Dear Mrs. Jones,
I received your letter in which you said, "I realize that I am a sinner, I do not lay claim to any goodness before God. I can say with David, “My sins are ever before me.” I want to be forgiven of my sins, I want to be saved, and I want to live for God with peace in my heart and the knowledge that Christ is my Savior. I realize that salvation is of the Lord but I also believe that something is expected of me in this matter—what is it?"
You are absolutely right, something is not only expected but required of you! If what you have stated is really the true feelings of your heart, and I believe it is, then I urge you to willingly, openly and sincerely act on the promises and commandments of Christ.
1. Believe the Word of God in regard to his mercy in Christ. "He that believeth on the Son of God hath eternal life."
2. Receive Christ Jesus as your Prophet, Priest, and King. "To as many as received him to them gave he the privilege to become the sons of God."
3. Commit your past, present, and future to the Lord Jesus. "Cast all your care upon him - he careth for you.”
4. "Come to Christ" - as you are. "All the fitness he requireth is to feel your need of him." Leave your idols and look to the Redeemer.
5. Confess Christ publicly before your family and friends by following him in believers' baptism. He said, "If you confess me before men, I will confess you before my Father."
6. Worship Christ with others like yourself, who lay no claim to merit, goodness, or works, but who find in him all wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Our only claim to holiness is his holiness! We are not without sin except in him! We look to Christ and find in him our rest. "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life" and sink or swim I go to him.
Sincerely,
Henry Mahan
About Henry Mahan
Henry T. Mahan was born in Birmingham, Alabama in August 1926. He joined the United States Navy in 1944 and served as a signalman on an L.S.T. in the Pacific during World War II. In 1946, he married his wife Doris, and the Lord blessed them with four children.
At the age of 21, he entered the pastoral ministry and gained broad experience as a pastor, teacher, conference speaker, and evangelist. In 1950, through the preaching of evangelist Rolfe Barnard, God was pleased to establish Henry in sovereign free grace teaching. At that time, he was serving as an assistant pastor at Pollard Baptist Church (off of Blackburn ave.) in Ashland, Kentucky.
In 1955, Thirteenth Street Baptist Church was formed in Ashland, Kentucky, and Henry was called to be its pastor. He faithfully served that congregation for more than 50 years, continuing in the same message throughout his ministry. His preaching was centered on the Lord Jesus Christ and Him crucified, in full accord with the Scriptures. He consistently proclaimed God’s sovereign purpose in salvation and the glory of Christ in redeeming sinners through His blood and righteousness.
Henry T. Mahan also traveled widely, preaching in conferences and churches across the United States and beyond. His ministry was marked by a clear and unwavering emphasis on Christ, not the preacher, but the One preached. Those who heard him recognized that his sermons honored the Savior and exalted the name of the Lord Jesus Christ above all.
Henry T. Mahan served as pastor and teacher of Thirteenth Street Baptist Church in Ashland, Kentucky for over half a century. His life and ministry were devoted to proclaiming the sovereign grace of God and directing sinners to the finished work of Christ. He entered into the presence of the Lord in 2019, leaving behind a lasting testimony to the gospel he faithfully preached.
Comments
Your comment has been submitted and is awaiting moderation. Once approved, it will appear on this page.
Be the first to comment!