My young friend, allow me to ask, "What is the state of your soul?" You have been taught to read and reverence God's holy Word; you have heard the gospel preached many, many times; your parents have prayed for you both in private, and in the family circle; you have often been impressed with a sense of the importance of divine things: you have sometimes resolved to change your course; but perhaps up to this moment, you are undecided. Now why is this? Does not Jesus say, "My son, give me your heart?" Has not Jehovah asked, "Will you not from this time cry unto me, My Father, you are the guide of my youth?"
You have been warned, invited, and exhorted, both by God and man; why then delay? What occasions your delay?
Is it the world? It is a cheat.
Is it sin? It is the greatest folly and the most fearful evil.
Is it shame? What! can you be ashamed of Jesus, who was not ashamed to die an accursed death for sinners?
Is it fear? Fear not, for God invites you to his bosom; Jesus calls you to his open arms; angels watch to rejoice at your salvation; and saints will hail you with delight to their fellowship.
Is it the inconsistency of professors? Remember, if there were no good coin--then there would be no counterfeit. Do not judge the principles of the gospel by its professors; but judge professors by its principles.
But suppose you continue to delay--then what will be the result? You are resisting the Holy Spirit, you are insulting God the Father, you are despising the Lord Jesus Christ, your heart will grow harder and harder, your danger will increase with your years; and if death finds you unconverted--it will be more tolerable for Sodom in the day of judgment, than for you!
Do not trifle with eternity!
Do not continue in sin!
But seek the Lord while he may be found, and call upon him while he is near. Go fall upon your knees before God at once, surrender your heart to him, and trifle no longer! Your soul is of infinite value, it is in danger, no one but Jesus can save it--and he is both able and willing. Hark! he calls you. He says, "Come unto me!" He complains of you, "You will not come to me that you might have life." He pledges his Word that he will receive you, "The one who comes to Me--I will never cast out!" Listen to his voice, accept his invitation, believe his promise, and go to him to be saved--to be saved now. Today, hear his voice. Today, decide to be the Lord's. Today, fill your parents' hearts with gladness. Today, sweeten the songs of angels, by consecrating yourself to the Savior!
Older
Top
