THE contrast between the gospel of God and the leading false religious systems of the world was strikingly drawn the other day by a well-known speaker in the course of an address given in the Mansion House, London.
He compared a man bound by his sins to a man drowning in a pool, and he asked his audience to consider what the various religions would say to the man thus fighting for his life.
As the man is sinking Confucius would say to him, "Profit by your experience." Buddha looks upon him and says, "Struggle." Mohammed would stand by and say, "Whether you sink or swim, it is the will of God." Hinduism says to him, "You will have a chance in another incarnation." The Lord Jesus Christ reaches forth to him and says, "Take My hand.”
Which of all these will suit you best, do you think? Bear in mind that it is no exaggeration to speak of you as a drowning man. If still a sinner in your sins you are all that and more. Sin and sin's just deserts, the wrath of God, threaten to engulf you. (See Rom. 2:55But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; (Romans 2:5).)
However Confucius may moralize upon the subject, you are too late to profit by your sad experiences, for you are perishing and have no strength to save yourself. The fatalistic creed of Mohammed affords cold comfort indeed, nor will the fantastic dreams of Hinduism give you solid rest for your heart. Buddha wants to encourage you, but he can only urge you to redouble your efforts in continuing the vain struggle against the power of your sins. Will this do?
Let those who know the power of their sins speak. You, who have long striven to make yourselves acceptable and fit for the holy eye of God, by many an inward resolution and earnest attempt at self-improvement, by many an attempt to break the chain of evil habit and besetting sin, by running the whole round of religious exercises and work, tell us if it cheers and saves you to be urged to struggle onwards!
No. That is not what you need. And yet alas, that word "struggle!" comes not only from the lips of Buddha but from many a professed Christian pulpit. All too many of those who claim to be ambassadors of Christ have only this to give you. Some point you to symbol and ceremony, some to the law; others, again, lay down a code of morals and ethical teaching; but all agree in saying that to your own efforts you must look for the wished-for deliverance.
What you need is salvation brought to you just where and as you are, and it is this of which the gospel speaks. When Israel was in dire straits, hemmed in between wilderness and sea, and Pharaoh's pursuing army, they cried to the Lord, and the answer was—not struggle! but— " Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord." (Ex. 14:1313And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will show to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. (Exodus 14:13).)
Israel was helpless and so are you. Thanks be to God that the scripture which tells us we are "without strength," continues, " In due time Christ died for the ungodly." In that your salvation lies.
Drowning men and women, cease your fruitless efforts and look up. The Lord Jesus Christ bends over you in love and compassion, and His hand is at your service. He is no longer dying with outstretched arms upon the tree, but risen and glorified. His power and delivering mercy are all on your behalf.
Will you not avail yourself of this proffered grace? Oh! do so to-day. Abandon every effort of your own. Rely utterly upon Him.
Seize that blessed hand with the grip of faith; thank Him; and you will exchange the horrors of sin's muddy pool for the joys of standing on dry ground by His side.
“On Christ the solid rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.”
F. B. H.