ONE EVENING an African native came running to the missionary with a Testament under his arm. All out of breath from running he stood on the porch and asked, “Tell me, did the holy men who wrote this Book know there were Africans in the world?”
“Why do you ask such a question,” answered the astonished missionary.
“Because we have just had argents about it in our village,” was the reply. “I believe they must have known, for in this Book is written a list of all the sins an African has in his heart. Therefore there are many in our village who won’t listen when this Book is read out loud. They say it is like turning one inside out.”
And that is just what the Bible does; it goes down to the very boom of our hearts. Nor does any good appear but all bad — anger, envy, strife, idolatry, adultery, and many more sins are mentioned in God’s Word — everything that is in the heart of man.
How then can such a ruined man be saved? This same blessed Book gives the answer. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:1515This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15). The very Word that turns one inside out also shows the way of salvation and this way is Jesus Christ. He who repents and trusts in Him for salvation has everlasting life.
ML-03/14/1976