I HOPE your Sunday school teacher often speaks to you about the need of being "saved." It is a word which is slowly being forgotten by many preachers, and Sunday school teachers, too. But the Bible has not changed, and it tells us again and again that we must be saved, and how to be saved, and when to be saved, too! Are you saved?
Let me tell you a story of a young man who was almost saved.
Wilfred was a fine strong swimmer, and he was sometimes tempted to swim where it was quite dangerous, for he was very sure that he would never drown. It was a hot July day, and he had been working hard and long. About four o'clock he stopped and hurried down to the beach and plunged in for a good long swim to cool himself off. Everything went well until he was in the middle of the river, when suddenly those on shore noticed him disappear under the water. In a moment he was up again, but shouting loudly for help. That was a wise thing to do, for although he was a good swimmer, he found himself in trouble, and wasn't ashamed to admit it, and to call loudly for someone to come. In a moment, two men jumped into a boat on the edge of the river, and at the same moment another strong swimmer plunged in and started towards him with long steady strokes.
The boat was just a few feet from the shore when it upset, and a moan went up from the watching crowd! But the swimmer was drawing nearer and nearer to poor Wilfred, who was struggling with his head now above and now below the water. At last a brave hand reached out and grasped him, and a great cheer went up from the shore.
By this time the boat was set right, and the two men were pulling hard to the spot where the two were struggling to stay above water. Now comes the ALMOST." Just before the boat reached them, Wilfred slipped from his helper's grasp and disappeared. For a long time they dived and dived again to try to find him, while a solemn hush settled over the watchers. Poor strong Wilfred—he was drowned!
Now I know that you would have tried hard to save him too, and you would have felt most solemn if you could have seen it happen. And that is just the way we feel toward you, dear reader. You have perhaps always been well thought of, and you are strong and healthy, and just don't feel the need of being "saved" at all—at least not right now But we want to remind you that if you are not saved, you are lost, and are in danger of sinking down into an eternal hell. But Someone is ready and waiting to save you eternally, if you will but call upon Him. The Lord Jesus Christ will save you now, and will never let you go.
Messages of the Love of God 8/31/1952