Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 97:387 (Jul 1940)
Article: Themes Devotional
Author: James H. Brookes

BSac 97:387 (Jul 40) p. 363

Themes Devotional

James H. Brookes

I. How to Come to Christ
Matthew 11:28

“It is easy enough to say, ‘come to Jesus,’ but how to come is the question,” exclaimed in almost fretful tones an anxious sinner, to whom this precious invitation was read. “If Christ were down here in person, walking the streets of Jerusalem, or along the shores of Galilee, as He did eighteen hundred and fifty years ago, God knows how eagerly I would go to Him. I would cross the sea, and, having reached the land of Palestine, would diligently inquire where He could be found, and never pause in my journey until I had cast myself at His feet with the cry, ‘Lord, save me.’ But He is in heaven, and how can I come to Him?”

“Do you believe He is in heaven?” was the calm reply. “Of course I do, but I do not feel any difference in my condition.” “I did not ask if you feel anything, but if you believe that Christ is in heaven.” “Yes, I believe it, and have always believed it.” “But you have never seen Him there; why do you believe it?” “I believe it, because I accept as true the testimony of the Bible, which declares that after His death and resurrection He ascended to the right hand of God.” “Do you accept as equally true the testimony of the Bible, which sets forth the purpose of His death and resurrection?” “I do,” was the prompt and emphatic answer.

“Well, observe, Jesus Himself says, ‘The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many’ (Matt 20:28); ‘This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins’ (Matt 26:28); ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life’ (John 3:16); ‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.... No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have

BSac 97:387 (Jul 40) p. 364

power to take it again’ (John 10:11, 18). Is not the design of His death clearly enough stated?” “Yes, but I do not see how I am to come to Him?”

“Observe, again, what the Holy Ghost says: ‘Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood’ (Rom 3:24, 25); �...