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Sharing The Gospel: How to Respond to the Belief that "Good" People go to Heaven
Freelance writer/Speaker
Most Christians would agree the biggest challenge in sharing the Gospel message with non-believers is the issue of sin. Most often, the person will come back with something like, "But I am a good person, if there is a God, he will let me into heaven." How do we explain sin to someone who believes he or she is a good person? For some it might come easy, for others it is difficult. There is always the fear of sounding self-righteous and if you happen to be a new believer, it is likely you will fumble with your words; I do not of a new believer who hasn't. Even a seasoned Christian can get tongue-tied.
Following is a cheat sheet of sorts, which will reinforce the argument against the belief that good people go to heaven. Keeping the conversation focused on the issue at hand will help to keep confusion and excuses at bay. There are three basic steps in answering a question in completion--the biblical answer, the solution, and the conclusion.
The most important thing to remember is that it is not about what we believe, but it is about what God says is true.
For example, never answer a question with an opening statement like, "Well I believe". Instead, begin with," The Bible says" or "God's word says". This way, their issue is with God and not you.
The Question
"I am a good person; doesn't that mean I will go to heaven?"
The Biblical Answer
"But we are all like an unclean thing. And all our righteousness's are like filthy rags [used menstrual rags]" Isaiah 64:6
"The fool has said in his heart, ‘there is no God'. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God. They have all turned aside, they have all together become corrupt; there is none who does good, no, not one." Psalm 14:1-3
"For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
"There is a way that seems right to man, but in its end is death" Proverbs 14:12
Memorize these passages. This way when you share them, you can convey the truth of these passages using your own words. Simply quoting the passage can leave your answer dry and impersonal. In other words, use your own failings and sinful behavior to breath life and experiential truth into each passage--after this refer them to the passage of Scripture for their own research.
The Solution (Jesus)
"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." Ephesians 2:8-9
"But what does it say? The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart (that is, the word of faith, which we preach); that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made to salvation." Romans 10:8-10
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." Romans 5:8-9
"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name; who were not born of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" John 3:12-13
Again, memorize these passages and explain them in your own words in addition to directing them to the passages in which you are referring.
Conclusion
Summarize all the referenced passages something like this:
There isn't anything in us that could make us acceptable in the eyes of a Holy God. It's only by trusting in the shed blood of Jesus Christ that makes us worthy of heaven.
God provided a way for all people to get to heaven. He gives us the initial faith to believe and He draws us to Himself, but in the end, it is up to us to respond.
In closing, remember we are just a messenger and should never guilt someone into accepting Christ. Listen to the Holy Spirit. If the person wants to end the conversation, change the subject.
Until next time, may the Lord bless you and keep you as you continue to grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Article submitted Friday, February 20, 2009 & read 525 times.
Teresa is an author, a speaker, a teacher, a wife, a mother, and most importantly, a daughter of the Most high God. Her greatest joy is leading others closer to Christ through practical study of the word of God. She prefers using the lighter things in life and a good laugh to make her point, but realizes the darker and deeper things of life must also be addressed. For more information on her available in-depth studies and or speaking engagements, visit www.teresaortiz.com. To order a copy of her latest book, Acts of Life, visit www.rms1437.com and go to the New Releases tab.
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