Know what you believe

³But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,² 1 Peter 3:15, NIV.

The Jehovahıs Witnesses have been coming around Delaware, and the Mormons are established in Manchester. If you havenıt already, donıt be surprised if you get a visit. And when they visit, you can respond in many different ways.

First off, be aware that they are specifically looking for people who donıt know what they believe. Donıt be counted among them. Be in your Bible and catechism often so you are not deceived by their teachings.

Next, while the easiest thing to do is turn them away, I encourage you to take the opportunity to ³give the reason for the hope you have.² Both cults have strange beliefs, notably that both reject the Trinity, but the central problem with them is the answer to the question, ³How are you saved?² We know that we will live forever because Jesus paid for our sins on the cross. But these cults teach that Jesusı death didnıt accomplish salvation for us, at least not in entirety. They believe in salvation by works, which marks them as not Christian.

When they come to your door, that is an opportunity to give them the eternal life youıve been given, and you donıt need to be a pastor to do so. Be polite to them, and say, ³I have a question about your beliefs. What do you need to do to be saved?² After they give their answers, tell them that you are a Lutheran, and that we believe that, because Jesus died on the cross for our sins, we donıt need to do anything, and we are absolutely certain of our salvation on Jesusı behalf, completely apart from our works. If you have a Bible handy (They usually will.), encourage them to read Romans 3, especially verses 19 and following. St. Paul makes it very clear that salvation and the Law have nothing to do with each other except Jesusı fulfillment of the Law for our salvation.

And if Mormons come knocking, ask them why the Book of Mormon, which supposedly covers 600 B.C. to 421 A.D., talks about horses in the Americas. There were no horses in the Americas until the Spaniards brought them over a millennium later.

As you share your faith, be sure to be humble and not act superior. Yes, you have the truth, but only in love will they see Christıs love in you.