An Old Question

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 5
The old question of over nineteen hundred years ago is still often asked: "What must I do to be saved?" The old answer to the same question has been given time after time; but still it bears, as nothing else will, the repetition of centuries: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31).
"But," say some, "I cannot believe, though I often have tried." Do not try to believe! The Lord Jesus knows all your weakness. You may tell Him you cannot believe, and plead with Him, "Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief." Mark 9:2424And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. (Mark 9:24). He understands your case, no matter how difficult it may seem to be.
Believing on the Lord Jesus is not some notion of the mind, but simply child-like trust. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." 1 Tim. 1:1515This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15). He says, "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:3737All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (John 6:37). Just lean on His words, and sink back into His almighty arms.
Christ died! Let these words be your watchword. Whenever troubled by your doubts, think on them. "Christ has died!" Then your doubts will be chased away by your thoughts of His grace and His love in dying for you. If you are trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be counted worthy to share in the resurrection of the just.
One of the many doubts that come to those who have recently trusted in Jesus is occasioned by a desire to have a feeling of salvation. It is a great mistake, leading captive the souls of many. Thank God, our happiness is not a necessity to God's salvation.
Trust the mighty Redeemer! Go on in His name and not in the power of your happiness. Come to Him first; and after He has pardoned you—as He surely will—trust Him, and Him only, for your future life. He will give you all the joy that you need, and more than you ever believed possible. All the days of your life He will keep you; and nothing "shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Rom. 8:3939Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:39). He will not only keep you safe in life, but carry you on to the glory.
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." Isa. 26:33Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (Isaiah 26:3).