By:
Edited by Algernon J. Pollock
I WAS at Rome with a friend. We visited the Sistine Chapel and stood together in contemplation before the great fresco of the. “Last Judgment” painted by Michael Angelo. We were greatly impressed by the powerful representation of the dead, who had been the subjects of resurrection, passing before Christ’s judgment-throne, and from there passing (in accordance with the judgment pronounced) into the glory or to the place of outer darkness.
But our attention was particularly arrested by a figure in the center of this immense picture. There in a sitting posture was a man, his elbows on his knees, his head in his hands, of which the fingers appeared to sink into his skull. One of his eyes were hidden by his hand whilst the other eye seemed to look at us with a gloomy, fixed, wicked and despairing gaze. We seemed to see this man slowly sinking into the abyss, and one could imagine he was saying to himself, “This is my eternal destiny!” and to us, “Do not do as I have.”
We gazed long without saying a word. My companion was the first to break the silence. “Let us get away from here,” said he, “it is not enlivening”
“It is true,” said I to him. “I do not believe,” replied he, “that anyone can ever be sure on this earth that he is saved!”
I was silent, for I knew no better than he. Moreover, I felt how necessary in this life was it to have certainty in this matter. The time of youthful dreams was passed. The imagination of childhood had been replaced by the realities of life with its tasks, struggles, its temptations, its failures and its regrets. The years passed only deepening my convictions.
What must I do? Must I carry this crushing burden forever, always drag along this weight, and what would be the end? Death.... the judgment throne of God.... a condemnation like that of the unhappy man in the picture, whose despairing look haunted me. “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars,” saith the Scriptures, “shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone.” (Rev. 21:88But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21:8)).
It seemed to me that I was made for something better. I had need of pardon, but I knew not how to obtain it. I wanted deliverance, but who could show me the way? Could it be possible and where could I find it?
Years have passed; the unhappy lost man still fixes the same look on each visitor to the Chapel Sistine, and seems to say to all, “Do not do as I have.”
But since I saw the picture I have learned the wondrous fact that it is possible to be sure in this world of pardon of all our sins. I have looked to Him who gave Himself to be the Saviour of the world; I have seen Him dying on the cross and I have learned that it was for me I have believed in Him and have had inexpressible feelings within―the sins which weighed so heavily upon me are there no more and my troubled conscience is at peace. I have been saved and now understand the value of these words, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” (1 Tim. 1:1515This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15)). “The chastisement of our peace was upon Him.; and with His stripes we are healed.” (Isa. 53:55But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)).
Full salvation is the possession of him who trusts in Jesus Christ, and he may have the assurance that no one can take it from him, because it is given to him of God. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 8:11There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1)).
Translated from the French by
ARTHUR F. POLLOCK.