The first element in conversion is first an influence from the Holy Spirit brought about by prayer. Now, that prayer may have been sent up years ago by a mother now dead, but is usually the result of a prayer atmosphere in the meeting.
The Holy Spirit acts like a searchlight on the human soul, and the sinner for an instant sees himself as God sees him. I have seen men rush through the door, and, without taking a seat, come straight to the altar, because God's Spirit had met them. That is not the usual way, and it is usually some immediate message of His word, rendered in song or spoken word to the sinner's heart, by which he catches a glimpse of his lost condition.
Let no parent be discouraged concerning a wandering child. Delayed answer to prayer is not a denial. I know a minister whom God greatly uses who was a wild youth when his mother died, but God answered her prayer. He will answer yours.
It is important who presents the sinner to God. A perfunctory church member who plays cards, dances, tipples or smells of tobacco, cannot acceptably bring a soul to God. God often accepts a soul without an intermediary, but the wrong person keeps a soul from God. It makes a difference. You remember Ezekiel 14:20, “Though Noah, Daniel and Job were in it, they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness,” showing that as we abide in Him, God answers prayers accordingly. Then the word of God comes in. The helper tries to make the seeker lay hold of the promises. I have seen many conversions on Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” It comes like a wireless message from on high. It becomes personal as the praying sinner cries to God, he believes he is heard, he believes he is forgiven, he accepts the pardon and rises to his feet a redeemed man. A supernatural power has come into his soul. Another verse which brings men through is 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
The religion of Christ has two elements in it—a destructive element and a constructive element. The destructive element is what we figuratively call “the blood of Christ.” It not only pardons or washes away the past sins, but it takes out of the soul lying, drinking, lust, laziness, deceit, fraud of any kind, and with the constructive element it puts into the soul honor, truth, industry, integrity or wholeness. It creates in the soul the desire to walk in companionship with Christ.
The recognition of sins forgiven and the conscious presence of God is what in emotional natures makes some shout, some weep, some tremble as with an ague, but regeneration in all souls brings unspeakable joy. It not only energizes for action, but it puts into the soul the power of endurance before unknown.
I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH
One cold night in November, 1908, the writer had charge of the Gospel Mission service. In the testimony meeting a fine looking young man arose and said about this: “I am a graduate of a college in Maine, also of a medical department of a college of this city. I have had a good practice and a good home. I have lost all of these from hard drink. Last spring I was converted in a street meeting held by this Mission at the post-office corner. Soon after that I obtained a situation in a large department store in this city, where I did good work, but I lost my temper at the inefficiency of a driver. I learned then and there that only proprietors have the right to lose their tempers, and I lost my place. I have had a hard time since. God only knows the suffering of a man without money, friends, or even acquaintances in a great city.” And with a wail, like a cry of anguish, he said, “But I've kept the faith! I've kept the faith!”
After the close of the meeting, a worker said, “I fear that man has had no food to-day.” I went to him and said, “Son, when did you eat last?” He answered, “Yesterday morning.” I slipped into his hand a dollar bill and my card, and said, “Come and see me to-morrow morning.”
We had no difficulty in getting him back into the department store where his quick and clear penmanship, his great executive ability, have been most highly appreciated for nearly five years.