He was born and brought up in the church, but now he was desperately ill and far from home. Where could he find immediate comfort? He believed that, if he died, his prayers and faithful attendance at church and at confession would help to save his soul. Of course he did not trust in his good deeds alone to have sufficient merit for forgiveness of his sins, but with Christ's work added, he hoped that he would have a "good chance" of getting to heaven at last. But oh, for peace of mind now!
A Christian evangelist often visited him, and as opportunity offered sought to show him from the Scriptures God's thoughts about sin and salvation. Day after day the sick man listened most attentively to the plain and pointed truths that were pressed upon him, and it was evident that God was dealing with him.
On one occasion the Christian visitor endeavored to show him that the Lord Jesus, by His one offering, had done everything necessary for the sinner's deliverance, and that on the ground of His atoning work any one might be saved and have the knowledge of sins forgiven. At last, in an ecstasy of joy, the sick man suddenly exclaimed, "I always knew it was necessary that Christ should die; but never till now did I know that it was enough!”
What a depth of meaning there is in these simple words! Unconverted persons may firmly believe that it was necessary for Christ to die. But do they consider that what He has done and suffered is sufficient for their soul's salvation? What a mistake for them to think they must add their faith, their repentance, their prayers, to the finished work of Calvary! When Christ upon the cross said: "It is finished," that meant He had not only done "enough" for you and for me, but that ALL was completed. Sinners, take Him at His word.