4 Ways to Explain Salvation to Non-Christians
Explaining salvation to a non-Christian can be difficult. It’s hard enough when you’re talking to someone who already has some understanding of the Bible, but it can be even more challenging to explain something so fundamental to someone with no knowledge of Christianity. But it doesn’t have to be hard or intimidating! Here are a few tips on how to explain salvation in a way that is warm and inviting.
Start by Listening
It is important to remember that this conversation is not about convincing anyone of anything—it’s about understanding where they are coming from and listening with an open heart and mind. Ask questions that let them share their beliefs, values, and experiences without judgment. This will help you better understand where they are coming from and determine the best way for you to approach the topic of salvation.
Explain What Salvation Is Not
It can be helpful to start by dispelling some common misconceptions about salvation. For example, explain that it does not mean “going to church” or “being religious”—it simply means accepting Jesus as your savior so that you can experience eternal life in heaven. Make sure you emphasize that salvation is freely given by God, not earned through good deeds or other acts of merit.
Talk About Jesus
When explaining salvation, it is essential to focus on Jesus as the source of our hope and deliverance. Explain how He was sent by God, as His one and only son, into this world as a sign of His great love for us all and how He died on the cross for our sins so that we can be saved by accepting Him as our savior (John 3:16). Be sure to stress the fact that we do not need to “earn” our salvation; instead, it is a free gift given out of pure love and grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Explaining the Atonement to someone who does not share your faith can feel insurmountable. But by first listening and understanding their perspective, using simple language to explain what salvation is not, and emphasizing Jesus’ great love for us, you can start the conversation in a way that is inviting and warm.
Above all, remember that evangelism isn’t about persuading people—it’s about sharing God’s love and grace with others, no matter what their beliefs may be.
If you need some help explaining God’s gift to others, the Beginner’s Guide to Apologetics is the course for you. This self-paced study covers some of the common objections, popular verses taken out of context, evidence of God, and more!
Explain What Faith Is
In order for someone to accept Jesus as their savior, they must understand what faith really means. Faith involves trusting in something you cannot see or prove with physical evidence alone. Explain how faith requires an act of trust – believing without seeing – which leads one into an intimate relationship with Christ Himself as well as eternal life in heaven one day when our earthly journey comes to an end. Explain that faith in Christ is the gift of eternal life. Belief and trust in Christ is God’s plan to help us live forever with Him.
As Christian women, we have been called upon by God Himself to spread His message of love throughout the world (Matthew 28:19-20). Explaining what salvation is—and what it isn’t—to non-Christians can seem daunting at first, but by approaching conversations with an open heart and mind we can effectively share this message with others in a way that is respectful and inviting. Our ultimate goal should always be leading them closer toward Christ so they may also experience the joys of everlasting life in Heaven!
If you need some help explaining God’s gift to others, the Beginner’s Guide to Apologetics is the course for you. This self-paced study covers some of the common objections, popular verses taken out of context, evidence of God, and more!