Which Was Right?

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 5
"Yes," said Harry, a young fisherman, "I was saved last night."
"Oh, go on! What's the use of talking like that?" exclaimed Jim, an older man, who was one of the same boat's crew. "You've always been a good kind of a chap, Harry. Don't get talking like that about being saved. You're not thinking of dying, are you?"
"No," answered the young man with a smile, "I didn't get saved in order to die, but so that I could live the right kind of life. I knew I was a sinner, a bigger one than you think, and I had no power to be different. So I made up my mind I'd have the real thing, and I came to Christ to save me, and He has done it."
Jim was not a man of many words, and he did not intend to enter upon a theological argument, so he shrugged his shoulders and moved away, muttering something about it's being "not likely to last."
Now let us face the question squarely: which of these two men was right? Is it really the case that a "good kind of chap" does not need salvation? Or is it true that even those considered by others to be good are bigger sinners than is thought, but that Christ can save them and give them the assurance that He has done so?
For an answer to our question we will appeal to the unerring Word of God. First let us notice that it knows nothing of "good" men. It declares that "all have sinned," and that "there is none that doeth good, no, not one." (Romans 3.) It tells us that all need to repent, and that the command of God is that all men should do so. (Acts 17:30, 3130And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. (Acts 17:30‑31)).
The Scriptures further tell us that, while "there is no difference" between man and man in His sight, He makes no difference in His treatment of them, He is rich unto all in His mercy. He has provided a Savior for all who will accept Him.
Why should you not share the joy and peace that come through personal faith in Christ as Savior? You are sure of a welcome, if you come as a sinner. The Savior's assurance is, "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).