"If only we could get people to believe that the work of Christ is a finished work," exclaimed a preacher of the gospel. The Lord Jesus on the cross said, "It is finished."
All was done there to meet the claims of God about sin, and every one who simply trusts in that finished work is saved eternally. "By Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses." Acts 13:3939And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. (Acts 13:39).
But people turn away from God's message of salvation through the work of Christ, and try, vainly, by some effort of their own to obtain forgiveness and peace.
"Yes, I am quite happy now," said a young girl who had been for some time troubled about her sins. "I came to Jesus today. I was always trying to be good before."
This dear girl had found how useless her own efforts were. Giving up trying, she took the place of a sinner before God and rested on His Word, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isa. 53:66All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6).
At once her soul found peace, and she could rejoice in the forgiveness of her sins.
Are you trying to obtain salvation by any efforts of your own? All has been done, and you have only to receive what God so longs to give you. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31).