TWO friends were talking on religious topics. They discussed the question of punishment for sin in a future life. They settled to their own satisfaction that there was none. They decided that Hell was a myth. They argued that God was a God of Love and could not consign His creatures to everlasting punishment.
The conversation dropped when a Christian, who had been a silent listener to the discussion said:
“Suppose It Is True After All.”
The words seemed to fall on the ears of the other two with crushing force. The power of God seemed behind them, as it ever is behind the truth. Solemn silence reigned. for many minutes. God had spoken.
Suppose it is true after all that God must punish sin? How would you stand before Him? What could you say to Him? How would you fare before the Judge? “Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men in that He hath raised Him from the dead.” (Acts. 17:31.)
Suppose it is true after all that Hell is a reality? A sceptic sneeringly asked: “Where is Hell?” The ready and true answer came: “At the end of a Christ-rejecting life.” Let, me ask you: what lies at the end of the path you are now treading? The Scripture says: “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” (Heb. 9:2727And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Hebrews 9:27).)
Suppose it is true after all that the Lord Jesus is the only Saviour, and His death the only means by which you can be fitted for God’s presence? What if you neglect Him? “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” (Heb. 2:33How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; (Hebrews 2:3).)
“What think ye of Christ? is the test
To try both your state and your scheme;
You cannot be right in the rest
Unless you think rightly of Him.”
Suppose it is true after all that the much despised “Blood of Jesus” is the only thing that can cleanse you from your sins. Has it cleansed you before God, or are you still in your sins going on at a frightful pace to the eternity of the lost? “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:77But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7).)
Suppose it is true after all, as Scripture states, that salvation is not of works, (“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast Eph. 2:8, 98For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8‑9)), then what is all the church-going, Sunday School teaching, sick visiting, and the like worth if you rely upon any of these as good works to save or to help to save you? Worse than useless. A fatal mistake, if persisted in. “To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” (Rom. 4:55But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (Romans 4:5).)
Suppose it is true after all. Ah! if it were all untrue, the believer has the best of it in this world, and is no worse off in the next. But if it is true after all, how terrible will be your doom if you “Die in your sins.’’ (John 8:2121Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come. (John 8:21).) Haste thee to Christ and be saved. “Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Rev. 20:11And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. (Revelation 20:1).5.)
Be assured that it is true and act on it.
ML 04/02/1916