Some time ago John was led to feel that he had need of a Savior. He was very unhappy and could find no peace although the gospel of the grace of God was presented to him many times. They told him that Jesus had come to save sinners "to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:1010For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10). They told him that "Christ died for the ungodly."
Rom. 5:66For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:6). But this did not bring any relief to poor John, who continued to be completely miserable. At length in his distress he told his wife what was troubling him. He concluded with this statement: "I greatly desire to belong to Christ."
She, dear matter-of-fact soul, had for many years known the joy of sins forgiven and the simple faith that trusts in Jesus. She had throughout these years been looking to the Lord to save her dear John, and now his own expressed desire for the blessing of salvation filled her heart to overflowing. With happy voice she cried: "You want to belong to Christ? Well, why don't you do it, then?"
God blessed these few simple words. John knew that Christ had finished, upon the cross, the work by which the righteousness of God was satisfied. He knew that God now offered him salvation as a gift entirely free, and that he had only to submit to the Word of God that told him this good news. He came to Jesus as he was and ever since, he has gone on his way rejoicing.
Dear unsaved reader, why do you not come to Jesus? Are you troubled as John was?
Then come to Jesus just as you are. Bad as you know yourself to be, Jesus knows much better than you the wickedness of your heart. He knows all, and yet He invites you:
"Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." His promise is: "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). Do not delay, but come, for "Now is the accepted time."