If someone who is not saved gives the Gospel to someone else, can God still use that to save someone?
What a good question! Let’s start by reading Romans 1:16 where the Apostle Paul wrote, “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.” The words of the Gospel of Christ are very powerful. They have the power to convert the most malicious, rebellious sinner into a child of God. The power of the Gospel can touch our hearts at the most unexpected moment. Saul (later to be the Apostle Paul) was on a journey to find and imprison believers when he faced the power of the Gospel. We read in Acts 9:1-2, “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.” I encourage you to read the account of Saul’s conversion in Acts 9:1-9. While on a mission to destroy the Lord’s disciples, we find him in this portion saying, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” (Verse 6).
Later, while imprisoned in Rome, Paul wrote these words, “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, WHETHER IN PRETENCE, OR IN TRUTH, CHRIST IS PREACHED; AND I THEREIN DO REJOICE, YEA, AND WILL REJOICE.” (Philippians 1:12-18).
In verse 14, we see that many fellow believers in Christ became emboldened by the arrest and imprisonment of Paul. Rather than becoming fearful or intimidated, they were made bold and shared the Word of God without being afraid of its possible consequences. We read in 1 John 4:18 that, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” The boldness of these men was a product of their love for the Lord, and their realization of His love for them. Therefore, because of Paul’s imprisonment, they became more confident in sharing the Gospel of Christ to others.
In verses 15-16, we see that others began to preach the Gospel of Christ because of jealousy and strife, perhaps they were trying to shift the credit of the Gospel’s progress from him to themselves, seeking to elevate their own position. However, some preached the Gospel trying to add to Paul’s punishment. It is sad to think that Christian service can be carried on in the power of the flesh, motivated by greed, strife, pride, and envy.
In verse 17, we see there were sincere believers who preached the Gospel out of love.
We see Paul’s attitude toward the ones who were now preaching the Gospel. We read in verse 18, “What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.” Paul rejoiced in the proclamation of the Gospel. The motive behind those who preached the Gospel was not paramount in the heart of Paul. He rejoiced in the Gospel because he knew the Lord was able to use the Word given, whether in pretense or in truth. So, yes, the Lord can use the Gospel to save lost souls, even if it is given by those who do not believe on Him. Simply stated…the Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation! (CC) (643.2)