WHILE speaking the other day to one about a man with whom we were• both acquainted, he sneeringly remarked, “He says he is saved!”
“Well,” I said, “I can say the same.”
He was greatly astonished, for he believed, like many others, that it is presumption to speak with any degree of assurance upon this most important matter.
For many years I had the same thoughts. I had no desire for Christ, and though I knew I was a sinner I never could believe I was worthy of eternal judgment. However, when about 50 years of age, I came under deep conviction of sin and then longed for peace.
One night I was walking down F______ road while a band of young men were preaching there. One after another gave testimony to the all-sufficiency of Christ, and urged decision there and then for the Saviour. An elderly man said he was converted after he was 50, and spoke of the joy and rest he had known ever since. Then a young man followed, and stated—the well-known fact—that only one in a vast number are converted after they have passed the age mentioned.
As I stood a voice seemed distinctly to say, “Be that one.” I went home with these words constantly in my mind, and in the night; during sleepless hours, I thought I heard the question, “Cannot you trust Ale?” These words seemed to be repeated, and with all my soul I replied, “Yes, blessed Saviour, I will trust Thee.” From that time I have no doubt as to my soul’s salvation.
The above is the substance of the story told me by a Christian in the town where I live, and I give it as another testimony to the saving grace of God.
Many think that no one is entitled to speak with assurance upon the all-important matter of the soul’s salvation. But if the Word of God is to be our guide, it is clear from 1 John 2:11My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (1 John 2:1)2 That the writer of the Epistle believed and taught by the Holy Spirit that
THE PRESENT FORGIVENESS OF SINS
is to be known and enjoyed by believers. This is the constant witness of Scripture.
The Lord Jesus declared to the unbelieving Jews that to “die in their sins,” that is, without forgiveness, was to be LOST FOREVER. (John 8:2424I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. (John 8:24).) Forgiveness of sins is preached “through His name” (Acts 10:4343To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (Acts 10:43)), and God is “just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” (Rom. 3:2626To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (Romans 3:26).)
No! Depend upon it, the presumptuous ones are those who go on supremely indifferent to all that God has revealed in the Scriptures concerning the glory of His Son and His atoning sufferings and His present place at His right hand.
If He gave his well-beloved Son, and by so doing commends His love to you (Rom. 5:88But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)); if He offers through Him, absolutely free, the forgiveness of your sins, then it is presumption — terrible presumption — for you to refuse to give heed to His message.
You will never need it more than you do NOW, and if you are wise you will do what my friend did—
TRUST THE LORD JESUS,
and upon the authority of the Scriptures you will be able to say your sins are forgiven for HIS NAME’S SAKE.
Messages of God’s Love 5/10/1914