By David Ettinger
A Hard Sell
Telling people God loves them is not enough. Upon sharing this message
with an unbeliever, she may say, “That’s nice” and go on with her day
unaffected.

A discussion of the Gospel must begin with the truth that all people are born sinners, that is, separated from God and the consequence that goes with it. That consequence, of course, is that if people die in the same spiritual state in which they were born, they will spend eternity in Hell. However, there is a “remedy” – the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Those who repent of their sins and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will be saved; they will spend eternity with Christ.
Scoffers will repudiate the truth that all individuals are born sinners. However, those who will accept this claim for argument’s sake, have many other points of contention. They may find it implausible that one man dying on a cross can in such an act take upon himself the sins of the world. “If I am a sinner,” the skeptic may reason, “it seems I’m getting off rather easy by simply saying, ‘Yes, God, give my sins to Jesus and clear me.’” True, but there is more to it than this.
Despite the skeptic’s objection, though incredulous he won’t be put off by the thought of one man taking upon himself the sins of the world. After all, it is a selfless and gallant act. However, there is one truth which will put off a skeptic, and it is a hard sell indeed.
The Audacity!
What is this outrageous truth which causes the unbeliever to say, “This
is really what you believe? That’s audacity!” Here are a few verses; see
if you can determine what it is:
- “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6).
- “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
- “Whoever believes in him [Jesus] is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”(John 3:18).

So, what is the “audacious” message unbelievers cringe at? It is not the pithy bumper-sticker pronouncement that “Jesus Saves.” It’s true, but incomplete. The “audacious” message is that “Jesus Saves – and no one else. Jesus is the only one who can save you.”
For the unbeliever, this is the primary thorn of the Christian message. “Do you mean to tell me,” he sneers, “that it’s either Jesus or no one? Are you telling me that only Jesus can keep me out of Hell? This seems narrow-minded to me.”
Narrow Indeed
The truth that Jesus is the only way sinners can avoid eternal damnation is not narrow-minded, but it is
narrow by way of alternatives (of which there are none). After all,
Jesus Himself said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate
and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through
it” (Matthew 7:13). The “narrow gate” is Jesus. Not only is Jesus the
“narrow gate,” He is also the “only gate.” The “gate” cannot be
bypassed. The “gate” which is Jesus is the only entryway to eternal
life, and it must be passed through to get there.

So, what do you do when skeptics bristle at this audacious truth? First, in all Gospel discussions, remember Paul’s admonition to “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6). In other words, don’t argue, raise your voice, or get into a fight. Stay calm, but remain steadfast.
Second, I say something such as: “I know this is difficult to accept and sometimes I, too, wonder about it, but I thoroughly believe it. I see it in a positive light. Once I accept that I am a sinner bound for Hell, I am exceedingly grateful that God offers any way out at all! If Jesus is that only way, than I jubilantly accept it.”
Not So Audacious
I don’t think the issue is so much one of convincing as it is presenting.
I don’t engage people too deeply on the intellectual level, though this
is important. I believe it is more necessary to present the Truth as
proclaimed in the Bible, do so lovingly, and show how truly wonderful it
is.
Christ as the only way to salvation? If you present this truth tenderly and sensibly, perhaps the unbelievers in your life will come to the conclusion that it is not so audacious after all!
vicklea
March 18, 2019
You are exactly right. I have family members who say that this is not possible, that other religions have their own way of being saved. Quoting Scripture has no effect on their hard hearts. I am re-blogging this because it is absolute truth that others need to think about.
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dettinger47
March 18, 2019
You are so right, Vickie. With my family, as well, they are unimpressed with Scripture. However, when I think of proclaiming the truth, of witnessing, it is as if God is saying, “Just give them the message that at least they hear it. The rest is up to Me.” The Lord, in essence, told Isaiah and Ezekiel something similar: just preach the Word whether they listen or not (which they, Israel, will not!).
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fromianscorner
March 18, 2019
Amen, brother David. I love the “audacity” of God! A clear concise way to present the Gospel. Thank you.
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dettinger47
March 18, 2019
Thanks so much, Ian. Just tell what we know and let the Lord handle the rest!
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Lisa Beth
March 18, 2019
The first line grabbed me. American Christianity is obsessed with “God loves you!”. Jesus said “repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all the nations”. The true gospel takes courage to preach. Love is popular, repentance is not!
Good post David.
Btw, really liked your study about Esther in Zions Fire. Everyone should get this magazine, filled with godly teaching!
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dettinger47
March 18, 2019
“Love is popular, repentance is not!” So true, Lisa Beth! Thank you for the compliment about my Zion’s Fire article. Between you and me (and anyone else who reads this), of the 125 or so articles I’ve written for ZF, this is the first time I’ve ever had a “repeat” article. (This was first published in 2002, and I edited it by taking some of the snarkiness out.) Dave Rosenthal wanted a Purim article for this issue and said something to the effect of, “Didn’t you write a Queen Esther article a number of years ago.” I said yes, and hence, my first repeat article. Glad you liked it.
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Bruce
March 18, 2019
When you’re drowning and someone throws you a life ring, few argue about the others they should be able to choose from. Jesus is the only life ring. Who else claimed to be God and rose from the dead? Kinda cuts down the options. Grace and blessings my friend.
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dettinger47
March 18, 2019
Amen, Bruce! Well said.
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Blue Collar Theologian
March 18, 2019
Far too often Jesus is being sacrificed on the altar of cultural relativity. I also agree with Lisa Beth that “love is popular, repentance is not!” In this postmodern society where whatever you think or feel is truth, Jesus’s message is truly “audacious.” Thank you for this encouragement!
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dettinger47
March 18, 2019
Spot-on, Blue Collar. Thank you for your insights!
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seekingdivineperspective
March 18, 2019
It doesn’t matter what I feel, what matters is what Jesus said. It amazes me how many people are still relying on their feelings, when human emotion has been proven time and again to be unreliable.
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dettinger47
March 18, 2019
Yep, so true.
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John Eli
March 18, 2019
The truth that so many have a difficult time with. Thanks for staying true to the message of the gospel. Blessings David.
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dettinger47
March 18, 2019
Thank you, John.
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Dee@Sealed in Christ
March 18, 2019
This is great advice. Thanks!
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dettinger47
March 18, 2019
Thank you, Dee.
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bigskybuckeye
March 18, 2019
Your thoughts make me wonder about my siblings who are not as engaged with Christ and His salvation for them.
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dettinger47
March 19, 2019
Same here.
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heavensreef
March 19, 2019
YES, the narrow gate is the hard one for skeptics to understand. Let us pray for those unbelievers around us…….that the veil is lifted. And also we must as you said here, be very careful what we say to them. We are to love them with HIS grace because how do you not know that one might come to faith? We never know how our words impact others……they are watching us and our response to them! All your advice here on how to spread the GOSPEL is spot on!! Thank you for your post David! The truth for sure.
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dettinger47
March 19, 2019
Great insights, Maxine. Much thanks!
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