Evangelism is an attitude of deep concern for others, coupled with a vibrant faith that finds expression in a continuous effort on behalf of the Holy Spirit and humanity to bring individuals into a vital relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

You may ask: “What about someone who has never heard of Christ? Will he or she be condemned to hell?” Here are several tips for addressing such concerns:

1. Feel free to acknowledge that we don’t have the whole story about how God will deal with these people. Certain things are known to God alone. Deuteronomy 29:29 says, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God; but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children for ever.”
2. God is just. All the evidence we have indicates that we can have confidence in His character. As the Bible says, “Shall not the judge of the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25)
3. No person will be condemned for rejecting Jesus Christ of whom he has never heard. Instead, he will be condemned for violating his own moral standard, however high or low it has been. Romans 2:12 says that “all who sin apart from the law, and all who sin under the [Mosaic] law will be judged by the law.”
4. The Bible tells us that every man has enough information from creation to know that God exists. Romans 1:19-20 says, “What may be known about God is plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excused.” (See also Psalm 19:1-4.)

From Matthew 7:7-11 and Jeremiah 29:13, we may conclude that, if a man responds to the light he has and seeks God, God will give him a chance to hear the truth about Jesus Christ.

5. The Bible teaches nowhere that a man can be saved apart from Jesus Christ. He himself said, “I am the way” to the Father. He spoke with God’s authority. He is the only bridge across the chasm that separates the highest possible human achievement from the infinitely holy standard of God.

Peter left no doubt in his flat assertion: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

6. Each of us must stand before a just and holy God and answer for our own selves. When that happens, the issue will not be the heathen. The issue will be what we have done about God’s only sinless Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

There are always those who are merely toying with truth and those who may have genuine obstacles to overcome. We can never be sure what is transpiring within the soul of another. Therefore, prayerfully consider the following steps in being available instantly to witness to God’s saving faith:

1. Allow the Holy Spirit to take control and God will calm your soul and sharpen your mind.
2. Remember that the other person is loved by God and has an eternal destiny, just like you.
3. Be open to being a channel of God’s saving grace instead of an obstacle in the process.

When questions come up while presenting the plan of salvation, try to satisfy them with a brief answer and get back to your presentation, promising to take up the question later. There’s no shame in admitting ignorance on some topic. You can always promise to research the answer to any genuine question.

Pastor Joseph Hovsepian