“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”– Gal. 2:16
During the war a certain sailor grew tired of wearing his life preserver but because his ship was constantly in an area of danger he was compelled to wear it continually. Many times he felt like throwing it overboard, but the thought of being torpedoed forced him to keep it on.
Then one day the wonderful news came; the war was over. The first thing he did was to tear off the life jacket, and running to the side of the ship he flung it over-board. As the life jacket hit the water, his face turned a sickly pale. He couldn’t believe his eyes for the thing which he had put his hopes in during the many months of danger, sank to the bottom like a rock. It was a defective piece of equipment and had he jumped overboard he would have drowned.
Even so, most people are depending on things as useless as that life preserver– things such as good works, religion, or tradition. They feel safe because, as they would say, they are sincere. But sincerity cannot save you. It only gives you a false hope which puts you in greater danger. It is better to have no hope than a false hope. A man without hope might seek help. A man with a false hope is doomed, because he sees no need of help.
There is only one sure source of salvation. Acts 4:12 says, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” So how is it with you? What are you depending on? What is your spiritual life belt? What if you died today? Are you sure of salvation? You can’t depend on your feelings. Blessed assurance is found only in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He will never fail you! You can trust Him. Will you?– HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
