Some years ago two men became neighbors. The one who had been in that neighborhood for some years invited the newcomer to tea. He wanted to get better acquainted, and as a true Christian he desired the same blessing for all.
During the meal the conversation touched on various subjects. As they arose from the table the Christian asked his neighbor: "Do you believe in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ?”
The neighbor replied: "Why yes, certainly I believe in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. You don't take me to be a heathen, do you?”
"Well then, you can rejoice in the knowledge of your salvation. You are saved, aren't you?”
At this the neighbor became rather indignant and answered sharply: "No one can say that while still in this world! Not till we pass out of it shall we know. Some people say they know they're saved; but I look upon that as the height of presumption, and downright cant. All we can do is live the best we can, and God will take care of the rest.”
"Oh then, you make God a liar!" the Christian answered.
"Where do you get that?" retorted his neighbor.
Then he read to the 13th verse of the chapter. When he came to these words, "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God," he stretched out his hand toward his friend as though identifying him with the confession he had made. Continuing he read, "that ye may know that ye have eternal life.”
The neighbor stood for a moment apparently amazed. Then very deliberately and with much earnestness he stated: "Well, I am saved!”
Thus in a moment God's Word sent light into his soul, and he passed from death unto life.
"The entrance of Thy Word giveth Light.”
"Born again by the incorruptible Word of God.”
"I feel," he afterward said, "that these words bring me into the very presence of God—enclose me, as it were, within a hedge of pure and unadulterated truth from which there is no escape. I will not, I dare not, withdraw my confession of believing on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Neither dare I say I have not eternal life, for I would thus 'make God a liar' as He declares in 1 John 5:1010He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. (1 John 5:10). Therefore my only alternative is to accept God's gracious gift, eternal life. Its assurance I find on record in that wonderful chapter.”
Reader, do you believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ? Are you saved?