HAROLD S. was restless and unsatisfied in heart, and neither the concert ball, party, nor jolly evening with his companions could afford him that which he so ardently desired. He was persuaded to go and hear an address by a faithful and gifted preacher. The speaker in the course of his address made a statement which awakened the young man’s curiosity and riveted his attention. It was to this effect:
“If God offered salvation to you who are unconverted, on condition that you could point to one good work in the whole of your past lives, not one of you could be saved.”
At once he thought, “If salvation were obtained on such terms I am quite sure of it.”
The preacher proceeded to prove his assertion by saying that the character of an action depended on the motive from which it flowed; that if not from love to God, it cannot be acceptable in His sight; that if flowing from selfishness it must be sinful.
He was completely taken by surprise by what he heard, and resolved, at whatever cost, to test the statement for himself. On reaching his room he closed the door, and commenced to review his past life in order to recall to his mind the best actions he had done. One by one they were put down on paper, and the test was applied,
“Was this done from love to God?” Conscience answered, “No,” and he drew his pen across it. Another was written and the same question asked, but conscience gave the same disappointing reply. Every conceivable deed which he thought would come under the category of “good works” was taken into account —Bible reading, prayers, church attendance, deeds of charity and kindness—but the inexorable monitor told him that they would not stand the test—not one of them proceeding from supreme love to God. He was now fully convinced that if salvation were offered him on this condition, it was utterly beyond his reach.
At this point a part of the address which he had heard forcibly recurred to his mind and greatly increased his anxiety. It was to this effect:
“Not only is it impossible in the past to find anything to merit acceptance, it is equally impossible to do anything which can secure your acquittal at God’s bar. You have sinned, and all your present obedience can never atone for the past.” The dark thunder-cloud of God’s wrath appeared to him to be ready to burst upon him, and he was helpless to avert the awful consequences. With joy and wonder he read the following passages of Scripture,
What was the “ransom” provided by God? Was it adequate to meet His righteous and holy claims? In awe and astonishment, he read the wonderful words,
“For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a Ransom for all.” 1 Tim. 2:5, 65For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1 Timothy 2:5‑6). “Gave Himself a Ransom for all!” “Himself!” O, what love! “A Ransom for all,” therefore for me!
The Spirit of God pressed home the truth of the Gospel to his heart, and he was filled with unutterable joy and gratitude.
If you cling to the hope to which the young man clung, remember you can do nothing to merit the favor of God. Thank God, a way of escape has been opened, and you may be saved, even as you read these lines. There is “good news” for you! The free and full forgiveness of all your sins is proclaimed. All barriers are now removed. Sin has been judged. The ransom has been paid. The penalty has been borne, and God invites you to accept of eternal life as a free gift. Why not settle the great question, and settle it now by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself a ransom for you?
ML 09/18/1927