It might seem strange to some of the readers of this paper that there is no difference before God, between one sinner and another. It is not that one may not have committed more sins than another but the fact is they are all sinners and all come short of the glory of God.
But I think I hear some of you say, “Does it mean, just what it says, that we are all alike, am I not better than some bad boys and girls I know?” Ah let me ask you a question, where would you place yourself; among the good, or among the bad ones? Would you not have to say I am not always good? Surely you would. Let me give you an illustration. I have, no doubt you have all seen a crab-apple tree and on it were some good crab-apples and some bad ones, but there is this evident fact, they are alike, because they are all crab-apples, you do not expect to find any sweet ones. They all have the same nature. So it is with every one of you. All the hearts are the same, and God tells us, all evil comes from the heart. You may have been taught from your early days to fear God and not to tell lies nor say bad words, as you see others doing, without any fear of God and therefore your sins may not be seen so often; but have you not felt like doing wrong things, and then you thought, no, I must not? Ah there you see, it is in your heart and God looks down into your heart and knows even all your thoughts. So you have no righteousness to bring to God and therefore unfit for God’s presence, as well as those who have committed more sins.
One sin would shut you out from God and you know you have many more. You might ask “What then can we do and what is required for God’s presence.” Nothing but God’s righteousness will do. You can only do what He requires and that is to believe in Jesus and He will put His righteousness upon you and then you will be acceptable before Him.
He offers His righteousness to all but puts it upon all them that believe.
Are you one of those who believe in Jesus and know “There is no difference,” that you are a sinner just like the rest? If you do, have you thanked God that you now have His righteousness upon you?
If not may you do so now and rejoice that God has provided you with all you need for His presence.
ML 05/14/1899