A Word for the Sinner
Such was the invitation given to an old man who had almost reached the allotted span, and at his extreme age had listened often to the pleadings of God’s Spirit in connection with his eternal soul’s welfare. With tears in his eyes, he would admit that he was a sinner, also said he was convinced that nothing but the sacrifice of God’s Son could meet his case. Yet he did not feel that he could apply it with assurance. His feelings barred the way to his getting the peace with God which is the result of believing.
“Delivered for our offenses,” “Raised again for our Justification,” “Therefore, being justified by Faith, we have peace through our Lord Jesus Christ.” How beautifully clear and simple! See Romans 4:2525Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (Romans 4:25) and Romans 5 and 1. Delivered for ME. Raised for ME. Then MY acceptance of that fact brings Peace with God, and ever reminds our souls of the ONE, “the Lord Jesus,” through whom this blessing comes. Now as time wore on, this old man would always repeat the same old wail: “I want it! But I do not feel it! I do not feel it!” How many there are just in old H.’s condition of soul. Looking inside to feel something, when God’s terms of salvation are Hear, and Believe. See John 5:2424Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24). Hearing, believing, having. Can anything be more simple? Not one word about H. ‘s trouble, “Feelings.” No; God speaks in His word. I believe what He says, and the result is Peace with God. So, after much crying to God, for the light of His love to dawn into his soul, he graciously heard, and removed the hindrance, and old H. is now at Peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. As it may be of interest to others in this condition of soul, I just pass on the confession of the dear old man, whose face shone with the new life God had placed within him, and with lips now able to express his thanks to God, he said: “I have now stepped inside.” He had been, as it were, for some time (according to his own confession “admitting his need,” and the remedy Christ) as standing on the MAT outside the door. He saw with new eyes the invitation, “Come inside,” and until he made that all important step out of self and “feelings,” into Christ, he was still outside. Then his confession came on the inquiry the following Lord’s Day afternoon, “How is it now?” The bright, smiling face of the dear soul, now delivered from his fears, doubts, and feelings, said: “Oh, I’m right now, for I have stepped INSIDE.” Dear reader, this is a true report of what happened in dear old H.’s case, and the point is this, for your consideration: You are either outside the door, with the wrath of God upon your head (John 3:3636He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)), or you are inside, safe as Noah was when he heard God’s voice say “Come inside,” and there alone in that ark was immunity from God’s wrath and judgment. Again, dear reader, we entreat you, in your own interests, not to stop on the mat outside, but take God’s offer personally. Fit it to your own case, and step INSIDE. Genesis 7:11And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. (Genesis 7:1).
R. Morrison.