As illustrating the above heading, we will give an account of one who was delivered from his doubts as to his salvation by the Word of God.
In a small room, a university student was seated at a table covered with books and papers. He was not very young having commenced his studies somewhat late. He was a true disciple of Christ, zealous for his Lord and Savior to whom he rendered faithful witness. His work for Christ had been blessed, and he had the unbounded confidence of the seriously minded students.
The evening was well advanced when he was surprised at receiving a visit from a fellow student who came alone to ask advice.
The visitor was a young man, gifted with remarkable ability and considered the most advanced among the advanced students. His zeal for the acquisition of knowledge had so absorbed his active mind that he had till then given but little thought to the needs of his soul, but having before him the thought of preaching the gospel, he had been suddenly and strongly seized and moved to the very depths of his being in examining his own state with regard to what he proposed to announce to others. In his anxiety he resolved to go to the "missionary," for this was the name which had been given his friend, and confide his trouble of soul to him.
"The object of my visit will perhaps surprise you," said he "for I have come to ask you what I have to do in order that I may be happy. You will perhaps refer me to the thesis which I have recently presented on `Christ as Substitute,' but I confess to you that although I am able to set forth to the satisfaction of the professors all the doctrine of the grace of God in Christ, I do not however know Christ personally as my Savior. In my intelligence, I have clearly laid hold of God's plan of salvation, and I could this very evening undergo an examination successfully on the subject, but alas! all the knowledge which I possess brings neither peace of conscience, nor rest or joy of heart. I seek, for my soul, peace and assurance, and I find neither; but you, I know, have peace with God, and joy through faith in Jesus, and I desire to know how you have arrived at the possession of these inestimable blessings"
"You wish to interrupt me, but permit me to continue for a few moments longer, for I have not yet told you the positive reason of my trouble of soul. You would probably remind me of the word Paul gave in response to the cry of anguish of the Philippian jailer:
"This response leads me to what weighs so heavily on my heart. The jailer, by his faith came at once into joy, but for myself, knowing as I do the whole revelation of God by Christ in the Bible, I do not find a trace of joy in myself. I have not the faith Paul speaks of, consequently I cannot be saved. Now I am resolved not to accept the appointment as preacher before being in a state to announce to others what I have myself received, that is to say, a salvation of which I have the assurance, and in which I can rejoice. Can you, with the help of God, be of any assistance to me?"
The "missionary" had listened with the greatest attention to the words of his friend, but before replying he retired to another room adjoining, to collect his thoughts and to ask God for light and guidance. What, however, was his astonishment on his return to his friend, to hear him cry out:
"All is clear to me now. The gift of God, eternal life, is mine, and joy, a great joy fills my heart. When you left the room I began to read in your Bible, open on the table, without anything specially before me. After having read several verses, a passage arrested me and impressed me in the strongest possible way. I will read it to you,
"These words have brought light into my heart, hitherto full of darkness, and peace to my soul which has been thirsting for salvation. Until now I have looked upon the Bible only as a holy book, and not as the testimony of God by which He reveals His grace to me, testifying that Jesus Christ His Son is my Savior. Never as now have I had the consciousness that the Bible is the witness of God as to Christ, and that for my salvation. I see it now clearly, and instead of rejecting the testimony and thus making God a liar, I have received it. I understand that God in His book, His word, affirms to me that Christ is the Savior, the only and all-sufficient Redeemer who has brought all for me. It is only in Him now that I trust, and believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, I am possessor of salvation as was the Philippian jailer, for in this passage God asserts that I have eternal life, and I am able to rejoice with inexpressible joy."
The remarkable conversion of this student had for result an activity for the service of Christ, which was greatly blest. His first preaching led several souls to the Savior.
Troubled souls, God calls on you to receive the witness He has given as to His Son,
"Whosoever believeth on the Son, hath everlasting life," and faith in His Word glorifies God.