The walls of the community hall were nearly covered with posters of all sizes. But, strange to say, one poster alone drew the attention and anger of the custodian. It was a large piece of cardboard on whose white surface the simple, black printed message "stood out like a sore thumb," as he described it. And what were the words which made him so angry?
"He that believeth on the Son
hath everlasting life:
and he that buildeth not the Son
shall not see life; but the wrath of god
Glancing around, he saw among a group of young people a pleasant-faced young man who, he decided, was the culprit who had placed it there. "Hey, Sam," he called out, "you are one of the religious type that would do this. Why do your kind of people put up these posters on the walls? Why don't they keep these things to themselves?"
"Why? They have as much right, if it comes to a question of that sort, to do so as others have to put up their notices or advertise their wares."
"Yes, yes, of course; but what does this thing mean?"
"Just what it says, sir. Read it the same as you would read anything else. Use the same thought in reading it as you would in reading another poster and it will be clear enough."
"But will you just explain it a bit to me?"
"It needs very little explanation," said Sam. "It is from the Bible, and thank God, the Bible is plain enough to those who want to understand. It is difficult only to those who won't.
"These words tell us that everlasting life belongs to those who believe in the Son of God—that is, to those who take Him to be their Savior, their Redeemer, their Lord—to those who accept Him as the divine Substitute for them, bearing their sins and taking their punishment on Calvary's cross."
"But what if a man does not believe that?"
"Then there is the other thing: he shall not see life. If you will have Christ as your Savior from sin, you will have everlasting life. That is God's way. It is 'Yes' or 'No.'
"It does not matter what you are; unless you are `born again,' become a new creature in Christ, you cannot see the kingdom of God. Scripture says: `Ye must be born again.' John 3:77Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (John 3:7).
"Now be clear on this point—no new birth now means no entry into heaven later. Take Jesus Christ into your heart now, and be ready for a blessed eternity with Him in glory."
It was a very subdued and thoughtful custodian that walked away thinking about those solemn words.
Will you take Sam's advice and receive His Savior?