The Romans Road
One of classic approaches to sharing the gospel is to use the so-called Roman Road. This technique uses a few key verses from Paul's letter to the Romans to walk someone through their need for salvation and how to receive it. It’s effective because it lets Scripture do the talking - you're simply guiding someone through what God has already said. Let me show you how to it.
Step 1: The Problem
Start by turning to Romans 3:23 which says "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This shows us that everyone, no matter how good they try to be, has sinned and needs God's forgiveness. You might explain that this isn't about comparing ourselves to others - we all fall short of God's perfect standard. It's like aiming for a target and missing the bullseye. We might get close, but close isn't good enough with a holy God.
Step 2: The Consequences
Next you’ll go to Romans 6:23, which begins by saying "For the wages of sin is death." This really underlines the seriousness of sin – it shows that sin isn't just a mistake or character flaw, but a rebellion against God which separates us from Him eternally. The payment for sin is death – and it is a just and fair payment.
Step 3: The Gift
But then you continue with the second half of Romans 6:23 which says: "But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." While we earn death through sin, God offers the free gift of eternal life through Jesus. The contrast between "wages" and "gift" is striking and powerful.
Step 4: The Love of God
Next go back to Romans 5:8 which shows God's heart: "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This is crucial because it shows God didn't wait for us to get better - He loved us enough to send Jesus while we were still rebels against Him. You might say: "God doesn’t wait for us to clean up our act. He loves us at our worst and sent Jesus to die for us when we were still His enemies."
Step 5: The Way to Receive It
Lastly, you’ll turn to Romans 10:9 which shows us how to receive this gift. Paul says: "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." This involves both faith in Jesus and confession of Him as Lord. You could also add Romans 10:13: "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." This emphasizes that salvation is available to anyone who genuinely seeks it.
Using the Romans Road Effectively
The Romans Road technique is great – it’s biblical, and it’s not overly preachy. It lays out the salvation pattern in a clear and helpful way. Why don’t you print it out, and keep it with you, to help you walk people through this, or give it somebody who might need to think on these things.
May God bless your efforts to reach the lost by taking them down the Roman Road!
