied? What if we break out in a sweat whenever we think about sharing the gospel with strangers? What if we run out of time before we can say everything we're supposed to say? Will a lack of action send others to hell? If we keep our mouths shut and say nothing, does that condemn the lost people we meet to eternal damnation?

Some Christians believe that God will call anyone He wants to salvation and that any effort on our part is actually a waste of time. On the other end of that idea, some Christians insist people will go to hell if we don't ever share the gospel. Neither of these extreme views is biblical.

God is Fully in Control

Truly, God doesn't need us. If He couldn't save souls without our personal involvement, He wouldn't be sovereign. Jesus said, "For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up" (John 6:44, NLT). The Apostle Paul echoed Jesus' words in Romans 8:28-30 and Ephesians 1:4-5.

We can all be thankful God didn't leave the salvation of others solely in our hands. Humans are messy and fallible and make mistakes all the time; that's kind of our thing. Thankfully, God is in charge. He is not dependent upon us. The eternal fate of others is not left to reluctant Christians who have a fear of sharing their faith. Neither do we get credit when someone responds to the gospel which we have shared.

At the same time, God commands His followers to evangelize. Jesus commissioned us to "go and make disciples" (Matthew 28:18-20). Paul pointed out people can't believe in Jesus unless someone tells them about Him (Romans 10:14). God's plan is to use our efforts—somehow—to fulfill His will.

What, then, is really at stake? If God doesn't NEED us, then why bother?

God's Invites Us to Participate

Maybe it feels pointless if God doesn't NEED us. But it's also true to say God WANTS us to participate. God is inviting us to share in His work (Ephesians 4:11-16)! Our heavenly Father provides us opportunities to work alongside Him, and we have the great privilege to be a part of the process. What an honor! What could be better than to be doing work for our Father's kingdom? And we'll be rewarded for our obedience too.

"Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!" —Matthew 25:23 (NLT)

No one is going to hell because of someone else's reluctance or laziness. God will not be thwarted by our disobedience—or awkwardness or shyness. If one person refuses to share the gospel, He will appoint someone else. And that person will receive the accolades and commendations instead.

God is pleased when we choose to obey Him. Jesus told His disciples, "I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here" (John 14:31). Why would we want to miss out on this?

"I am eager to preach the gospel... For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes..." —Romans 1:15-16

ALSO SEE:

• What is the gospel?
• What is salvation?
• What is evangelism?
• If evangelism is a spiritual gift, why do we all have to do it?
• How do I get my friend to accept Christ?
• How do I evangelize without turning people away?
• A Beginnger's Guide to Sharing the Gospel
• Too Shy to Share the Gospel
• Should I be prepared to step outside my comfort zone?
• What does it mean that God is sovereign?
• Does everything happen for a reason?