The Reception of the Message

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 6
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It may be that some of our readers at this point may re-echo in their hearts the earnest cry of the Philippian jailor of old, "What must I do to be saved?" Thank God, if this is so, for it would have been far better, if you had never been born than to pass out of time into eternity without this question of all questions passing your lips. Here is the blessed answer in all its grandeur and simplicity, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." (Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31)). Alas! many ask this question with the emphasis put in the wrong place. They ask, What shall I do? They put the emphasis upon "I." They vainly think they can do something towards their own salvation. But be assured there is nothing the sinner can do for three reasons:
1. The work necessary for our salvation has already been done.
2. To think that we can do anything towards our salvation is a slight on the sufficiency of the work of Christ.
3. Salvation is a gift. You cannot purchase a gift, either by labor or money or in any other way.
Scripture is most positive on the point. We read, "By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast." (Eph. 2:88For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8)).
How gladly we can sing,
" Nothing either great or small,
Nothing, sinner, no,
Jesus did it, did it all,
Long, long ago.
IT IS FINISHED: Yes, indeed,
Finished every jot:
Sinner, this is all you need,
Tell me, is it not?"
Taking salvation is not a mere mental assent to the doctrines of the Gospel, but the heart-felt acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of your life. It is clear that till men and women feel the burden of their sins, they will not desire forgiveness. Our Lord surely had this in mind when He affirmed in plain language, "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:33I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (Luke 13:3) and 5).