Using the Bible to Share the Gospel
By Rev. John B. Sorensen
Evangelism Explosion International
We have many tools at our disposal to help us share our faith with others: tracts, story illustrations, and of course, our testimony. These are all great tools, but it is Scripture, not our words, that convicts someone of sin.
Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
We cannot share the Gospel without pointing to the Gospel. While there are many scriptures that help us explain the Good News to others, here are a few that I have found work well:
Romans 6:23 – “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Like any gift, eternal life is not earned or deserved. The Bible tells us that we are saved through faith, not our works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Every other religion teaches that people must earn their way to Heaven. Christianity alone proclaims that God’s favor and entrance into Heaven are absolutely free.
Romans 3:23 – “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
The Bible states that man is a sinner. Sin is anything that falls short of God’s perfect standard: an action, a word, a thought, an attitude. Because we are sinners, we cannot save ourselves.
Exodus 34:7 – God “does not leave the guilty unpunished.”
God is merciful and does not want to punish us. The Bible tells us that “God is love” (1 John 4:8), but it also teaches us that He is just and must punish our sin. This presents a problem. The problem is not God’s, it is ours.
John 1:1, 14 – “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God…And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
Jesus Christ is both God and Man. While Jesus had many great accomplishments, His most important was that He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin…and rose from the dead to prove He had purchased a place in Heaven for us.
Acts 16:31 – “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.”
Faith isn’t simply knowing about Jesus. It also isn’t trusting in Jesus for temporary things, like health, safety, and finances. Saving faith is trusting in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life.
Remember, each verse, alone, maybe a lot for someone to process. Be patient. While we should know the reference when we quote Scripture, all we need to say is that “the Bible says,” or “We read in the Bible,” and then quote the verse. The Holy Spirit will speak to the person hearing the Scriptures.
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Rev. John B. Sorensen, D.D. is the President/CEO of Evangelism Explosion International, headquartered in Arden, N.C. EE has been a leader in equipping Christians to share their faith for more than 50 years. For more free tips and resources, visit evangelismexplosion.org, or follow John on Twitter, @jbsoresen.
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