The sun was setting in the clear Egyptian sky, and the domes of Cairo where our regiment was stationed glittered in the golden sunlight. Many and strange sights had I witnessed since I left my native land: in India and in the deserts of the Sudan, in. war and in peace. But here in this most beautiful oriental scene a comrade, a genuine Christian soldier, showed me from the Word of God the most soul stirring sight of all. In that precious Book he showed me that all my religion and self-righteousness were as filthy rags in the sight of God, and that I must be saved as a sinner. Only by the grace of God through the atoning death of Christ, and apart from any merit or works of mine, I must be saved. That was a revelation to me.
Reformation I had heard about. Religion had been often commended to me; but these were all for the improvement of the flesh, in order to make me more fit to approach God. But this Regeneration, being "born again," the Christian insisted was the first requirement. It was the very door into God's kingdom, and it cut at the root of all my ideas of reformation and religion. It left me as far from God and heaven as in my wildest days of "sowing to the flesh.”
I confess I did not like to hear that doctrine. I resisted it, thought it was too severe, and tried to turn aside the sharp edge of the sword of the Spirit. But it was no use; there it stood, plain and clear in the Word of God. I must come as a sinner, only a sinner, wholly a sinner, to Christ the Savior. His own Word assured me that, "Him that cometh unto 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).
At last, convinced, I did come, just as I was, in my lost, sinful state. Faithful to His own promise, my Savior received me. He saved me, and has kept me to this day.
To you I commend this Savior. He is ready; He is willing; He is mighty to save you. Only believe His Word!
"He loves you—He wants you—He died
to redeem you!
Only believe His Word:
There's nothing to do—there's nothing to buy;
Remember, 'twas for you He left His mansion
in the sky!
And now He's ready—He's willing—He's
able to save you!
Only believe His Word.”