32 The Savior's Inquiry

The Savior’s Inquiry "Do you believe on the Son of God?" John 9:35

It is difficult to conceive of a question of greater importance than this. It concerns us all. It is to be addressed to every one. It demands attention. It requires serious consideration.

Reader, will you give a few minutes to its consideration? Do not pass it by as common-place. But concentrate and fix your thoughts upon it. You may never yet have given it the attention it deserves. Read, and may the Holy Spirit bless what you read to your eternal welfare. Consider —

1. The OBJECT of faith. "The Son of God." Do you believe that there is a Son of God? One who possesses the nature of the Father — who is equal to him — exactly like him? Who has every divine perfection? Who claims every attribute that is essential to Deity? Who is the brightness of his glory — the express image of his person — or exact resemblance of his substance? Do you believe that the Son is God? That he is infinite, eternal, incomprehensible, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent? That he is distinct from the Father — yet every way equal to the Father — being God over all, and blessed forever? Do you believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God? That in him dwelt all the fullness of the godhead bodily? That He who appeared in time — existed from eternity? That though human — he is at the same time naturally, essentially, and eternally divine? That in him there are two distinct natures — humanity and divinity? That the natures are united; distinct — and yet connected; so connected that what is done by the one, may be ascribed to the other; and yet so distinct, that the godhead is not the manhood, nor the manhood the godhead? This is the great mystery of godliness — God was manifest in the flesh. God and man are united in one person — and that one person is Jesus of Nazareth. Do you believe that the Son of God is Lord of all? That he created, upholds, claims, disposes of, and rules all things by his power, wisdom, and benevolence? That he has all authority in Heaven and in earth? Do you believe that as Lord of all . . .
he is the Savior — the only Savior;
that his sacrifice, is the only atonement;
that his obedience, is the only justifying righteousness;
that his gospel, is the only glorious good news; and
that his Spirit, the only source of life, light, and holiness? Do you believe that he can save to the very uttermost? That he does save certainly and honorably? That he is ready to save all who apply to him? That he will save every poor sinner who ventures on him?

Such is the object of our faith. Thus Jesus is set forth in God’s holy word. Do You believe on him? Consider,

2. The faith required. The gospel is a statement of facts — of facts which immediately concern us, of facts conveyed in simple terms, and illustrated in a striking and impressive manner. They more particularly relate to Jesus — what he is, what he said, what he did, what he is pledged to do. Have you carefully read those facts? Have you seriously considered them? Have you received them as coming from God, as written under the plenary inspiration of the Holy Spirit? Do you credit the facts? Are they in your estimation, true — literally and strictly true? Do you feel persuaded that they are the very truth of God? That they are worthy of your regard and acceptance? Do you receive the testimony as from God? Do you embrace the message as directed to you? Do you feel confident that the Savior is just what holy scripture declares him to be? Can you venture your immortal soul on what he has done and suffered alone — for acceptance with God and everlasting life? Is the language of your heart addressing him,
"Other refuge have I none,
Hangs my helpless soul on You!"

If so — then you truly believe on the Son of God — for faith is the hearty persuasion of the truth of the gospel, and the confident expectation of the blessings which it promises. Now the gospel reveals a Savior; a Savior who can save every sinner; a Savior who pledges himself to save every sinner who comes unto him; a Savior who promises pardon, peace, and everlasting life — to every one who gives credit to, and exercises confidence in, his word. If therefore you understand the facts and give credit to them; if you receive the promises and place confidence in them, you must expect to receive the blessings promised, and thus giving credit to the word, exercising confidence in the word, and expecting the blessings promised to every believer — then you have peace with God, you have joy in God, and out of gratitude devote your life to his service. Do you thus believe on the son of God? Let us, 3. Put the question to several characters. My Young Friends, do you thus believe on the Son of God? The eye of some young man, or some young woman, may pass over this page. Allow me most affectionately to ask you — do you now, at this moment, in the way described above — believe on the Son of God? You must believe — or you cannot enjoy peace with God, you cannot be happy, you cannot be safe. If you do not believe — then you are condemned already. You are like a prisoner convicted of crime, sentenced to death, offered a pardon — but refusing to accept it! As though the bondage of sin, the slavery of Satan, and the disappointments of the world — were better than the peace, joy, and satisfaction which Jesus bestows! Dear young friends, think, think seriously, believe on the Lord Jesus — and you shall be saved.

Timid Soul, do you believe on the Son of God? You are afraid to be confident, you dare not say that you do. But why not? To you is the word of God’s salvation sent. You must believe — or disbelieve it; receive — or reject it. Do not look . . .
at your unworthiness — for that is no bar;
at your vileness — for it is no objection;
at your numerous and aggravated sins — for they form no obstacle;
but embrace the gospel, venture on Jesus, trust in him alone — and everlasting life is yours!

Reader, whoever you are, or whatever you may be, allow one who longs for your salvation to ask you: Do you believe on the Son of God? Do you renounce all other confidences? Do you listen to his word? Do you look to his cross? Do you plead his name? Do you hope to be saved alone by his blood? Do you obey his blessed precepts? Or, do you ignore all his counsel, and trifle with his love? If so — then trifle no longer, neglect no longer, this moment throw yourself at his feet, from your heart this instant cry, "God be merciful to me a sinner!" Do you believe on the Son of God? Then profess him. Be not afraid or ashamed to own it. Tell his church. Attend to his institutions. Be buried with him by baptism into death, and after his example walk in newness of life. Do you believe on the Son of God? Then commend him. Speak of him to sinners. Tell them of his love. Inform them of his power. Point them to his cross. Lead them to his house. Ask them to bow with you at his throne. Do you believe on the Son of God? Then steadily trust in him amidst all the storms of life. Take up your cross and follow him. Share with his people in their crosses and comforts, in their conflicts and conquests. Live upon him, and to him in time — and then you shall live with him, and be like him forever.