The Christian's hope!
(James Smith, "Christ Exalted, Saints Comforted, and Sinners Directed" 1855)
"The hope which is laid up for you in Heaven" Colossians 1:5
Many Christians have but little in hand — but they have much in hope.
They have little on earth — but they have unsearchable wealth in Heaven!
The present is the worst state they will ever be in. All beyond death — is bright, blissful and glorious!
The Christian's hope consists in both freedom and possession.
The Christian's hope consists in freedom from . . .
all the pains which we now experience, both in mind and body;
all the hindrances which are so thickly strewed in our way in this evil world;
all the fears which now beset, agitate, and harass us, day by day;
all the forebodings which often make our lives bitter and gloomy;
all the sins which are now our plague, disease, and torment;
all our needs, and all possibility of needing — for God will fully supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Oh, what a mercy it will be to enjoy such freedom — and to possess the inward consciousness that it will be enjoyed forever!
The Christian will not only be free from all that is painful and distressing — but he will also possess . . .
perfect, settled, and everlasting peace;
sinless faculties and immortal powers with which to serve and enjoy God forever;
permanent, perpetual, and uninterrupted joy;
the presence and enjoyment of Jesus — we shall see Him, be with Him, and be like Him;
ALL that we can consistently wish or desire!
Our hope is laid up for us in Heaven. This betokens . . .
its excellency — being kept in so excellent a place;
its certainty and security — no thieves can break through to steal;
its nature — it is spiritual, holy, Heavenly.
O glorious hope! O blessed prospect! It leaves us nothing to long for — nothing to desire!
What a mercy it is . . .
when comforts run short,
when trials press sorely,
when a dreary winter of affliction sets in —
to remember that we have a priceless inheritance — an inheritance that is kept in heaven for us — pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay!
How this blessed hope should . . .
quicken our zeal,
animate our spirits, and
raise us above fear and despondency.
It is not what we have now — but what we shall have in Heaven — which should affect us.
Our glorious inheritance is vast beyond calculation — it is safe beyond the possibility of failure!
The wilderness will soon be passed, the storms of life will soon subside — and eternal calm and unclouded sunshine, will soon be our happy, endless portion!
All glory to free grace!
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