SOME time ago a youth in one of the large ironworks in Sheffield, was accidentally thrown on to a red-hot armor-plate. When he was rolled off by his fellow-workmen, it was doubtful whether he could live, his injuries were so terrible.
His workmates cried, “Send for the doctor!” But the poor suffering youth cried: — “Never mind the doctor. Is there any one here who can tell me how to get saved? My soul has been neglected, and I am dying without God. Who can help me? “Although there were three hundred men around him, not one could tell him the way of salvation. After about twenty minutes of untold agony, he died.
Alas! how many there are who trifle with the question of the eternal destiny of their souls, putting it off from day to day, and then finding their end somewhat like that of this poor youth! While he lived and was well, his soul was neglected, and he cared not that he was hopeless and without God in the world (see Eph. 2:1212That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: (Ephesians 2:12)). Have you ever thought of it? The Scriptures say, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:77Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Galatians 6:7)). God is ready and willing to save you now. He says, “As I live... I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways, for why will ye die?” (Ezek. 33:1111Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? (Ezekiel 33:11)). And He faithfully asks you the question, “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:36, 3736For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Mark 8:36‑37)). If His gracious voice is not heard in this your present life, you will never hear it in those tones in eternity. It must be now or never.
This dying youth could find none to help him, but the heart of Jesus, during his life, had longed to fill him with joy and peace. He is the One upon whom God has laid help (Psa. 89:1919Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people. (Psalm 89:19)). How mighty was He in His love, when He died for lost and guilty sinners! How mighty, too, when He sustained God’s righteous wrath and indignation! He passed through the fire of judgment, as the Lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:1919But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:19)), and bore the full penalty of sin; blessed forever be His name! Mighty was He indeed, when, as the incarnate Son of God, through death, He destroyed him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and delivered them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage (see Heb. 2:14, 1514Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Hebrews 2:14‑15)).
Then after three days He rose as a mighty conqueror, and now sits at the right hand of the majesty on high, crowned with glory and honor. Yes, Jesus is a mighty Saviour.
Today God offers you a Saviour; tomorrow it may be too late. There is no hope, no help beyond death. If you die unsaved, it is only, “After this the judgment” (Heb. 9:2727And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Hebrews 9:27)). A renowned man, thought much of in Christendom, recently passed away, and the closing words of his life were: “I ask you to remember me when I am beyond this world, and shall want all the help that my soul may stand in need of.” Poor misguided man! if thou hast passed the threshold from time into eternity, without having known and trusted Jesus as thy Saviour, it is all over! Yes, my reader, this is the day of God’s grace.
Oh! heed His voice, which says, “Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts” (Heb. 3:77Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, (Hebrews 3:7)). “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isa. 1:1818Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (Isaiah 1:18)).
A young girl said to the writer the other day, “I want to enjoy life first, and then I will come to Christ.” What a sad mistake, and so often made. What enjoyment is there in life, when an overwhelming burden of sins is upon you? Can there be real joy for those estranged from God? No, no! And yet it is sad to think of the many who are gaily skipping down the broad road, trying hard to get enjoyment and satisfaction. It is far better to commence the battle of life with Jesus, than to keep away from Him, meaning at some future time to become a believer.
Halt no longer, dear reader, between two opinions, but hasten to believe in Christ, and get sheltered by His precious blood.
W. G.