HE was a soldier sent home on sick leave—or rather to die, for there was no hope for him. This was known to an earnest Christian worker who visited much in the neighborhood, and who lost no time in calling to see him, and then, reading John 3, pressed on him the necessity of being born again. The young man listened with attention, asked many questions, answered those addressed to him politely and correctly, but “I am sure he is not resting on Christ” was the mental verdict of the visitor as he bade him good-bye.
A short time passed, and again the two met. Feeling certain his opportunities were few, the Christian again spoke plainly and faithfully to him. Solemnly then came the confession that though not afraid of the article of death, on the battle field or in the sick chamber, the young soldier well knew that he was not prepared to meet that which comes after death—the judgment. God’s word was opened, and again His way of salvation was told out; how He has found a ransom, and because of the price having been paid by His beloved Son. He can say, “Deliver him from going down into the pit,” when suddenly the young man interrupted with the words, “Can’t I be converted?” “Of course, you can, if you take Christ at His word,” replied the visitor, and then he recalled to him again what he had read on the previous visit—that the same lips that said, “Ye must be born again” said also “The Son of man must be lifted up, that whosover believeth on Him should not perish but have eternal life.” Conversion—new birth—is the result of believing on Christ, of resting on His work and His word. The young man listened eagerly; he appeared deeply anxious to be saved; and the visitor left encouraged.
Two or three days later he called again. Still very anxious, he inquired if his friend would write him out a prayer that he could use night and morning. Poor fellow! He little realized that it was not his asking that would bring him salvation, but that God was beseeching him to be reconciled; that He was offering to him freely, as he was, the pardon, the salvation, the joy he wanted.
Just then his mother entered the room, and proceeded to give her version of salvation—the exact opposite of God’s declaration about it. Earnestly the visitor prayed that this obstacle, placed by the devil in the way of his prey’s escape, might not be allowed to succeed; and again he pressed both the young man and his mother too to rest simply on the word of God about the work of the Lord Jesus.
Again he called at the well-known house. Ten days had passed, and he found the invalid apparently somewhat better. But still he was occupied with his own ideas, anxious to be converted, but refusing all the while God’s terms— “To him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” No, he would be converted; but, like Naaman, who would be cleansed, he desired it to be in his own way, “I thought he would come down to me, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.”
Putting once more the truth before him, the visitor left to fulfill an engagement he had that afternoon in the country. He did not return till the next day, and then heard to his surprise and sorrow that the one he had left apparently better the day before, had suddenly passed away that morning. Passed away—where? It is written, “But the fearful and unbelieving.... shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone.”
Reader, if you are halting between two opinions; if you would like to be saved, but you want it on your own terms—to purchase it by the new leaf you hope to turn over, or the prayers you offer, or the penances you endure, you will never have it. Take warning by the young soldier. God says, “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life FREELY.” Will you, then, not take, and drink and live?
T.