These wise men of old believed the promises of God and put their belief into action. They left some eastern country to travel to Bethlehem to worship the promised Savior–Jesus.

There are many in our day who have often heard the Gospel message, who for one reason or another, have not believed on the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. Multitudes, unfortunately, think themselves to be Christians simply because they live in our fair land. They believe the basic facts about Jesus. They may believe: that He was born of the Virgin Mary, that He died for our sins, that He was buried, that He rose again, and that He is coming again. They may believe these things ABOUT the Savior, but they have never trusted themselves to Him as their personal Savior. They may believe that He CAN save them but they do not trust Him to do it. They have a head knowledge of certain facts BUT no experience of the new birth.

Let me illustrate the difference between merely believing historical facts about Jesus Christ and believing in Him unto salvation. The famous tightrope walker Blondin several years ago walked across a cable stretched above the mighty Niagara Falls. He not only went across the falls safely but returned as well and then turning to the crowd, he made a sensational offer. He would cross the falls again, this time with someone on his back! Who was willing to go? No one offered. Then picking out a man at random, Blondin asked, "Do you believe that I am able to carry you across?" "Yes, sir," quickly came the reply. "Well then, let's go," Blondin urged. "Not on your life!"–and the man withdrew into the crowd.

Then one after another expressed great confidence in the tightrope walkers ability, but they would not agree to let him take THEM across. Finally a young fellow moved to the front of the crowd and Blondin repeated his question: "Do you believe I can carry you across safely?" "Yes, I do," responded the young man. Blondin then asked, "Are you willing to let me?" "As a matter of fact, I am," replied the young man. The young man climbed on Blondin's back. Blondin stepped onto the rope, paused momentarily, then moved across the falls without difficulty.

There were many in the crowd who believed that Blondin COULD do it. But there was only one who was willing to trust him to do it. Likewise, there are many who believe about Christ and that He CAN save them, but they will not trust themselves to Him. You must act on your belief by a definite act of trust, receiving Him as your Savior and Lord. Trust Him to carry you across the gulf between death and life.