Two young men were traveling by train in a region with which they were not familiar. In the course of conversation one of them mentioned the name of what he thought was the next station. His friend disagreed with him, and stated what he considered it would be. As each felt positive he was right, the discussion became somewhat heated.
A fellow-passenger, overhearing the contention, told them that the question could be easily settled as he had Bradshaw’s Guide with him, whereupon he produced it and found that they were both wrong.
How good it is to have a sure guide or authority to settle questions upon which one may be in doubt. This is true even in earthly affairs, and how much more do we need an unfailing authority in matters that pertain to the soul’s salvation. This we have in the Bible, which is the Word of God.
Probably there is no subject upon which there is such a range of thought or opinion as that of the salvation of the soul. But thoughts and opinions of men are not a safe guide in so vital a matter, inasmuch as the soul’s eternal destiny is at stake,
In all man-made schemes that relate to this subject, much of human effort and human merit are set forth as a means of salvation. This has to be guarded against as it is directly contrary to the Scripture which says— “To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” (Rom. 4:55But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (Romans 4:5)).
God’s salvation is something entirely of Himself, planned and executed by Him, and which, in His love and goodness, He offers (a finished product) to all who will receive it.
This is sweetly expressed in John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16), “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Doubtless the season is now with us, foretold in the Scriptures hundreds of years ago, that the time would come when sound doctrine would not be endured; that the truth would be refused, and ‘fables’ substituted for the God-given Guide.
But though the multitudes are turning away from the Word, we know by its own testimony that its truth remains, and will forever. Not only will it endure, but it will in the day of judgment, rise up as a condemning witness against those who have not obeyed its voice.
Those who in all ages have been pleasing to God, are the ones who have believed God. And as this belief or faith was reckoned as righteousness to Abraham of old, so it will be to the reader, if he will simply lay hold of what God says.
God has revealed His mind in the Holy Scriptures, and happy is he who hears and obeys. This is the only means of safety in these perilous times, when the clamor of deceptive voices is heard on every hand.
May the reader be preserved from this destructive influence, and satisfied with nothing less than, “Thus Saith The Lord.”
With this unfailing guide, one may be lead in safe and quiet paths through the turmoil of this life, which will terminate in the better home above.
Light obeyed, increaseth light;
Light rejected, bringeth night,
Who shall give me power to choose,
If the love of light I lose?