The ABC’s of Salvation

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

The other day I talked about how to witness. I promised to share with you the ABC’s of a gospel presentation. It stands for:
1) Admit
2) Believe
3) Confess

At its core, the gospel is a story about good news.  Very few church members ever actually make a gospel presentation to anyone. Let alone family or friends.  I would love to see that change for I believe that God chose us to be the route by which He grew His church and enlarged His kingdom.  In fact, it is a command found in several places in the New Testament.  The most well-known scripture is found in Matthew 28:18-20. You can also find this in Act 1:8; Mark 16:15; Acts 10:42; and 1 Peter 3:15.   

In all my years of ministry trying to keep things simple so other Christians would go out and proclaim the gospel there is one important thing I have learned.  In its simplest form, the ABCs of salvation is not the gospel; rather, the acts of admitting, believing, and confessing (and you might tack on, repenting) are all biblical responses to the gospel.

As essential as it is for people to learn how to glorify God in responding to the gospel, they cannot do so unless they first rightly hear the message that prompts a response.  Let me add that taking your time ensures that people clearly understand the full message of God’s redemption—which includes the story of creation, the Fall, and God’s restoration through Jesus Christ.  Also, Christ challenged people who showed a casual attitude to the gospel message. (See Matthew 8:18-22)

 For this reason, and borrowing from LifeWay Christian Resources, I am providing a gospel presentation for salvation which includes several additional scriptures for your use.

1) God rules: The Bible tells us God created everything, including you and me, and He is in charge of everything. (See Genesis 1:1; Revelation 4:11; Colossians 1:16-17)

2) We sinned: We all choose to disobey God.  The Bible calls this sin.  Sin separates us from God and deserves God’s punishment of death. (See Romans 3:23; 6:23)

3) God provided: God sent Jesus, the perfect solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve.  It’s something we, as sinners, could never earn on our own.  Jesus alone saves us. (See John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9)

4) Jesus gives: Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again.  Because Jesus gave up His life for us, we can be welcomed into God’s family for eternity.  This is the best gift ever! (See Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18)

Now to review and answer any subsequent questions:

A — “Admit that you are a sinner”

"All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

B — "Believe"

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved." (Acts 16:31)

C — "Confess"

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

If you admit that you are a sinner according to A, and if you believe on Christ according to B, 

C tells you that you must confess that Jesus is Lord and has already suffered for your sins.  You committed the sins; Christ bore the punishment in your place.  Now God can give you—not the punishment, which Christ has already taken upon Himself—but His gift of salvation, which is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

That's how you can be sure you will spend eternity in heaven.  Now, are you going to just forget about what you've read here and go on as before—without God and without heaven for your future?  Or will you give this matter serious consideration and believe God's A-B-C?  It is God's way of salvation and the only way to have a guaranteed future in heaven.

While it is true that salvation is by grace through faith, the ABC formula by itself won’t lead to conversions if people don’t understand why grace is needed in the first place and how it is provided through the cross.

Up to this point, there has been no mention of any other letters. This comes after they have understood and obeyed the first three letters.  

D —"DOING"

The following verse applies to those who, by faith, have received God's salvation.  "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10)

You can never receive eternal life by earning it.  The good works only prove that you possess eternal life.   All that is necessary for your salvation has been completed, and you may simply rest your soul on what He has already done.  "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

Now, let’s all get out there and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ for the expansion of the kingdom, to honor the Son, and for the glory of God! Amen!

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10:14-15)

  

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