In more than fourteen recorded examples of evangelistic preaching—whether public or personal—the familiar claim, “Jesus loves you and died for you,” was never once spoken to any current unbeliever. Is this an “argument from silence”? Or an argument based on observable, repeated pattern? This article will dismantle the popular—yet wholly foreign to the early church—emphasis in evangelism through careful exposition of Scripture, applied theology across covenants, and plain logic. From the Old Testament through the Gospels and into the apostolic preaching of Acts, the Bible presents a love that not only desires salvation but accomplishes it for all those the Father gives to the Son.

➤ Also see: Ephesians 2:8–9 — “And That Not of Yourselves”

➤ Also see: Can We Choose Against Our Strongest Desire?

➤ Also see: When Faith Lives