"I know more about the Bible than you can tell me," said a young man as he refused a gospel tract offered him.
"Very likely," was the reply; "but do you know this?" The speaker pointed to the heading of the tract: "Thy sins be forgiven thee.”
"No, nor you, either; for no one can possibly know that in this life.”
This is the thought of many in so-called Christian lands, who repeat week by week, as part of their creed: "I believe in the forgiveness of sins.”
"Let me read you a verse of Scripture," said the one who had offered the tract: "Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins." Acts 13:38.
The Christian then made a few remarks on the simplicity of the Word. The young man replied: "Yes, yes, that is all very well; but you must not take a passage from its context. I am sure there is something about good works in the chapter. Give me the full context," he said angrily.
A good deal more was said on the subject, but the rebellious spirit of the young man made it evident that he did not have a mind open to God's Word. The Christian worker then gave him a "parting shot" by quoting Acts 13:41: "Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you." Then, with solemn conviction he added: "That, sir, is the context.”
Without another word the objector turned away, and we saw him no more.
In contrast with this, how refreshing was the case of a woman who was very anxious about her soul. These words of the Lord Jesus were repeated to her: 'Thy sins are forgiven. Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.”
Scarcely had the words been uttered, when the woman, with tears running down her face, burst out: "Praise the Lord, then! I do believe; I am saved!" And her look of intense anxiety and distress changed to one of rest and peace.
What of your sins, my reader, all your guilty yesterdays? Are they forgiven, blotted out as a thick cloud? (Isa. 44:22). Or are you still fearful that they may appear against you as a host of witnesses in "that day"? (Rev. 20:12). Perhaps the language of your heart is: "Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions." "For Thy Name's sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.”
Then, there is a blessed word just suited to you: "To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins." Acts 10:43.
"I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins." Isa. 43:25.