CHEYENNE BILL, a cowpuncher gunman and safe-cracker, had just arrived in Denver, Colorado from Cheyenne, Wyoming, having stolen a ride in the baggage car of a southbound express train. After leaving the train, he made his way up town to Larimer Street, the "Bowery" of that western city.

Being a very cold night, he headed for the local "down-and-out" mission. The meeting was in full swing so he sat down by the stove. As the service ended, the speaker urged those who wished to be saved, to come forward. Bill thought it a good time to leave and headed for the door. However, one of the men said to him, "Better go the other way," pointing towards the front. Thinking the man wanted him to escape arrest, Bill said, "Thanks friend," and headed towards what he expected to be another way out.

 

When he reached the platform, Bill looked in vain for a back door. Seeing that Bill looked bewildered the preacher came over to him and said, "God bless you, my friend. I'm glad you have come forward to accept Christ." Bill looked at him blankly, and the man continued, "Kneel down right here. I want to read some Scripture verses and pray with you."

Cheyenne Bill didn't know what to do. There was no way out. The preacher had taken his arm and was leading him to where others were praying. To save any disturbance that might have brought the police, he did as he was told. 

"Do you realize you are a sinner?" asked the preacher.  Bill never doubted this. He had broken almost every law of God and man. "Do you want to be saved?" was the next question. Bill answered, "I can't be much worse off than I am now. If anybody can save me, they're welcome to try."

"The Lord Jesus Christ can save you. He died on the Cross for your sins and rose again, and now lives to save those who call upon Him."

Bill was interested and soon became deeply under the conviction of sin. For some time, the preacher read him verses which showed that God's time for salvation is NOW, for His day of grace may end tomorrow. He then suggested that if Bill were willing to take Christ as his personal Saviour, he should stand and make a public confession.

After a few moments hesitation, Bill stood up, turned around, and addressed the audience, saying, "Folks, I came down here to Denver today intending to bust a few safes and get a new supply of money. Here's my outfit." He pulled a gun from his back pocket and laid it on the table. Then he took from his coat pockets all the tools that make up a safecracker's outfit and laid them beside the gun. "I'm accepting Jesus Christ as my Saviour right here and now and I'm surrendering all these here implements to Him. I don't expect ever to use them again."

Cheyenne Bill, the former bandit, thus became another brand plucked from the burning; another trophy of God's saving grace, and a further witness to the power of the Gospel. He had changed Masters, and henceforth lived for the One who had died for him and had risen again.

The Gospel of the grace of God is still God's power unto salvation to everyone who believes. Believing this Gospel is the ONLY way of deliverance from the power of sin, from Satan, and from an eternal Hell.

There are indeed degrees in the extent of guilt, but sin is sin in God's sight, and His Word clearly states, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

The precious blood of Jesus Christ freely shed for you and me on the Cross of Calvary can cleanse even the vilest sinner. That same blood alone will cleanse you if you will come to God through Him and His sacrifice for you. "And the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John 1:7)

Without the blood there cannot be
Remission from the guilt of sin:
But Calvary's sacrifice is free
To any who will trust therein.

- J.W.H.N.