A Dissection of Leading People to Christ
By Rev Tay Piak Kheng 1 December 2024
“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15: 7, 10)
Leading a lost soul to Christ is a joyous occasion for heaven and earth. But how do we know whether a person truly believes in the Gospel? Evangelism has two parts: explaining the Gospel and getting a confession of faith.
On the other hand, four changes are necessary for a man to be saved. First, he must know that he is born a sinner and that Jesus of Nazareth is the Saviour appointed by God and crucified for his sin. Then, he must believe that he needs Jesus. Knowing and believing, he must confess his sin and commit himself to Jesus.
While confession of faith is outward and visible, knowing and believing cannot be seen by the naked eye because it is an internal change produced by hearing the Gospel and by the regeneration of the Holy Spirit (John 3:5), Without these inward changes, true confession and commitment is not possible. This is the leading cause of many backsliding Christians who do not worship God regularly, or read the bible and pray, or are unwilling to be pastored by the church. Salvation to them is to receive good from God and not to give to God. Unfortunately, for them, the Gospel seeds fall on the roadside, rocky ground or among thorns, yielding no root, shoot, or life.
The apostles’ letters to the churches show us the pattern of a born-again man. They are called to be saints (Ro 1:7), i.e. set apart from the fallen culture, faithful in Christ Jesus (Eph 1:1) and obedient to Jesus Christ (1Pe 1:2). They ask, “What shall we do?” (Ac 2:37) What must I change? How do I know God’s heart? How can I hear God’s voice? These questions are the outward signs of a soul that yearns to put away the old man and live anew.
Therefore, my brethren, let us not think that getting someone to say the confession prayer means salvation for him. A confession prayer is noble and solemn for heaven and earth. Do not push someone who is not ready to do it. The Lord wouldn’t be pleased with anything that is not genuine. Our mission is to sow the seeds. God will cause them to sprout at a divinely appointed hour. Remember that convicting a soul is the Spirit’s power, not ours. Thus, be zealous to evangelise. But watch out, do not cross the line.
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