Some time ago a Christian, when telling how the Lord saved him, did so briefly in words simple but full of meaning. His testimony was: "God said it; Christ did it; I believe it; that settles it." He was not a very learned man, yet he had grasped the gospel in all its blessed simplicity. These twelve words refer to three persons and to a wonderful result.
"God Said It"
He began with "God," and this is the only right way to begin. God is the speaker—the great God who inhabits eternity. "He sent redemption unto His people: He hath commanded His covenant forever: holy and reverend is His name." Psa. 111:99He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. (Psalm 111:9).
He has stooped to speak to men. His word is unchangeable; His promises are immutable; He cannot lie. The heavens and earth will pass away, but God's word abides. "Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven." Psa. 119:8989LAMED. For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. (Psalm 119:89). It behooves us then, with chastened spirits, to listen to what He says. We can do this with the utmost confidence, for God is man's best Friend and He will never deceive him.
As to our condition by nature and practice God has said:
"There is none righteous, no, not one;
There is none that understandeth,
There is none that seeketh after God,
They are all gone out of the way.
There is none that doeth good, no, not one."
"All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Read Romans 3.
All are guilty before God. This is a very solemn indictment! God says, you are guilty. What is your plea? Is it G-U-I-L-T-Y? Although you are not righteous and are guilty before God, He offers you a righteousness which is "unto all," but it is only "upon all them that believe." What, then, are you asked to do?
Believe God! "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." God is Just, "and the Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus."
Friend, do you accept God's indictment and claim His promises? Do you believe in Jesus, and claim His righteousness? Then you can gladly say,
"Christ Did It"
What comfort there is simply to say from the heart: "I believe it." As unrighteous and guilty we were subject to the just and righteous judgment of God; but in love to God, His Father, and to you and me-poor, lost, guilty hell-deserving sinners, Christ willingly submitted to Calvary's gloom. There He wrought a work which glorified God. His precious blood was shed on the Cross and the righteous claims of God were fully met.
Yes, Christ did it!
"I Believe It"
Friend, how can you come into the good of all this? The righteousness of God is unto all. On what principle? "By faith of Jesus Christ."
"Being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Now "faith" and "believe" are New Testament terms for the Old Testament word "trust," which comes from Hebrew words meaning, "to take refuge," or "to lean upon." As a sinner, exposed to the awful judgment of God. I pray you to "take refuge" in Christ. He is the "shelter from the storm." You are unable to do anything to save yourself. Just "lean upon" Him! Stretch out the hand of "faith," and take the promises God and Christ have secured for you.