Dispensational, Reformed, Calvinistic, Arminian, Premillennial, Amillennial, Evangelical, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, and others are terms we hear in Christian circles, but still may ask, “What does that mean?” It’s frustrating to hear terms like this in conversation, not understand them, and feel like an outsider. But when you do comprehend, you are able to follow along, participate, and even be sanctified. This devo will focus on the meaning of term evangelical.

What is an evangelical Christian? It is a Christian who is committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the most central tenets of Scripture.¹ This “movement in modern Christianity, transcend[s] denominational and confessional boundaries, [and] emphasizes conformity to the basic tenets of the faith and a missionary outreach of compassion and urgency.”² Key to remembering this is understanding the word “evangelical”. “The word is derived from the Greek noun euangelion, translated as glad tidings, good or joyful news, or gospel…and verb euangelizomai, to announce good tidings of or to proclaim good news.”³ Thus, an evangelical Christian is one devoted to the Gospel and the most central aspects of the Christian faith. But what exactly are the central aspects?

Evangelical Christians believe in the inspiration of Scripture. It is in fact breathed out by God and thus infallible for belief and practice.

Evangelical Christians believe that God is an eternal, infinite, and personal spirit, transcendent yet immanently involved within creation, providentially and sovereignly guiding all creation to His perfect and wise ends.

Evangelical Christians believe that humankind remains in sin with inherited sin natures from their first parents Adam and Eve. Consequently, humankind remains separated from God, under judgment, and helpless to save themselves.

Evangelical Christians believe that God has provided forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with Him through the sending of His one and only Son Jesus Christ, who was crucified as an atoning sacrifice, was buried, and then rose again on the third day to defeat the curse of sin and death, all according to the Scriptures.

Evangelical Christians believe that humankind may receive God’s salvation from their sins only on the basis of the merits of Jesus Christ. Humankind is saved by the grace of God alone, through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Salvation is a work of God so no person may boast.

Evangelical Christians believe in “the visible personal return of Jesus Christ to set up his kingdom of righteousness, a new heaven and earth, one that will never end.”⁴

Moreover, these core tenets also include, “the Trinity; Christ’s incarnation, virgin birth, and bodily resurrection; the reality of miracles and the supernatural realm; the church as the body of Christ; the sacraments as effectual signs or means or grace; immortality of the soul; and the final resurrection.”⁵

Next time you hear the term “evangelical Christian,” think Gospel and the core tenets of Scripture. But also beware that the addition of other terms distorts this understanding. For example, “liberal” evangelical. The addition of liberal will change the understanding of what is a core tenant. Check out my sermon on the rise of liberalism, entitled “Jesus and the Early Modern World (early 1900s)” coming Sunday, September 22, 2024.⁶

Sources

“Evangelicalism” in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church eds., F. L. Cross and Elizabeth A. Livingstone. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2005, 583.

Grenz, Stanley J., David Guretzki, & Cherith Fee Nordling. Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms. Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1999.

Pierard, R V. and W. A. Elwell. “Evangelicalism” in Evangelical Dictionary of Theology 2nd ed., ed. Walter A. Elwell. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2001, 405&ndashl409.