I love gospel tracts. In many respects, I “grew up” on them.
I was converted in a small baptist church that set out a table in the foyer every week full of gospel tracts for people to use during their week. These gospel tracts were small, two-page explanations of the gospel and gave church members another tool in their evangelism efforts throughout the week. Gospel tracts proved to be an easy way for Christians to share the gospel on-the-go in a concise, clear way.
“All-in-all, let’s be Christians consistently spreading the good news of the gospel.”
R.A. Torrey, an evangelist from the late-19th century, was convinced that gospel tracts were one of the best tools for evangelism. In his book, Methods of Christian Work, he gave six advantages in using gospel tracts:
- Any person can use them.
- A tract always sticks to the point.
- Unlike us, a tract never loses it’s temper.
- People are often more willing to read a tract than have a conversation about spiritual matters.
- A tract stays with people long after you’re gone.
- Tracts have led many people to Christ.
The problem, however, is that many of the gospel tracts I’ve found are either 1) not doctrinally accurate, 2) too big/long, or 3) just plain cheesy (Oh, I’ve got stories…). As a result, I recently spent time writing and printing my own gospel tract. Below is a copy of what is written on the front and back of the business card-sized tract. All-in-all, let’s be Christians consistently spreading the good news of the gospel.
Who is God?
God created everything—including us (Genesis 1:1). He is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6-7) and perfectly holy and just (Isaiah 6:3).
Who Am I?
God created us to delight in Him and live according to His commands for His glory (Micah 6:8; Matthew 22:37-40). Tragically, we have chosen to rebel against this good God to live for ourselves—this is called sin (Romans 3:23). We try to find out identity in our jobs, sexuality, socio-economic status, and anything else we believe will give us worth (Romans 1:21-23). One thing is evident: our world is desperately broken because of sin and we are no different.
The Good News
Because of our rebellion against God, we deserve His wrath (Romans 1:18). The good news—the gospel—is that God, in His mercy, sent His only son Jesus Christ to live the life we couldn’t live, die the death we deserve, and rise from the dead so that we might be forgiven (John 3:16). By placing our faith in Jesus, we become God’s children and we are given a hope that exceeds anything the world has to offer (Romans 5:1-5).
“God, I know I can’t save myself, and I know you have promised to save those who turn from their sin and put their faith in you alone. I trust you to forgive my sins and give me eternal life. Thank you for dying in my place to make my salvation possible!”