IX.
THE DECISION TO TRUST IN CHRIST ALONE
A.
THE IMPORTANCE OF INVITING OTHERS TO TRUST IN CHRIST ALONE.
1. It is the
Hinge Portion of the Gospel Facts Presentation.
a. All
preceding it is aimed at getting a decision. We must inform and invite
others to put their trust in Christ as their only way to receive eternal life.
b. Personal
Evangelism is communicating the gospel and inviting the unsaved to trust
in Christ.
2. This Part of the Gospel Facts Presentation Must Be Practiced
Twice as much as all other Principles.
This
is the most crucial time in your witnessing. You can drive the person from
Christ, or lead them to Christ by what you say and the way you say it.
B.
THE QUALIFYING QUESTION
1. The Qualifying Question:
"Does
this make sense to you?"
It
is vital to make sure they understand the gospel.
2. The
Qualifying Question Helps Determine If the Prospect Understands the
Gospel of Jesus Christ.
3. THREE
POSSIBLE RESPONSES to the Qualifying Question:
a.
"Yes" - ask
the invitation question.
b. "I am not sure"
c. "No"
4. When Given a Wrong Response to the Qualifying Question:
a. Briefly Review the Gospel.
b. Ask, "What is it that is keeping you from trusting in Christ?"
C.
THE INVITATION QUESTION:
1. The Invitation Question:
"Since
this makes sense to you, would you like to receive Christ as your
Savior?”
Questions
are a great way to
2. Three Possible Responses to the Invitation Question:
a. "Yes" - ask the Decision Question.
b. "I am not sure"
c. "No"
3. When Your Given a Wrong Response to the Invitation Question:
a. Ask, "What is it that is keeping you from accepting God's free
gift of salvation?”
b. Answer the objection/objections and ask the Invitation Question again.
D.
THE DECISION QUESTIONS:
1. The Decision Questions:
"Does
this prayer express your desire to trust in Christ?"
"Would
you like to pray and thank Him for dying for you and for giving you eternal
life?"
2. Ask for a
Decision in the Most Positive Way.
a. "Would You Like to Pray..." -
Not, "you have got to pray..."
b. "Trusting
His Son..." - Not, "give up, turn from, or
join..."
3. Expect a
Positive Response.
E.
THREE POSSIBLE RESPONSES TO THE DECISION QUESTIONS:
1. "Yes" and
"Yes" to Both Questions - Lead the new believer in a
prayer of thanksgiving for eternal life.
2. "No"
- Ask him why he said no? "No," does not always
mean no.
He
may just need to review some principles. If he means, "No." Do not
force the gospel on anyone. You have done your job.
3. "I Am Not Sure"
-
a. Briefly
review the Gospel Facts.
b. Ask the
decision question until a positive response is given. And then pray the
prayer of thanksgiving.
F.
Lead the New Believer in a Prayer of Thanksgiving for Eternal Life.
"Pray
this prayer after me."
"Dear
Lord, I know that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. Today,
the best I know how, I trust you as my Savior. I believe you died for me and
arose from the dead. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me
eternal life. Amen."
1. The
Prospect
needs to know you will lead in this prayer.
a. Have the person repeat the prayer after you.
b. Have the person pray it from the Facts tract.
2. The
Prospect needs to know that he can be saved today, by trusting in Christ alone
for eternal life.
3. The Prospect needs to understand that saying
a prayer does not save.
It
is believing in Jesus Christ as your only way to Heaven. Prayer is the
best way to communicate with God. This
will be their first prayer as a believer. It is a prayer of thanksgiving. Thanking
the Lord for saving them and giving them eternal life.
a. Benefits Of Using A Prayer With The Believing Sinner.
1). The time to trust Christ is now. Ask if the prayer on the
Facts tract is something they would like to do.
2). It will let you know if the person is responding to the gospel.
b. After a Positive Response to the Gospel:
1). Praise the Lord in your heart for the privilege of having a part in
leading a person to Christ.
2). Rejoice with the new believer.
3). There is no better time to encourage the new believer to live and grow
in the Lord.
G.
MAKE SURE THEY UNDERSTAND AND KNOW THEY HAVE ETERNAL LIFE BECAUSE
OF TRUSTING IN CHRIST ALONE.
Ask
the second Exploratory Question and then the first Exploratory Question:
1. "If you were standing before God and He asked you, ‘Why
should I let you into Heaven?’ What would you say to Him?"
2. "If you died today, Do you know for sure you are going to
Heaven?"
If
you are given a wrong answer it may be that the person is not understanding that
salvation is by grace alone. Review the gospel and be patience.
UPDATED
- 02-10-03
