The gospel will persuade no one unless it has so convicted us that we are transformed by it

The gospel will persuade no one unless it has so convicted us that we are transformed by it

Brennan Manning, a well-known author and speaker in Christian circles, often emphasized the transformative power of the gospel in his teachings. He believed that the message of Jesus Christ could only truly persuade others if it had first convicted and transformed the hearts of those sharing it. Manning's own life was a testament to this belief, as he openly shared his struggles with alcoholism and his journey to finding grace and redemption in Christ.

Manning understood that simply preaching the gospel with words was not enough to truly impact others. Instead, he believed that the gospel must be lived out in the lives of believers in such a way that it becomes a compelling and attractive force to those around them. This conviction was rooted in Manning's own experience of encountering the unconditional love and forgiveness of God, which radically transformed his own life and compelled him to share that same message with others.

In his book "The Ragamuffin Gospel," Manning writes, "The gospel will persuade no one unless it has so convicted us that we are transformed by it." This statement reflects his belief that true persuasion comes not from eloquent arguments or persuasive techniques, but from the authentic witness of a life that has been changed by the power of the gospel. Manning understood that people are more likely to be drawn to the message of Jesus when they see its transformative effects in the lives of those who proclaim it.

Manning's emphasis on the transformative power of the gospel challenges believers to examine their own lives and ask themselves if they are truly living out the message they profess to believe. Are they allowing the gospel to convict and transform them, or are they simply going through the motions of religious practice? Manning believed that true persuasion comes from a deep and genuine conviction of the truth of the gospel, which is reflected in a life that has been transformed by its power.