44 Another Important Question:
Another Important Question:
What Have I Done this Day to Make Sure My Own Salvation?
Time is introductory to eternity. Time is given to us to prepare for an eternal, an unchangeable state of existence. The eternal future — depends on the present. What we sow in this world — we shall reap in the next. As we live — we may expect to die. And as we die — so we shall remain forever. We are by nature and by practice, sinners; as such we deserve punishment, and are exposed to never-ending suffering. But we need not perish, for God has sent his only-begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. That our sins may be pardoned through his precious blood, and we may be justified by his perfect obedience. All that he did on earth — he did for sinners; and all that he suffered on earth — he suffered for sinners. His blood is our all-sufficient atonement, and his obedience is our justifying righteousness. But HOW does the atonement and obedience of Jesus become ours? By faith alone. And what is faith? It is giving credit to God’s word; placing confidence in his work; and depending solely upon him for pardon, peace, purity, and acceptance with God. But is faith alone sufficient to give us an interest in the perfect work of Jesus, and to entitle us to everlasting life? It is quite sufficient, for his own word declares, "He who believes on the Son has everlasting life." He has also declared with his own mouth, "He who believes on me has everlasting life." But true faith will never exist alone, it always:
produces repentance towards God;
generates love to the Savior; and
leads to the performance of good works.
Every true believer is sorry for his sins; he confesses them before God with shame; pleads the blood of Jesus, that they may be pardoned; and strives to conquer his bad habits in the strength of the Lord.
Every real Christian loves the Savior who died for him, and prays most heartily to be consecrated entirely with all he has to the Redeemer’s service and praise. He wishes to do whatever the Lord requires of him; to go wherever the Lord will send him; and if he lives — to live unto the Lord; or if he dies — to die unto the Lord. He places no dependence on his own works — but relies altogether on the service and sacrifice of the Lord Jesus for salvation; and then does all he can to honor his Savior, and to benefit his fellow-men. He lives by faith in Christ, or by believing the word of Jesus, trusting in the merits of Jesus, and exercising confidence in the veracity of Jesus; but while he thus lives by faith in Christ, be is careful to maintain good works. His object, from day to day, is, to make his calling and election sure; so that no one may justly doubt the truth of his profession, and that he may have no reason to doubt himself — but that he is saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation. Is this the true state of the case? It is. Then let me ask, What have I done this day to make sure my own salvation? Have I exercised faith in Christ? Have I confessed my sins before God? Have I prayed for grace to obey the commands of God? Have I been striving against sin? Have I sought to bring honor to the Savior’s name? Have I pitied sinners, and set my heart upon rescuing some of them from eternal flames? Have I endeavored to subdue some lust — to mortify some corruption — to conquer some bad habit — and to be more assimilated to the likeness of the Lord Jesus Christ? Have I mourned over sin, sighed for holiness, and kept my eye steadily fixed on glorifying God?
Or, have I lost sight of eternity, neglected my duty, and been living to myself? Has there been no communion with Jesus, no zeal for God, no pity for sinners? If so, is there not reason to doubt, that my religion is but a form, my profession a pretense, and my danger of eternal death imminent? Faith without works is dead. Can such faith save us? Never. It is utterly impossible. If, therefore, we would not deceive our own souls, if we would not plant thorns in our dying pillow, if we would not sink into Hell under a profession of religion — let us examine ourselves carefully, let us reform our lives thoroughly, and let us give all diligence to make our calling and election sure! Every morning let us ask, "What course shall I pursue this day, to put the reality of my religion beyond doubt?" And every evening let us inquire, "What have I done this day to make sure my own salvation?" May the words of the Holy Spirit sink down deep into our hearts, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows — that shall he also reap."