Stewart and Billy

 •  3 min. read  •  grade level: 5
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INSEPARABLE—that's what Stewart and Billy were. They walked to school together, they walked home together, they spent their free time together. Naturally, then, when one boy began to be concerned about his soul's salvation, they both came to the gospel meeting. One night I met them there.
Stewart was sitting close to the wall, looking so serious that I was certain something was troubling him. Sitting down by him, I asked, "Well, Stewart, are you saved yet? Can you look forward to being with Jesus in that bright and happy home where they see His face?"
He raised his head and slowly replied, "I can't say that, but I would like to be saved and I have been trying all I can since last Friday night."
"And what have you been doing, Stewart?"
"When I went home from the meeting last Friday, I told my parents I would like to be saved, and they told me if I was good, and did what I was told, and kept God's commandments, I would be saved and get to heaven. They said that was in the Bible, so Billy and I have made up our minds to do this, and we will try and live as well as we can from now on," answered the boy.
The manner in which he spoke left no doubt in my mind that he was really in earnest about his salvation, but it was sad to think that he had been put on the wrong track to find it.
I told him: "There is no part of the Bible that says people will get to heaven if they are 'good' and 'keep the commandments.' I'll tell you what it does say. It says there is none good, no, not one. Everyone has broken the commandments. Just read Rom. 3:9-19, and Gal. 3:10, and you will see."
The boy looked utterly discouraged. He asked, "Then what can we do?"
"You can do nothing, Stewart, but if you and Billy come close, I will let you read in my Bible what Jesus has done for you."
The boys bent over my Bible, and we read, He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes [wounds] we are healed.
"Now all this was for lost sinners," I said. "He suffered and died that they might go free. I am saved by His work, and not by mine. Do you believe that Jesus died for you?"
"Yes, I do, for I am a sinner," said Stewart.
"You are quite sure you believe?"
"Quite sure."
"Well, now, let us see what Jesus says of those who believe." We turned to John 6:47. There Jesus says, Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life.
"Now what does He say you have, Stewart?" "Everlasting life—everlasting life!" said the boy, and his face lit up as he said it.
We separated then, but the next evening the two boys were back. I asked Stewart how it was with him now.
"Saved, sir, saved! And Billy here too. He saw it first, and we are both happy now."