Mr. Bates was walking up and down with his hands behind his back. Every once in a while he would look at his watch, and then look up and down the street. Presently a little boy came along, and Mr. Bates stopped him.
“Sonny, do you happen to know Mr. Young who lives near here?”
“I sure do, Mister.”
“Have you seen him anywhere lately? He said he would meet me here and show me through this house.”
“No, I haven’t seen him, but, Sir, do you mean this empty house right here?”
“That’s right, Sonny.”
“Well, Sir, there’s a sign right on the door that says ‘Open for Inspection’; I can read it myself from here.”
Mr. Bates looked a little ashamed of himself. Sure enough, in big black letters could be seen the words, “Open for Inspection”; and even as he looked, he saw two other people walk in, and one come out.
He thanked the lad, and walked in. How strange that the lad would nice that big sign, and Mr. Bates missed it! And yet I know boys and girls who are on their way to heaven, and also I know men and women who are lost and on their road to hell. Why is that? The Bible says so simply and so clearly: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 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). “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:3737All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (John 6:37). If you are willing to admit that you are a sinner, and come to Jesus now, He will save you; and you will enter the door of heaven and find a glorious welcome. But if you turn away from God’s invitation and try to earn heaven some other way, you will be shut out forever.
ML 07/01/1956