IT is alarmingly Solemn what a power of self-deception is prevalent at the present time. To those who often converse with persons about their souls it is very manifest. There are few, when asked if they are saved, who do not readily reply, "I hope so;" and yet, when pressed for the ground of their confidence, become quite confounded. It needs, therefore, that this matter, of such eternal importance, should be brought home personally and pointedly, in order to lift the blindfold which Satan has so successfully applied, and really meet the need of souls.
Alas! we might multiply illustrations of what we mean, but one or two will suffice for our present purpose.
We were lately struck with a fellow-passenger on the Great Northern Railway. His 'calm and gentle manner, and diligent reading of what appeared to us a religious book, so attracted us, that we could not forbear kindly saying to him, "Sir, will you allow me to ask if you have peace with God?" "Yes," was his ready reply. But when asked what means it had pleased God to use to give him this precious blessing of peace, he hesitated, looked confused, and after a little while said, "I was always brought up to it." This at once disclosed his real state of soul. He might have been well brought up; but surely that could not meet the question of sin, and of being reconciled to God. If there be no way of approach unto God but through the blood of His own Son, the manner of his being brought up could not possibly meet the guilt of conscience and transgressions which the soul knows when brought into the presence of God. This was pointed out, and Scripture proof given that peace with God is alone through our Lord Jesus Christ, because He died for the ungodly, and made peace by the blood of His cross. He seemed surprised, and said nothing more on the subject.
It was only a few days after, when traveling on the Midland Railway, and speaking on the blessedness of being in glory with Jesus, a man said, "Yes, we all hope for that." But, on being solemnly asked what was the foundation of his hope, he paused for a little while, and then said, "I have no foundation." This was honest; but the flippant expression of hope sets before us a sample of many, many persons. They are in. the habit of saying they hope to be saved; but if it be really sifted, it is, alas, too true that they have no real hope; they have no foundation. How sad this is! And what, it may be asked, is the foundation of the sinner's trust? Ali, there is only one; for Scripture says, "Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is. Jesus Christ." (1 Cor. 3:11) This is the foundation which God has laid. It is Jesus Christ crucified for sinners. There is salvation in no other. Hope is alone through Him. Peace only through what He has done. The conscience purged only' by His precious blood. Redemption accomplished by His death. "It is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.”
Dear reader, have you a good hope through grace? Is all your trust of salvation in the Son of God that died for sinners? Are you trying the hopeless task of making yourself righteous? or are you satisfied to have Christ for your righteousness? Oh, beware of a vague, indefinite, false hope! for God path declared that no man cometh unto the Father but through Jesus His Son, and that "there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12.)