Witnessing Tips

Witnessing to the unsaved can be draining.

Ever shared your faith with a suited Mormon, tangled with a wandering Watchtower worker, or exchanged thoughts with a dug-in Satanist? It can be tough, although it doesn't have to be.

The key, as I see it, is to avoid the controversial issues that inevitably deteriorate into arguments, and try to direct a listener to focus on his relationship with Jesus Christ.

Some come to our doors denying there is a Hell, despite what the Bible warns. I often ask them if they know for sure that their sins are all forgiven and that they are right with God that very moment, never mentioning Hell.

I find that few have that assurance that can be known through the Christ of the Bible. That provides an opportunity to share one's testimony and the gospel. We must remember Christ loves those who are lost in error.

Be gracious. Good people make it to Heaven, right? Wrong, of course. Raise the question: If I live a good, clean, respectable life will I not surely be saved? Answer: This is the common belief of humanity, but it is bunk.

Proverbs 14:12 says, "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is the way of death." What we think counts for zip. What the Bible declares counts for all. To the natural mind this seems right, but it is not.

There are two major problems with thinking that we can earn our salvation. First, it makes salvation something we merit or earn. It obligates God. He then owes it to us. Salvation on the other hand is by grace, or unmerited favor (Ephesians 2: 8,9).

Second, when God looks at that kind of person He sees their past sins.

"God requireth that which is past" (Ecclesiastes 3:15). God does not look at us, as we presently are, but He sees our life from the cradle to the grave. We are without strength to save ourselves (Romans 5:6).

It could not be by works; if so, then man could boast. "Not by works lest any man should boast."(Ephesians 2:9) Quitting all our sins is very good, and it will make us a better person in society, but it will not take away one past sin you have committed.

These sins must be taken away before we can be saved. Only the blood of Christ can cleanse us from sin (1 John 1:7). People who live good lives, depending on that to save them, will never make it; but their judgment in eternity and the penalty will be less.

"Every man shall be judged according to their works." (Revelation 20:11) Are you depending on yourself or Christ for salvation? He alone can save. This is why He is called "Savior"—Luke 2:11.