The Bridge to Life illustration is a tried-and-true resource that gives you Bible verses to explain why we need Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross to solve our greatest problem – separation from God.
When you’re not sure if friends have surrendered their lives to Christ yet, this is a great way to help them make that decision.
Draw this simple diagram on a piece of paper to walk someone through the gospel step-by-step. It helps to have the verses handy, bookmarked in a Bible or Bible app. The numbers show you the order in which to share.
The Bridge Step 1: God
[Draw the horizontal line on the right side with “GOD” above it, then add the verses and bullets underneath the line as you share them]
God created us with purpose, to be in relationship with Him and to enjoy all the fullness of life with Him.
- What does God desire you to know in the first part of the verse? (God loves us)
- What does the last line say God wants you to have? (God wants to give us eternal life)
- What type of life does Jesus want to give you on earth? (Abundant life)
- What do you think would be some inner characteristics of this full, abundant life that Jesus wants to give you? (Purpose, impact, meaning, peace, joy, love & acceptance)
- Do you think everyone you know is experiencing this abundant life? Let’s see what the Bible says about what prevents it.
The Bridge Step 2: Our Problem
[Draw the horizontal line on the left side with “OUR PROBLEM” above it]
We have a problem we can’t fix on our own.
- What is humanity’s problem? (All have sinned)
- What is sin? (Like an arrow missing its target, we fall short of God’s intent for us. All of us have done what we should not do and left undone what we should have done.)
- What is the result of sin? (Separation from God)
[Draw two vertical lines to make a chasm]
- Wages are what we earn by our actions. What do we earn by our sin? (Death)
- There are two types of death. What are they? (Physical and Spiritual)
Our sin separates us from God for eternity unless somehow we are released from paying the price for it.
- What happens after we die? (We face judgment for the sin we commit)
- This looks bleak for us. What are some ways you or others you know have tried to get to God’s side? (Going to church, praying, helping people)
God sees the hopeless situation we’re in and provides a way out.
- Can our best efforts bridge the separation between us and God? (No, we are saved by grace, which is unmerited love. Good works = not enough)
The Bridge Step 3: God’s Solution
[Draw the Cross]
We can’t build a bridge to God, but Jesus Christ is God’s bridge to us.
- How did God show He loves us even though we’re sinners? (Jesus died for us to pay the penalty for our sin)
- Why is Jesus dying on the Cross and rising again such good news for us? (It allows us to be with God now on Earth and forever in Heaven because Jesus conquered both our sin and death by dying and rising again. That is the Christian gospel!)
The Bridge Step 4: Our Response
Each of us needs to respond to what God is offering us.
- How does one become a child of God? (By believing and receiving Jesus, trusting in his sacrifice as the payment for your own personal sin.)
- What is Jesus trying to show here, when he offers to come in and eat with us? (That he longs to have a personal relationship with us)
Next Steps
Accept Jesus, Which is as Simple as A-B-C
Admit that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and ask God to forgive you and help you turn from sin.
Believe Jesus died for you and rose again, conquering sin and death.
Commit your life to following Jesus, putting your total trust in Him and giving Him decision-making authority as Lord of your life.
Talk to Jesus Right Now
You can talk to Jesus right now to receive him. You can repeat after me or put this in your own words:
“Father God, I know that I am a sinner and that I need you to forgive me. I know that your son Jesus died a painful death and rose again so that my sins could be washed clean. Thank you. I want to make you the Lord of my life, and I will trust and follow You. Everything I have is yours now. In the name of Jesus, amen.”
The Adventure Ahead
Now that we’re restored in our relationship, we get to join him in the restoration of all things on Earth that are broken and damaged by sin! This includes helping your friends have a relationship with Jesus, bringing justice where there is injustice, healing where there is pain, and hope where there is despair.
Download & Share the Bridge to Life
Download a free print friendly PDF of the Bridge to Life to pass along, or purchase booklets directly from our NavPress.com.
Navigator Discipleship Tools are designed for sharing with your Bible study, church group, and those you are discipling.
The Bridge to Life ©1976 The Navigators, all rights reserved.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
Additional Languages
The Bridge to Life is also available in the following languages:
- Chinese (Simplified): 神的礼物-永生
- Chinese (Traditional): 神的礼物-永生
- Japanese: 希望の架け橋
- Korean: 하나님의 선물인 영생(큰글) / 생명의 다리
- Spanish: La ilustración del Puente
This is a very simple but profound illustration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The diagram “Bridge to Life”, summarizes God’s ultimate love for us in that instead of destroying us, He gave His only begotten son Jesus Christ to died in our place after humanity plunged into sin. Such act of love demonstrated God’s grace and mercy in restoring and reconciling us back to Him. Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice of been wounded and bruised was a gift of healing unto our bodies. His dying on the cross for our sins, been buried and then raised from the dead on the third day is a gift of salvation when we believe by faith in what He has done for us. Today, we as Christians have a mandate to tell others about this good news so they too can be saved.
Very good informative information to read and understand that we are important been in christ.
A service member shared this illustration with me when I was stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. That was in 1977. It took several months to sink in. Thankfully the service member was faithful and true to his call to evangelism. I still tell people today, 48 years later, about the day Brian shared this Bible track with me for what seemed like the 50th time. Each previous time I’d listen patiently but not want to pray. On this one particular day I couldn’t wait for Brian to ask me, one more time, if I want to ask Jesus in my heart. That day I said yes!
Thank you Navigators!!!
The video was very clear and gave me some exact words, along with the diagram, so I can share the good news with others. Thank you!
Unable to download the Bridge to Life Chinese (Traditional) from the link above.
Jonathan, the Chinese (Traditional) version of the Bridge to Life is currently only available as a printed booklet for purchase from Korea NavPress. If we are able to obtain a PDF version, we will let you know.
Thanks for your wonderful good work in making Jesus known and a Reality to many.
I would like to order The Bridge to life, 2 in English, 2 in simplified Chinese, 2 in traditional Chinese.
When I was trying to order, the page only shows order in Korean. Please check your page for ordering Chinese booklet.
Rosie, you may purchases the English version of the Bridge to Life booklets in packs of 25 from our U.S. NavPress store at https://www.navpress.com/p/bridge-to-life-green-25-pack/9781641583251.
Both the Korean and Chinese versions linked above are only available for purchase internationally from the Korea NavPress store at http://navpress.co.kr.
How can I order paper bridge tracts to use in street evangelism.
You may purchases the Bridge to Life booklets in packs of 25 from our NavPress store at https://www.navpress.com/p/bridge-to-life-green-25-pack/9781641583251.