What defines an evangelical Christian?

Meaning of “Evangelical”

The term “evangelical” is derived from the Greek word for “good news” (euangelion). At its heart, an evangelical Christian is someone who emphasizes the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. This distinct focus arises from passages such as Mark 16:15, where Jesus commands, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Evangelical Christians are known for a personal commitment to faith in Christ and a desire to share this faith with others. While denominations may vary in certain practices, the central goal of sharing the gospel remains consistent.

Core Beliefs

Evangelical Christians hold to essential doctrines that define their faith. Among these are:

1. The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture.

Evangelicals rely on the entirety of the Bible as the written, infallible, and authoritative Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16–17: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.”).

2. The Uniqueness of Jesus Christ.

Evangelicals affirm that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the eternal Son of God who became flesh (John 1:14). They also uphold His sinless life, atoning death, resurrection, and ultimate lordship.

3. Personal Salvation by Faith.

Individuals are saved not by works but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9: “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.”).

4. Evangelism and Missions.

Evangelical tradition emphasizes spreading the gospel locally and globally (Matthew 28:19–20).

5. The Holy Spirit’s Role.

Evangelicals believe the Holy Spirit regenerates the believer and empowers the Christian life, providing guidance and spiritual gifts for the building up of the church (Romans 8:9–11).

Scriptural Foundation and Historical Reliability

Evangelicals look to the Bible as the primary guide for understanding God’s plan. Archaeological findings such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in the mid-20th century, have provided remarkable evidence for the trustworthy transmission of Old Testament manuscripts over centuries. Likewise, studies of numerous New Testament manuscripts (including early papyri such as P52, dated to the early second century) have bolstered confidence in the text’s consistency.

These findings align with the repeated scriptural claims of preservation, such as Isaiah 40:8: “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” Evangelical scholarship often points to this historical and manuscript evidence when discussing why the Bible’s message has endured faithfully across generations.

Distinctives of Evangelical Practice

1. Personal Relationship with God.

Evangelicals commonly speak about a “personal relationship with Jesus,” emphasizing intimate fellowship with God through prayer, Bible reading, and personal devotion (John 15:4–5).

2. Public Profession of Faith.

They frequently highlight the importance of public confession (Romans 10:9: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”). This can take the form of baptism, testimonies, and an active role in a local church.

3. Transformation and Holiness.

Evangelical teaching encourages believers to live out their faith with consistent moral integrity and godliness, often referred to as sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

4. Emphasis on Preaching and Teaching.

Churches in evangelical traditions typically give preaching and exposition of Scripture a central place in worship services and community life.

Role of the Resurrection of Christ

Fundamental to evangelical identity is the belief in the literal, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. This event is seen as the foundation of the Christian faith and the source of eternal hope (1 Corinthians 15:3–4: “…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…”).

Historical defenses of the resurrection draw from multiple lines of evidence, including early testimony recorded in Paul’s letters (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15) and supportive historical references in early Christian writings. This emphasis on the resurrection underscores the evangelical conviction that belief in Christ’s triumph over death is indispensable for salvation (Romans 10:9–10).

Influence on Personal and Social Ethics

A vital hallmark of evangelical expression is the linking of right belief with right action. According to James 2:17, “So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.” Consequently, many evangelical Christians engage in various forms of compassionate outreach—such as feeding the hungry, supporting crisis pregnancy centers, and providing humanitarian relief—in an effort to reflect Christ’s love and justice in society.

Evangelical Missions and Global Reach

Historically, evangelicals have championed missionary endeavors. Influential figures such as William Carey (often called the “father of modern missions”) illustrate the passion to carry the Christian message worldwide. This missionary focus stems from passages like Matthew 28:19–20 (BSB: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…”). Many evangelicals also encourage the use of modern media and technology to expand the global proclamation of the gospel.

The Centrality of the Gospel (“Good News”)

Above all, “evangelical” is inseparable from the message it proclaims: humanity is estranged from God and in need of reconciliation (Romans 3:23, 6:23). Evangelicals affirm Jesus’ sacrificial death and victorious resurrection as the pathway for forgiveness and new life, freely given to all who believe (John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”).

For evangelical Christians, sharing this good news is not an optional practice but a defining characteristic of who they are.

Conclusion

Evangelical Christians are identified by their commitment to the authority of Scripture, the message of the gospel, and the call to share that message in both word and deed. Their history, shaped by movements of preaching, revival, and missionary expansion, has led to a global family of believers centered on the life-changing implications of Christ’s death and resurrection.

Throughout their practices—whether delivering sermons, establishing ministries of compassion, or discussing the reliability of biblical manuscripts—evangelicals remain focused on proclaiming and demonstrating the redemptive love of God.