George Washington was the General who led the early colonies to victory and independence. He was also the first President of the United States. His service and dedication won him the title, “Father of His Country.”
Do you believe all this? “Yes,” you say, “and I believe a lot more about him. I believe the story about the cherry tree when he was a boy. I believe he was truthful, honest and noble. And I believe that he refused a third term as President.”
What makes you believe these things? Why, these are facts of history preserved in writings from the 1700's. And Washington’s birthday has been a United States holiday for many years. Do you think the whole nation can be mistaken in celebrating his birthday?
Your reasons are accepted by every American as well. But now apply the same thinking to the facts concerning Someone greater than George Washington or anyone else. This One, the Lord Jesus Christ, will save everyone who accepts Him as their Saviour from going to a lost eternity (hell). The facts of His birth, life, death, and especially His rising from the dead are recorded as truth more than all the other historical facts of ancient times.
“Yes,” you say, “I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ just as I believe in George Washington.” But what you are really saying is that you believe about Him. You believe that what is written about Him in the Bible is true and that He once actually lived.
Today we can only believe about George Washington and honor his memory. He cannot do a thing for us today. But the Lord Jesus is a risen and living Saviour. He is able to save and care for anyone who will believe in Him.
To believe in Him means to understand that you are a sinner and that you need your sins forgiven. Then, seeing your need, trust (put your confidence) in His work on the cross. Believe that He suffered and died for your sins and that His blood can wash you clean from sin. Then you can say as the Apostle Paul said in 2 Timothy 1:12: “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.”
As a guilty, perishing sinner on your way to hell, turn now to Him, the only One who can save you, take care of you, and bring you safely to heaven. Believing facts will not save anyone. Trusting Him will save your soul.
“For 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.
ML-08/15/1982