An All Important Question For You
There is one question that,
above all others, is of greatest importance. Our Lord himself asked it,
"Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" The question is not, "Are
you religious?" Most everyone is. In comparison with this question, all
questions concerning denominational affiliations and theological opinion are
insignificant." How can I put this question to you with due solemnity?
"Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" Life and death, heaven and
hell, eternal bliss and unutterable woe, depend upon your answer to this
question. Perhaps there are some of you whose hearts are troubled by this
question. You may be genuinely concerned about the state of your soul. You are
wondering, what is it to believe on Christ. Let me try to help you. There are
three things essential to what we call saving faith.
1. Before any man can believe on Christ. He Must Have A Knowledge Of Him. This knowledge comes through the preaching of the gospel. When the Holy Spirit applies the preached Word, he makes us to know our need of Christ. He teaches us our guilt and our helplessness. And he makes us to know who Christ is, and what he has done. He shows us that the Son of God died in the place of sinners, satisfying divine justice; and that he has power to save sinners upon the merits of his substitutionary work.
2. There Must Be An Assent, Or
Agreement To The Testimony God Has Given Concerning His Son. True faith is more
than simply agreeing with the facts and truths of the gospel. But, whereever there
is true faith there is an agreement in heart with God's testimony in the
gospel.
3. The Sinner Must Trust Christ. Realizing his sinful and wretched
condition, he simply cast himself upon the arms of mercy. You must commit soul,
and all your hopes of salvation and life to the Son of God, knowing that it is
in his power alone to show you mercy and grant eternal life.
A guilty, weak, and helpless worm,
On Christ kind arms I fall.
"Dost thou believe on the Son of God?"
Don Fortner