First it must be stated that we believe "...that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds for the law." (Rom. 3:28b). As Paul told the Galatians "Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor." (Gal 3:24,25).
As you witness you will find that some people will already be convicted by their sins. They believe that they are sinners. In this case the law is not needed and you are free to tell them about the grace of our Lord. On the other hand you will find that many people do not feel that they are sinners. By the world's standards that's probably true, but we will not be judged by the world's standards but by God's. Through the use of the law we can show them this reality. Paul tells us "...I would not have known sin except through the law..." (Rom. 7:7). You will find that much of the normal resistance that a person has for the Gospel will disappear when they realize that they have sinned against God and not just man. They will understand that without God's forgiveness they will be judged guilty and will "...go away to everlasting punishment..." (Matt. 25:46).
"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul..." (Psalm 19:7) We believe that modern witnessing techniques that do not use the law have the potential to produce false converts. These were outlined by Jesus in the "Parable of the Sower." Too many times a person that has a problem is told by a loving Christian to say the sinners prayer and Jesus will take care of their problems. They accept Jesus in their mind because of what He can do for them. "Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble." (Mark 4:17b)
Peace and joy are certainly fruits of salvation but should not be used as the sole reason for wanting to become a Christian. Trials will come, and if the person came to Christ only for peace and joy, he will be disappointed and disillusioned with Christianity. This will cause the seeker to leave the faith or become unfruitful. The law, when used properly, can show the seeker that he or she has sinned against God and will be judged on that basis. Therefore the seeker will come to Christ with a great appreciation for God's mercy and grace and will know that he or she will be called to repent.
The use of the law when witnessing is biblical and therefore very powerful. We urge you to pray about it and use it the next time the Lord gives you an opportunity. To help you get started we have the Keys to Witnessing page.
We must not be afraid to tell sinners about hell. It is real and Jesus speaks about it many times. As Christians we are to follow in His footsteps and do the same. Please take time to read the Tell Them Poem, we hope that it will help you to understand this truth.