The Apostle Peter encourages the recipients of his letter to always be ready to show others the reason why they have hope,

but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; (1 Peter 3:15)

Do you know how to give an account for your faith?  How would you respond to the question, “If you were to stand before God and He were to ask you ‘Why should you enter into heaven?’  How would you respond?”  I find that a frequent response is, “good works, obeying the golden rule, or a host of religious activities.”  But what does the Bible teach?

Several years ago I came across an article by Randy D. Raysbrook on how to share your faith in one verse.  I was intrigued by the simplicity  and effectiveness of the presentation. Through the skillful use of questions you can present the truth of the Gospel using a clear visual illustration.  Romans 6:23 informs us,

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This verse provides key truths to assist one in understanding the good news of the Gospel.  A simple approach is to write the verse across the top of a piece of paper and then explain the significance of the following words in the verse.

Wages
Circle the word “wages” and ask, “What is meant by wages?”  Wages is the payment due based upon one’s actions.

Sin
Next circle the word “sin.”  Ask, “What comes to mind when you think of sin?”  Sin is both an attitude and an action.  We must also realize that sin separates – use this concept to draw two opposing cliffs with a gap in between.

Death
Circle the word “death” and ask “What does this word imply?”  Death results in separation from life.

But
Circling this word emphasizing the contrast between the left side and the right side of the diagram.

Gift
Draw a circle around “gift” and ask, “If wages are what a person earns, then what is a gift?”  Although a gift is free you must realize that someone purchased it.

God
Circle this word and emphasize God’s love for us (Romans 5:8).  Ephesians 2:8-9 is also a helpful passage to help one see the significance of God’s gift.

Eternal Life
Circle these two words and ask, “What comes to mind when you consider eternal life?” Contrast the two sides of the cliff – death and eternal life.

Christ Jesus
Write these words so they create a bridge between the two cliffs.  Jesus Christ is able to give you the gift of eternal life (John 14:6).

Trust/Faith
As we put our faith in Jesus, He can bridge the gap between our sin and God.  This involves turning from our old way of living (repentance) and choosing to believe that Jesus died for me and I can now follow Him in obedience.

There are many things we attempt to do to bridge the gap between us and God – good works, our performance, even religion.  The problem is all of our good works fall short in building a relationship with God.  Good works are important but they are not the cause of your salvation but rather the fruit of your salvation.  Would you like to experience a relationship with God based on His finished work rather than your performance?

Bill Jones, the president of Columbia International University, has also developed an excellent one verse presentation using John 3:16.  May God give you the privilege to see someone cross over from death to life as you share the good news with them.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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