How Sinners are Saved

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 21, 1859

How Sinners are Saved.

That men need salvation, God's word abundantly declares. The consciences of most men agree with Scripture, and at times ask, "What must I do to be saved?" To this question the Bible gives one uniform answer. Salvation is by Christ alone. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved."

This faith in Christ must be sincere, not feigned. Nothing hypocritical is accepted of God. It must be more than assent of the mind to the truths of the gospel. It necessarily includes the consent of the heart. True faith receives and rests upon Christ. There can be saving faith without assurance of our personal salvation; but there can be no saving faith without reliance on Christ Jesus.

True faith in Christ "works by love," not by terror, not by a servile spirit. "The love of Christ constrains" the conduct of every one who truly believes in the Lord Jesus. God loves a willing people, a cheerful service. He accepts no other. Saving faith "purifies the heart." It begets an invincible hatred to sin, and an unquenchable desire after holiness. It hates every false way. It hates vain thoughts. It hates the "thought of foolishness," more than unbelief hates the act of foolishness. Saving faith also "overcomes the world." Neither the riches, honors nor pleasures of the world possess any charms to the believer, compared with things divine and heavenly. He may be annoyed and tempted by them, as Israel in Canaan was troubled by the heathen left among them; but he is not in bondage to them as Israel was to the Egyptians.

This saving faith relies on Christ himself. It does indeed rely on his word, his providence, and his authority. But it relies on himself. He is its Prophet, Priest and King. It takes him for a Counsellor, Guide, Support and Refuge. True faith accepts and glories in Christ in all his offices and characters. It is glad at the remembrance of his humiliation and of his exaltation. It receives him as "the Son of man," and yet it cries, "My Lord and my God."

He who will not receive Christ as a teacher, will reject him as a ruler. And he who rejects his word and his power, will not truly accept his grace. Saving faith always has an eye to the cross. To all sinners who are not blind, the blood-shedding of the Redeemer is most precious. He is the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world.

Lambs never in any age took away sin, even typically, but by dying as victims in the room and stead of the sinners for whom they were offered.

Oh, sinner, believe in Christ, believe with all thy heart, believe now. This may be thy last call to life and salvation. Hear the call of mercy now, lest you soon utter the cry of despair. W. S. P.

[Am. Messenger.