When it comes to sharing the gospel, it is critical that we share both the good news and the bad news of its message. Too often we are quick to share the good news that Jesus loves you and that you are very special to Him. However, we often don’t share the fact that the bad news is that we are all sinners and are not capable of receiving the salvation that Christ promises – the good news – by doing good works. The fact is that without understanding that all of us by nature are rebels of God and that before we come to Jesus are vile sinners and on our own are hopelessly lost. R. C. Sproul said it well: “The gospel is only good news when we understand the bad news.”1
Sharing the good news of the gospel without the bad news will often leave the sinner thinking that he is OK in God’s book because Jesus loves him. This, however, will only lead the sinner thinking since God loves him, he will go to heaven when he dies; and nothing could be farther from the truth. Without informing our sinner that without repentance from sin and accepting Jesus into his heart, he is doomed and headed to hell – that’s the bad news.
And I believe the number one reason we sometimes don’t want to share the bad news is our fear of rejection and having our feelings hurt. And while it is true many people will not respond favorably to us telling them that they are sinners, we must do this and pray that they will realize that this is their true state and that they must accept the reality that unless they repent and come to Jesus that they are hopelessly doomed for all of eternity.
My friends only when a person is confronted with the realization that they are indeed sinners, in rebellion of God, and hopelessly lost on their own, can they understand why the good news of the gospel is such good news. Sharing the complete gospel message oftentimes will take courage because no one wants to be rejected or hurt another person’s feelings. However, without knowing the true and very dangerous condition that each unrepentant sinner, without Christ, is in, we in reality are more concerned with our feelings getting hurt than the salvation of that individual. But without being confronted with their true sinful condition, each sinner will often never know the grave danger they are in.
So, what are we to do when we decide to share the gospel with an individual? First, we need to pray for boldness to share the message of Jesus knowing that oftentimes we will not be received favorably. Second, we need to be prepared to be attacked verbally when we confront an individual with telling them that they are a sinner. And third, we need to pray for wisdom on how best to share with love the full message of the gospel.
Remember that most people when confronted with the fact that they are vile sinners, initially will not respond favorably. But remember that while we may not get the response we like, we will be planting seeds and being faithful in our calling to share the gospel. And in the end isn’t that what Jesus calls us to do – be faithful in sharing, and bold in our praying for the conviction of the Holy Spirit in the life of the sinner we are sharing with.
So, when it comes to the gospel, pray before you share, share both the good news and the bad news of its message, and rejoice in being faithful to your calling. For remember in the end it is our role to do the sharing and God’s role to do the convicting.
1 R.C. Sproul Quote: “The gospel is only good news when we understand the bad news.”