A Critique of Paul Washer’s Teaching on Witnessing
- Bruce A Proctor
- Jun 27, 2024
- 2 min read
A Critique of Paul Washer’s Teaching on Witnessing
I listened to Paul Washer's message on witnessing. I agreed with most of what he said but also felt he could have used Bible passages that were more precise. I’m not familiar with his background but have been impressed with most of his teaching.
While he emphasized the power of the gospel which is certainly scriptural (Rom. 1:16), I felt he needed to mention the work of the Holy Spirit in salvation. A few examples in scripture are Acts 10:44-45; 16:14; 1 Cor. 12:3b, 13; Eph. 1:13-14.
Also, since all scripture is inspired of God (2 Tim. 3:16) and is living and powerful as a two-edged sword (Heb. 4:12), God can use any portion of His word to convict a sinner of sin and enlighten him of his need of faith in Christ for salvation, even Genesis 1:1, Psalm 1:1; Prov. 3:5, or Habakkuk 2:4.
Young Timothy didn't have the New Testament but was told by the Apostle Paul, "...from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures (Old Testament), which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 3:15). Jesus taught the work of the Holy Spirit in the new birth (John 3:5-8) and His empowering believers to be witnesses for Christ (Acts 1:8). Therefore, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18). Unless I missed something, Washer said the right things, but he needed to say more about the work of the Holy Spirit which would have added precision.
All witnessing is in vain if it's not based on the scriptures and the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer and in the heart of the unbeliever (Eph. 1:13-14).
Blessings!
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