At the close of a gospel meeting when most of the audience had left, the preacher noticed a middle-aged person who remained in her seat. She was evidently deeply affected by the "good news" she had been hearing. Taking a seat beside her, the preacher said,
"Well, is it all settled?"
"No, I can't say that; I wish I could."
"What is the difficulty?"
"I don't see things clearly. I have been a church-member all my days, but that goes for nothing, I see; and I don't feel as I should like to."
"It is not what you feel that is important, but what you believe. Are you anxious to be saved?" "Indeed I am most anxious."
"And when do you wish to get salvation?" "Oh, at once. Tonight, surely, if I can," was her eager reply, as she burst into tears.
"Well, you can have it now. Listen to the Word of God: "The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, THOU SHALT BE SAVED' Rom. 10:8, 9.
"Do you understand that? Do you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead?"
"I do, indeed."
"What do you believe? For whom did He die?"
"For all."
"Tell me one for whom He died."
"He died for me."
"You believe that?"
"Indeed I do."
"And did He die for your sins?"
"I believe He did."
"And has He done all that is necessary for your salvation?"
"I believe He has."
"Yes, and God has raised Him from the dead, because all is done. Do you believe that also?" "I do. I really believe in Him."
"And are you prepared to confess― yes, do you confess, the Lord Jesus with your mouth?"
"Yes, I gladly do."
"Good; then God says, 'Thou shalt be saved!' Will you be saved, do you think?"
"I should like to be."
"Listen to what God says: 'Thou shalt be saved.' "
"That's delightful!" she exclaimed with a fresh flow of tears.
"Yes, indeed it is; but if any one asked you, `Are you saved?' what would you say?"
"I don't feel sure that I could say that I am."
"The point is not what you feel, but what God says about one who believes, and confesses with the mouth. He says to such, 'Thou shalt be saved.' And if God says, 'Thou shalt be saved,' is not that equal to Him saying, 'Thou art saved'?
"In Luke chapter seven, the Lord gave a weeping woman, like you, the knowledge of pardon, salvation, and peace, in twelve words. It was a short sermon, but what a full one! " 'Thy sins are forgiven. Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.'
"What wondrous words, 'Thy sins are forgiven!' Are you the woman He is speaking to now?" "I am. I believe He forgives me."
"Go on. What next does He say?"
“‘Thy faith hath saved thee.' I believe it. I see it clearly. I see it distinctly. It is so plain. I am saved. Thank God!" And the tears of joy fell faster than ever.
"How did you come into this hall tonight in― peace?"
"Oh, no; unhappy, unsaved."
"And, now, how will you go?"
"He says, 'Go in peace.' I shall go home forgiven, saved, and at peace."
"Yes, you have a living, glorified Savior, and all that is left for you to do, is to bless and praise Him. He has saved you, and you have just to live for Him, who died for you. Do you think He will let you drop?"
"I think not; I'm sure not if―"
"If what?"
"If I continue faithful and hold on to Him." "Stop, I'll give you a text with no 'if' in it: " 'My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any (angel, man, or devil) pluck them out of My hand. My Father which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand. I and my Father are one.' John 10:27-30.
"Now, with that before you, do you think He will let you drop?"
"No, never, I am sure He will not. It all depends on Him." She was filled with joy and peace in believing. Together they bowed and thanked God.