A young man was greatly troubled about his soul. He knew he was a sinner in God's sight, and so deeply did he feel this that he was often ready to lie down in despair, saying, "Is it possible that God can save such a miserable sinner?"

In the daytime he thought of hell as his justly deserved punishment, and at night he would sometimes imagine himself shut in torments of the lake of fire.

He tried to reform but got no better. One evening, however, he was passing a large building where the gospel was being preached. He went in. Soon after he entered, he heard the preacher call attention to the words of our Lord found in John 3:16. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

"Notice," said the preacher, "the word whosoever!"

For the first time, the troubled young man began to perceive the freeness of God's grace in the gospel, and to think there was some hope after all for a sinner such as he; because "whosoever" included him, and everyone else who would accept Christ as Savior.

By the power of the Spirit of God, he began to look completely to Jesus for salvation, found joy and peace in believing, and entered into the service of the gospel for many years.

But there is another "WHOSOEVER," and oh how wide the contrast!

"Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Rev. 20:15). Notice that it is whosoever, no matter who it is, or what plea is raised, or what circumstances are urged as an excuse. It is whosoever, for God is no respecter of persons. (Col. 3:25).

How solemn! If a person has not accepted Jesus Christ, the Son of God who died on the cross to save sinners, how can his name be written in the Book of Life?

Dear reader, ponder these words, "WHOSOEVER was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire," and rest not until you can say with certainty, "I shall not be there, but I shall be with the Lord in glory."