A skeptical shoemaker was noted for his outspoken denunciations of the Christian faith. To a Christian who called on him one afternoon, he said, "I have read a good deal about the heathen gods, and I believe the account of Christ is taken from heathen writings.”
The Christian visitor replied: "I will put two questions to you. Will you promise to abide by your answers, if I will do the same?”
The shoemaker agreed to this. He felt sure that he would land the Christian into a dilemma he could not extricate himself from if he agreed to stand by his answers. So he asked for the questions.
Here was the first question: "Suppose all men were real Christians, what would be the state of society?”
The shoemaker remained in thought for quite a while, and then replied: "Well, if all men were really Christians in practice as well as in theory, we should be a happy brotherhood indeed. No man can deny the goodness of real Christian principles. But now let me have your second question. I may get on better with that. You have scored against me with the first one.”
The Christian visitor then asked: "Suppose all men were infidels, what then would be the state of the world?”
The shoemaker seemed perturbed, and remained silent for a long time. At last he spoke. "You certainly have beaten me with your questions, for I never saw so plainly the contrast between the different effects on society of Christianity and infidelity. I thank you. I shall think seriously of what has passed this afternoon.”
After that afternoon's conversation the shoemaker gave up his infidel companions and the reading of infidel literature. He began reading the Bible and sought Christian companionship. This resulted in his accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord.
When the Christian visitor had first met the infidel shoemaker, he had found him sitting on an old dirty chair, and his children had been half-starved, neglected, and uncared for. But when he became a Christian, it was not long before he moved to a better house in a cleaner street and his wife and children were neat and happy. His greatest joy was to speak of the Savior he had found. Indeed, for him "all things had become new.”
Unbelieving friend, if you face these questions honestly, and come to a definite decision in regard to them, you too will surely trust the Lord Jesus Christ who died on the cross of shame for our salvation. Be wise and settle matters here and now on bended knee. Tell the Lord Jesus Christ that you take Him as your own personal Savior, and thank Him for dying for you. Christ says, "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:3737All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (John 6:37).