A story is told of a North-American Indian, which forcibly illustrates the condition of many in regard to their souls' salvation. Hungry and almost starving, this son of the forest entered a white man's house, and earnestly asked for something to eat. Whilst he was partaking of the food, his host observed a colored ribbon hanging around his neck, attached to which there was a little pouch. On being asked what the pouch contained, the Indian replied that he had in it a charm which he had received many years before. Permission being obtained to examine the contents of the pouch, the American discovered to his amazement, that the "charm" was a discharge granted to the Indian as a wounded soldier, and accompanied with a pension for life in recognition of his services in the war. For years the poor red man had been wandering in quest of the necessaries of life, and at times had difficulty in obtaining them. During that period he had in his possession, and carried constantly about with him, that which would have afforded him comfort and plenty. He knew not what a pension meant, and not understanding its value, he made no use of it.
The Indian's condition aptly illustrates the position of tens of thousands regarding the salvation of God. Restless and unsatisfied in heart, they hurry through life trying to satisfy their soul's hunger with the world's husks, instead of feasting on the Bread of Life. In quest of happiness, they endeavor to quench the thirst of their immortal spirits by drinking of earth's brackish waters out of the world's broken cisterns. Their thirst, however, is but increased and intensified. Wearied, disheartened, in agony of soul, they eagerly and anxiously cry,
"Who will show us any good?”
Is this the language of your heart? If so, there is within your reach, at this very moment, that which will supply all your needs, and fill you with joy and happiness.
"What is it?" you earnestly ask.
"A free, full, and present salvation.”
If you are anxious to have the load of unforgiven sins rolled away; if you are wishful that the fear of death and judgment be removed; if you are desirous that your soul should be filled with joy and peace, stretch out the hand of faith and accept of eternal life as a gift from Him who for years has been beseeching you to receive it (2 Cor. 5:19, 2019To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:19‑20)). Hearken to the words of Scripture:
"The Word is nigh thee"—nearer than the pension—"even in thy mouth and in thy heart; that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Rom. 10:8, 98But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:8‑9)
If you continue neglecting or rejecting salvation, the day is fast approaching when you will eternally regret it.
The poor Indian was ignorant of the value of the treasure that was so long within his reach; but from your childhood you have had in your possession God's precious Word, showing you how you can become rich for eternity, by simply believing on Him who died for you.
When the red man knew that he could have the few dollars that he was entitled to for his faithfulness and bravery, he claimed them: but you who have deserved nothing but eternal banishment from the presence of Jehovah, when offered as a free gift, that which cost Christ his life's blood to procure, you deliberately and persistently refuse, despise, or neglect it.
If you wish to have real, lasting happiness, take Christ for your Savior. On the Cross of Calvary He died for you, and satisfied the demands of law and justice. At this moment He is beseeching you to be reconciled to Him. Tarry no longer— "Escape for thy life.”
"Guilty you are, yet we know very well, Jesus has suffered to save you from hell; Though now condemned, justified you may be, Jesus paid the ransom, and salvation is free.”