Is there any way of making sure that we shall spend eternity in heaven, welcomed into the fellowship of God, and not in "the second death" of eternal separation from Him? Many suppose that this question, the greatest that can confront one, must necessarily wait for its answer until the present life is over. But is it so? Must the question of eternal blessedness or misery, heaven or hell, remain a torturing uncertainty until it is too late to make any change?
A beautiful incident in the experience of Queen Victoria is worth remembering. It has been published and is unquestionably authentic. The Queen had attended a service in St. Paul's Cathedral and had listened to a sermon that interested her greatly; then she asked her Chaplain, "Can one be absolutely sure of eternal safety in this life?" His answer was that he knew of no way that one could be absolutely sure.
This was published in the Court News and fell under the eye of a humble minister of the Gospel, John Townsend. This John Townsend was the father of Sister Abigail, a Christian of extraordinary faith and service.
After reading of Queen Victoria's question and the answer she received, John Townsend thought and prayed much about the matter, then sent the following note to the Queen:
"To her gracious Majesty, our beloved Queen Victoria, from one of her most humble subjects:
These passages prove there is full assurance of salvation by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ for those who believe and accept His finished work.
I sign myself, your servant for Jesus' sake." John Townsend.
John Townsend was not alone in praying about his letter to the Queen. He took others into his confidence, and much prayer from many hearts went up to God. In about two weeks he received a modest-looking envelope containing the following letter:
To John Townsend:
"Your letter of recent date received and in reply would state that I have carefully and prayerfully read the portions of Scripture referred to. I believe in the finished work of Christ for me, and trust by God's grace to meet you in that Home of which He said, 'I go to prepare a place for you.' "
(signed) Victoria Guelph.
Whether one is an earthly monarch or an inconspicuous, unknown person, the way of salvation and of eternal life is the same. The Scripture passages John Townsend commended to the reading of the Gracious Queen were these two:
These passages, and many others, in the Word of God, pledge us His word that one who, by simple faith, receives His Son as Savior has eternal life now and here. The apostle John tells us that his Gospel was written "that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name." John 20:3131But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:31).
Salvation by faith in Christ is repeatedly declared in the Scriptures to be the present possession not merely future, of those who believe. Thus the Lord said: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." John 5:2424Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24).
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." John 10:2727My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (John 10:27). 28.