Knowing then, the fear of the Lord, we persuade people. - 2 Corinthians 5:11
I have sometimes heard this quote from Paul used as a justification for the use of any means necessary to get a person to come to faith in Christ. The reasoning behind this tactic was that if Paul used the powers of persuasion, then why not us? Wouldn't we rather "scare someone into heaven" than "lull them into hell?"
I'm reminded of the words of a historic Baptist leader who said, "If you win them with a circus, you'll just have to keep them with one."
While it is true that the word for "fear" means true terror pointing to God's certain judgment on the lost, the word for "persuade" does not speak of manipulation. It means to present a convincing argument. While people are not certainly not converted by our artful debate or presentation, the Holy Spirit can and does use His truth (when presented with clarity) to bring conviction and conversion by His power.
Knowing then, the fear of the Lord, we persuade people, but we don't manipulate them.
Let others report bad news; we'll share the good news. - Woodrow Kroll
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