It is a very unpalatable truth for the average natural man or woman that man is an utterly lost sinner who could never find his own way back to God. We all like to think there is something we can do to help save ourselves, whereas, according to God’s Word we are not only lost, but without ability to retrieve our condition. It is remarkable how apt some are in quick illustrations of spiritual realities, as the following instance will show.
A recent convert rose in a meeting to give his testimony to the saving grace of God. He told how the Lord had won his heart and given deliverance from the guilt and power of sin. He spoke of Christ and His work, but said nothing of any efforts of his own.
The leader of the meeting was of a legalistic turn of mind, and when the man’s testimony was ended, he said, “Our brother has only told us of the Lord’s part in his salvation. When I was converted there was a whole lot I had to do myself before I could expect the Lord to do anything for me. Brother, didn’t you do your part first before God did His?” The other was on his feet again in an instant and replied: “Yes, sir, I clear done forgot. I didn’t tell you ‘bout my part, did I? Well, I did my part for over thirty years, runnin’ away from God as fast as ever my sins could carry me. That was my part. An’ God took after me till He run me down. That was His part.” It was well put and tells the story that every redeemed sinner understands.