During the first World War, a man named Tom was a Royal Marine abroad one of His Majesty's warships. Having put into port for a few days, some of the personnel were allowed an evening's shore leave. Men of good conduct were granted leave till 10 p.m., but men of other conduct had to be back aboard ship by 9 p.m.
Tom was an uncertain character, and as he was leaving the warship for the shore, he was told to be back by 9 p.m. or it would mean the brig. Following his usual custom, he stopped at the nearest inn and spent his time and money there very unwisely.
After a while, realizing that it was growing late, he set off to board the pinnace a little before nine. This was the boat which would take him across the water to the warship by 9 p.m. But on the way to the dock, he saw a crowd of people in the street. Thinking there was trouble of some sort, he hastened to investigate.
It proved to be an open air gospel meeting. Tom listened to the speaker who offered to all eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. His words made a deep impression upon Tom. When he heard the bell aboard the warship at five minutes. to nine, he said to himself, "If I stay here, it will mean a few days in the cell; but if I leave here now, it might mean eternal hell!”
Between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. that night, Tom yielded himself to Jesus, the Savior. He now knew he was saved, for the preacher had proclaimed the Lord's own words: "Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out." John 6:3737All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (John 6:37).
With a happy heart Torn proceeded across to the warship with the 10 p.m. group. He was greeted aboard by the sergeant-at-arms with the words, "Tom, you are late!”
To this Tom replied: "Late to come aboard, Sergeant, but I am just in time for eternal life." The handcuffs were put upon him, and the unresisting prisoner was marched off to the cell, and the door was locked.
For Tom, this was a night of deep joy. The burden of his sins, which were many, was gone. They had all been forgiven through faith in the precious blood of Christ. He did not sleep, but spent the night hours giving thanks to the Savior for the gift of eternal life.
Neither did the sergeant-at-arms sleep. He was puzzled by what Tom meant when he said, "Just in time for eternal life!" Going along to the cell in the early morning, he found Tom wide awake. Hesitantly he asked him what he really implied by saying he was "just in time for eternal life.”
Tom was glad to tell him of the offer of eternal life through Jesus Christ, and that he had accepted it for himself. He also sought to lead the sergeant-at-arms to Christ; and great was his joy when his fellow soldier did open his heart to receive Jesus the Lord, and owned Him as his own personal Savior.
The two men knelt down together in humble thanksgiving and prayer to God for His great mercy and love to them. Tom prayed first, and then the sergeant, probably for the first time in their lives. Oh, what joy there must have been in heaven as the prayers and praises of these two newborn souls ascended to God from their hearts and lips!
When the sergeant-at-arms arose from his knees, he waited for Tom to rise also. But the young marine remained kneeling, his head buried in his hands as though in silent prayer.
"Tom!" the sergeant called; but the kneeling man took no notice. Again, his name was repeated louder, with still no response. Then the sergeant touched him and Tom's lifeless body slipped to the floor. His spirit had gone to be with his newly-found Savior.
He was "Just in time for eternal life.”
How is it with you, my dear friend? Trust Him NOW, for "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 6:2323For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23).