II. The conscious commitment of the saving work to Christ
II. The conscious commitment of the saving work to Christ
When the soul consciously relinquishes its own efforts to save itself, and puts itself to be saved into the hands of Him who came to save it, and does this so really to itself, that it dismisses all concern for its salvation; not that it feels that it is saved, but because it knows that it has committed itself unto him whose sole business is to redeem from all iniquity, it has the witness of faith.
Not long since, a gentleman, a comparative stranger to me, but who had reasonable evidence of my integrity, said to me: I have been owing a gentleman in the town in which you live, seventy-five dollars. I want to pay it, but can not leave my home to do so. Will you take the money to him? I said: I will. He handed me the amount. When I took it, I saw an expression of relief come to his face, and he felt an evident satisfaction which showed that he counted his debt paid. He had committed to me the work of canceling the note held against him. He knew I would do it. It was in effect to him the payment of his debt. The burden was off his mind; he felt that his business integrity for fidelity in meeting his claims was vindicated. His conscious commitment to me of this business, brought him the rest which the witness of faith always insures.
He got clear of concern for its payment several hours before it was paid, because I took the care of its payment off him, which I could not have done if he had not confided in my word of promise to him. So, when the soul commits the concern of its salvation unto Him who is able to save unto the uttermost, then it begins to take up the triumphant shout which the witness of faith always inspires-
Hallelujah tis done: I believe on the Son
I am saved by the blood of the crucified One.
This conscious commitment by the soul of its salvation to Christ is characteristic of the witness of faith.