For many years Dr. E. was noted as one of the most skillful physicians and surgeons the West had known. His fame spread far; and from great distances the sick and afflicted sought him for consultation and to be under his care. His congenial and sympathetic manner, combined with his ability, gained for him a multitude of friends.
The good doctor was apparently gifted too as a shrewd investor. During the early years of his practice he invested his savings in holdings that grew to vast proportions so that he became famous in a twofold way. He was not only renowned in the medical profession; but, as his rating reached the millionaire class, his name became known also in the investment field.
As can be easily understood, Dr. E's time was very much in demand; but, in his eagerness for earthly gain, he, like countless others, neglected the most important issue of life—his own never-dying soul. Dear reader, before going further, God now seeks to bring before you the truth of His own Word in Matt. 16:2626For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26): "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
When he was in his early fifties, it seemed to many of Dr. E's admirers that he, as it were, had the world at his feet. However, that once healthy body was now giving him considerable trouble. In his pride he sought to hide from those around him the anxiety of his feelings; but marks of failing health were becoming so evident that he was forced to consult another physician.
After a thorough examination at the hospital, it was revealed that his ailment was incurable. It had advanced very rapidly, and Dr. E. was given only three weeks to live. All his skill used for others was no longer of any avail. He must soon leave all and step out into eternity. But where? You may say: "Was he not a good man? Did he not perform many good deeds?" Yes, in the eyes of man; but, in the eyes of God, he was a lost, guilty sinner, having never been to God about his sins. Rom. 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23) plainly tells us: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"; and Eph. 2:88For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8) and 9: "For 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.”
Salvation through the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross must come before good works. It is only His precious blood, and that alone, that can cleanse us from all sin. It brings us into relationship as children of God, who now have the privilege to work for Him.
The reality of eternity came before Dr. E. in all its terror. Unsaved, he was not ready to meet a thrice-holy God. Where could he find help? In that community there was another man who had renown, but not as a man of skill or of wealth. This man was known as a man of God. Friends were requested to contact this dear, godly old man, now in his eighties, and urge him to come to see Dr. E.
Mr. Mc. was contacted and taken to the hospital. He was directed to Dr. E's room where a closer acquaintance was soon established. The doctor began talking about many of his valuable holdings; but realizing their uselessness to him now, he soon turned to Mr. Mc., saying, "You no doubt know that I am a millionaire, as well as a physician. But now with only a short time to live, I have discovered that I have nothing to lean on." In distress of soul, he asked: "What help can you give me?”
The old gentleman turned the pages of his Bible to John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16): "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 5:2424Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24) followed: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
He concluded by reading Rom. 10:99That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9): "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
The saving grace of God was presented in all its simplicity; and, in earnest prayer, pleadings went up to God for the salvation of Dr. E's precious soul.
Reader, pause for a moment if you are unsaved! Whatever your position is in this world, if you are without Christ as your Savior you have nothing to lean on. Your destiny is the lake of fire. How solemn! What a discovery for Dr. E. to find, at the end of his busy life, that all his efforts in time were wasted for eternity! His name was not written in the Lamb's Book of Life. But God was very gracious to him, meeting him in his great need and saving his precious soul.
Dear unsaved one, God has not promised to save you tomorrow. That day you may never see; but He has promised to save you now, for He tells us in His Word: "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:22(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Reader, face the all-important question: Are you saved? Make your decision both for time and eternity, right now, right where you are. Accept Christ as your own precious Savior, and you will have not only His blessing in this life, but the certainty of joy in the one that's to come.
"He that rejecteth Me, and
receiveth not My words, hath
One that judgeth him: the
word that I have spoken, the
same shall judge him in the
last day.”