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2010·01·19 · 1 Comments |
| The Christian’s Hopes |
William Gurnall reminds us that now is not the time to expect our best life.
The Christian’s hopes are all heavenly; he lots not upon anything the world hath to give him. Indeed he would think himself the most miserable man of all others, if here were all he could make of his religion. No, it is heaven and eternal life that he expects; and though he be so poor as not to be able to make a will of a groat, yet he counts himself a greater heir, than if he were child to the greatest prince on earth. This inheritance he sees by faith, and can rejoice in the hope of the glory which it will bring him. The maskery and cheating glory of the great ones of this world moves him not to envy their fanciful pomp; but when on the dunghill himself, he can forget his own present sorrows, to pity them in all their bravery, knowing that within a few days the cross will be off his back, and the crowns off their heads together—their portion will be spent, when he shall be to receive all his. These things entertain him with such joy that they will not suffer him to acknowledge himself miserable, when others think him, and the devil tells him, he is such.
—William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armour (Banner of Truth Trust, 2002), 1:216–217.






















1 Comments:
donsands
This is such an important truth of Scripture, which many teachers in the church today say is a bad teaching, as Brian McLaren, and his sort teach.
"This inheritance he sees by faith, and can rejoice in the hope of the glory which it will bring him."
Faith and hope are essential for us now, and yet when we do inherit the New Earth, there will be no more faith and hope, but only love will remain.
I have joy that I am a believer, and that one day I will see the glory of Christ. And yet, I can't shake this portion in my heart and mind that is an anxious thorn that sticks in my joy and peace, when I contemplate meeting our Lord. I suppose it's because I don't live up to the standard and degree I feel I must as a Christian. But I'm not sure really.
I suppose it's a thorn the Lord is allowing for some reason. perhaps to keep me on the spiritual edge. I do't know.
Thanks for the post. Some good meet, and meat, as usual.