"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
There is a general assumption among people of diverse creed, that when you tell them about Jesus, it means asking them to become Christians, but sadly, this is what many of us imply when we share the gospel to the unsaved. But the gospel is not about becoming a Christian, rather, it is about recognising that Jesus, the Son of God, was crucified for the sin of the whole world, and that He rose from the dead on the third day. John 3:16 did not say that for God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall become a Christian. Rather, it is that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. This is the gospel that the Holy Spirit confirms in the hearts of those who hear.
The moment an unbeliever perceives that you are calling him to Christianity, which is a change of religion, a wall immediately comes up, and the regular response is, "I have my own religion". But coming to Christ is not about a change of religion, it is about a change of heart towards God. The apostle Paul made clear that the object of the gospel is calling people to repentance towards God, and faith towards Christ. This is the gospel that saves, of which he was not ashamed of "Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." Acts 20:21
When a change of heart occurs, all other questions will be settled. Trying to get people to change religious affiliation is usually a futile exercise. The Holy Spirit does not convict the sinner of religious affiliation, He convicts him of sin, and directs him to Jesus Christ who alone can save from sin. Jesus is not a Christian, He is the Son of God who came into this world as a man to die for the sin of the world; He rose from the dead on the third day. This is the Jesus that saves, and only faith in Him brings the sinner into a wonderful relationship with God guaranteeing him eternal life and a glorious bodily resurrection on the last day.
Toni
