Some of you may remember the Golden Gate International Exposition of 1939 and 1940. It was held at San Francisco’s Treasure Island, and was a World’s Fair celebrating in part, two newly built bridges, the Oakland Bay Bridge, which opened in 1936, and the Golden Gate Bridge, which opened in 1937. “The exposition opened from February 18, 1939, through October 29, 1939, and from May 25, 1940, through September 29, 1940.” The two opening dates for the exposition was an attempt by the city of San Francisco to recoup some of its financial losses, since the endeavor wasn’t a financial success.
Among the many attractions and points of interest during this exposition was a religious service that sparked an unusual response from many of those in attendance that day. The story follows:
When a large religious service was being conducted at the Golden Gate Exposition in San Francisco, many people quickly became aware that the minister delivering the main address was not thoroughly orthodox. Although a gifted speaker, he began to direct most of his eloquence against the power of the blood of Christ.
Ruth E. Marsden relates that when his fluent oratory ended, a timid, elderly lady stood up in the midst of the crowd and softly began to sing a great hymn by William Cowper as a touching rebuttal to the modernist’s remarks. A hush fell over the assembly as they heard those faint but familiar words: “There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Immanuel’s veins, and sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.”
Before she could begin the second stanza, approximately a hundred people rose to join her. By the time she reached the third verse, nearly a thousand Christians all over the audience were singing that blessed song of faith. The triumphant, thrilling strains rang out loud and clear: “Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood shall never lose its power, till all the ransomed church of God be saved to sin no more.”
Many were deeply moved as that humble believer stood up for her Lord and with the light of Heaven upon her face gave testimony that she had found peace through the blood of His cross!”
Christ shedding His blood on Calvary for the sins of the world isn’t a very popular subject these days. However, God’s Word inexorably proclaims that, “…without shedding of blood is no remission (forgiveness)” (Heb. 9:22b). It is only through the blood of Christ that the sinner can ever hope to be forgiven of his/her sins, and receive eternal life, for the Apostle Paul said, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him” (Rom. 5:8-9). Whatever the critics may say, “…the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7b). If you’ve not come to the Lord for your soul’s cleansing, turn away from your sins and invite Jesus into your heart as Lord and Master of your life. THE FOUNTAIN FLOWS FULL and FREE.
