Last Sunday’s Chris spoke on the Judgement Seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10-15). All believers will one day stand there before the Lord. It is not our sin that will be judged there because Romans 8:1 says “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” But, at the Judgement Seat of Christ all believer’s works will be judged for their value. Did they bring glory to God or self? That which is useless wood, hay, or stubble will be burned up while that which is valuable will be rewarded. but it will not affect a person’s salvation.
With that in mind how are you doing with witnessing? Do you sometimes fail to give out the gospel or be productive for Christ. That is something most Christians struggle with. Dr. Al Mohler uses four words starting with “P” to remind us of the essential aspects of the gospel when witnessing to someone. You can use the four fingers of your hand to remember them easily.
The first word is PROBLEM. Our index finger points to the problem. We are all sinners and the wages of sin is death (Rom. 3:23; 6:23). There is nothing we can do to merit the salvation. There is none righteous Romans 3:10-18 tells us. Ephesians 2:1 adds that we are “dead” in your sins which means we are can’t do a thing about it. Dead people don’t do anything. That is a problem!
The next word is PROVISION. Our sin must be dealt with but we can’t do it on our own because we are dead. But God is “rich in mercy” because of His “great love” and wants to redeem us (Eph. 2:4). It is all about Him and for His glory. He has provided a way us to be forgiven.
The third word is PERSON. Christ is the person who died on the cross for sinners. He is the groom who died for His bride the church. He died in our place. That is easy to remember because the third finger is the ring finger speaking about love, engagement, and marriage. Ephesians 5:22ff spells that out clearly. I Cor. 15:1-5 says the “gospel” is about Christ’s death, burial and resurrection for our sins. He did it all. For more on that see the What is the Gospel? video on our home page.
PROMISE is the last word and has great hope attached to it. Christ died but was resurrected and ascended to heaven and promised to come again. He also promised to give forgiveness, salvation and eternal life to all who call on the name of the Lord having repented of their sin. The Holy Spirit has a key role in speaking to the cold heart to bring repentance on those issues and bringing us to life. Repentance is a change of mind and heart about God and our sin. That promise also extends the promises of heaven that are eternal.
Practice this simple four fingered gospel in your SALT group this week. Problem, Provision, Person, and Promise. Got it? See if you can remember the four words and the truth they point to. Then when talking to someone ask if they have heard of these four “P’s” of the Gospel.
Pastor Mark