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Obtaining God’s Salvation—Clear Yet Misunderstood (The Script)
Scene #1
(Narrator standing in front of a book rack of books, holding an open Bible, and facing and speaking to the camera)
“This presentation is designed for both the believer and non-believer. Its purpose is to illustrate exactly what the Bible says on how a person who has been convinced of his or her sin and eternally lost condition by the Holy Spirit must then obtain God’s free gift of eternal life. It probably will not be well accepted by many within today’s evangelical movement who essentially adhere to the concept of Ephesians 2: 8 & 9—that ‘salvation is by grace through faith’ in Jesus Christ.
If you are in this group, your rejection may stem from a combination of misinterpreted passages within God’s Word plus your practice of various non-biblical traditional procedures passed down from other Christians. Added to this may be your unwillingness to admit that your past endeavors to lead the lost to Christ have fallen short of God’s clear teachings in His Word.
Simply speaking, you may be unable to admit you’ve been wrong. That is what I faced regarding my past ‘soul-winning’ efforts after conducting a thorough study of God’s Word. Yet if you will see this presentation to its end, asking the Holy Spirit to guard and guide your thoughts, you may be convinced that what is presented is scriptural. At the very least it will be thought provoking, which will help you sharpen your present position on the matter.
Having said this, I also freely admit that even though the ‘plan of salvation’ is often presented using various non-biblical traditional procedures, the Holy Spirit has enabled many to understand the gospel message and properly obtain eternal life.
I urge you to see this documentation to its end. Following the presentation of various scriptural arguments, there will be a skit-demonstration on how to lead a person to a genuine faith-acceptance of God’s gracious gift of eternal life.”
Scene #2
(Narrator is seated at a desk, which is surrounded by various biblical study books and material, facing and speaking to the camera)
“Every denomination of the Christian faith employs traditions. And although they may not conflict with Holy Scripture, they cannot be supported by such. Some traditions are in fact heretical, which not only cannot be substantiated by God’s Word but are in direct opposition to it. A primary one is that a person can ‘obtain salvation (eternal life) by good works.’ This deviation from truth is in fact the cornerstone of all religions, given that ‘religion’ is man attempting to gain the approval of God through self-effort. This heresy completely denies the true meaning and effectiveness of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary.
Akin to this is the teaching that once a person does obtain God’s gift of salvation, it can be lost, which conclusion is only natural when one believes he must work his way into heaven. What is mystifying is how one who believes in the effectual sacrifice of Christ, and faith as being the means of obtaining God’s gift of eternal life, can then adopt the view that it is up to the person to keep it through works.
Christianity is not ‘religion.’ Christianity is a union or relationship with a person, Jesus Christ, who alone satisfies God’s holy standard. Let it be established that the doctrine presented in this presentation has as its foundation the effectual sacrifice of Jesus Christ as total and permanent payment for man’s sin, which negates any effort or endeavor by man regarding the obtaining or maintaining of God’s gift of eternal life.
The Bible is quite clear that a person’s salvation or justification before God can only be based on the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary, because it was on the cross that He became sin for mankind and paid the penalty for man’s sin in order that any person may obtain God’s gift of eternal life. The Bible is quite clear that only through God’s Son, who was and is incarnate God, is anyone able to be redeemed from their eternally lost condition and possess eternal life.
The following passages of Scripture speak to this end:
(Scriptures are flashed upon the screen)
For He [God] made Him [Christ] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us, for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.” (Galatians 3:13)
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the only basis for God’s grace-gift of eternal life. But the specific focus of this presentation is to show what action a person must take to obtain this gift.”
Scene #3
(Narrator walking to and then sitting on the desk, as he picks up the Bible, and then faces and addresses the camera)
“I have said that traditions are often employed by churches and believers today. It is not that many of these traditions are anti-biblical; they are not. Yet many of them vary from one denomination to another or one local congregation to another. For example there are the requirements for church membership, financial matters, ordination, church ordinances, the number and length of services, and other observances and procedures. Even though there may be substantial differences in such traditional policies and procedures, such differences should never be considered as matters serious enough to cause major divisions.
But when it comes to foundational doctrines, such as the deity of Christ or the doctrine of salvation, any alteration of the clear teachings of the Bible is a grave matter. Unfortunately, many who consider themselves ‘soul-winners’ follow certain traditional routines and customs that have no basis in God’s Word as they endeavor to bring those who are lost into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
I am speaking of such traditions as ‘the sinner’s prayer,’ ‘lordship salvation,’ and ‘staircase-salvation formulas.’ As for ‘staircase-salvation,’ I am speaking of such individual steps as ‘repentance,’ ‘asking for forgiveness,’ ‘requesting Christ to come into one’s heart,’ ‘confessing one’s sins,’ and any form of ‘public confession,’ such as ‘confess with one’s mouth,’ or ‘walking down in front of a church.’
At this point I imagine I’ve provoked many of you, but I urge you to continue with this presentation in order to properly judge it. Should you find its arguments unfounded in Scripture, you only need to ignore them and continue on your way. On the other hand should you become convinced that they are true to God’s Word, you will be both spiritually edified and better equipped to represent your Savior.”
Scene #4
(Narrator standing in front of a chalkboard listing the following traditions that individuals follow in presenting how one may obtain God’s gift of salvation:
· Sinner’s prayer · Lordship salvation · Staircase salvation
ü Repentance ü Confessing one’s sins ü Asking for forgiveness ü Asking Christ to enter one’s heart ü Committing (dedicating) oneself to Christ ü Public confession (of any kind)
As he addresses by pointing to each listing)
“Although this presentation will not go into intricate detail regarding each listed traditional approach taken by those who endeavor to lead the lost to Christ, I will advance the basic objection to each. The viewer is invited to visit www.bibleone.net (also listed on the chalkboard) for a more complete refutation on each of these (as the narrator points to the listings as a whole). Briefly, let’s consider them:
Have you ever wondered why the ‘sinner’s prayer’ is never mentioned in the Bible? Have you ever questioned why in the Bible you will find no one bringing anyone to faith in Christ by asking the person to parrot some form of prayer? The ‘sinner’s prayer’ isn’t in the Bible. It isn’t there because if it was there would then be the danger that one could possibly conclude that it is his act of prayer that brings to him (or merits) salvation. This then would be a ‘work’ of self-effort and not strictly a decision of faith.
I understand that often the ‘soul-winner’ uses this technique to ‘close’ the transaction, much like a car salesperson attempts to get a prospective purchaser to commit to ‘closing the deal’ by some form of physical affirmation. But then why didn’t Paul suggest or use such a maneuver in any of his writings or activities? In fact, no one throughout the New Testament used such a procedure. Now, having said this, it is never wrong to ask the lost person after God’s salvation plan is presented if he or she would like to make the decision of faith; but, one should never hassle anyone to this end. If the Holy Spirit cannot convince the person to make the decision; then your efforts, at best, will only produce a false one.
There are those who justify the ‘sinner’s prayer’ (and indeed some of the steps that will subsequently be discussed) with Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:13 wherein it is stated: ‘For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.’ But within context this expression is meant to convey the placement of one’s faith in the Lord and not an act of prayer.
The same can be said for ‘lordship salvation.’ Nowhere in the Bible is the requirement placed on any individual to make Christ ‘lord of one’s life’ in order to secure the gift of eternal life. Making Christ lord and ruler of one’s life is a major and prolonged undertaking for those who are saved. But for a lost person still dead in sin, it is impossible! To make Christ lord of one’s life is a function of sanctification, which is a process that succeeds, not precedes, salvation.
Then there is the tradition of making the means of achieving salvation a ‘staircase’ of requirements or steps. And these ‘steps’ appear to fluctuate from one soul-winner to another, even from one presentation to another. Let’s consider some of the steps that are based on erroneous interpretations of the Scripture.
‘Repentance’ is often presented as one step toward salvation by many well-intentioned Christians. To some it means a genuine sorrow for one’s sins; to others it means that a lost person must forsake his sins before he can come to Christ in faith. Both views are wrong. ‘Repentance’ is not penitence, nor can a spiritually dead person turn away from sin. The word only means a ‘change of mind’ or ‘change of direction.’ It is true that the ‘Gospel of the Kingdom,’ which was the primary gospel message Christ originally presented to the Jews during His earthly ministry, did indeed include a command to repent or turn from sin. This command as used in the Old Testament was a requirement under the dispensation of the law and was directed to the Jews in order that they might obtain God’s favor. But nowhere in the New Testament, under the dispensation of grace, is there a requirement to first turn from one’s sins in order to achieve eternal life. Where the word is infrequently used in the New Testament as it relates to God’s gift of salvation, the word simply means to turn to Christ from anything or anyone else in order to obtain eternal life, which can only be done by exercising a decision of faith.
A ‘sister-step’ to repentance often used by soul-winners is to instruct the lost person to ‘confess his sins’ to God in order to obtain eternal life. But nowhere in the New Testament is anyone instructed to make such a confession to God for this purpose. They base this on 1 John 1:9—‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ Yet this verse applies only to believers; not to the lost. The verse is important for the sanctification or spiritual growth of Christians. It has no application to the acquisition of eternal life. Christ has already paid for the lost person’s sins, and this transaction which took place on the cross of Calvary becomes effective immediately upon faith, not a prayer for forgiveness. Faith is non-meritorious; any sort of prayer may be perceived as a meritorious work.
The same may be said for requiring anyone to ‘ask for forgiveness’ for his sins in order to obtain God’s gift of salvation. This too is not in the Bible. God freely forgives upon one’s faith-acceptance of His Son and His sacrifice; not because one asks or prays for forgiveness.
Another step usually included as part of the ‘sinner’s prayer’ is to ‘ask Christ to come into one’s heart.’ This is based on a misinterpretation of Revelation 3:20—‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.’ Yet this is another verse that strictly applies to believers and not to unbelievers. Christ will never come into a sinful heart based on a prayer request. But the Holy Spirit will indeed take up residence in the person who by faith accepts God’s Son as his personal Savior, which non-meritorious actions then allows the Spirit to change the person into a ‘new creation.’
Then there is the step that is often included in the ‘sinner’s prayer’ of ‘committing one’s life to Christ’ (i.e., dedicating or submitting one’s life to Christ) in order to achieve salvation. This is quite similar to ‘lordship salvation’ discussed previously. Again, nowhere in the Bible will you find this necessary in order to receive eternal life. Such dedication or commitment may only be accomplished after a person is saved. It is part of the believer’s sanctification process. And understand that it is a process, not a one-time finished transaction.
And finally there is the requirement or step to make some form of public confession such as vocally stating one’s decision as part of salvation’s acquisition. This is based on a misinterpretation of Romans 19:9 & 10—‘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 unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.’ It is unfortunate that churches and individuals seize upon this one verse to alter God’s plan of salvation, especially when the means of obtaining God’s salvation is articulated clearly in hundreds of other passages throughout His Word and never with any mention of a required ‘public confession’ of any kind. I can only suggest to you that a correct exegetical interpretation of this passage within its context requires no one to publicly or outwardly in any fashion confess one’s faith in Christ in order to obtain eternal life. A detailed treatment of this is at http://bibleone.net/HJBS03.html.
The danger in making any of these ‘steps’ a requirement of salvation is that they then add to the single Bible requirement for obtaining salvation. In fact, to make several of them a part of the acquisition of eternal life is to require the person to do something tangible and physical, which is nothing more than a ‘work’ that then nullifies true faith. They can only add to the decision of faith as the ‘complete formula,’ which may then be considered as all necessary in order to obtain eternal life. And faith plus works will save no one!”
Scene #5
(Narrator steps away from the chalkboard and around in front of the nearby desk. As he sits upon it and picks up and opens a Bible, he faces and addresses the camera)
“At this point many believers viewing this presentation may say: ‘But that is how I was lead to the Lord, and I know that I am saved.’ I won’t disagree, but I assure you that your salvation was achieved upon the one scriptural requirement that we are about to discuss, regardless of how many additional steps you think you may have taken when you initially came to Christ. In fact, it is often that a person is saved sometime after he executes the ‘sinner’s prayer’ when he fully realizes the one saving action that in fact secures eternal life and then internally employs it—often without fanfare or other recognition.
And then some of you may point to any number of well-known evangelists who have on record countless conversions to Christ based on several of the steps just discussed. My only answer to this observation is that ‘numbers’ are virtually no proof of doctrine. If that was the case then the Koran would be holy. Numbers must conform to correct doctrine, as verified in Scripture, and not doctrine to numbers.
So what is the one criterion that the Bible clearly reveals as the means to obtain eternal life, which is based solely upon the person (or deity) and work (or sacrifice) of Jesus Christ?
It is faith and faith alone! Of course it is not just any faith; it is a faith in the person and work of Christ for a specific purpose, which purpose is for one’s personal salvation. But such faith as described in Scripture is never meant to be understood as simply a mental acceptance of certain facts; although, it includes this. ‘Saving faith’ is a total and genuine trust or confidence in the person (or deity) of Jesus Christ and in his finished work of redemption upon the cross of Calvary for the securing of one’s personal salvation—and absolutely nothing else! It can be described as a commitment, as long as it is understood that the commitment is one of faith or full confidence in Christ alone for eternal life and not a ‘dedication’ of one’s life to Christ.
This genuine expression of faith is not a prayer or act of confession. It is a decision made within one’s ‘free-will.’ It is internal, and it is decisive. It takes place in a microsecond of time, which decision secures eternal life that can never be withdrawn.
In brief, God’s grace-gift of salvation is obtained by faith alone in Christ alone. It can be stated no more succinctly. Once the Holy Spirit convinces a person of his sinful state and eternal destination unless he accepts by faith (trusts completely in) the person and work of Christ and nothing or no one else for his personal salvation, he then must make a decision one way or the other. Although it does no harm to ask the person if he is willing to make the decision and then pray with him a thanksgiving prayer after he confirms that he has made it, it does no good to try to bully him into making it. If the Holy Spirit cannot bring him to it, neither can you. To persist in the matter may only bring forth a false profession in order to get you ‘off his back.’ It is preferable, and biblical, to simply trust the Holy Spirit to bring the message home and to bring the lost person to a decision of faith.
This one criterion of obtaining salvation God’s way is made clear in Scripture. Consider the following (a brief synopsis of each point appears on the screen):
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)
Being justified freely by His [God’s] grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:24)
And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17)
The Bible is clear on the matter. Given the points just discussed and the fact that the ‘sinner’s prayer,’ ‘lordship salvation,’ or any of the steps normally used in ‘staircase salvation’ are never biblically supported; one can only come to the conclusion that salvation based upon the person and work of Jesus Christ may only be obtained by a decision of faith alone in Christ alone.
This being the position of Scripture, the following portrayal is presented to illustrate a doctrinally correct example of leading someone to faith in Christ.
Scene #6
The scene opens up at a table in a café where three believers—Hal (male), Shawn (female) and Charles (male)—are having a discussion pertaining to an upcoming Bible study at Hal’s home. On the table are a pitcher partially filled with water and three glasses of water situated in front of each believer.
A third female person named Jenny enters the scene who is one of Shawn’s past college schoolmates. With pleasant surprise Shawn recognizes Jenny and invites her to join the table. After introductions are made, Shawn informs Jenny that she, Hal, and Charles were discussing a weekly Bible study class recently organized in Hal’s home and invites Jenny to attend.
Jenny thanks Shawn for the invitation and admits that she knows little about the Bible since her church doesn’t place much emphasis on its use and study. Having said this, she admits that since her church believes in the Bible and since, as she understands the doctrine of her church is derived from the Bible, she has always questioned why there was never any effort to teach it to its members.
The following discussion pursues:
Hal asks Jenny, “Don’t you think it is important to know if the teachings of your church are supported by the Bible?”
Jenny replies, “I suppose so, but I guess I really haven’t given it serious thought.”
Shawn speaks up, “Tell me Jenny, what does your church teach about life after death?”
Jenny seems puzzled but says, “It essentially says that there are only two destinations for anyone leaving this life, heaven or hell.”
Hal: “Do you believe that?”
“I think so,” Jenny replies.
Hal: “Then what is the determining factor?”
Jenny appears more perplexed and says, “What do you mean?”
Hal: “I mean what is it in this life that determines in which location a person ends up after passing from this life?”
Jenny: “The church teaches that it depends upon how good or bad a person has been during this life.”
Hal: “And do you believe that?”
“I suppose I do,” says Jenny.
Shawn asks Jenny, “But then what does your church teach about Christ?”
Jenny, still somewhat baffled, retorts, “Well, He was God’s Son sent to show us how to live, I think.”
Charles then speaks up, “Then tell me Jenny, what was the purpose for His dying on the cross?”
Jenny: “All I’ve been told is that He died for us, but I’m not too sure what that means.”
Charles: “Would you like to know?”
Jenny: “I suppose.”
Charles: “May I tell you? It will only take a few minutes.”
Jenny: “Sure.”
Charles then begins to explain: “The Bible is very clear regarding the purpose for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In fact, it speaks of this as the ‘good news’ or ‘gospel’ message. In the first place the Bible is clear on the matter of His deity. That is, Jesus Christ was God incarnate, which means that God came to earth and through the virgin birth took upon Himself the form of man in order that He could be tested and tempted in all ways as a man. Yet, He was without sin.”
Jenny interjects, “You know, I’ve always wondered why, if Christ was God, He permitted Himself to be tortured and crucified.”
Charles: “Jenny, He did it for a very specific reason. To understand it, you should know that at the very beginning of creation man rebelled against God and thereby not only became a sinner but obtained a sin nature that was passed on to man down through time. This sin nature, which every person possesses and which causes every person to sin, is very offensive to God’s holy nature. And God being just, He must therefore administer justice toward man for his sin. Sin requires a consequence or a ‘price’ if you please. The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23 ‘for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.’ It goes on to tell us in Romans 6:23 that ‘the wages of sin is death,’ which means separation from God in hell throughout eternity.” [Scriptures are flashed on the screen]
Jenny: “Then what hope is there?”
Charles: “That is where the good news concerning the person and sacrifice of Christ comes in. You see the Bible says that since sin requires a price be paid for sin and that man’s only capability for paying such a price was by spiritual death, that is, an eternity in hell; therefore, God by His mercy, love, and grace for man decided to make the payment for him (that is, in his place).
Jenny: “Okay, but then why did Christ have to die on the cross?”
Charles: “The simple but direct answer is this: it was on the cross that Jesus Christ paid the penalty-price for our sins. It was on the cross that God made Christ to be our sin in order that as our substitute He could pay for our sin. The apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:21 said it this way, ‘For He [God the Father] made Him [Christ] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.’ The apostle Peter stated the same in 1 Peter 2:24: ‘who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.’ [Scriptures are flashed on the screen]
It was during the 6th to the 9th hour of the day while Christ hung on that old Roman rugged cross that the penalty-price for our sins was paid. It was when the entire world was darkened, and God the Father turned away from His Son. Jesus cried out at that time, as is recorded in Matthew 27:46: ‘And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”’ Then in John 19:30, just before Christ allowed Himself to physically die, He made this statement: ‘It is finished!’ Another translation is ‘The debt has been settled.’ [Scriptures are flashed on the screen]
Let me illustrate using this pitcher and these glasses of water. Visualize that this pitcher is Christ upon the cross. These two glasses are you and me. The water in them represents you sins and my sins. [Charles pours the water from the glasses into the pitcher] This is what happened at the crucifixion. Your sins and my sins were taken by Christ and in our place, as our substitute, He absorbed them and paid the penalty-price for them in order to make it possible that we would not have to make the payment, but instead provide for us a path to eternal life.
But it is also important to know Jenny that Christ did not remain physically dead. After three days in the grave He physically rose from the grave to ascend unto His Father in heaven where He now makes intercession for all who will believe in Him. His resurrection was God’s certification that both Christ’s deity and message are absolutely true and that, as Christ Himself said in John 14:6, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’ [Scripture is flashed on the screen]
Now Jenny because Christ paid your penalty-price for your sin upon the cross, it means that if you will believe in Christ and what He did for you personally, that is, to by faith personally and sincerely accept His free gift of salvation, you will then be given eternal life, which can never be taken back. Salvation then is not a matter of any works you can do; it is a matter of trusting in what Christ has already done for you. And this is stated in many locations throughout the Bible. I believe the following two passages should make this clear [The following scriptures are flashed on the screen as they are quoted]:
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18)
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 one last thing you should know Jenny. When the Bible speaks of faith in or believing in Jesus Christ, it is not speaking about a mental accent to the facts of His existence, death, and resurrection. Even though this is part of a proper faith, there is more. True faith or belief in Christ is to make a firm and genuine decision that you are willing to completely trust in or, in other words, to place your full confidence in Christ and His sacrifice on the cross as payment for your sin and for your personal salvation. Again, this is a decision that you may make in an instant of time, which decision will then be recorded in heaven and for which eternal life will be given to you at the same time.”
Jenny: “But don’t I have to ask God for forgiveness or confess my sins or dedicate myself to Him or anything else? It just seems so simple.”
Charles: “No, it involves absolutely nothing else.” That is why Jesus and the Holy Spirit in one of the last verses of the Bible in Revelation 22:17 say: ‘Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.’ One cannot pray for salvation; one can only accept it by faith. It is a gift purchased by Christ on the cross. It does not require you to ask for any forgiveness; Christ has already forgiven you of your sins, which forgiveness becomes personally effective for you when you make the decision to accept Him and His sacrifice by faith. As for dedication, this is a matter that you may address after you have been born into God’s family. In short, you are not to look within to yourself, that is, your good works; you are not to look without, that is, to any other institution or any other person; you are only to look in faith to Christ in order to receive the grace-gift of eternal life.
Now do you understand, Jenny?”
Jenny: “Wow! Yes, now I do understand.”
Charles: “Then tell me Jenny. Will you now make the decision to place your full trust in Jesus Christ and His work for you for your personal salvation?”
Jenny: “Yes I will.”
Charles: “And have you now made that decision?”
Jenny: “Yes I have.”
Charles: “Super! And based upon your stated decision of faith in Christ, God’s Word confirms that you now possess eternal life, which life can never be taken back. You are now a child of God, a new creation. The Holy Spirit has baptized or immersed you into the body of Christ—a union of all believers—and He stands ready to guide you in your spiritual walk. All these and many other things happened when you made your decision to trust Christ, none of which is dependent upon or may generate any emotion or feeling. Emotion and great feelings will follow, but faith is utterly independent from them. Faith was an act of your will.
Now, even though prayer has nothing to do with getting you saved, it may be a good idea to have a brief prayer to thank our Father for His wonderful gift of eternal life. Would you be willing to pray with us and thank Him for it?
Jenny: “Sure.”
(The group around the table bow and give thanks to God for Christ and the salvation of Jenny as the scene fades)
Scene #7
(Narrator facing the camera with parting remarks)
“This presentation was designed to help you as a believer to be better and more accurately prepared to share your Christian faith with unbelievers. If you are not a Christian, I now hope you fully and correctly understand God’s gospel message to you concerning Christ and His sacrifice. Should you wish to consider it further, please visit www.bibleone.net.
But one last point to believers who are now watching: It is critically important that once you lead someone to saving faith in Jesus Christ that you follow-up in a concentrated manner to the person to mature in the Christian faith. Once a person has been ‘born again’ by the Spirit of God, he or she, as in physical birth, is only a new born infant who needs nourishment and guidance.
The Great Commission as shared by Christ to His followers in Matthew 28:19 & 20 is as follows (The verse is flashed on the screen):
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.
It is important to note that Christ wasn’t speaking about just getting people ‘saved.’ He specifically states that our responsibility is make disciples, which are mature followers of God. This can only be done when we follow-up with anyone we lead to Christ, assisting them in feeding upon God’s Word and guiding them in all facets of the Christian life.
My prayer is that you will go forth as ambassadors for our Lord and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with all with whom you come into contact and that you follow-up with each of them in transforming them into disciples of Christ.
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