I’ve been thinking a while about evangelism. I believe there are various aspects of the gospel that have different appeal to those we talk and interact with.
We live in a very small street, with 5 houses only. But even in this super tiny corner of Norway, there is diversity. Even the “obvious” factual information that “Jesus died on the cross for your sins” will not come across the same – how could it (other than by a miracle and the promise in Isaiah 55:11 – here taken out of context, but it still stands I believe).
Cultures affect religious beliefs in distinctive ways. This colors the gospel (the individual’s understanding of sin, atonement, grace, a new identify). Important cultural values include (sorry, there are more than 3): guilt, shame, honor, fear, grace, individualism, collectivism, transactional, existentialism, relations.
You’ll find these are mixed for cultures (broad), groups (narrow) and individuals.
Looking closer at these aspects will help you understand why the gospel is good news for you, and how it may be good news for others for completely different reasons.
Guilt originates in a strong internal conscience. The gospel shows forgiveness. Psalm 103:10–12, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:13–14.
Shame is rooted in a concern for social standing or reputation. The gospel shows covering, removal of causes of shame, and the promise of honor. See Isaiah 61:7–8, Psalm 34:5, Jeremiah 31:34.
Honor focuses on maintaining and defending honor through actions. The gospel shows how this means servant-leadership. Matthew 23:11–12, Romans 2:7, 1 Peter 2:9.
Fear, specifically for demonic powers, is about power and authority. The gospel shows a loving God who casts out fear. Psalm 56:3–4, Isaiah 41:10, 1 John 4:18, 2 Timothy 1:7.
Grace emphasizes the unmerited favor. The gospel shows it is through grace, not works. Ephesians 2:8–9, Romans 5:20–21, Titus 2:11–12
Individualism prioritizes personal choice, autonomy, and our individual relationship with God. The gospel shows Jesus’ example. John 15:4–5, James 4:8, Revelation 3:20.
Collectivism values group cohesion, family, clan, or community identity. The gospel shows the body of Christ. Corinthians 12:12–14, Romans 12:4–5, Ephesians 4:2–3, Colossians 3:13–14.
Transactional focus sees the value of deeds, which leads to rewards or penalties. The gospel does acknowledge this as part of sanctification (Matthew 16:27, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 22:12), but reframes the transaction for salvation: Christ’s work counted on our behalf. Ephesians 2:8–9, Galatians 2:16, Titus 3:5.
Existentism is driven by questions of meaning and purpose. The gospel frames the why and how reality is temporary. Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28, Philippians 2:13.
A relational-centered understanding is about maintaining relationships. The gospel shows the covenants and how Jesus redeems people to that purpose. John 1:12–13, John 15:12–13, Colossians 3:13–14, Philippians 2:3–4.
So people – if drawn to the gospel at all – have a mix of various reasons.
Need for redemption
Feeling weighed down by past mistakes or a sense of ongoing failure, they long for a fresh start—a divine “reset” on their life. The gospel’s message of Christ’s sacrificial atonement speaks directly to that desire: “If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; the old has gone, the new is here” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Assurance of justice and judgment
Awareness of moral accountability or fear of ultimate justice drives many to seek certainty about their standing before a holy God. The promise that “there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1) offers profound relief from the anxiety of judgment. At the same time knowing that God is the ultimate judge (Hebrews 9:27) is a source of patience and endurance.
Desire for forgiveness
Guilt or shame can be crippling – be it over specific sins or a more general sense of unworthiness. The gospel’s invitation (Isaiah 1:18, Luke 23:34) shows that forgiveness is freely available.
Need for love and belonging
Loneliness or broken relationships often lead people to seek a deeper, unconditional connection. The gospel shows God’s relentless, personal love (Luke 15).
Search for meaning and purpose
In the face of the “rat race” that many experience, the gospel shows how Jesus calls to follow Him (Matthew 4:19), and to live life to the fullest (John 10:10).
Longing for inner peace
Anxiety, stress, or inner turmoil can make life feel out of control. Jesus’ offers peace (Matthew 11:28-30, John 14:27).
Hope for transformation
Frustration with personal weaknesses or destructive habits contrast with the hope of the gospel, that reliance on the Spirit produces real, lasting change (Galatians 5:22–23).
Curiosity or intellectual engagement
Some are drawn by philosophical questions or historical facts such as the credibility of the evidence for the resurrection. Exploring these questions often leads to encounters with the gospel’s claims.
Putting together Proverbs 19:21 and Romans 8:28, I believe it is good to find out about those I am interacting with, so I can interact about the gospel in a meaningful way (as in: a way that means something to them – that they have a grid for).
PS: These thoughts are currently somewhat unfinished. I’d love to hear your feedback.