I could use some advice

[Forest]

I would like some advice about a simple yet compelling way to reach some people who claim to believe in the bible, but trust in obedience and works to gain salvation. I am new to witnessing to people, but feel compelled to do so with these people.

This has been bothering me a lot lately and I really want to help these people understand salvation and Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

They think the cross, is about "bearing the cross", not that salvation comes from what Christ did for us on the cross. They are strict with obedience, but don't understand that it is not obedience that saves us.

Suggestions?

 

[kerux]

Bro, I would start by sharing with them what Ephesians 2 says.

I would also explain to them that yes obedience is a good thing, but, that is not why God sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins. We weren't obedient when Jesus died for us. God sent His Son to die for us because of the fact that without a perfect sacrafice to give humanit a chance to come into a right relationship with God, we were all doomed and going to hell. Look at the OT, they couldn't abide by all the rules that were set. That is the reason why God sent Jesus to supply a final way for us to come into a relationship with Him. Because he knew that us as human being could not keep all the laws that were set. That is how much He loved us is that He was willing to watch His only Son in complete agonay on the cross, rather than see all of humanity go to hell.

Sorry, I started preaching for a minute.

Keep us updated on how things are going.

 

[clonenomore]

I would also explain to them that yes obedience is a good thing, but, that is not why God sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins. We weren't obedient when Jesus died for us. God sent His Son to die for us because of the fact that without a perfect sacrafice to give humanit a chance to come into a right relationship with God, we were all doomed and going to hell. Look at the OT, they couldn't abide by all the rules that were set. That is the reason why God sent Jesus to supply a final way for us to come into a relationship with Him. Because he knew that us as human being could not keep all the laws that were set. That is how much He loved us is that He was willing to watch His only Son in complete agonay on the cross, rather than see all of humanity go to hell.
....

Amen! There's not much I can add to that, but you know, preachers just can't shut up sometimes!

In addition to Ephesians, as mentioned by Mike, I suggest that you look at Galatians. At the church in Galatia, there had entered false prophets -- folks preaching stuff that was just not true. Included in these false teachings was the idea that we had to adhere to the Law of Moses. Paul wrote the letter to combat these false teachings, and to show that the blood of the Lamb replaced legalism.

Look at Galatians 2:16 (GNB):

"Yet we know that a person is put right with God only through faith in Jesus Christ, never by doing what the Law requires. We, too, have believed in Christ Jesus in order to be put right with God through our faith in Christ, and not by doing what the Law requires. For no one is put right with God by doing what the Law requires."

While we must be obedient to God's word, we should never use obedience as "fire insurance" -- just to get us out of hell. We should be obedient out of thankfullness of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross. While good "works" will appear as fruits of the Spirit, they are a by-product of giving of ourselves totally to following Christ.

But whatever you do, however you approach this topic, do it out of love. Don't go into "attack" mode. Arguments close minds, and closed minds are not receptive to the movement of the Holy Spirit. I'm not saying accept whatever they say, but I am saying, as Peter did, to do this with "gentleness and respect".

 

[Highland Watchman]

... I think there needs to be a balance between the obedience-based gospel and the cheapened "I don't have to do anything" or "I can live how I want" gospel, both of which are false (and both of which I see too much of in the church, and I can't stand it...).

For I can see their points in that we have been set free and made slaves of Christ, rather than slaves to sin... and being a slave would indicate some form of obedience, I would think. Also remember that the same God who sent Christ was the same God who wrote the Law through Moses, and is also the same God who created the Heavens and the Earth. And as such, if we are ransomed to God, then that means we belong to God... Not only this, but if you consider what Christ said to the woman caught in adultery... "I do not condemn you. Now go your way and SIN NO MORE", which would indicate a certain onus of responsibility on us, the proclaimed FOLLOWERS of Christ.

See, we are called to live as if we have been set free... Our old nature (the flesh, the sinful nature) should have passed away, and we are commanded to struggle with it as we work out our salvation in Christ Jesus. However, I see your point in that there must not be a focus on the actions, or on the law, or on the obedience for the sake of themselves. But rather, the focus should be on Christ.

I would actually suggest reading all of Galatians. And perhaps throw Colossians in there as well. For those letters were meant originally to be read in their entirety. And as you read them, pray that God would give you the wisdom of what to say when you speak with them... Romans is also really good on this subject, even though it is quite a bit longer, and may take more than one sitting to get through. However, Paul goes into the discussion on grace throughout it.

 

[kerux]

I hope and pray that my post did not make you think i was preaching the

cheapened "I don't have to do anything" or "I can live how I want" gospel

I agree that obedience is needed, but grace is the first step, for if we are unable to accept the grace that God has shown to us, then we will not be in a place where we will have a relationship with God to be obedient.

Also, although being saved by works is a wrong way of thinking, I also believe that when we are in a right relationship with God, not only will we be obedient, but the works will be a natural extension of the love that we show to the rest of the human race.

 

[Forest]

Somehow I think they missed this...

Also, although being saved by works is a wrong way of thinking, I also believe that when we are in a right relationship with God, not only will we be obedient, but the works will be a natural extension of the love that we show to the rest of the human race.

Ephesians 2:8 makes it really clear...

This is what I need to learn how to communicate to them.

Thank you, everyone for the advice

I think this is what I need to learn to do well...

1 Peter 3:15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear

Any advice or preaching is welcome!

 

[Highland Watchman]

I hope and pray that my post did not make you think i was preaching the

I agree that obedience is needed, but grace is the first step, for if we are unable to accept the grace that God has shown to us, then we will not be in a place where we will have a relationship with God to be obedient.

Also, although being saved by works is a wrong way of thinking, I also believe that when we are in a right relationship with God, not only will we be obedient, but the works will be a natural extension of the love that we show to the rest of the human race.

I agree with this. I just wanted to make sure that we did not fall off the wagon onto the other side... Blessings to you!