A teenage boy whose mother was away on a visit found himself with time on his hands. He decided to
read a book from the family library. His mother was a devout Christian, so the boy knew there would
be a sermon at the beginning and an application at the end of the book, but there would also be some
interesting stories in between.
While reading the book, he came across the phrase, “the finished work of Christ.” It struck him with
unusual power: “the finished work of Christ.”
“Why does the author use this expression?” he asked himself. “Why not say the atoning or the propitiatory work of Christ?”
(You see, he knew all the biblical terms. He just did not know the Saviour!) Then the words “It is
finished” flashed into his mind, and he realized afresh that the work of salvation was accomplished.
“If the whole work was finished and the whole debt paid, what is there left for me to do?” He knew
the answer, and fell to his knees to receive the Saviour and full forgiveness of sins. That is how J.
Hudson Taylor, founder of the China Inland Mission, was saved.
Scripture says: “I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to
do” (John 17:4).
Also read: John 19:30; Hebrews 12:2.
Action assignment: Take time now to thank God for paying the whole debt for your sins. Think of a
teenager you know, and ask God to make this truth real in his or her life.
WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in