Not One of Us Would Ever Be Saved!

(J. R. Miller, "The Hidden Life" 1895)

"He always lives to intercede for them."

Hebrews 7:25

Some speak as if all Christ's work in saving us, had been done on the cross nineteen hundred years ago, in His giving up of Himself to die for us. But His actual work in saving us--is continued with us--

in teaching us life's lessons,
giving us grace to overcome in temptation,
lifting us up when we have fallen,
going after us and bringing us back when
we have wandered away, and
keeping us from the world's deadly evils.

Were it not for this patient, never-failing, watchful love of Christ--not one of us would ever be saved!

"I give them eternal life, and they will never perish --ever!

No one will snatch them out of My hand!"

John 10:28

The Arm of Grace is Very Long

Let us learn never to despair of the salvation of anyone--as long as he lives. Fathers ought never to despair of prodigal sons. Mothers ought never to despair of self-willed, headstrong daughters. Husbands should never despair of wives, nor wives of husbands. There is nothing impossible with God. The arm of grace is very long, and can reach those who seem very far off. Let us pray on, and hope on, for others--however unlikely their salvation may appear to be at present.

The Holy Spirit can change any heart!

The blood of Christ can cleanse away any sin!

We shall see many in heaven, whom we never expected to see there. Grimshaw, the famous pastor of Yorkshire, when he died, left his only son unconverted, careless, thoughtless, and indifferent to true religion. The day came when the young man’s heart was changed, and he walked in the steps of his holy father. And when he lay upon his deathbed, one of his last words was, "What will my old father say--when he sees me in heaven!"

"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save!" Isaiah 59:1

--J.C. Ryle, Many Shall Come