IT is remarkable that all, the conversions of Scripture are described as immediate in their occurrence. A lady who came to my meetings in Kingstown was converted in that way-suddenly. She was walking to her seat in the theater, when she saw in letters of fire (gas being used), above the doors of the theater, these words― “To THE PIT.”
The thought struck her― “Ah! there is indeed a pit! There is indeed a hell! to which I feel I am hastening.”
God deepened that conviction. The arrow rankled in her soul, and she is now a loving disciple of the Lord Jesus.
Nor is this a solitary case. I have seen marvelous revulsions in a moment of time. I know an instance of a lady who was riding over the fields in summer with her husband; and as her horse leaped a hedge she was nearly thrown. It was a dangerous spot, and in a moment the thought struck her― “What if I had been thrown, and had been killed! How dreadful; for I am not saved.”
Like an arrow, the thought pierced her very soul. It may surprise you when I tell it, but it is nevertheless true, that before her horse had gone out of that field, before it crossed another fence―the boundary that separated that field from the next―she had received the salvation of God, had fled for refuge to Him who died; and her mind was at rest and peace in Him.
I have often spoken of the conversion of the thief on the cross, as if, as to its suddenness, it was exceptional. But no! when a poor sinner finds out that salvation is not of his doing, but that all has been done for him, his salvation must be immediate. There is no other way for any to be saved.
Thus the jailer at Philippi. He was awakened― convicted―heard of Jesus―believed―was saved―all between the midnight hour and morning’s light. It was the same with the eunuch; he read in the prophet; he was told of Messiah―Jesus; he believed and was baptized. The three thousand at Pentecost were all converted under one sermon. They too heard―were pricked to the heart―believed―and were saved. The very day of their conversion they were told how “they had slain that just One.” How could they get to heaven, whither He had gone, on the ground of any conduct of theirs? but, knowing Him as having done all for them in dying, they repented, had a new mind, believed, and that same day, though guilty in themselves, they knew their guilt had been taken by the crucified One, and that on believing on Him they were saved.
There was not only a great work wrought for them, but they owned to a blessed work done in them―their consciences having been purged, and their affections having been awakened by the knowledge of the precious blood which had been shed on the cross for them.
Yes, reader your response to the truth of Christ having died for you may be now, whilst you read this; for now is the accepted time, even now is the day of salvation.
“The door of mercy’s open still,
And Jesus cries, ‘Whoever will
By Me may enter in;
I am the Door, and I have died
Salvation’s door to open wide
For sinners dead in sin.”
ANON.