A LONG with other passengers we took tickets for the south by the morning express. The price being paid to cover our journey, all were delighted to find themselves on board such a strikingly beautiful train, and to observe the easy running of the coaches in which they were seated, also to notice the rapid speed of its traveling.
Everything seemed to have been thought of to provide comfort for those who journeyed on the train, and even descriptive literature of the country-side through which they passed was placed on a table in front of each traveler, illustrated with views showing places of beauty or historic interest as we went on to various destinations.
Hardly had the passengers, however, become accustomed to the ease and advantages which attended their railway journey, when an official presented himself with a book of tickets in his hand, and politely requested extra fare. It was explained that the luxurious train was a PULLMAN, and the extra fare was to cover the expense of its special fittings and running.
How very like, and yet how very unlike in some respects, to the traveling on the Pullman is the journeying of the one who receives the gospel of the redeeming grace of God! They are alike, in that the price has been paid, and every advantage provided for the whole journey, but unlike, in that there is no need of extra payment, and there awaits but one destination for all.
It should be a matter of the deepest concern with each one to make sure that he has started right, and is traveling in the right way, to the right destination-the destination which God in His rich grace has divinely marked out for those who believe on His beloved Son.
To start the journey the purchase value of the ticket had to be given. This is the same for the Pullman, and for that of which we are now speaking. It is very unlike, however, in the way the price is paid.
The passenger on the Pullman provides the fare himself, but the traveler, who has accepted the gospel, journeys free of cost. The price has been paid truly, yet it was paid by our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. No less than His own life’s blood was given for us.
Now the start having been truly made in faith, the end is sure, for the Christ who died to secure our eternal redemption is Himself already raised from among the dead, and is seated upon the throne on high, all power being given into His hands. Each one must therefore be safe that trusts in such a Saviour! Moreover, full provision is made for everyone, who believes, until the end is reached.
Nor is there any call for extra fare, as on board the Pullman. A wrong thought often comes into the minds of some who are saved, that something more is necessary than the completed work of Christ upon the cross. They are troubled with the thought that a further sacrifice on their part is necessary to make quite sure of eternal salvation, but when they see that the Lord Jesus Christ’s sacrifice was perfect,―to which nothing can be added and from which nothing can be taken away,―they are set at rest, even as the One who made the offering is, for “this Man, after He had offered ONE SACRIFICE for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God” (Heb. 10:1212But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; (Hebrews 10:12)). Nothing extra is needed!
And what a glorious destination awaits the traveler! The Son of God says to those who are His, “I go to prepare a place for you.” He went to His Father after He had died for us and had risen from the tomb. In His Father’s house, where He is, we are to be, for He also said, “If I go and prepare a place for you. I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:33And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:3)). To be with and like the Son of God forever is the believer’s destination! Free grace, ―divine grace, ―the wealth of God’s grace―grace surpassing-glorifies itself in the whole journey of the believer on the Son of God. To Him be the everlasting praise! Who would care to miss such a journey to such a destination?
“Grace begun shall end in glory;
Jesus, He the victory won;
In His own triumphant story
Is the record of our own.”
H. J. VINE.