Different Degrees of Glory # 3 (and others)

Different Degrees of Glory # 3 (and others)

How mighty should be the INFLUENCE upon our mind and conduct of such a subject as this! How should it check our sloth, and rouse and quicken us to all diligence and perseverance! What an impression should it give us of the importance of our present situation and our present conduct! We are fearfully made, and still more fearfully placed. Everything we do, is a seed of futurity, and must bear eternal fruit. All our actions, words, and thoughts - are ripening into heaven - or hell. Can we be anxious only to grow rich for time - and neglect to grow rich for eternity? Shall we be intent only upon amassing wealth upon earth - and forget to lay up treasures in heaven? Shall we be eager to enlarge and improve the inheritance which is seen and temporal - and be careless about enlarging that which is incorruptible, undefiled, and which does not fade away?

How loudly and impressively does this subject speak to you who are young professors, and who are just setting out in the Divine life. Blessed is your privilege, in being called so early into a state of grace, and thus being invited, by the sovereign mercy of God, to add to the weight and the jewels of that crown which, if you are faithful unto death, is forever to sparkle on your brow. Estimate duty your opportunity. Your future life, as regards any earthly object which you can contemplate - is but a shadow; yet as connected with the eternal world - is of utterable importance. How rich may you grow in grace here - and glory hereafter! What treasure may you lay up in heaven! Let no ordinary degree of holiness satisfy you - no small measures of piety content you. In signal devotedness and usefulness in the church, prepare for such service in the church, as shall display the immensity of Divine grace, and the riches of Divine power. Seek eminent holiness first, for its own sake, and the sake of God who requires it - and then you will find in the end, that eminence in grace conducts to eminence of glory! 

I am decidedly of opinion that a conviction of the truth of this subject, and a habitual meditation upon it - would do much to elevate the tone of piety among Christians, yes, and greatly quicken the spirit of zeal and liberality. It is not a depressing - but a dangerous notion to hold, that weak faith, being still true faith; and little grace, which is still real grace - that those who make greater attainments. This may seem to savor of a disposition to exalt the mercy of God - but its tendency is to abuse it; and under the appearance of deep humility, to promote indolence, lukewarmness, and worldly-mindedness.

It is a ruinous a fatal experiment to try, with how little religion we can reach heaven. If it be the language of humility as it oftentimes is, with some that use it, to say, "They shall be content with the lowest seat in glory," it is, at other times, the utterance of indolence and indifference. The question, however, is not what we deserve - but what we are invited to possess. We deserve nothing but hell! But we may have not only heaven - but an abundance entrance into it. God is inviting us to seek "more grace" here, and all He gives, will, in one sense, flow back to Himself again. Those who receive most from Him, will render most to Him. Higher degrees of glory, while, as regards ourselves, they will enlarge our capacity for happiness, will, as regards Him, prepare us in a more eminent manner to enjoy, serve, and honor Him. For His sake then, as well as our own, grow in grace that you may rise in glory!

~John Angell James~

(The End)
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The devil's Best Customers!

"God will surely judge people who are immoral" (Heb. 13:4).

If men will not judge them, God Himself will, and give them a portion of misery answerable to their transgressions.

Sometimes He judges them in this life - by pouring forth of His wrath upon their bodies, souls, consciences, names and estates. But if He does not thus judge them in this life, He will be sure to judge them in the life to come! Yes, He has already adjudged them "to the fiery lake of burning sulfur." (Rev. 21:8).

The unchaste are the devil's best customers! Oh, the thousands of men and women who are sent to hell for immorality! Other sins are toilsome and troublesome, but sexual immorality is pleasant, and sends men and women merrily to hell!

~Thomas Brooks~
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First Place In Your Thoughts

Friends, these things must have first place in your thoughts:

1. Your sins to humble you and abase you before God.

2. God's free and rich sovereign grace - to soften and melt you down into submission to His holy will.

3. The Lord Jesus Christ - to assist, help, strengthen, and influence you in all your duties and services.

4. The blessed Scriptures to guide and lead you, "and to be a lamp unto your feet, and a light unto your paths."

5. The afflictions of the godly - to draw out your charity, mercy, pity, sympathy and compassion to men in misery.

6. The glory and happiness of the eternal world - to arm you and steel you against all your sins, snares, and temptations.

~Thomas Brooks~