Evangelism - The Gospel Trinity

Sharing the Gospel - The Gospel Trinity

Evangelism is perhaps the most universally acknowledged directive from Jesus in the Bible. As a Christian, you likely agree that the great commission is a commandment, calling all followers of Jesus to adhere to it. Regrettably, it also tends to be the most overlooked directive. Christians, in general, often do not actively engage in converting non-believers, despite Jesus' clear instruction to do so. Why is this the case? Is it a lack of desire to follow Jesus' command? Probably not. There are several reasons why Christians may shy away from evangelizing the lost. Firstly, it requires effort, and we tend to be complacent. We may not feel inclined to approach strangers and discuss topics that could be perceived as unconventional. This leads to the second point - the fear of being viewed as peculiar. In today's society, we strive for acceptance rather than rejection. Why would we willingly broach subjects that might lead to disapproval or alienation? The simple answer is that we are mandated to do so. The third and final reason is a lack of knowledge on how to evangelize effectively, a point I will delve into further in this post.

How to Evangelize

One crucial aspect to consider is that in order to evangelize effectively, you must be a believer and your life's testimony should reflect your commitment to following Jesus. If your lifestyle does not align with the teachings of Jesus, it is best to refrain from evangelizing. It is counterproductive to speak about Jesus while living a life that contradicts His teachings, as this can undermine the message being conveyed. Therefore, it is important to seek God's guidance and purification before sharing the Gospel with others.

Before discussing the Gospel with others, it is beneficial to clarify what the Gospel is not. Many contemporary approaches used by Christians may not encompass the complete Gospel message. Let us examine what the Gospel does not entail.

Not the Gospel

Your personal testimony is NOT the Gospel. I want to clarify that sharing your personal testimony is not discouraged or seen as negative. However, it is distinct from the Gospel and therefore does not carry the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16).

The Gospel is more than just saying “Jesus loves you”. Jesus’ love is a profound quality that surpasses human understanding (best exemplified by His sacrifice on the cross). While Jesus indeed loves all people and His creation, we must be cautious in how we convey this love and to whom. I understand this may seem selective and incorrect, but please bear with me. The issue arises when we inform a non-believer that Jesus loves them as they are, implying that no change is necessary. This can be perilous, as we know that repentance and following Jesus are essential for entering His kingdom.

What is the Gospel – The Gospel Trinity

The essence of the Gospel is Jesus. It is as straightforward as that. His purpose for coming, His actions, and His ultimate destination. To present this concept clearly to those who do not believe, I employ a Trinitarian approach known as the Gospel Trinity, consisting of The Bad News, The Good News, and The Great News.

The Bad News – Due to the Fall of Man (Adam's sin), we all have sinned and require a Savior. Our actions cannot earn us salvation, and the consequence of disobeying God's law is death. (Romans 3:23, Psalm 51:5, Romans 6:23)

The Good News – Jesus arrived on Earth in human form, transitioning from infinite to finite. Despite being tempted, he remained sinless, allowing him to serve as the ultimate sacrifice for all humanity. (Matthew 2:1, Luke 2:7, Matthew 4:1-11)

The Great News – Jesus, in His role as the atonement for our sins, sacrificed Himself on the cross in our place. He was wounded for our wrongdoings and crushed for our sins. After being buried, He rose from the dead on the third day. He appeared to over 500 individuals after His resurrection before ascending to Heaven to be with His Father. Through His sacrifice, the salvation of those who repent, believe, and follow Him is assured. (Matthew 27:45-66, Matthew 28:1-16, Mark 16:9-20, Isaiah 53:5)

That's the essence of it, neither more nor less. This is the Gospel, and spreading it is straightforward; just keep in mind the Gospel Trinity - The Bad News, The Good News, and The Great News.