Saved at Ninety-Two
The sermon highlights the power of late conversion and the value of early conversion, emphasizing the importance of serving the Master throughout one's life.
R.A. Torrey shares the inspiring story of a ninety-two-year-old man who, after decades away from religious gatherings, accepted Christ during a series of meetings in Warrnambool, Australia. This man's conversion, though late in life, brought him immense joy and a desire to share his newfound faith with others. Torrey contrasts this late conversion with the potential lifelong service of younger converts, emphasizing the value of early faith in Christ. The sermon highlights the grace of God that reaches even the oldest among us, reminding us of the joy in every soul saved, regardless of age.
Text
When we were in Warrnambool, Australia, for two or three successive nights, I noticed an old man sitting up in the front seats drinking in every word I said. I afterwards learned that he was ninety-two years of age. One night after having come two or three times, when I gave out the invitation, this old man rose to his feet and professed to accept Christ. It was a very clear case of conversion. He said, "I have never been to a religious meeting since I was ten years of age until these meetings began, but I have been led to see myself a sinner and to accept Jesus Christ as my Saviour."
He was a very happy convert. Every day he would come and whenever he could he would bring others and he was always ready to testify to the saving grace of God.
It filled our hearts with joy to think how this old man was plucked from the fire at the last moment, but how much more it meant for the kingdom when some of the children of Warrnambool at the age of eight or nine accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour. This old man was a soul saved, "saved so as by fire," but with little work accomplished for the Master. The boy of eight who was converted was a soul saved, plus fifty, or sixty or seventy or eighty years of service.
Sermon Outline
- The Power of Late Conversion
- The Joy of Witnessing Conversion
- The Value of Early Conversion
- A life of service and accomplishment
- A comparison of the two conversions
Key Quotes
“He said, 'I have never been to a religious meeting since I was ten years of age until these meetings began, but I have been led to see myself a sinner and to accept Jesus Christ as my Saviour.'” — R.A. Torrey
“This old man was a soul saved, 'saved so as by fire,' but with little work accomplished for the Master.” — R.A. Torrey
“The boy of eight who was converted was a soul saved, plus fifty, or sixty or seventy or eighty years of service.” — R.A. Torrey
Application Points
- It's never too late to accept Christ and experience salvation.
- Every moment counts in serving the Master and accomplishing work for Him.
- Witnessing conversion is a testament to the saving grace of God and brings joy to our hearts.