The doctor was puzzled. He hardly knew what to tell his patient. I knew I was very sick, and I felt sorry for the doctor's indecision. I decided I would relieve him of his difficulty by inquiring: "What do you think of me, doctor? Tell me honestly if you think I am going to die. I must know.”
With some hesitation the doctor replied: "To tell you the honest truth, unless you take a decided turn for the better within the next hour, I fear you cannot last more than two or three hours.”
"Thank you," I answered. "Now, kindly leave me by myself. Come back to see me at the end of the hour.”
I was very ill; and I was in a foreign land, far from home and loved ones. From my earliest years I had determined to enjoy life in my own way. As for my soul and eternity, I had resolved that I would cry to God for mercy on my death-bed. "And now," I said to myself after the doctor had left, "the time has come at last. It came sooner than I thought, and I have only an hour or two to cry for mercy.”
I lay quiet for a few moments to compose myself. A quarter of an hour slipped by. My thoughts flew to my home, and I wondered how those I loved would hear of my death.
I again glanced at the clock. Only twenty minutes left! How did one cry to God for mercy? What words should I use?
Strength was failing. I could not collect my thoughts. Making a desperate effort I pulled myself on to my knees. With stammering lips I said: "Our Father which art—." But I could go no further. Helpless, wordless, I fell down upon my bed in anguish. What a realization! On my death-bed it was too late to cry to God for mercy. I sank into oblivion.
It pleased God to spare my life. He brought me back from the brink of death, and gave me another opportunity to learn of Him in the land of the living. Some time later I heard the gospel of free and full salvation. The preacher pointed out that, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." 1 Tim. 1:1515This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15).
For the first time I learned that if one came as a sinner to Christ, believing in Him, trusting in Him, that very moment Christ would receive him. However vile, however sinful he might be, a gracious, merciful God would give him everlasting life.
It flashed across my mind, "What folly to delay!" Through grace I came to Christ, and as a guilty lost sinner I accepted His wondrous offer of mercy. I became a new creature in Christ Jesus. Since that moment I have been blessed with the assurance of my perfect safety for time and eternity.
Friend, you also may have this great salvation. God offers it to you. Will you not take it now?