We have learned that the messenger of the gospel must first be saved, and filled with the Holy Spirit. This is essential in winning others to the Savior. How do we effectively present the good news to those who are unsaved? Be simple.
A missionary was upset because the people to whom he ministered didn't understand the deep things of God despite all his efforts to teach them. A missionary friend suggested, "Before you teach them the XYZs of the Bible, why don't you start out by teaching them the ABCs?" Good advice.
The ABCs of Salvation
You can use this approach with children, who are acquainted with the ABCs that they have learned at school. You may be surprised to know that the same order of presentation can be used effectively when witnessing to adults as well.
A - ADMIT that he is a sinner in need of salvation. Show him that he is guilty of sin. Romans 3:23. He deserves to die. Romans 6:23. One day he will be judged by the Lord. Hebrews 9:27. He cannot save himself by good works. Titus 3:5. (Here you put your memory verses to work.)
B - BELIEVE the facts of the gospel. The Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for our sins on the cross, and He rose again from the dead. He is the Savior of those who believe in Him. Romans 5:8; John 3:16, 36.
C - CALL upon the Lord. Ask Jesus to come into his heart. Psalm 145:18; Romans 10:13.
Once you have learned the ABCs use them in sharing the gospel of Christ.
The Three Rs of Salvation
Students are familiar with the 3 Rs of education: reading, writing, and 'rithmetic. You might use the 3 Rs in your witness for the Lord.
R - RECOGNITION of sin and its consequences. Use the same Scriptures as A in the ABCs.
R - REPENTANCE of sin. This means that we acknowledge our sin, and turn to the Lord. Acts 17:30 is a good verse to use here.
R - RECEIVE the Lord Jesus as Savior by faith. John 1:11, 12. Believing is receiving.
An Equation of Salvation
People consider mathematics an exact science, so the following equation may be helpful in presenting the gospel in no uncertain terms. The equation of salvation is based upon the truth of Ephesians 2:8-10.
Ask the other person to solve the following math problem.
3 + 2 - 1 = ?
Obviously the correct answer is 4. You might ask the person if they are sure that 4 is the right answer. Then say, "There's no doubt about it."
Next read Ephesians 2:8, 9. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Proceed to make an equation out of this passage. It will look like this:
Grace + faith - works = salvation
If works were necessary for salvation, the equation would be written:
Works + faith - grace = salvation
But that would never work, because we cannot be saved apart from the grace of God. It is the test of the gospel. Do you remember Romans 11:6? Grace and works don't mix. This was discussed in Lesson Two under The Gospel of the Grace of God.
Next rewrite the equation.
3 + 2 = 1 + ?
Again, the correct answer is 4. Very clever. Are you sure? Of course!
Now look at Ephesians 2:10. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." What does this mean? How do we write this verse in equation form?
Grace + faith = salvation + works
The grace of God and faith in Christ results in a salvation that produces good works. When we are saved we are "created in Christ Jesus for good works." Good works are important, but they aren't the basis of our salvation. They are the result of our salvation, demonstrating the reality of our faith in Jesus. Faith is the root; works are the fruit.
The gospel of Christ is not good news of a "hope so" salvation. The salvation that Jesus has made available to us is a sure salvation. It is as sure as the promises of God.
The Simple Truth of John 3:16
Sometimes we are so clever we fool ourselves. There are times when John 3:16 is all that's necessary in our presentation. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
God loved the world. The problem is that the world doesn't love God. But God solved the problem of our sins in giving His Son, the Lord Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins. Whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. It's all there in one verse.
Be on Target
Whenever you witness to others, regardless which presentation you use, always aim for the heart. Witnessing for Christ is more than sharing information. Some Christians think that it's enough to state the basic facts of the gospel and leave it at that. The apostle Paul went beyond the impartation of truth. He did more than announce the message. To the Corinthian church he wrote, "We persuade men." 2 Corinthians 5:11. The target is the heart. "For with the heart man believes to righteousness." Romans 10:10.
Don't get sidetracked. Stick to the truth of the gospel. It is so easy to get caught up in speaking about something else.
After you have clearly presented the message, ask for a response, saying, "Would you like to receive the Lord Jesus as your Savior?" If the unbeliever is hesitant, you might encouragingly add, "I'll pray together with you. You can pray after me." Then lead him to Jesus.
The Holy Spirit is the driving force behind your gospel arrow as you aim for the heart. Depend upon the Spirit of God in your endeavor to win souls for the Lord. May it be said of your gospel witness that it was done "not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance." 1 Thessalonians 1:5.