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Soul-winning is the most important work in the world. It alone was the sufficient cause for the Word to become flesh and dwell among men (John 1:14; Luke 19:10). After Jesus provided the means through His atoning blood by which souls might be won and saved from sin, He sent His disciples out with the incomparable task of winning souls by preaching His Gospel. But soul-winning is not merely a task or duty, although it is certainly both. It is also a surpassing privilege that brings manifold joys each time a soul is won by the Gospel.
Soul-winning brings joy to Heaven. “Even so, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth” (Luke 15:10). Since the first sin, the whole interest of Heaven has been the redemption of the human race. God spent several centuries bringing His plan of redemption to fruition (Gal. 4:4). Would it not be the wonder of all wonders if the Heavenly hosts were indifferent when men choose to obey the Gospel and be saved? The populace of Heaven is no less thrilled when the redeemed go out seeking the souls of those yet lost. How much joy have you thereby brought to the angels?
Soul-winning brings joy to the soul won. After his baptism, the Ethiopian “went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39). The joy of the discovery and obedience of the Truth, the release from the guilt of sin, the entering into a new life, and the hope of eternal life all combine to make the moment of conversion a source of incomparable rejoicing!
Soul-winning brings joy to the soul-winner. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing seed for sowing, shall come again with joy, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psa. 126:6). There are many joys and thrills to be experienced in the Christian life, but only one outshines that of becoming a Christian—sowing the seed and reaping the harvest of a soul.
Soul-winning brings joy to all the saints. When Paul and Barnabas reported the conversion of many Gentiles from their preaching efforts, “they caused great joy unto all the brethren” (Acts 15:3). There are some few who could not care less whether or not the Gospel is taken to the lost, but most saints rejoice greatly at the news of every soul won, regardless of who won it. The genuine heart can never be jealous of or indifferent to the success of others in winning souls.
No wonder Solomon wrote: “He that is wise winneth souls” (Pro. 11:30).
[Note: I wrote this article for and it was published in The Lighthouse, weekly bulletin of Northpoint Church of Christ, Denton, TX, April 1, 2007, of which I was editor.]
Attribution: From thescripturecache.com; Dub McClish, owner and administrator.
