The Biblical Case for Soul Winning

Pro 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

There is actually a minority of supposedly born-again Christians who argue that soul winning is not in the Bible. So I would like to begin where the Bible actually talks about soul winning, Proverbs 11:30. Now believe it or not, there are modern translations that contend with this verse.

“The fruit of righteousness is a tree of life; but lawlessness takes away lives” Revised Standard Version
In this version the second half of the verse is completely different! Instead of being wise one is lawless and instead of winning souls one is essentially murdering.
Now many older conservative Christians may recall that Revised Standard Version had a reputation as a liberal Bible. Many of the translators were evolutionist, liberals and a few even had affiliations with the communist party. So much so that Revised Standard Version was nicknamed the “red” Bible in the 50’s and 60’s.
Now the revised standard was a literal translation. Yet the translators would purposely translate the Bible in ways that seemed to contradict itself. A popular example is in Isaiah 7:14, a popular prophesy of the virgin birth is translated a young woman giving birth instead of a virgin.
This Bible was soon regulated to liberal protestants in Catholics. In fact if you go to an older church that lines up the pew Bibles with this version, it is highly likely that they either were at one time or still are liberal. Some translations like the HCSB still argue this while others( NIV, NKJV, ESV, NASB) have stayed with the Authorized Version’s translation.
It is said by the RSV defenders that the Hebrew was too hard to understand and so they went with the Greek LXX. So let us investigate the Hebrew.

Pro 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
03947 laqach {law-kakh'} [winneth]
a primitive root; TWOT - 1124; v
AV - take 747, receive 61, take away 51, fetch 31, bring 25, get 6, take out 6, carry away 5, married 4, buy 3, misc 26; 965
1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

02450 chakam {khaw-kawm'} [wise]
from 02449; TWOT - 647b; adj
AV - wise 109, wise man 13, cunning 6, cunning men 4, subtil 1, unwise 2, wiser 2; 137
1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)

While one could argue that “winneth” could mean destroy the word for “wisdom” is pretty well settled. Also the Hebrew clearly uses the word souls “nephesh” in the Masoretic text. We know that killing souls is not wise! So it would have to be taking or winning souls that is wise!
Now as to the early part of the proverb…
“30. The righteous are as trees of life; and their influence upon earth,
like the fruits of that tree, support and nourish the spiritual
life in many.” Matthew Henry
So essentially righteousness bears fruit, and the people who win souls for righteousness are wise.
But one may argue:
“Yeah, but that was for the Old Testament. Would Jesus really say that?”

In a matter of speaking he did!
Mat 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Luk 5:10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
Now if the Hebrew word for winning has a sense of capture in it’s meaning then it is a perfect parallel for fishing which is to capture fish! So metaphorically speaking Jesus taught his disciples to be soul winners!

Anti-soul winning false teachings
1. The great commission was fulfilled by the apostles
This lie was around for Catholics and early protestants it stated that the great commission had been specifically to the Apostles and that they had fulfilled it. Now it is true that Apostl according to tradition had cover most areas of the known world of that time. They covered Africa, Britain, Europe, Arabia, India Russia, and probably Spain. Yet they obvious didn’t cover everything in these countries nor did they hit every inhabited land. For instance, what of the Aboriginies?
Mat 24:9-14 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Here we see that Jesus is prophesying the Great Commission in fulfillment and yet prior that the Apostles must die, and have their faith endure unto death. It seems obvious that the great Commission must be fulfilled by more than the apostles.
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Here we see that all orders to the Apostles have been given to the Christians. It would only be natural to understand that Christians had been given the great Comission.

2. That was just for the Gospel of the Kingdom
Many from the Dispensational Community argue that the Apostles taught the gospel of the Kingdom while Paul taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ or the Gospel of grace. Some would build upon this argument to declare that the Great Commission is referring to the Gospel of the Kingdom only.
While it is obvious from study that there is a significant shift from the ministry of the 12 apostles to the ministry of Paul, there is according to Paul one gospel.
Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
We see that Paul held the other Apostles accountable to this gospel.
Gal 2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
Yet we also see that this gospel is what he had received from the apostles
1Co 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
1Co 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
Finally, Paul like the Apostles, also preached the Kingdom of God.
Act 28:30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
Act 28:31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Therefore, this one gospel is to be spread across the world.
3. Jesus already briefly returned
This lie proceeds from two heretical camps. First, from consistent preterist amillennialists, who teach that The Lord briefly came back in 72 A.D. at the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Second from historicists adventist, who claim that Christ came back in the 1840’s. Both groups say that Jesus came back spiritually.
This is recognized historically as a heresy on the level of denying the virgin birth.
The Apostle Paul deals with it specifically.
2Th 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2Th 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
In other words, Jesus will not come back until the Antichrist returns and takes over the world.
4. We must evangelized through the sacraments
Many Christians argue for the doctrine of sacramantalism. They believe that the grace of God flows through the rituals of the church, most especially baptism. Once they do this, they tend assume that salvation has taken place solely through the church and it’s rituals and forget to hold it’s members accountable.
a. The Bible does not give assurance to people do to sacraments and church membership.
Heb 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
Heb 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
Heb 6:6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
A friend of mine once put it like this “If that’s all it takes, why don’t I get a super-soaker and we’ll all get saved!” The idea of faith in ritual is honestly ludicrous. People and rituals are not Jesus Christ and they can not save us. Here we see the grim possibility of people in scripture who have had every benefit of the New Covenant church. Yet none of these things has the power to give us assurance. Th only thing which gives us that power is the gospel.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
This gospel must be believed but..
Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Once again, we need the gospel.
b. The Bible shows faith and repentance to be exclusive and primary
Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Act 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The power in these invitations is in the faith in the gospel, not the works of the individual.

c. Sacraments are not necessary
Mar 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
1Co 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Act 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Act 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
Act 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Act 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Act 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Once again we see no power in ritual, and no power in membership; the power is in the work of the Holy Spirit on the heart of an individual.

5. You can’t just bring someone to Christ through a first time encounter
Act 8:30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
Act 8:31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
Act 8:32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
Act 8:33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
Act 8:34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
Act 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
Act 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
Act 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Act 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Many people have argued that you can not evangelize in a chance occurrence. /that evangelism takes years of discipleship. For the most part this may be true yet our ultimate shepherd is Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. In his providence God usually uses different people at different times to reach an unbeliever. You might be the one to plant the seed, you might be the one to water it.
1Co 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

6. In the New Testament they never had organized missions
This was a popular false teaching among the anti-missions movement. Arguing that our system of missions was unbiblical and that only the apostles did mission and other wise the gospel was only spread through persecution.
Act 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Act 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Act 13:3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Here we see the local church at antioch and not the twelve responsible for ordaining missions efforts.
1Co 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
1Co 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
1Co 16:3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
Here we see a regular system of giving for mission purposes.
Tit 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
Here we see Paul authorizing a non-apostle with the work of church planting.
One may critique current administrations on how Biblical the modern mission systems are. However, it is obvious that the Bible condones and even encourages systemic missions.

7. Only God can save souls
This is the argument of the Hyper Calvinist who argue that to go witnessing and evangelize is to challenge the sovereignty of God. Some use the argument of Irresistible grace and the effectual call. While others argued for the “two seeds” doctrine of double predestination style election. A few have even argue eternal Justification where we are born saved. Let us look at these doctrines.
Iresistable grace/effectual call) This is where an elect soul must wait for a spiritual call from the Holy Spirit to be saved.
This is false, God’s grace is not irresistible
2Co 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
Heb 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
It seems obvious that the grace of God is not an unstoppable force, but instead it is an offer.
Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
So are there are any people that God does not want to reach?
2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
1Ti 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
1Ti 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
1Ti 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
1Ti 4:11 These things command and teach.
It amazing thing to watch these hardened Calvinists who have made claims of preach the whole counsel of God, resisting the obvious clear teaching of scripture even when brought to their face.
But what about?
Rom 9:13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
First it should be noted that this is a quote from the book of Malachi 1:2-3. Here God is referring to the ancestors of Jacob and Esau, Israel and Edom. Secondly, most linguists would recognize this as an idiom. In other words, hate is used as slang for “loved less”. If God truly hated Esau he would killed him. Esau would later reconcile with His brother who had stole his inheritance is that worthy of hatred? Another example of this is that the book of Genesis states Jacob love Rachel and hated Leah. If he “hated Leah” why did he have three children with her? It is easier to understand “hate” as an idiom. Jacob loved leah more and that is it.
Rom 9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
God used Pharaoh’s hardened heart as an excuse to set Egypt free. He was not concerned with the topic over whether he had elected Pharaoh to heaven or Hell.
Finally we are not born saved/justified we must repent.
Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
We all must change.
Luk 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
It also seems to me that the Bible teaches that we need to respond to God before we receive the Holy Spirit.

8. People will never listen
Gen 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
Joh 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Act 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
God’s Word declares that all people groups will receive the word of God and that Jesus will draw them and that God wants them to repent. Therefore, if we keep on witnessing God will draw someone to salvation. We need to preach the gospel because…
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Luk 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

9. Witnessing is dangerous
Luk 10:5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
Luk 10:6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.
Luk 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
God is not going to call you home to be with the Lord until he is ready. When you go to witness you are doing God’s work no matter what the devil has to throw at you, it is obvious that any of these forces can not overcome God in any of His plans. Plus if you die you take a step forward in salvation!

10. People are not ready for the gospel they need to be brought first to church
This may sound good as a marketing strategy, yet it completely confuses New Testament teaching!
2Co 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2Co 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
The church is for believers it is not nearly as efficient as having a church of evangelists. Churches filled with unbelievers tend to hurt the born again community more often than it helps the lost world. When Jesus gave the great comission he said “Go” so therefore we ought to Go!

11. Altar calls and invitations are unbiblical
Mar 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

12. Whatever you do, do not mention hell
Mar 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
This a lie that comes from the seeker sensitive movement
13. You don’t want to drive your friends away
1Jo 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

14. Maybe God will save them some other way
Joh 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.


15. We need to leave it to the professionals like Billy Graham and our Pastor!
Mar 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
This cowardice argument, I think, must have been constructed by the Devil himself. Jesus doesn’t want us to be righteous enough tell people about him. He wants us to be humble enough confess how weak we are and how he saved us!
1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
I have been studying apologetics long enough to out argue any non-believer of any persuasion, yet I have not seen it change a single heart. The power of the gospel is always seen in changed lives. It’s not just the pastor the evangelist’s duty to witness.
2Co 3:2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
2Co 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

So we see that the Bible wants us to be soul-winners.
I know this can be a fearful thing, but all you need is knowledge of the gospel and the testimony of how God saved your soul. God will take care of the rest. If you go door to door you my find a scary reaction, but just keep on moving eventually someone may hear the gospel. And whether they do through you or not, someone may get saved. It will be the greatest reward to have the Lord Jesus give us a crown for helping some come to the Lord to receive salvation.
1Th 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
1Th 2:20 For ye are our glory and joy.
Also keep the main thing the main thing. We want to be concerned about winning souls, not freinds or members or popularity.
In Christ,

Matt