WE asked the old parish clerk one day if he had the assurance that his sins were forgiven, to which he made answer―
“I’m TRYING FOR IT.”
We tried to explain to him that this is just where many make a mistake. No one has to try for a gift. For a reward one might try, and strive very hard to possess it, but
A GIFT IS A GIFT,
and all one has to do for it is to put out the hand and receive it. Now that is just what the forgiveness of sins is, it is a free gift from God to every needy sinner who will receive it.
PENANCES CANNOT PROCURE IT.
Prayers, tears, religious exercises cannot be given as an exchange for it. Good works will not be received in payment for it. Faith and faith alone is the ground on which it can be possessed, even as “Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness” (Rom. 4:33For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. (Romans 4:3)).
Look at Cornelius in the tenth of Acts. He was a devout man, prayerful, God-fearing, and an almsgiver. Surely says Mr. Saved-by-good-works, nothing more could be wanted to make Cornelius a perfect man. Nay, dear reader, it could have been safely said of him until Peter went to him—
“ONE THING THOU LACKEST.”
What was that? The definite knowledge of Christ as a Saviour, and the forgiveness of his sins.
Dear reader, let us affectionately put the question to you, Are your sins forgiven? Remember, if you pass out of this world unforgiven, you will have to bear the judgment of your sins for all eternity.
Perhaps, like the old clerk, you have been trying for it. Oh, give up such folly, we beseech you. It is not
TRYING BUT TRUSTING.
Had not Cornelius tried hard? Without doubt he had, but he was still unsaved, and the apostle Pete was sent to tell him words whereby he and all his house should be saved. Listen to the precious soul-assuring message which fell from his lips that day (see Acts 10:4343To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (Acts 10:43)), “To him (the risen Saviour) give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believed’ in him
SHALL RECEIVE REMISSION OF SINS”
Faith in the risen Saviour brought to Cornelius that day the forgiveness of all his sins, whereupon the gift of the Holy Ghost followed, which is the seal of God upon all those who believe the gospel (see Eph. 1:1313In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (Ephesians 1:13)).
Anxious soul, troubled one, this gift is offered thee. Wilt thou to-day receive it? Thou least not to try for it, or even to pray for it; the hand of a Saviour-God holds it out to thee― “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31)). Receive this precious gift, and let the Word of God assure you that your sins are put away, and forgiven by Him; and then do not forget to thank the gracious Giver.
“Thy pains, not mine, O Christ,
Upon the shameful tree
Have paid redemption’s price,
And purchased peace for me.
To whom, save Thee, who can alone
For sin atone, Lord, shall I flee?”
E. E. N.