A young man was leading a godless... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

What must I do to be saved? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.It is finished.
Acts 16:30.31; John 19:30

A young man was leading a godless life. He had been brought up as a Catholic, but had then thrown any thought of God overboard. His shamelessness exceeded that of all his friends. But all of a sudden his conscience was pricked, and he wondered how God would judge his life. He had to admit that if hell really existed, he deserved it.

What was he to do? He had once heard of a monastery where it was possible to rid oneself of one's burden of guilt by doing penances and praying. Although the monastery was 900 miles away, he set off at once and, wishing to encourage God to be gracious, he covered the whole distance on foot.

Months later he reached the monastery door and asked to be admitted. An elderly monk opened it and asked what he wanted. The pilgrim told him and added, "You see a lost sinner before you. My past life is so dreadful that it seems impossible for me to be forgiven. But I am prepared to do anything and to suffer whatever you demand, if only I can get free from my burden of sin."

The old monk replied, "Go back home. The load of sin weighing you down was atoned for and settled at the cross. It has all been done." - "All done?" the amazed young man asked. - "Yes, the Lord Jesus Himself bore your guilt and its punishment."

This message is valid for all - but it applies only to those who confess their guilt to God, seeking His forgiveness. The young man believed it and started a new life, a life with God.

Today's reading: Leviticus 7:1-21 · Psalm 53:1-7