Greater love hath no man than this , that a man lay down his life for another. John 15:13
When nations are engaged in deadly strife, it is common for Patriots to declare that he who gives his life for the defense of his country may be certain of a home in heaven because of having made the supreme sacrifice. Patriotism is a virtue of which any man may well be proud. But patriotism, praiseworthy as it is from a human standpoint, will never fit the soul for the presence of GOD. It can never wash away the guilt of sin.
The testimony of Edith Cavell, the brave British nurse who was killed by the Germans during the First World War, is well worth considering in this connection. From August 19 14 until August 1915, Nurse Cavell helped to care for wounded French, Belgian, English and German soldiers alike. She ministered faithfully even to those who had fallen while fighting against her own nation. She was caught conveying Allied soldiers to Britain and immediately arrested and was sentenced to face a firing squad. All her kindness to the German wounded was forgotten.
Just before the bandage was placed over her eyes, as she stood facing the soldiers who were about to take her life, she gave a message to the world. "I am glad", she said, "to die for my country. But as I stand here I realize as never before that patriotism is not enough". Then she went on to give a clear, definite testimony of her personal faith in The LORD JESUS CHRIST and her assurance of salvation, not through the laying down her life for others but because HE had laid down HIS life for her. In perfect composure she then submitted to the firing squad's bullets. Her words, "Patriotism is not enough to get to heaven", have spoken loudly over the years-yet many forget this. "What more is needed? ", you may ask. The answer is "CHRIST"!
IT IS ONLY AND ONLY THROUGH FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST ALONE THAT OUR SOULS ARE SAVED AND HEAVEN ASSURED!
-H. A. Ironside
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