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CHAPTER
29
A
GRACIOUS INVITATION
JESUS
said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his
cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and thou shalt be saved, and thy house [our loved ones]” (Acts 16:31). “Say
unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the
wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from
your evil ways; for why will ye die, house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11). A
more convenient season than today for coming to Christ will never dawn. “Today
if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts” (Hebrews 3:7, 8).
“Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans
10:13). Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born
again, he can not see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3–5). “To him that
overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame,
and am set down with my Father in his throne” (Revelation 3:21). “Come unto
me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my
yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall
find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light”
(Matthew 11:28–30). “Submit
yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw
nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. . . . Humble yourselves in the sight
of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:7–10). You can not free
yourself from past sin. It must be done through Jesus Christ. “There is none
other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Why not accept the sure remedy, brother, sister? The
Lord does not call sinners in droves. It is a personal matter. Now is the day of
salvation. You have heard the call. What is the answer? There are two masters;
which will you serve? Jesus or Satan? Satan offers money, fame, worldly
pleasure, gratified appetites, etc. (1 Timothy 6:9). His promises are
sugar-coated; for no one would follow if told he was to sink lower and lower in
sin and shame. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). The devil deceives
his children, doesn’t he? Have you ever noticed what a big offer the devil
made Jesus? Offered him control of all the world if he would just worship him
(Matthew 4:8, 9). You would have taken it quick and chanced it, wouldn’t you?
Notice Christ’s answer, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only
shalt thou serve” (Matthew 4:10). You
can have your choice, but must take one. Which offer for you? Jesus died for
you. He loves you and offers you pardon and peace. He says, “Come, tired one,
and find rest.” No man can pluck you out of the Father’s hand (John 10:29).
He will give you more than you can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Do you believe
his word? His word is infallible. If you make Jesus your choice, you will make
no mistake, you will never regret it. “O
sinner, see he lingers still; Thy
restless soul he waits to greet. Resist
no more his holy will; Come
bow at Jesus’ feet.” He
will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry (Isaiah 30:19). “Come
now and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18). Dear
young people, are you afraid to step out on the Lord’s side? Are you afraid
you can’t stand? Do you think the devil stronger than the God of heaven, the
God who made the earth and all that is therein! Has he not already conquered the
world, the flesh, and the devil? Did he not come out victorious over sin, death,
hell, and the grave! And he is set down at the right hand of God interceding for
his children. He gives his angels charge concerning you. “The angel of the
Lord encampeth around about them that fear him.” He also promised not to let
us be tempted more than we are able to stand, but with every temptation to make
a way for our escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). Do you believe his word! He is able
to save to the uttermost all who will come unto him. He is just as able to keep
you saved; only trust him, this almighty, all-powerful God, the God that made
heaven and earth and all that is therein. Oh, what a mighty God we serve! You
are needed in the vineyard of the Lord. Will you not take your place and help
us? Do not delay. Come while you may.
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