by Daryl E. Witmer


The following exchange is typical of the pattern and content of an actual conversation of this nature between a Christian and a skeptic, based on personal experience and the related accounts of others.

MS. ALLYN TO MR. FLETCHER

Have you read that back issue of the Proclamation that I gave you last week? Did it answer all your questions about what happens to people whoÕve never heard the Christian Gospel?

MR. FLETCHER TO MS. ALLYN

Yes, I did Ñ and it was really rather thorough and helpful. But I now have more questions Ñ like, where did evil come from, and is Big Bang cosmology Biblical, and whatÕs with all those contradictions in the Bible?

MS. ALLYN TO MR. FLETCHER

Well, I believe that I can get you reasonable answers to all three of those questions. But before I do, let me ask you something. How many questions will you need answered before you are ready to place your trust in Jesus Christ? I mean, weÕve been going back and forth like this ever since you moved in next door six months ago. IÕve supplied answers to about 27 questions in that time period. Now what IÕd like to know is Ñ what will it ultimately take to convince you that Jesus is real and essential to lifeÕs purpose? What more is really necessary in order for you to agree to reach out in faith to the Biblical Jesus? Because once you come to Him, HeÕs going to automatically make a lot of these things more understandable, i.e. 1 Corinthians 2:10-14.

MR. FLETCHER TO MS. ALLYN

Now wait a minute. Are you advising me to disengage my mind and just blindly sign on to Christianity?

MS. ALLYN TO MR. FLETCHER

Absolutely not. IÕm just saying that you probably donÕt need to know everything there is to know before you receive GodÕs offer of grace in Jesus. YouÕve asked many good questions. And youÕve received reasonable answers to all of them. Perhaps now itÕs time for a verdict on your part.

MR. FLETCHER TO MS. ALLYN

Well, maybe. But I feel that IÕd like to think it over and consider it all intellectually for a few more days.

MS. ALLYN TO MR. FLETCHER

How do you know that youÕll have a few more days? The Bible says: ÒNow is the accepted time...Ó

ÒYouÕve been hearing evidence for quite a while. Perhaps now itÕs time for a verdict. The Bible says: ÔNow is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.ÕÓ

MR. FLETCHER TO MS. ALLYN

Well, exactly what would be involved if I was to Ñ as you put it Ñ Òreceive Christ as my Savior?Ó

MS. ALLYN TO MR. FLETCHER

You would need to talk to God directly, in prayer. No one is saved by osmosis Ñ just because his/her neighbors or parents are saved. You need to acknowledge your own need, depending on Christ to save and guide you.

MR. FLETCHER TO MS. ALLYN

Well, can you get us started?


Concluding Note...

Hundreds of those regularly reading this thoughtletter have never actually received Christ as Savior (John 1:12). You may be one of them. YouÕve read this paper for years and have noted that there is more and better evidence for Christianity than for any other faith system in the history of the world. But you have yet to specifically respond to Christ Himself. Why not do so today? Declare your verdict for truth in prayer by inviting Jesus Christ to wash your soul and become Lord in your life. Attend a Bible-preaching church this Sunday. And then write to us. WeÕll send you some helpful material and make an effort to keep in touch.