A Letter to a Young Man

I received a letter from a young man last week who is concerned for his soul, expressing a desire to trust Christ, but struggling with his feelings and motives. The following is what I wrote to him. I am sure it is needed by many.

I have given your questions much thought, and it is my prayer that the following will be blessed of God to your soul's everlasting salvation in Christ.

I can think of no better way to begin than with this word from God, — “Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of hosts” (Zech. 1:3). This word from our God is not merely an offer of mercy, or a mere invitation of grace. It is a command from God to you and me. There are many other passages in Holy Scripture like this. Turn to them and read them (Isaiah 45:22; 55:1, 6; Matthew 11:28; John 7:37; Revelation 22:17). As you read these sweet, gracious, gospel calls to you, understand that in every case the verbs used by our God, by which he sweetly calls sinners to repentance and faith in Christ are, like the word “Turn” in Zechariah 1:3, commands from the triune God to lost, ruined, straying sinners.

      The one thing God requires of you and me is that we trust his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. — “This is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 3:23). The one issue between fallen man and the holy Lord God is his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:18, 36; 6:27-29).

      Salvation will never be found by looking within yourself. You must be turned away from yourself entirely. I do not ask you to produce any obedience, or feeling whatsoever. I call upon you to trust the obedience of the Lord Jesus Christ, the sinner’s Substitute. This is God’s sweet commandment. — “Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of Hosts.” — “This is his commandment, that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ.” This is the one commandment you must obey. And if you obey this commandment you will live forever, for the Lord of host has sworn, “and I will turn unto you!”

      The one thing God requires of every sinner is faith in his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. “Dost thou believe on the Son of God?” That is the one issue that must be settled. — “Dost thou believe on the Son of God?” It is written in the Book of God, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).

      It is my prayer that God the Holy Spirit will grant you faith in Christ, trusting him alone as your Lord and Savior. When you find yourself trusting Christ, you have life eternal by his grace.

Don Fortner

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