When a man turns to Christ empty—that he may be filled; sick—that he may be healed; hungry—that he may be satisfied; thirsty—that he may be refreshed; needy—that he may be enriched; dying—that he may have life; lost—that he may be saved; guilty—that he may be pardoned; sin-defiled—that he may be cleansed; confessing that Christ alone can supply his need—then he comes to Christ.
When he uses Christ as the Jews used the city of refuge, as the starving Egyptians used Joseph, as the dying Israelites used the brazen serpent; then he comes to Christ. It is the empty soul’s venture on a full Savior; it is the drowning man’s grasp on the hand held out to help him; it is the sick man’s reception of a healing medicine. This, and nothing more than this, is coming to Christ.
When he uses Christ as the Jews used the city of refuge, as the starving Egyptians used Joseph, as the dying Israelites used the brazen serpent; then he comes to Christ. It is the empty soul’s venture on a full Savior; it is the drowning man’s grasp on the hand held out to help him; it is the sick man’s reception of a healing medicine. This, and nothing more than this, is coming to Christ.
~ J.C. Ryle
Tract: Come!
