I was traveling a little ago on a train, when something occurred which may serve to bring; first, the darkness that exists in the minds of many professing Christians as to the ground of a sinner's salvation; and in the necessity of knowing what God says on the subject, as written in His Holy Word.
On entering the caboose, (for it was what is called an accommodation,) I found it full of people, and some merriment going on which at first I did not understand, but soon discovered that an old man had stumbled, and fallen upon one of the iron rods that keep the stove in position, and had hurt himself considerably. He was recovering somewhat when I got in and on learning what had taken place, I began to sympathize with him. After a little I said, "You are getting on in years, how old are you?"
"Seventy-six," he replied, "and I believe I have made my calling and election sure."
"What is the ground of your hope or confidence?" I asked.
"The ground of my confidence," answered the old man, "why, I have experienced religion; I have done the best I could, and tried to follow Christ."
"Is that what the Scripture says is the ground of a sinner's pardon and acceptance with God," I replied. "Does it not say that the blood of Jesus is the only ground? 'Without shedding of blood is no remission.' " Heb. 9:22. I pressed this point upon the old man, that nothing but the blood of Christ could possibly be the ground of our pardon, or the ground of our confidence as to obtaining a portion in heaven. At this my aged fellow traveler became vexed, and was inclined to be a little discourteous, and he said, "Some people think they know everything, as for me," said he, "I don't believe in big heads."
On his leaving the train I gave him a little book, which I trust the blessed Lord used in blessing to him.
Now, two things struck me in the case of this old man: 1st, the darkness of his mind; 2nd, his great ignorance of God's Word. Now these two things go together: darkness and ignorance. Keep the Scriptures out of sight, and the soul remains in darkness.
But, "the entrance of Thy Word giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple." Psa. 119:130. Light dispels the darkness, as the sun, the shades of night; so with the Word of God; it introduces the light of God into the soul, and the darkness of nature flees away. And instead of leaving the soul to lean upon its own experienced religion, or doing the best it can, or even following Christ for the assurance of pardon and the obtaining the glory; it turns the eye of faith to, the death of the Lord Jesus on the cross. The cross, the death and resurrection of Christ, are introduced, and presented as the alone ground of assurance.
"Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone." John 12:24.
"The Son of Man must be lifted up." John 3:14.
"Without shedding of blood is no remission." Heb. 9:22.
"Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29.
The Lord Jesus, His atoning death, and His glorious resurrection, are the basis of all blessing from 'God, and the ground of pardon and peace and acceptance with Him.
"Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; he was buried, and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures." 1 Cor. 15:3, 4.
"Through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins, and by Him all that believe are justified from all things." Acts 13:38, 39.
Beloved reader, let me ask you,
What is the ground of your confidence? Christ; or your good works? And what is your title to glory? Doing the best you can; or the precious blood of Christ? Your eternal destiny hangs upon the answer.
"Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." Rom. 4:4, 5.
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us." Titus 3:5.