The Cross is the Attraction

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 43314, 16 April 1908, Page 2

The Cross is the Attraction

I, Robebt Dawson, remember first hearing of Jesus dying for us .upon ithe cross. Although but a child I thought what a featful death it must have been, t afterwards read of the miracles of Christ, believing them to be true, and heard that a Christian experienced a satisfaction that worldly enjoyments could not give to the sonl ; I understood that conversion meant a miraculous work by the Spirit of God within the heart. Before Ifsaw the Salvation Army I had heard men testify how through faith in Christ they were enabled to serve God, but I could not get any clue how to accept Christ, and could not hope to be saved until I thought:—“ How can the suffering of one man atone for the sins of others f” It seems bo unjust that.one man should be crucified for the sms of others, I then remembered that Christ was more than man, that He was God’s**Son,'and because God created mankind He therefore loved us, and that was why He gave His Son to die for our sins. After this I believed that Jesus had died for mo, and I tried to aot accordingly, but could not be persuaded to keep from worldly pleasures. A friend read from Dr. Maokay’s book “Grace and Truth ” Suppose es l was dying the devil said to me, 1 You are not saved.’ Sup-> pose I was to say that I once had a vision,of Christ hanging on the cross for me. t ‘ Ah’!’,' he would say, 4 that was only a delusion Ibrought before you to deceive youi’ /‘ Well,! but I emeo dreamt that Christ said, 1 thou art, mine.’ * Only a delusion.’ * Oh, but I ondel had a thought that I was saved ’: 4 lt was - all a delusion *; 4 and I could not answer the! accusing deceiver. But I will tell you what! will put him to flight. I take my Bible and I' say, 4 God says that He gave me Christ.*' 4 How do you know that Cwat is for you f’J 4 Because God says that He so loved the world that He gave Hto only begotten son.*; (. 4 But do you think a sinner like you can be saved' by simply accepting Christ as God’s gift P 4 Yes; for He says that whosoever believeth on Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.' 1 ’ As three words were read to me I saw the simplicity of resting upon and believing the work of God. I believed as firmly as if I had heard God speak it. By readiug “ Grace and Truth ’’ I was brought to hoc that I had been trusting in myself to keep from aln, and by looking and trusting iu Jesus I was so brought to | realise His (Wing love that worldly pleasures had no charm for me. Previous to this I had heard of entire sanctification, but would not believe that it was possible, as 41 Grase and Truth ” teaches two natures. But since believing for sanotifioatlon I have experienced a gvalual spiritual heart cleansing.—Adrt.