WHAT a rich mine of truth is suggested by these words! How much they mean to the many who, after efforts of various kinds in order to “make their peace with God,” have learned their own helplessness, and have therefore trusted Christ to save them. Having proved the futility of their works for this purpose, they have accepted the work of Christ as done for them on the cross. “Therefore, being justified by faith we have peace with God” (Rom. 5:11Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1)). How blessed! and increasingly so, as one learns more of one’s utter ruin by nature. What a prospect, too, is opened up to the one who is in the settled enjoyment of this! Knowing every question cleared as to the past, he is free to enter into God’s mind as to his present walk and worship, and also to enjoy what He has revealed to faith of the future glory.
The value of these words was peculiarly brought home to me when conversing with an aged Christian who was on her deathbed. I had called at her cottage without any idea of the reception I should meet with, but soon found that both husband and wife were in the enjoyment of God’s favor. They deplored the work of Ritualism around them, and seemed to be very much shut up to God and the Word of His grace. They had evidently learned a great deal in the school of God. I had quoted various passages of Scripture to them, but it was the mention of “peace with God” that produced the readiest response from the old lady. It was not a strange sound to her, for with brightened face she raised her head as well as possible and told me that she had “read it in Romans,” There was evidently little of earthly comfort in that humble home, but there was the enjoyment of that which money never could buy. In about a fortnight she had “departed to be with Christ, which is far better.”
Later in the same day I found myself in very different surroundings. It is true that the conversation in the larger house also turned to “religious things,” yet there was a startling contrast between the two cases. The subject was that of an “altar” frontal in a London church which had been visited that day. Fault was found with the colors employed in depicting the angels’ wings, &c. No one could give a decision on the point thus raised, and the whole thing, while of no profit, might possibly serve to shut out the contemplation of Christ.
Is my reader content with a mere “shadow,” or satisfied with the substance, Christ? That is the question I wish to press in view of the above. When all the religious inventions in the world have passed away, Christ and His Word will remain. What a rest now and for eternity for a needy soul! Never can the trust be questioned which reposes in Him, for God is fully satisfied with His work! Are you? or are you occupied with that which must soon fail and leave you lost indeed. Be wise today, and accept the Saviour without delay.
C. W.