Soul Winning: Why You Should Not Be Using Hell To Threatening People? Didi-Omah Augustine Chinazaekpere

Soul winning is not about frightening people into the Kingdom; it is about inviting them into the life, peace, and transformation that Christ offers. Many people grew up hearing messages that used fear of hell to pressure them into “accepting Jesus,” but fear can only push someone for a moment — it cannot keep them, it cannot grow them, and it cannot transform them. Scripture makes it clear that it is the goodness of God that leads people to repentance (Romans 2 vs. 4), not the terror of God. When a person comes to God simply because they are scared, they may say the prayer, but their heart is not converted. True repentance comes from revelation, not intimidation.

God Himself does not win people with threats; He wins with love, patience, and truth. The Bible says, “Perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4 vs. 18) — which means fear cannot be the foundation of salvation. Jesus consistently showed compassion, explained the Kingdom, healed the sick, restored dignity, and then invited people to follow Him. When He saw the crowd, He was moved with compassion (Matthew 9 vs. 36). Fear may create an emotional reaction, but love creates a lasting conviction.

Take this real-life example: A young man attended a crusade where the preacher spent most of the time describing the horrors of hell. Terrified, he ran out crying and “gave his life to Christ.” But weeks later, he returned to his old habits because his decision was built on fear, not understanding. He told a friend, “I only said the prayer because I was scared. I didn’t even know what it meant.” His experience shows what happens when fear is the foundation.

On the other hand, another woman was invited to church by a colleague who simply showed kindness and consistency at work. She didn’t preach aggressively; she lived her faith. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men…” (Matthew 5 vs. 16) and that is exactly what the colleague did. When the woman faced a tough season and lost her job, this colleague supported her, prayed with her, and helped her stay hopeful. Eventually, she followed her to church — not because of fear, but because she encountered love through that relationship. Today she is strong in her walk with God because her foundation was built on genuine revelation.

Fear produces temporary compliance; love produces permanent transformation. Even Jesus leading Zacchaeus to repentance was through love, not threats (Luke 19 vs. 1–10).

So how should we truly win souls? By building relationships, because people listen when they trust you. Jesus didn’t isolate Himself; He sat with people, ate with them, and walked with them. He said He came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Luke 5 vs. 32). By telling the truth in love — not hiding the reality of judgment, but also not weaponizing it. The truth of salvation must be presented as a gift, not a threat. “For God so loved the world…” (John 3 vs. 16) remains the core of the gospel. By living as an example, showing compassion, and finally by allowing the Holy Spirit to work. Because it is the Holy Spirit who convicts the world of sin and righteousness (John 16 vs. 8). We are messengers, not manipulators; it is the Spirit that convicts hearts.

Soul winning becomes powerful when we stop trying to scare people into heaven and start showing them the beauty, freedom, and purpose found in Christ. The gospel is good news (Romans 10 vs. 15) and good news should sound like hope, not horror. When you preach love, people come closer. When you preach fear, people may run — but not always in the right direction. The gospel is good news, and good news should sound like hope, not horror.

© Didi-Omah Augustine Chinazaekpere

(A Non-denominational Christian)

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