Some time ago a Christian was out giving away little books containing good news about the One who saves sinners. While thus engaged he met an acquaintance who he had every reason to believe was unsaved. Having shaken hands, he offered him a booklet bearing on its outside the words: "Are you a Christian?”
The book was accepted, and they separated. The next day they again met. "Well, friend," said the Christian, "did you read that little book? Are you a Christian?”
"Yes, I hope so," was the reply; and then, something interfering, the conversation ended.
An hour later, however, the two were standing side by side once again. "My friend, you told me an hour ago that you hope you are a Christian. May I ask you on what grounds you base your hope?”
"Oh, I really do think I am one. I always go to church and do the best I can. I can't do more than that.”
"And is that all you have to build your hopes upon?" "Well, God is merciful; and if one does his best, I don't see what else can be expected of him.”
"Ah, my friend, it is indeed true that God is merciful. He has shown His mercy by providing a sure way of salvation; but what claim can you have to His mercy while you neglect the one channel through which it flows? God's mercy will not flow through your channels. It flows fully and freely only through Christ. If you are to be saved it must be through Him. Paul says, in his Epistle to the Galatians, that `if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.' Gal. 2:2121I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (Galatians 2:21). For what was the use of the Son of God suffering for sins, if 'doing your best' is all that is needed?”
If one among my readers is trusting to "doing his best," may he at once abandon every such thought. Look to Christ, dear friend, and to His finished work for your soul's salvation.