“I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t know Jesus!” These words were recently spoken by a young man who at one time had everything going for him.
Larry was energetic and personable. He decided on dentistry for his career and worked hard, putting himself through college and dental school. Friendly, handsome and an excellent dentist, he soon built up a very successful practice and was doing well. He lived in a beautifully furnished apartment overlooking the city. He owned an expensive sports car and had every comfort and convenience he could desire. He liked to party with his many friends, and all the girls enjoyed Larry’s charming personality and wit. He was caught up in all the pleasures of sin that Satan, the prince of this world, uses to entice souls into hell. But for all this, Larry knew nothing of the love of Jesus.
Many people don’t want to think about what God calls sin. Instead, they give it other agreeable-sounding titles, trying to justify their wrong actions and ease their consciences. This has very solemn consequences, for God says, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:2323For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)).
One day Larry felt sick. He went to the doctor for a checkup. After running tests to pinpoint his problem, the doctor gave Larry shattering news. He had tested HIV-positive. Larry was facing a dark, terrifying future. His money couldn’t cure him; his friends couldn’t comfort him. He sold his dental practice, got his affairs in order, and tried not to think about dying. In fact, the stigma of having AIDS made him so ashamed that he told his friends he was retiring; he moved to a distant state.
A young Christian man became acquainted with Larry. He didn’t know about Larry’s illness, but he knew that all mankind had the terrible disease of sin, so he spoke to him about the love and forgiveness of the Saviour. He began to read through the Bible with Larry, seeking the Lord’s help to be able to answer Larry’s many questions. When they came to the story of Abraham and Isaac where God commanded Abraham to take Isaac, his son, up into the mountain and offer him up for a sacrifice, this was too much for Larry.
“How could a God of love tell a man to kill his only son?” he asked.
His friend turned to Romans 8:3232He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32) and read, “He [God] that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”
The Spirit of God had prepared Larry’s heart for these truths, and Psalm 119:130130The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Psalm 119:130) says, “The entrance of Thy words giveth light.” Larry’s eyes were opened. He saw the love of God in sending His only Son to the cross of Calvary, where He willingly gave His life for sinners. (Abraham’s son, Isaac, was spared to live a long life.) Larry saw how the precious blood of Christ could wash him pure and clean, making him spotless before God. He joyfully accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour, rejoicing in the fact that he now faced a brilliant future. When his life ended on earth, he would be ushered into the presence of Christ.
The past several years of Larry’s life have been filled with sickness and suffering. Yet, they have also overflowed with intense joy and a desire to learn all he can about the One he will very soon see face to face.
It is so encouraging to visit with Larry. His favorite subject is God’s Word, and he asks many questions or shares what he has enjoyed. His body is ravaged by disease and he is now bedfast, weighing little more than 100 pounds. His eyesight is nearly gone, and he cannot write; it is too painful. But Larry says he is thankful for his illness, because he never would have listened to the Saviour’s voice any other way. His only regret is that he didn’t know Him sooner.
How is it with your future? Can you stand before God, pure and clean, or are you still tarnished by the fatal disease of sin? Remember, “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” And Romans 6:2323For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23) reminds us that “the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” You can claim the promise of God’s Word for yourself and be freed from your past. But if you turn away from God and do not settle the question of your sins, you will spend eternity lost in total darkness, bitter weeping and everlasting pain. Choose Christ now!
Note: On September 8, 1995, Larry slipped peacefully into the presence of his Saviour, the One he longed to see.