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Originally Posted by christianyouth  Quote:
Originally Posted by North Jersey Baptist I want to be careful here. To the unregenerate sinner the doctrine of original sin is not necessary for salvation. The understanding that they have sinned and are under God's wrath is necessary. I wouldn't get hung up on a discussion of original sin as a general rule with an unbeliever. If the conversation allowed I would certainly mention it, but I would try to make sure that the individual understood they they have sinned and are in need of forgiveness. | Well, I don't want to deceive them. If I am telling them that they are going to hell because of their own sins, when the Bible makes it clear that they are going to hell because of Adam's sin, I may be lying. I do use the WOTM method, especially using the law to show someone their sin and then after the law work is done, to do the grace work. I just want to be honest with the lost. |
Andrew:
In your desire to be honest (which is a good thing) you may be clouding the issue.
It is true theologically, that all men are accounted sinners because of Adam's transgression. It is also equally true that the unsaved are under the wrath of God because of their own personal transgressions.
The message the unsaved need to hear is they are guilty of offending a Sovereign, Righteous God. I don't believe it is dishonest to give a simple gospel presentation. It is not neccessary to give a theological dissertation on all the various aspects of each and every biblical doctrine.
I have found that the message is
clearest when you keep to the basics:
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They are sinners. They stand in judgment for their sin. God sent His Son to reconcile sinners to Himself by His death on the cross. God calls sinners to repentance. Will they repent?
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Certainly, I have over-simplified here for the purpose of brevity, but my point is that the basic message is what the unconverted need to hear. There is room for doctrine in our gospel presentation, of course--but all the finer points of doctrine don't save. The Holy Spirit saves, He calls those to whom we witness to faith. It is after all His work and not ours!
Give the message as clearly and simply as you can and trust the Spirit to work in the souls of your listeners.
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Sterling Harmon
Coventry, CT
PCA
Deacon
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"Whatever is laudable in our works proceeds from the grace of God."
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John Calvin, Institutes III:xv.3.
"Our Lord God must be a good man, to be fond of worthless fellows. I cannot like them, and yet I, myself, am one."
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Martin Luther, Table Talk