Question 19: One servant of God said, 1 found and 99 lost, how to witness Christians?

This is a very important and sensitive question—because it touches both truth and humility in ministry.

Let’s break it carefully so you can answer wisely.

1. The Statement: “One found, 99 lost”

This idea is often misused from Parable of the Lost Sheep.

In that parable:

• The 99 are already safe (righteous / in the fold)

The shepherd goes after the one that is lost

So biblically, it actually means: God cares for the one who strays—not that 99 believers are false.

So if a pastor says “1 saved, 99 lost” about Christians, that is:

Not the original meaning of the passage. A dangerous overgeneralization

2. Can Christians Need Witnessing?

Yes—but not in the same way as unbelievers.

There are 3 categories:

1. True Believers (Need encouragement, not conversion)

• Build them up (Hebrews 10:24-25)
• Correct gently if needed

2. Backslidden Christians

• Restore them with love (Galatians 6:1)
• Call them back to repentance

3. Cultural / Nominal Christians

These may identify as Christian but don’t know Christ personally

Here, real gospel witnessing is needed

3. How to Witness to Christians (Wisely)

• Don’t start with accusation like - “You are not saved”
• Instead you can ask “Can you share your testimony?”

Ask heart-revealing questions

• “How did you come to know Jesus?”
• “What does your relationship with God look like daily?”
• “What does salvation mean to you?”

This reveals whether they truly understand the gospel.

Preach the true Gospel clearly

Use passages like:

• Ephesians 2:8–9 → Salvation by grace
• John 3:3 → Born again

Focus on fruit, not labels

As Matthew 7:16 says:

• “By their fruit you will recognize them”

Use correction with humility

Not superiority, but concern:

• “Let’s grow together” instead of “I’m right, you’re wrong”

4. How to Answer That Pastor

You can respond like this:

 Balanced Biblical Answer:

“Jesus never said 99 believers are lost. In the Parable of the Lost Sheep, the 99 are already safe. But it is true that among people who call themselves Christians, some may not truly know Christ. So instead of judging everyone, we should lovingly share the true gospel, examine fruit, and help one another grow.”

5. Important Warning 

If someone constantly teaches:

• “Most Christians are not saved”
• “Only our group is true”

That can lead to:

• Spiritual pride
• Fear-based control
• Division in the church

This is not the spirit of Christ.

Final Thought

• Witnessing to Christians is not about: Proving others are lost
• But Helping everyone be genuinely rooted in Christ