Do I Have To Share The Gospel To Be Saved?

Q

I have a nagging feeling all the time about my salvation. I read that salvation is from faith in Jesus Christ alone not works. But I get conflicting answers when I read things people say on different Bible sites. For example, some say when you’re saved you should spread the gospel to everyone you meet. I sometimes talk to people about what I believe but not everyone I meet. I am afraid people will think I am weird and won’t like me. Is that normal to a believer? And if I don’t share the gospel am I still saved?

A

Having the key to eternal life is like having a cure for cancer. It makes sense to share it with everyone who needs it. But although the Lord commanded us to do this (Matt. 28:19-20), He didn’t make our salvation contingent upon it. In John 6:28-29 when the people asked Him what work God requires of us, Jesus said, “The work of God is this, to believe in the one He has sent.”

Also, there are other ways to share the Gospel besides talking about it. Personally, I believe our most effective way to introduce others to Jesus is by the way we live rather than by what we say. The influence the Lord has on our lives is profound and we shouldn’t try to hide it. If we just let it show people will actually ask us about it. And when others start the conversation they are much more likely to listen to our response.

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven” (Matt. 5:14,16).