LITTLE Edith had been to Sunday school, and upon her return home seemed much more sober and thoughtful than usual. The lesson that day had been the Scripture that relates to the sufferings of Christ. The teacher had tried to explain that He had suffered for the sins of others; that God had laid the sins of those who believe, upon his Son when He was on the cross, and He had been punished for them.
She was only a little girl, but she understood the simple story and believed it. Her heart was opened to receive the Saviour.
That night, when the usual time came to say her prayer, she did not use the form she had before. With her new understanding, a formal prayer would not do. Kneeling, she clasped her hands and said,
"O Jesus, I thank Thee that Thou vast punished instead of me."
That was about all, but what a depth of meaning is found in those few words, "Punished instead of me." How much faith is expressed in that brief utterance. Who among the hosts of heaven could raise a higher note?
One could wish that all who hear the gospel message would accept it with the same simple faith as did Edith. It is this simple acceptance of what God has said concerning His Son that saves the soul.
One might believe that Christ died for mankind in general, but that would be of no profit. The language of faith is,
"He loved me and gave Himself for me."
Can the reader say the same? There is nothing but unbelief to hinder, for God has said in the most positive way that His salvation is unto all, and that every living person is welcome to accept the Saviour at this moment.
The Lord Jesus died for the ungodly and for sinners, so that none need despair, however unworthy he may be. The blood of Jesus Christ is able to wash away every stain of sin, making the soul pure and beautiful in God's sight.
Then take God at His word, accept the Saviour He has provided, and you too may say with assurance and rejoicing that Jesus was "Punished instead of me."
Messages of God’s Love 7/20/1930