A newspaper editor was in deep soul-trouble. For some time he had been sadly aware of his unfitness for God's presence. Knowing himself to be a lost sinner, he longed to be clean in God's sight. Yet he knew not what to do to obtain His forgiveness.
This man was not ignorant of the facts of Scripture. He had a good knowledge of the doctrines of grace. He acknowledged that Christ's death was absolutely necessary, that the shedding of His blood was the fore-ordained sacrifice, in order that God might be a just God and the Justifier of all who believe on Jesus. While accepting the atonement as a Bible truth, he did not understand what Christ's death had accomplished for him. How could His death on the cross of Calvary have fully satisfied all God's righteous and holy claims against him?
While taking a walk one day on a country road, the troubled man was meditating on these puzzling questions when he observed a piece of paper by the wayside. Picking it up, he found that it was part of a gospel tract, soiled and torn. All that he was able to make out was a verse of poetry at the end.
"Rest, weary soul!
The penalty is borne! The ransom paid
For all thy sins full satisfaction made;
Strive not to do thyself what Christ has done;
Claim the free gift and make the joy thine own.
Rest, sweetly rest."
Reading the precious words over and over, at last the light of the glorious gospel of Christ shone into his soul. He, the object of that sacrificial love, could freely claim its cleansing and saving power. The work was done, and he found rest and peace in believing.
Reader, have you obtained rest for your conscience? Gaze by faith on the bleeding, dying Lamb of God bearing the judgment due to you. On the ground of His mighty, finished work, He says to you: "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:2828Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28).