While preaching the gospel the following illustration occurred to me as helpful to a soul to see the blessed position now of the believer in Jesus, as regards his or her sins, in contrast to that of an Old Testament saint:
Suppose I were deeply in debt, to the extent say of $50,000, and had not a fraction towards paying it, neither were able to earn or get anything towards it. Imagine my distress, especially when I remembered that my creditor might cast me into prison till I paid (Matt. 5:2626Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. (Matthew 5:26)). Such, my reader, is a feeble picture of your condition and mine by nature before God. I am met by an acquaintance, looking the picture of misery and despair. A little after, the same person again meets me, now I am apparently much relieved – in a measure at rest and happy.
“Why,” says he, “what has taken place? Is that debt paid?”
I answer, “No; but one of immense wealth, whose word I can and do rely on, has promised to pay it. I rest in his promise – indeed, I have it in writing; I rest in this.”
“But he may draw back,” says my friend.
“O, no,” I answer, “he never will.”
After a while I am again seen by the same acquaintance; but now peaceful, restful, happy, and bright.
“Why, what a changed man,” he remarks; “what has happened now?”
“He has paid the debt,” I answer.
“Have you the receipt?” he inquires.
“Yes, I have.”
Now, my reader, which of those three conditions describe your present state? If a stranger to Jesus as your Saviour, if unpardoned at this moment, the first undoubtedly does. If you are a believer, but regarding the gospel as a promise, doubtful of the pardon of your sins, you are practically where an Old Testament believer was. Alas! Many dear souls are just in this state today. But God’s desire for you is to “know” (Acts 13:3838Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: (Acts 13:38)) that your sins are forgiven, not are going to be; that the debt has been paid by the atoning death of Jesus for each and every believer, and the risen Saviour is the receipt.
“God will not payment twice demand –
Once at my bleeding Surety’s hand,
And then again at mine.”
Moreover, the Saviour, the risen Jesus, is in the glory, now at the right hand of God – the pledge – and assurance, that all who believe in Him shall be there presently with Him, and like Him, to praise Him forever.
My beloved reader, a plain personal question to you as I close, Is your debt paid? If not, O! come to Jesus; come now.
“Now is the accepted time.”