The priest maintained that he firmly believed the Scriptural declaration, but seemed to have an idea the verse began, "To him that worketh and believeth." He was unable to see that Christ had finished the work that saves.
But this, the man-made priest could not see, and so the conversation turned to the "Sacrament of Orders." But of the first—the all-important question—I wish to speak with the reader.
Would you not like to have a Priest with you if you should have to die? At such a time would you not feel the need of one who could really help?—One who could truly say to you, "Thy sins are forgiven thee;" and carry you through death, and receive you in Paradise as He did with the repentant thief upon the cross? (see Luke 23:39-43). The presence of a Romish or Anglican priest, or a clergyman or any other preacher, cannot give you perfect rest in view of eternity. Jesus alone is the one. Ah, dear reader, you need such a Priest! No human priest can fit you for the presence of a holy God. True, a man whose soul has been saved through faith in Jesus might do much, in pointing you to the "Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29), but no one, however earnest and godly, can accompany you beyond the portals of the grave.
But oh, if you know Jesus, if He is with you, a Priest to cheer you by His blessed "Absolvo te,"to give you to know the virtue of His own precious blood shed on Calvary and the abiding unction of the Holy Spirit, then indeed death need have no terror, for He who "hath abolished death" will bring you uncondemned into the presence of the Father as a trophy of His one offering upon the cross.
Such a Priest you may have; and not only in death, but in life. Trust in Him, then. Rely on the work He accomplished upon the cross, confide your soul to His care—He is worthy of your utmost confidence. "Through Him all that believe are justified from all things" (Acts 13:38).
Jesus has borne the judgment due to sin, made propitiation for the whole world, and His priestly service is for all who will believe Him—all who sincerely accept Him. In wondrous grace He waits upon you and longs to save you. Receiving Him now by simple faith, you will have a priest with you if you come to die; and He will care for you all through your life on Earth.
I have said purposely ifyou die, because while it is quite true that "It is appointed unto men once to die" (Hebrews 9:27), for the believer in Christ there is the glorious hope of our Lord's return in person, to change us into His likeness and take us up with Himself instead of dying. Clear and decided is the Scripture statement, "We shall notall sleep, but we shall be changed" (see 1 Corinthians 15:51, 54; 1 Thessalonians 4:15–18). This, of course, refers only to those who are born again—to the children of God. But for the unsaved, there is not only the natural death, but the second death, which is the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15). Ah, reader, no mere human priest can save you from that;it is only Jesus.
Even when passing death's dark vale.
My way, my truth, my life!