Introduction.
This Guide will get you started right away by being a witness for Jesus Christ. Experience is just as important as background knowledge when learning to be a good witness for Jesus Christ. Mark some verses in your bible with a pencil and go.
Knowing how to relate the Gospel to people is something that every Christian should know how to do. What the Gospel has to do with all people is something every Christian should know and be competent at expressing to lost sinners.
All Christians need to be able to relate why the Gospel is important. We are all witnesses for Jesus Christ.
The word Gospel means; good news. The Saviour lived among men, God in flesh. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news of His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection according to the Scriptures.
Many Churches have failed by not teaching Christians how to explain this simple truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ isn't difficult. You simply need a few tools to help you be thorough while expressing to a lost sinner their need for salvation.
The simplest example of the Gospel from Scripture is 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.
"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures"
Christians should always be happy to relate this simple Gospel message. And, we should learn how to explain it so that a lost sinner can know by faith how to be saved.
This text will help you learn how to explain the Gospel simply and cleanly to those around you while being thorough. And most important is for the witness to be able to tell a person why, specifically, Jesus Christ died for them.
Why Does Everybody Need Jesus?
The lost sinner needs to know why Jesus died on the cross.
Why do all people need Jesus and His atoning death? What is the problem that the cross solves? What are the consequences both with and without Jesus as their personal Saviour?
"For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 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." - John 3:17-18
John 3 explains it perfectly. Jesus didn't come to condemn the world because the lost sinner is condemned already, guilty before the throne of Holy God, who is the Judge. Therefore the lost sinner is hellbound because they are a sinner. There is nothing that the lost sinner can do on their own to be saved; without the saving grace of the Son of God, they are lost forever. Jesus came to save lost sinners.
A Simple Outline.
Why did Jesus die on the cross?
One way to learn how to share the Gospel is by explaining it with these five or so simple truths. Sharing these truths builds the case for the Gospel so that the fact of Jesus' life, and specifically His death, burial, and resurrection, will become personal for the lost sinner. As you relate the Gospel to a lost sinner during your discussion, the goal is that they hear the word of God and come under conviction by the Holy Spirit of God so that they believe by faith and be saved.
1. Sin
2. Works of God
3. Eternal Consequences – Judgment/Wrath/Death/Hell
4. The Gospel
5. Receiving Jesus – Belief/Faith/Trust
Below are some verses that you can share with the lost sinner while following this simple outline.
There is real power in opening the Scriptures to a lost sinner. It is strongly recommended that you open your bible to read and discuss verses that prove sin, death, damnation, futility of works, faith in Christ alone, and turning to God for salvation.
Share these verses with the lost sinner to stay on topic while thoroughly explaining the five primary truths. There are other verses in Scripture such as the Roman Road that also show the same truths. Share the verses as you feel led but stay in context.
That's important. The five truths help us, as the witness for Jesus Christ, to stay on topic and be thorough until we receive a verbal confession from the lost sinner of their understanding and need.
Important: If they don't agree with any of the 5 points, and especially if they don't confess that Jesus died on the cross to save them, and that He was buried, and that He rose from the grave again the third day, then sadly; the lost sinner is not receiving the Lord. Our job is simply to be a messenger of Jesus Christ by delivering the Gospel. Whether somebody gets saved or not is between them and Jesus. Don't lead people astray or into a false sense of salvation.
Sharing the Gospel.
1. Truth Number One: Sin.
You are a sinner. That is the problem. All people are sinners, and hellbound, condemned already, without salvation in Christ Jesus.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" - Romans 3:23
Everybody is a sinner. The lost sinner must confess that they are a lost sinner, not only that they sin, but that they ARE a sinner. You have to discuss this with them, as uncomfortable as that may be.
God is holy and perfect, but the lost sinner can never be perfect on their own. Holy God won't allow unredeemed sinners to come into eternal life in heaven because God won't be in the presence of sin. But, God has made a way for the lost sinner to be found not guilty of their sin so that they can be saved from the condemnation.
A great way to make sin personal for a lost soul is to ask them if they have ever told a lie. This proves their sin and convicts their conscience. It also keeps the example simple, so the discussion doesn't get away from you. Staying focused on the current point of truth is essential. It's not recommended to discuss specific sins they've committed. Just keep it general as the Holy Spirit convicts their conscience.
When they confess to lying, you can even relate to them that, yes, you've told a lie too. This way, we don't appear self-righteous to the lost, which builds trust.
Additional verses about sin to share with the lost sinner:
"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one." - Romans 3:10-12
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" - Romans 3:23
Read the verses and discuss them with the lost sinner. Some keywords are underlined but share these verses however you feel led.
The lost sinner must confess that they are a sinner. Ask them; are you a sinner?
Note: once the lost sinner confesses to being a sinner, move on to the next topic. Don’t belabor any point during your conversation; it will confuse them.
2. Truth Number Two: Works.
The lost sinner must confess that they can't get saved on their own. A lost sinner can't work their way into heaven. For what purpose did Father God give His only begotten Son on the cross if the lost sinner could do it without Jesus Christ? No, only Jesus is the way.
"For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not." Ecclesiastes 7:20
No amount of being good, or doing good, or self-righteousness, or being a just person can get somebody before the throne of God to be found not guilty. Only Jesus is the way to salvation. Only the blood sacrifice of Jesus is good enough for God. No matter how much good stuff a person does, they are still a sinner and can't save themselves or present themselves to Holy God as sinless. Nobody can do it on their own.
"Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." - John 6:28-29
It's one of the most significant questions asked anywhere in all of Scripture. How can I do the works of Holy God? What a fantastic question! Anybody asking a question such as this is not far from the Kingdom of God. We Christian believers must be able to answer. What is the very first thing that the Christ of God says: believe on Him, Jesus Christ, who was sent by the Father to pay your sin debt. It is by faith that a person puts their trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross as the only sacrifice worthy before the throne of Holy Father God.
What a relief that God has made a way that doesn't require our holiness since there is none in us. God doesn't demand our works for salvation; He requires our belief through faith. The lost sinner must confess that they cannot be good enough on their own.
Additional verses about works to share with the lost sinner:
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." - Titus 3:5-7
Read the verses and discuss them with the lost sinner. Some keywords are underlined but share these or similar verses however you feel led.
The lost sinner must confess that they can't get into heaven on their own.
Ask them: Do you understand that you can't do this on your own? (Alternately: can't be good enough, or can't have eternal life, or can't be found not guilty?)
Note: If the lost sinner has no background concept of works salvation, keep this topic short and straightforward. Don't over-explain when it's not necessary.
3. Truth Number Three: Eternal Consequences/Judgment.
The consequences of sin without Christ through His saving grace and power are death and eternal damnation. Without forgiveness from Holy God, the lost sinner is condemned already.
"And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." - Revelation 20:14-15
The unredeemed sinner is hellbound, condemned already as Jesus says in John 3, to be judged by the resurrected Christ of God. Without the lost sinner, first, having his name written in the Lambs Book of Life, they may not enter into eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Jesus Christ offers a final home in heaven and to come into the very presence of the eternal God to be seated in His throne room with Him.
All people sin, which makes them guilty already; they are already headed for death and hell. The lost sinner must confess this verbally, out loud.
The lost sinner must confess that they are guilty.
The lost sinner must confess that they are headed to judgment/wrath.
The lost sinner must confess that Holy God is theJudge. (Alternately: that God has the power and authority to judge them. Or that God has the right to judge them as guilty.)
Additional verses about eternal consequences to share with the lost sinner:
"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" - Hebrews 9:27
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:23
Read the verses and discuss them with the lost sinner. Some keywords are underlined but share these verses however you feel led.
The lost sinner must confess that they face death, eternal damnation, and hell. Ask them: do you understand that God is the Judge and that you will die one day to face judgment, wrath, and eternal torment?
Summary of the first three concepts.
The lost sinner now confesses:
1. That they ARE indeed a lost sinner.
2. That there is nothing they can do, including good works, to get into heaven on their own.
3. And they confess that God is the Judge, and therefore they are headed to hell being condemned already.
So, you see that the need for salvation in Jesus Christ, through His death, burial, and resurrection, has now been thoroughly explained by you to the lost sinner. The lost sinner must have verbally admitted their condition as you share these or similar verses right out of the bible. Truths 1, 2, and 3 are the problem that Jesus died on the cross to solve. But keep in mind; the lost sinner's confession is truly to God under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit of God, as we are merely God's witness of the truth.
4. Truth Number Four: The Gospel.
There is nothing that the lost sinner can do under their own power to have eternal life in heaven. That is why Jesus died on the cross, the final blood sacrifice unto Holy Father God. Jesus, the sinless and perfect Son of God, became sin so that the lost sinner might be found not guilty and be made positionally righteous in the eyes of the Father.
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." - 2 Corinthians 5:21
That is why Jesus died on the cross: to save lost sinner's souls from hell. Jesus, the Son of God, took all of the wrath and death and hell that the lost sinner deserves and became sin for them, dying on the cross, and He was buried. But, He rose again from the grave on the third day as the Scriptures said He would. Jesus overcame death, and overcame sin, and overcame wrath and hell, and He did this for the lost sinner, personally because the lost sinner can do none of this on their own.
Jesus did this so that the lost sinner, unable on his own, might know that Jesus has the keys of hell and of death. Jesus has all authority in heaven and in earth so that sinners would know that Jesus has power, and power unto life and life eternal. Jesus offers life; to become a son of God by faith. He, Jesus, the resurrected Christ of God Almighty, will not let any that believe die and go to hell. No, He will impute His righteousness and eternal life unto all who would come unto Him by faith. Amen.
This is personal now. Jesus did this for the lost sinner specifically. They belong to God. They were created by God. Holy God already knows their name, condition, and need for salvation. If the lost sinner puts his trust, complete trust, in Jesus Christ and Him alone, for salvation, to be found not guilty, Jesus will give to all who would believe by faith eternal life. He will make them a son of God to enter into His kingdom if they believe. Amen.
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." - Romans5:8-10
Even though the lost sinner is unclean and wicked, an enemy of God, Jesus Christ died on the cross for them. That's how much Holy God loves the lost sinner, personally. Justification means to be found not guilty by Holy God. Jesus has shed His own blood so that the lost sinner needn't die and go to hell.
That is how we are saved from the wrath of God; by receiving the gift of God, which is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. By accepting Jesus, the lost sinner can be reconciled, which is not only to befound not guilty, but the lost sinner will have fellowship and communion with Holy God. The lost sinner will finally be able to talk with God. If found not guilty, the lost sinner can be a friend of God, following His Son Jesus Christ.
The lost sinner can finally know the love of God. God loves them. God cares about them and their eternal soul. Holy God offers grace, mercy, salvation, and peace through His Son, the Prince of Peace. Having been given eternal life, a believer desires to serve Holy God in His kingdom. In Christ is life and life everlasting.
Take a few moments and consider all that you've read above.
Now, here is the simple Gospel again:
"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" - 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
We have now explained to the lost sinner why Jesus died, and we pray the lost sinner, having now heard and understood the Scriptures, and confessing their need of salvation, is coming to faith under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit of God.
During our conversation about truth 4, the Gospel, the lost sinner must also confess that Jesus and the cross are real. Essential questions to ask at this point in the conversation should include:
Do you believe that Jesus is real?
Do you believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins?
Do you believe that Jesus rose from the dead?
We Christians never compromise on these 3 points, ever! This is the firm and sure foundation for our hope of eternal life, and it is not negotiable. Without Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, there is no atonement and no salvation, and no eternal life.
Also, as a witness, you should discuss Jesus' desire to save the lost sinner.
We can ask:
Do you believe that Jesus wants to save you?
And very importantly:
Do you believe that Jesus has the power and authority to save (forgive / redeem / etc.) you?
If they answer no to any of these, it's a disappointment. The lost sinner is not yet ready to receive Jesus as their personal Saviour. But, the seed of the Gospel from the word of God has been spread abroad as we are commanded to do. Simply spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a great work of God.
It is Jesus who saves lost souls; we are simply the messenger of the good news. If a lost sinner rejects the message that's between them and God; we must never lead any lost sinner astray or into a false sense of salvation.
The lost sinner must confess the death, burial, resurrection, and power & authority of Jesus Christ. If they don't accept this, they aren't being saved at that time. We must pray for them and ask God to send another messenger or to give us an opportunity, another day, to share the truth of the love that God has for the lost sinner and His power and desire to save them.
Additional verses about the Gospel to share with the lost sinner:
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." Romans 5:8-9
Read the verses and discuss them with the lost sinner. Some keywords are underlined but share these verses however you feel led.
Warning: Do not proceed to truth Five, Receiving Jesus, if they have rejected Him!!!
5. Truth Number Five: Receiving the Lord Jesus by Faith.
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" - John 1:12
Warning: Before proceeding, we require verbal confession, out loud, of the first four truths.
The lost sinner must have confessed (Truth 1) that they are a sinner, and (Truth 2) that their works can't save them, and (Truth 3) confessed that they are headed for death and hell because of their sin. And (Truth 4) the lost sinner must have confessed that Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. Additionally, they must confess that Jesus wants to save them and that Jesus has the power and authority to save their soul. Now, we can proceed to explain how to receive the Lord and be saved.
As best as we can tell if the above truths are all confessed as true, the lost sinner is coming to faith in Jesus Christ under conviction of the Holy Spirit.
It bears stating firmly that there is no formula or procedure or specific words and no rites or rituals that save a lost sinner. A wicked sinner will only ever be an unholy sinner unless they seek the forgiving grace of God Almighty through His Son.
It's Jesus that saves a lost soul. So whether we decide to proceed in leading them in prayer is always a judgment call that the witness must make. Whether simply planting a seed, watering, or leading the lost sinner into the Kingdom of God, trust in the power of God who redeems the dead to life in Christ Jesus.
The lost sinner who is under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit will want to receive the Lord Jesus and be saved, to become a son of God, having eternal life, and a home in heaven with Him. If they desire to get saved, they will confess it.
You can read and discuss with the lost sinner John 1:12, above, and then share Romans 10:13.
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." - Romans 10:13
Show them Romans 10:13 and simply ask them if they want to call upon Jesus and be saved.
Let the word of God speak to them under the power of the Holy Spirit. They will tell you if they need to be saved or not.
Read the verses and discuss them with the lost sinner. Some keywords are underlined but share these or similar verses however you feel led.
Conclusion of the 5 Truths:
Those are the five truths that help build the case for the Gospel when presenting it to a lost soul. This way, the lost sinner sees their problem, which is sin, the consequences for their sin, which are wrath, death, and hell, and they see their need for salvation which they can't get on their own. So now the lost sinner understands why only the Son of God can save their soul.
The Integrity of Holy God.
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." - Romans 10:17
Romans 10:17 explains why we open our bible and show the lost sinner what the Scriptures say. The Holy Spirit brings conviction as the lost sinner hears and understands God's word. The word of God brings faith.
As soul winners, we seek to determine if the los sinner trusts God. Establishing the honesty of God and the integrity of His word is essential to faith and trust in God.
Ask the lost sinner; is God a liar?
Warning: DO NOT give them any non-verbal clues. They must answer no!
Ask the lost sinner; is the Holy Bible true? (Alternately: is what I'm showing you in the bible true or, do you believe what the bible says is true?)
The lost sinner must confess that what they are being shown in the Holy Bible is true and that God does not lie. There are verses of Scripture for both of these questions, but we demand to know what the lost sinner says of their own accord. If the lost sinner is under conviction, they will confess correctly.
If the lost sinner does not verbally confess and admit to the integrity of God, they are not being saved at that time.
If they doubt God or His word, DO NOT proceed; if the lost sinner doesn't believe what the Holy Bible says to them about salvation through faith in the Lord the Jesus Christ, never lead them in prayer.
DO NOT skip these two questions.
Leading the Lost Sinner in Prayer.
Keep in mind that there are no specific prayers or words that save a lost soul. Jesus Christ saves souls from death and hell and saves them from their sin condition.
One way to pray with a person who is coming to faith is to follow the same 5 points they have already confessed. Prayerfully the lost sinner is now coming to faith in Jesus Christ. Since the lost sinner has already confessed these same five truths, the witness then reinforces what the lost sinner knows they need: salvation in Jesus Christ. In prayer, the lost sinner turns his attention from you, the witness, and from the bible verses to Holy God as they confess it all before the Saviour, who is the Judge of the quick and the dead.
Pray with them as you feel led, but here we can have them pray silently as best they can, deep in their heart, as you offer the same truths as an example for them to now confess and pray to Holy God.
We ask them to:
1. Confess to Father God that you are sorry for your sin. (This can also be expressed as a desire to repent of their sin or repent of their unbelief.)
2. Confess to Father God that you can't be good enough without Jesus.
3. Confess to Father God that you don't want to die and go to hell.
4. Tell Jesus that you believe He died for you and rose from the dead.
And tell Jesus that you trust His power and authority to save you.
And tell Jesus that you desire to follow Him and to work for Him in His kingdom.
5. Ask Jesus to come into your heart, to be your Lord, and to save your soul.
Warning: Don't put words in their mouth by telling them that they are now a Christian. There is no formula or procedure or certain words, rites, or rituals that save a lost sinner. It's Jesus Christ that saves a lost soul. This prayer does not save anybody; it is a person's belief by faith in Jesus Christ through His finished work of the cross that saves their lost soul, plus and minus nothing.
DO NOT offer congratulations for them after praying.
Full Faith.
After all of that conversation about the five truths surrounding the Gospel of Jesus Christ, things can be a little tense. You've discussed sin, life, death, and heaven and hell with them. Prayerfully the Holy Spirit has been bearing down on the lost sinner with hard conviction. A good way to proceed from this point on is to take a more casual everyday-talk approach to follow up.
Take a breath and offer a more relaxed posture while asking them a few simple questions. Since it isn't a specific prayer that saves a lost soul, we don't actually know if they are now saved or not! By asking a few casual questions about what just happened, they are offered yet one more and significant opportunity for them to come to the fullness of the realization of faith in Jesus Christ and be saved.
Questions to Ask:
1. Who saved you?
(DO NOT help them answer this. This is a pivotal moment in their life; this will be the most important word(s) they will ever utter. Under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, they must come to faith on their own.)
2. What did He give you?
(DO NOT help them with this. Let them answer, as their decision is between them and God. If they've been under conviction of the Holy Spirit, they will know and likely confess something approximating one of the verses that you've shared, such as the gift of God, eternal life, life, go to heaven, I'm not condemned, etc. Some answers to this question from new believers are truly startling and an immense blessing to the soul winner.)
3. Would you tell anybody now that you are a Christian? (Note: at times, you may want to have them immediately confess their new faith to a stranger.)
4. How do you know that you will be in heaven?
(Alternately: have eternal life, been forgiven ,etc.)
(Let them work this through on their own as well. If you've explained the Gospel well and been thorough, they will know.)
Conclusion.
Thank you for being a witness of Jesus Christ as He commands. Pray, seek opportunities to share the Gospel. Be willing to fail. Be humble enough to allow Holy God to teach you as you go. And no matter how any conversation goes, be sure to tell them, everywhere you go, that Jesus died on the cross to save their soul, that He was buried, and that He rose again from the grave on the third day. Amen.
End Notes:
"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." - Hebrews 10:31
Lifestyle Evangelism is NOT what Jesus did, it's not what the disciples did, and it's not what a disciple of Jesus Christ does today. Lost sinners don't need to know how the well-adjusted live; they need the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the power of God unto salvation.
The Social Gospel is NOT what Jesus did, it's not what the disciples did, and it's not what a disciple of Jesus Christ does today. Being nice to people is NOT what sharing the Gospel is. Telling them the truth is precisely what Christ did and it's all the soul winner should be concerned about in relating. Christians should be kind but brutally honest about the lost soul's condition while discussing who and what Jesus is. The nicest thing you can ever do for a lost sinner is tell them the unvarnished truth.
Soul Winning is NOT friend winning. Jesus was not out to win friends. If He had, you never would have heard of Him. He didn't just hang out at the temple (Church) and blend in. Jesus always told the truth no matter how it made people feel. Soul Winners are not aggressive on purpose while discussing the Gospel. We kindly share with the lost sinner the truth of Jesus and let the Holy Spirit of God convict the lost sinner by His plan, not ours.
Lost sinners may experience the full range of emotions while under the sound of the Gospel. DO NOT help them, DO NOT rescue them, DO NOT indulge them. If they get nervous, DO NOT comfort them. They should be sorry for thier sin. They should be scared of burning in hell. This is the work of God in the lost sinner's heart while He convicts their conscience. If they fall apart, good. Let the Spirit of God deal with them as He sees fit.
Conversely, a lack of emotion is not a bad indicator. Some hear the Gospel rather matter-of-factly, accept it, and turn to God. It's all up to God. We simply deliver the message.
It's usually a good indicator when a lost sinner asks questions. Still, some simply hear and believe, having their heart prepared by God in advance of our conversation. That last point is worth praying about, by the way.
No distractions when sharing the Gospel. No TV, no cell phones, no young children, no pets. Do not allow them to escape through responding to some other need. If they do leave the conversation, then the conversation is over because they've broken contact with God on purpose. DO NOT continue. Try again another day or pray for God to send another witness. Any seed planted is good work for God.
