Salvation: This is not about membership numbers, money, or popularity…there is a great divide between us and God. And I’m concerned for you about it.
1. Our condition, what we see everywhere
- Rom 1:25, “who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” People are different from all creatures and are seeking something missing inside. The religious nature of people alone shows we long for our Creator. You don’t see squirrels or monkeys doing religious ceremonies.
2. We are sinners: we all have a conscience that tells us this when compared to the 10 commandments (other side).
- Rom 3:10, “As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one”.
3. The effect of sin: Rom 7:7a, “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law…”
- Rom 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”.
- Rom 5:12, “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned”.
4. If God is perfectly just their must be a punishment for our sins
- Rom 6:23a, “For the wages of sin is death…”
- Rev 21:8, “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
5. But we have a merciful God
- Gen 3:15, “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head (fatal wound), And you shall bruise His heel (superficial wound).” Jesus says He will be born of a virgin woman to crush Satan and redeem us who accept this gift (all in the past, present, and future).
- Rom 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
- Rom 6:23b, “…but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
6. We must freely accept Christ’s payment for our sin through faith
- Rom 10:9, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
- Rom 10:13, “For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
- John 1:12, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name”.
7. You can know you are saved and going to heaven
- 1 John 5:13, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”
The Good Test: Rom 3:12b, “…There is none who does good, no, not one ” 10 commandments Exodus 20:1-17
- *01 No other gods before me- has God always been #1 in your life?
- *02 You shall not make any idols- have you placed any physical thing, person, or fun before God?
- *03 You shall not take the Lord God’s name in vain- have you ever used God’s name or said God’s name carelessly (“Oh my God!” or something like “God’s the man upstair”, “yeah I know Him, so”, “God, whatever”), or have you used His name in replacement for a cuss word or in frustration? “Jesus Christ! Why you do that?!”
- *04 Keep the Sabbath day (your day off) holy- have you ever neglected God and your Christianity on your off days?
- *05 Honor your mother and father- Have you always, even as a kid, spoke and shown respect and proper listening skills to your parents?
- *06 You shall not murder- have you ever wished that someone was dead, pretended mentally to shoot someone during frustration, or had a hate filled thought about a person?
- *07 You shall not commit adultery- have you ever been unfaithful to your spouse in thought, word, or deed during and even before your marriage? Have you ever lusted after others?
- *08 You shall not steal- have you ever taken even a paperclip, pen, cookie, that did not belong to you let alone money, illegally downloaded software, or made copies of illegal digital movies? As a child have you ever taken a toy away that interested you from another without asking?
- *09 You shall not lie- have you always told and shown the truth?
- *10 You shall not covet (want what belongs to others)- have you always been happy with what you had and never wanted what others have such as their position, cars, house, fancy technology gizmo (such as your friend’s big screen TV or new I-Phone), or spouse?
Specifics
- Guilty. James 2:10, “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.”
- Worthless. Isa 64:6, “But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away.” - this means our righteousness is the equivalent of ‘dirty menstrual cloths’ (such as a dirty tampon). We cannot bribe God with our tainted “good works” to get into Heaven or pass by judgement. Don’t believe me, try giving a basket of dirty menstrual cloths to a judge after you got a ticket for a crime. Our attitude behind what we do is tainted and in some way selfish/self-serving without us noticing.
- Lust. Matt 5:27-28, “27 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
- Murder. 1 John 3:15, “Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”
- Ignoring. James 4:17,”Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”
Christ had to die because of our failure to keep the law. Gal 2:21, “I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”
Understanding Salvation: It’s About Restoring Our Relationship,
Not Religion
Our relationship with God isn't about appearances, achievements, or worldly accomplishments. It's a profound spiritual reality that hinges on a vital truth: a vast chasm separates us from Him, and it's essential to understand why. We will explore the biblical framework of salvation, emphasizing that it's a gift—a free, undeserved grace—offered through Christ.
Salvation is not something to earn, not something you can maintain through works of good, nor able to involuntarily lose. Salvation is instead about creating a restored relationship with God. Pharisaic religiosity will not save you, only a genuine relationship through Christ Jesus.
Matthew 7: 20-22, “20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”
2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.”
1 Peter 1:7-10, “7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you”
John 3:16-17, “16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” Showing salvation is through Jesus’ Ephesians 1:10 power and work, not our own.
1 John 5:13, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” This is written in the Ancient Greek absolute guarantee wording that you can 100% know you are saved and going to Heaven.
I. The Human Condition: A Deep Divide
Alienated from God: Romans 1:25 clearly articulates our fundamental separation from God: "who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." Our inherent inclination —our deepest desires, our rituals, our very quest for meaning—all reflect this innate longing for our Creator. The very fact that we have a sense of religious need separates us from the rest of the creation.
II. The Reality of Sin
Sin's All-Encompassing Grip: Romans 3:10 boldly declares, "As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one.” This universal truth underscores the pervasive nature of sin. We're all fallen, all in need of redemption.
The Law as a Revealer of Sin: Romans 7:7 highlights the role of the Law: "What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law..." The Law shines a light on the darkness within, revealing our shortcomings and imperfections. Romans 3:23 further reinforces this idea: "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
The Consequences of Sin: The cumulative effect of sin is profound, as detailed in Romans 5:12, "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned." Sin's legacy is death—not just physical but spiritual—and separation from God.
III. God's Merciful Provision
God's Plan of Redemption: Genesis 3:15 foreshadows the crucial role of Jesus: "And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head (fatal wound), And you shall bruise His heel (superficial wound)." This prophecy highlights God's plan to defeat the power of sin and death through a Savior.
NOTE: “Christ” is Greek for Hebrew “Messiah”, both meaning “the anointed One”. This is the One of the Genesis 3:15 promise to restore our relationship to God.
John 1:40-42, “40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.
Christ's Sacrifice, Unmerited Love: Romans 5:8 powerfully proclaims God's love: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This emphasizes the complete undeserved nature of God's grace. He loved us while we were undeserving.
The Gift of Eternal Life: Romans 6:23 emphasizes the ultimate consequence of Christ's sacrifice: "...but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." God's offer of salvation is a gift, not a reward for good works.
IV. The Necessity of Faith
Confession and Belief: Romans 10:9 lays out the path to salvation: "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be
saved." Salvation is not a passive experience; it requires active belief and a commitment to follow.
The Power of Grace: Romans 10:13, "For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved,” underscores the simple, yet profound, necessity of faith. Salvation is a free gift that we receive by opening our hearts to Christ.
Receiving the Gift: John 1:12, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name," confirms our acceptance of Christ's sacrifice.
V. Knowing and Confessing
Assurance of Salvation: Again, 1 John 5:13 reassures us: "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life...", emphasizing that salvation is a real and tangible experience.
VI. The Imperative of Examining Our Hearts
The Reality of Our Sinfulness (The Good Test): Romans 3:12 and the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) provide clear standards by which to examine our hearts. James 2:10 emphasizes that keeping the law in its entirety, as impossible for humans, showcases our need for divine grace.
Acknowledging our shortcomings: The image of our righteousness as "filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6) powerfully illustrates the inadequacy of our own efforts. This understanding leads to humility and a desire for God's mercy and grace. We need a Savior because we cannot save ourselves. Likewise, Matthew 5:27-28; 1 John 3:15; and James 4:17, all expose the depths of sin and the need of a Savior for a true relationship with God.
Receiving God's Grace: Galatians 2:21 reminds us that salvation is by grace alone, not by our works. It is a free gift to be joyfully received. The Good News of the Gospel is not about earning our way into Heaven; rather, it's about accepting God's gift by acknowledging our own need for redemption and Christ's
provision. Jesus’ death was the ultimate act of grace—our salvation is a gift and gift alone.
Understanding salvation is not about attaining an ideal spiritual state that we strive for. It's about recognizing our desperate need for a Savior and accepting the free gift of grace offered through Jesus Christ. It's not an option; it's an imperative and necessary act of faith for a relationship with God, through the Genesis 3:15 promised Christ. This person being Jesus in which all things are through, again Ephesians 1:10. So you see Jesus is reaching out his hand now to not only save, but to found and empower you.
The Transformative Power of Christ: Crafting a Three-Minute Testimony
Luke 24:48, “And you are witnesses of these things.”
The Christian faith is deeply personal, yet its transformative power is a story worth sharing. Many encounters with individuals interested in learning more about faith will only allow for a short time – perhaps just three minutes. Preparing a concise yet compelling testimony is vital for effectively communicating this message. This essay will outline a framework for crafting a powerful three-minute testimony, emphasizing the pivotal moments of conversion and the ensuing transformation, all grounded in the Bible.
The three-minute testimony is not about perfectly recounting every detail; it's about effectively conveying the essence of God's impact. Structure is key; a clear narrative arc helps maintain engagement, offering a cohesive and easily digestible message. This structure typically includes three parts:
I. Life Before Christ:
This section sets the stage, painting a brief but honest portrait of life before encountering Jesus. It's crucial to avoid graphic detail; the focus should be on conveying the overall feeling and state of heart. Did you feel a sense of emptiness, purpose, or meaning? Were you struggling with addiction, loneliness, or a moral void? This part is about honesty and setting a relatable stage for the listener to understand your need for a Savior. Avoid religious jargon; use simple, relatable language that a non-believer can easily grasp. This section focuses on the "problem" that Christ ultimately solved.
This is the turning point of your story, narrating the pivotal moment of conversion. This is often where the most compelling details lie, whether it was hearing a powerful message, a specific verse of scripture that struck home, a profound prayer, an answered prayer, a miraculous intervention, or a life-altering encounter with a Christian demonstrating Christ-like character. This isn't always a "sudden" moment, but rather a culmination of thoughts, feelings, and experiences leading to a moment of surrender. For the listener, this section should clearly communicate receiving and believing the Gospel message concerning God's love for humanity, mankind's sin, and Jesus' sacrifice on the cross to pay the penalty of that sin, culminating in an offering of a new life.
III. Life After Christ:
This section showcases the transformation brought about by faith. It's not about achieving perfection but about the positive changes in character, behavior, and perspective. Has Christ filled that void, alleviating struggles previously mentioned? Do you experience peace, purpose, and joy? Highlight the specific ways faith impacts daily life while also acknowledging ongoing struggles—this displays honesty and shows the process of faith, not a destination. A powerful closing statement affirms the enduring impact on your life, leading to a positive and hopeful conclusion.
Effective Testimony Components:
Conversational Tone: Use everyday language, avoiding religious jargon.
"I" Statements: Maintain a personal and relatable approach focusing on your own experience.
II. Encountering Christ:
Visual Imagery: Paint word pictures to help listeners connect and engage with your story.
Emotional Honesty: Demonstrate vulnerability and honesty, sharing both victories and struggles.
Concise Summary: The three minutes should always be kept in mind when constructing your testimony.
3-Minute Testimony Making Worksheet
I. Before I Received Christ (1 minute):
Attention-grabbing opening sentence:
Addressing Fears and Concerns:
Many people refrain from sharing their testimony due to fear of judgment or rejection. However, remembering that we are called to be witnesses (Luke 24:46-48; 1 Peter 3:15) should overcome the anxieties of sharing one’s testimony. The power of a testimony lies not in flawless eloquence but in genuine authenticity. God uses our stories to touch lives, offering hope and restoration.
A Biblical Example:
The Apostle Paul's testimony before King Agrippa in Acts 25-26 offers a compelling example. His narrative encompasses his life before encountering Christ, the transformative experience of his conversion, and the profound impact on his life afterward. It's a compelling narrative of change, easily adaptable to create a 3-minute framework.
Sharing your testimony is a powerful act of faith and obedience, planting seeds of hope and transformation. A well-structured, concise, and heartfelt three-minute testimony can be a highly effective means of sharing the Gospel in a busy and fleeting world, enabling listeners to connect personally with the transformative power of Jesus Christ.
Life before Christ (in simple terms—no religious jargon):
Where did I find security, happiness, or purpose?:
How did those things begin to let me down?:
II. How I Received Christ (1 minute):
When did I first hear the Gospel?
How did it affect me?
Describe my decision to receive Christ:
(Include: God's love, man's sin, Jesus' sacrifice, your response)
III. After I Received Christ (1 minute):
Specific changes in my life (attitudes and actions):
When did I realize these changes?
Why am I motivated differently now?
How does my relationship with Christ impact my decisions today?
Concluding statement of ongoing impact and hope:
Remember: Practice your testimony multiple times to make it natural and engaging. Aim for a three-minute time constraint when sharing. Be authentic and share the specifics of the love, power, and grace of Christ in your own life.
Here are some example testimonies that reflect a direct and profound application of phrasing and theological principles, ensuring a message resonant with an audience. They maintain a clear three-part structure, appropriate length, and conversational style. Your testimony length will reflect on your speaking style and speed, it is ok to vary in length some:
“People call me “Buck” Williams. I am 34. Growing up, I professed faith in Christ at a young age of 9, yet later in high school, I allowed my achievements to define my worth according to the ways of the world around me. The more accolades I received, the more I craved—it was an insatiable hunger. I felt I was pouring into a continual emptiness. This fueled a prideful spirit, and I found myself far from the humility and grace I had learned as a child. I realized that, though outwardly I was a Christian, there was something missing in how I approached my life before God. The Gospel message, however, reminded me of man's sinful nature, God's perfect justice, and Jesus' sacrificial love to save humanity from that punishment—a sacrifice borne fully by the Lord Jesus Christ. The weight of my self-reliance then struck me, and I understood this sin was still bearing its bitter fruit in my actions and life. I repented, confessing my pride, and surrendered my need for external validation to make the Lord's name and His will my foremost priority. Since then, while I still strive diligently, my sense of identity has securely rested in Christ, resulting in finding true rest and peace in Him."
Example 2: A Testimony of Transformation
Example 1: A Testimony of Growth and Grace
"My name is Christian Acuin, and I'm twenty-eight years old. I grew up in Manila, Philippines, raised within the religious Catholic faith. I went through the motions, praying the rosary on the way to church each Sunday but never encountering a profound and transforming encounter with the Lord. It was a ritual, something to check off the list, easily turned 'on' or 'off' based on convenience. In middle school, the influences of my peers steered me toward ungodly choices, and I fell into sin, experiencing the damaging consequences. Then, at a local event, a speaker proclaimed with the powerful force of his presentation the greatest love ever shown in history. He jumped high into the air and landed in a sounding BOOM. All
attention was on him, you could hear a pin drop. 'Right there,' he declared, pointing to a hanging cross, that is the greatest example of love: Jesus dying on the cross—for you! Even ‘if it was just for you.He still would’ve gone to that cross”. His words struck me with the forceful truth of God’s love present in Jesus’ sacrifice. Despite my sins, God's love offered forgiveness and a hope for tomorrow. That changed everything.
Though my journey hasn't been without stumbles and falls, that initial encounter started a new pursuit of holiness. I sought out Christ-following relationships to help me live a life of purpose as a believer. This fellowship spurred me to truly repent and find a deep, personal relationship with Jesus at the foot of the Cross, leaving the sins of my past behind. The peace, wisdom, and strength I find in daily reading Scripture are a constant reminder of God's grace. This enduring peace is far superior to my past state and is now something I fervently share out of love—something each one of you may have fully too, through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus.”
