The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum What is the proper response?

It just depends. I have found myself in similar situations. I have rarely had cultist come to my door, but I do encounter them in the out doors either handing out tracts or literature in front of Starbucks, a laundry mat (a favored spot for proslytizers of all ilks), or some similar local. Usually, I am in a hurry and need to be somewhere and I respond by passing up any meaningful dialogue, just because I have other responsibilities to attend to. However, seeing that we as believers should redeem the time, I have tried to narrow down a brief summary statement that pinpoints a specific false doctrine of what ever cult the folks represents. In this manner, I can present a viable witness for Christ and allow the truth to confront the error. For example, with JWs I will respond by saying something like, "No thanks, I am a Christian and I understand you guys reject Christ's deity and men cannot have their sins atoned for by a created being." If I have maybe a little more time, I might ask them something like, "how can I have for giveness from God in your system of faith?" then allow them to give a quick response, and then maybe dialogue with them from the scriptures concerning the true nature of salvation. This course of action assume that the Christian is ready with the scriptures and has a passage in mind to show them. I ready myself with John 6:37-45, Romans 5 or Ephesians 2.

I realize some Christians tend to take 2 John 10, 11 a tad too literal and would never invite anyone into their house who teaches a false gospel. If a believer wishes to hold to that conviction that is between God and them. I think seasoned Christians should not be fearful of these individuals and should look at the encounter as a wonderful opportunity to engage a couple of deceived sinners with the gospel. Keep in mind I am giving these exhortation to mature Christians who know their faith, not to new believers who are full of zeal for the Lord, but lack the sophistication to interact meaningfully with them.

If the time is inappropriate when they knock on the door, a believer can always set up another time for them to return and talk. I have done this in the past with some Mormons. I even met them on our college campus because I had a wrong view of 2 John 10,11 and did not want them in my apartment. In this way the Christian is prepared to interact with them, and perhaps he can invite another friend along to help and tag team with him.

I hope that is some food for thought. Do not beat yourself up because you think some how you have ruined God's plan of salvation. You are not under any biblical obligation to invite false teachers into your home. Perhaps for next time, be prepared and if the time allows for it, talk with the folks and see what God will do.

Fred