TWO servants of the Lord had been together proclaiming the sweet tidings of grace, and the audience had mostly scattered, when our attention was drawn to a middle-aged person, evidently deeply affected by the “good news " she had been hearing. Taking a seat by her side, I said, “Well, is it all settled?"
“No, I can't say that; I wish I could."
“What is the difficulty?"
“I don't see things clearly. You know I have been a kirk-member all my days, but that goes for nothing, I see, and I don't feel as I should like to."
“It is not what you feel that is important, but what you believe. Are you anxious to be saved?"
“Indeed I am most anxious."
“And when do you wish to get salvation?"
“Oh, at once. To-night, surely, if I can," was her eager reply, as she burst into tears.
“Well, you can have it now, if you like to. Listen to the Word of God,—`The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart; that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, THOU SHALT BE SAVED' (Rom. 10:8, 98But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:8‑9)). Do you understand that? Do you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead?"
“I do indeed."
“What do you believe? For whom did He die?"
“For all."
"Tell me one for whom He died."
“He died for me."
"You believe that?"
“Indeed I do."
"And did He die for your sins?"
“I believe He did."
“And has He done all that was necessary for your salvation?"
“I believe He has."
“Yes, and God has raised Him from the dead, because all is done. Do you believe that also?"
“I do. I really believe in Him."
“And are you prepared to confess,—yea, do you confess, the Lord Jesus with your mouth?"
“Yes, I gladly do."
“Good; then God says, 'Thou shalt be saved!’ Will you be saved, do you think?"
“I should like to be."
"Listen to what God says: Thou shalt be saved.' "
“That’s delightful!" she exclaimed, with a fresh flow of tears.
“Yes, indeed it is; but if any one asked you, `Are you saved?' what would you say?"
“I don't feel sure that I could say that I am."
"The point is not what you feel, but what does God say about the one who believes and confesses with the mouth. He says to such, Thou shalt be saved;' and if He says, Thou shalt be saved,' is not that tantamount to saying, Thou art saved'?" She did not quite see through this, so I went on,—"Would you rather have a ₤I note, or a sovereign?"
"They are both alike in value."
“True, but one is gold, and the other is only promise to pay one pound.' Now God's note is, Thou shalt be saved," whereas the gold might stand for Thou art saved.' This is just what Eph. 2:88For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8) says, For by grace are ye saved, through faith.' Again in Luke 7, the Lord gave a weeping woman, like you, the knowledge of pardon, salvation, and peace, in twelve words. It was a short sermon, but what, a full one! Thy sins are forgiven. Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace' (verses 48-50). What wondrous words, Thy sins are forgiven'! Are you the woman He is speaking to now?"
“I am. I believe He forgives me."
“Go on. What next does He say?"
"` Thy faith hath saved thee.' I believe it. I see it clearly. I see it distinctly. It is so plain. I am saved. Thank God." And the tears of joy fell faster than ever.
“How did you come into this hall to-night—in peace?"
“Oh, no; unhappy, unsaved."
“And, now, how will you go?"
“He says 'Go in peace.' I shall go home forgiven, saved, and at peace."
“Yes, you have a living, glorified Saviour, and all that is left you to do, is to bless and praise Him.
He has saved you, and you have just to live for Him; who died for you. Do you think He will let you drop? "
“I think not; I'm sure not if—"
“If what?"
“If I continue faithful and hold on to Him."
“Stop, I'll give you a text with no if' in it. 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 (angel, man, or devil) pluck them out of my hand. My Father which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one' (John 10:27-3027My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30I and my Father are one. (John 10:27‑30)). Now, with that before you, do you think He will let you drop? "
“No, never, I am sure He will not. It all depends on Him; “and she entered into rest, and we bowed the knee, and thanked God together.
Reader, cannot you similarly thank God?