He was an earnest young man, morally upright in his ways. Nevertheless a day came in his life when. the shadow of eternity crossed his path and made him utterly miserable. He saw how unfit he was to stand before a thrice holy God, and he was filled with deep concern.
In this condition he walked the streets of the city of Toronto night after night. He stopped now and then to listen to speakers at various open-air meetings. As he stood one night listening intently, the speaker quoted largely from the Old Testament scriptures, and urged upon his hearers the need of keeping the law. The young man listened eagerly, seeking something to satisfy his longing soul. When the meeting was over the preacher spoke to him and succeeded in persuading him to join their group. In that association he gave liberally of his means and did all he could to help "the cause." Most earnestly did he strive to live up to the requirements of the law in Sabbath-keeping and in the "shalt nots," but with poor success.
One day, sadly discouraged, he opened his Bible at these words: "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." Gal. 3:1010For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. (Galatians 3:10). As he read and reread these words he was full of dismay. Appalling thought! "Instead of getting the longed-for blessing, I am under a curse.”
In despair he again walked the city streets and listened to preacher after preacher. At last one night in an open-air meeting he heard those glorious words: "It is finished." The preacher, in glowing words out of a heart filled with the love of Christ, spoke of that wonderful transaction which was accomplished on Calvary's cross. He said: "The gospel of God is not 'do' but 'done.'”
"Done is the work that saves,
Once and forever done;
Finished the righteousness
That saves the unrighteous one.”
With earnest, loving words he urged his hearers to rest only and wholly upon Christ and His shed blood—upon "Him who bare our sins in His own body on the tree.”
These words, brought home by the power of the Spirit of God, were like cold water to a thirsty soul. Eagerly the weary lad drank in the message. Before leaving that street corner he had entered into the meaning of those precious, precious words, "It is finished," and rejoiced at the thought that the One who had accomplished that mighty work of redemption was now crowned with glory at God's right hand. Now he saw that he was free from the curse, and had obtained the blessing of God which maketh rich. Light and joy filled his soul; and instead of bondage, he was brought to know the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Jesus says: "I am the door." (Mark the definite article. It is not "a" but "the" door, for there is only one.) "By Me if any man enter in he shall be saved and shall go in and out and find pasture.”
"To him that worketh not but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”