UNTIL men’s eyes are opened they are under the dominion of SIN and of dark unbelief. Notwithstanding that the long-foretold day of judgment, “when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ” (Rom. 2:1616In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. (Romans 2:16)), is fast approaching, “there is no fear of God before their eyes” (Rom. 3:1818There is no fear of God before their eyes. (Romans 3:18)). Further, “there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God” (Rom. 3:1111There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. (Romans 3:11)). This was exemplified some time ago in conversation with a lady regarding God’s “great salvation” and His infinite love in giving “His only-begotten Son.” The lady in question remarked, “If God wants to save me, why doesn’t He?” To which the reply was made: “We are not inanimate creatures, like logs of wood fallen into a river, which can be lifted out, but are in no sense altered by that rescue; but we are moral beings, with consciences and hearts, and have a distinct responsibility to the God who created us.”
We are by nature away from God in heart and mind, without any desire to know Him. But, oh, wondrous truth! He came to seek us. “Rich in mercy,” He desires man’s good. “Christ... hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” When a man (through the light of divine truth shining into his heart) has discovered his guilt, he, exclaims in deep distress, “What must I do to be saved?” He becomes willing to believe the “good news” concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. He gladly turns to the Lord. He receives the “forgiveness of sins.” He is justified in Christ, and delivered from coming judgment and this present evil world. He cleaves “to the Lord with purpose of heart” and is filled with joy unbounded.
J. W.