One day I was placed unexpectedly in the company of a young farmer. Our conversation turned upon the inconsistencies of some professing Christians whose actions evidently had stumbled him. To bring matters to a personal application I told him my hope—that the Lord Jesus would soon come from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God, and would take every one of His own to be with Himself. I added that the coming of Christ might take place even while we were talking together.
The young man was much impressed with the thought of Christ's coming. Indeed, in his anxiety to hear more of the subject, he was almost too late for his business in the next town. As we parted, I pressed upon hint the reality that the Lord Might come for His sated one ere he reached his destination, and said, "If you are not saved, what would then become of you?" He hung his head and walked away.
I met the same young than some Mat the later and asked if he remembered our conversation. He immediately replied that it had never been Out of his mind.
"Are you saved?" I inquired; and he answered, "No." A long conversation followed, but my young friend's eyes were not yet opened to the truth.
After several months had elapsed, I visited the young farmer and his wife in their home. It was a winter's evening. The day's work was over and the Word of God was opened. We read and commented upon many precious passages which show how God in His infinite mercy has provided the way of salvation for man who is ready to perish, and that faith in Christ the Savior is the only way by which a sinner tan be saved. It seemed more than strange that for the two hours we talked together neither of them grew weary; and yet the glory of the Gospel had not shone into either of their hearts. I was just about to give up when one other passage, like a lightning flash, came into my mind.
I turned to the young man and said, "Look at verse 13. You say you believe?”
"Yes, I do," he answered.
"Well then, God by His Spirit says, 'These things have I, Written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life.'”
"Then," said he, "I must be saved!”
"To be sure you are," I answered.
"Yes," he Said again, "Of Course I am.”
His wife said; "Do ye see it too; Charley?”
"Yes," he said, "I do. It's only believing.”
From that moment they were Satisfied. Their hearts overflowed with joy. They abundantly proved the reality of their salvation by their subsequent life.
Dear reader, do you see it also? Do you believe with your heart on the name of the Son of God? Then you have eternal life. But if not, why not?