Informing Unbelievers About Sin and Salvation Effectively
Informing Unbelievers About Sin and Salvation
The biblical concept of sin is foundational to understanding the Christian message of salvation. According to Romans 14:23, "whatever is not of faith is sin" [1]. This definition underscores the idea that sin is not just about actions, but also about the motivations and faith behind them. The Psalmist also highlights the universal nature of sin, stating that "all human beings are born sinners" (Psalms 58:3) [3].
When communicating the concept of sin to unbelievers, it's essential to understand that sin is not just a moral failing, but a fundamental aspect of the human condition that separates people from God. The biblical narrative portrays sin as a rebellion against God (Psalms 19:13) [4]. The consequences of sin are dire, leading to spiritual death and separation from God.
The good news of salvation is that God has provided a way to overcome sin through faith in Jesus Christ. As Luke 1:77 states, "To give knowledge of salvation to his people, through the forgiveness of sins" [2]. The apostle Paul explains that salvation is available to all people, Gentiles and Jews alike, through faith in Christ (Romans 1:18-3:20) [5]. The message of salvation is not just about forgiveness, but also about the transformation that occurs through faith in Christ.
Effective communication of sin and salvation to unbelievers requires a clear understanding of the biblical narrative and its implications for human life. According to 1 Corinthians 1:25, the message of the cross is "wiser and stronger than anything the world has to offer" because it solves the problem of sin and overcomes the powers of evil [6]. The apostles preached Christ and him crucified, emphasizing salvation by faith in his sacrifice and resurrection (Colossians 1:28) [8].
Different Christian traditions emphasize various aspects of sin and salvation. For example, the Wesleyan tradition highlights the role of personal holiness and the pursuit of a deeper faith (James 5:20) [9]. In contrast, Reformed traditions emphasize the sovereignty of God in salvation and the importance of faith in Christ alone (Acts 28:28) [7].
Sources
- Romans “But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it isn’t of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin. Now to him who is able to establish you according to my Good News and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret through long ages, but now is revealed, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known for obedience of faith to all the nations; to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen. -- Romans 14:23”
- Luke “Luke 1:77 (BBE) — To give knowledge of salvation to his people, through the forgiveness of sins,”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 19:13: 19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:18: 1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually de”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 1:25: 1:25 What the unbelieving world considers foolish and weak—Christ and the message of the cross—is in reality wiser and stronger than anything the world has to offer. It solves the world’s greatest problem, the problem of sin, and overcomes all the powers of evil that oppose human beings.”
- Acts (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Acts 28:28: Be it known therefore unto you,.... Unbelievers and despisers, take this along with you at parting, and do not say you were never acquainted with it: that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles; meaning the Gospel, which is a publication and declaration of that salvation, which God contrived from all eternity; made provision for, and secured in the covenant of grace; which he appointed, called, and sent Christ to effect, in the fulness of time; and which he has accomplished, by his obedience, sufferings, and death; even a full, complete, spiritual, and eterna”
- Colossians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Colossians 1:28: Whom we preach,.... Under the above considerations; as the riches, the glory, and the mystery of the Gospel; as the hope set before lost sinners to lay hold upon; as the only Saviour and Redeemer, by whose righteousness believers are justified, through whose blood their sins are pardoned, by whose sacrifice and satisfaction atonement is made, and in whose person alone is acceptance with God: Christ and him crucified, and salvation by him, were the subjects of the ministry of the apostles; on this they dwelt, and it was this which was blessed for the conversion of ”
- James (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on James 5:20: Let him know - Let him duly consider, for his encouragement, that he who is the instrument of converting a sinner shall save a soul from eternal death, and a body from ruin, and shall hide a multitude of sins; for in being the means of his conversion we bring him back to God, who, in his infinite mercy, hides or blots out the numerous sins which he had committed during the time of his backsliding. It is not the man's sins who is the means of his conversion, but the sins of the backslider, which are here said to be hidden. See more below. 1. Many are of opinion that t”