Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

August 25– Evening

by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“If you believe with all your heart, you may.”

—Acts 8:37

These words may answer the doubts you may have about taking part in the ordinances of the Christian Faith: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.  You may be saying to yourself, “I am afraid to be baptized; it is such a solemn thing to avow myself to be dead with Christ and buried with him. Furthermore, I don’t feel worthy to come to the Master’s table; I’m afraid of eating and drinking damnation unto myself, not discerning the Lord’s body as I should.”

Ah! poor, trembling seeker, Jesus has given you liberty, so do not be afraid. If a stranger came to your house, he would stand at the door or wait in the hall.  He would not dream of intruding uninvited into your living room because he is not at home. But your child is at home and walks freely about the house. This is how it is with the child of God.

When the Holy Spirit gives you the spirit of adoption, you can come to the Christian ordinances without fear. The same is true of all the Christian’s inward privileges. You may think you are not allowed to rejoice with unspeakable joy. You hope only to squeeze inside Christ’s door and sit at the base of the stairs, but you have the same privileges as the very greatest of Christians. God loves all His children without difference. You are not a hired servant but a son! So, feast upon the fatted calf and enjoy the music and dancing.

When Jesus comes into the heart, he calls you to be glad in the Lord. No one wears chains in the court of King Jesus. Our admission into full privileges may be gradual but sure. Perhaps you are saying, “I wish I could enjoy these promises and walk at liberty in my Lord’s commands.” To this Jesus says, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” Loose the chains around your neck, O captive one, and let Jesus make you free!” [M&E]