There are many who really desire to know Jesus as their Savior, but find it hard to realize that the work is finished without any help from themselves. I am going to give you a true story of a poor woman, hoping it may help others to see the finished work of Christ, and that our readers may get the same blessing.
Her name was Betty, and as I said, she was poor, very poor, and not only so, but she was sick, and confined to her bed. Sickness is a great trial, and a still greater one when poverty comes with it.
Just now Betty carried even a heavier burden. She was filled with doubts and fears as to her soul’s salvation. She had heard over and over again that Christ had died on the cross; that He had borne the punishment instead of us. She had believed, as she thought, still, her mind was dark and sad, as the thought of the future, and the distance between her and a holy God, and the way seemed all a mystery.
Mrs. Pax was a kind friend, who often visited her. Again and again she had sought to put the simple plan of salvation before her, showing that when Christ died on the cross, He finished the work; paid the debt in. full; and, “being justified, by faith, we have peace with God,” but no matter how simply the truth was put before her, she found no relief.
Betty was laid upon a sick bed, and at the point of death. One day as Mrs. Pax entered, she found Betty in great distress. She had pulled the sheet over her head, and was sobbing violently, just as if her heart would break; the very bed shook under her.
“Dear Betty,” said Mrs. Pax, “what has happened to make you so unhappy?”
“O, Mrs. Pax, I can’t pay my rent, and the landlord is going to take my bed from under me. I shall die! I shall die!”
Her distress was so great and all that her friend could say seemed useless. She had not a cent, and the debt must be paid, or her bed taken.
Just at this moment they heard a violent knock on the door. This brought on a fresh outbreak of grief.
“There they are! There they are!” she cried.
Deeply touched at her sorrow, Mrs. Pax descended the stairs softly, and found the two men at the door, expecting to take the furniture.
“Well,” she said, after they had explained their errand, “you know this poor woman cannot pay her rent.”
“Of course, madam, but we can’t help that. If she has not the money we must take the furniture.”
“But it is terribly cruel; she is dying!”
“Madam, that is not our business; we must have the money or the furniture.”
“Well, tell me, how much it is?”
The men told her, so, drawing the money from her purse, she said:
“Give me the change and a receipt.”
This they did, and Mrs. Pax put the receipt between the leaves of her Bible, and went up stairs to reassure Betty that all was settled as to her bed, etc., little thinking that God was going to use this act of kindness for a far greater blessing to the troubled soul of this poor woman. She found her in despair, expecting every moment to be pulled out of bed, and laid on the floor. Her friend sat down by her, saying quickly,
“Betty, don’t worry!”
“But, I must worry. I shall die!”
“But the debt is paid, Betty.” The poor creature threw the sheet off her face, and looked round in her wonder. What had she heard? She could not believe her ears. Mrs. Pax repeated again those comforting words,
“I assure you, Betty, you need not trouble yourself any more. The debt is paid,” and opening her Bible, she showed her the receipt, saying, “Here, Betty, this is the receipt. Read it for yourself and be convinced!”
The poor old woman spelled it out as well as she could. Suddenly, a very happy expression came into her face, and the sadness was gone. Her expression was bright, as if the cloud was lifted. She raised her hands and cried,
“I understand! I understand! Jesus has paid my debt of sin.”
And, now, dear reader, do you understand? Do you know Him of whom it is said, “They shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins”? Do you think He needs any of your help? Did He not say, “Come unto Me,”?
“We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Eph. 1:77In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7). Do not think your works can help you. The words of Jesus on the cross were “It is finished.”