November 23

I do not believe you have it if your heart is not thankful for it. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope... to an inheritance incorruptable, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away" (1 Peter 1:3-4). Do you have heaven in hope? It is more than if the whole world were in your hand. Earth's greatest king would be glad to change his crown for your helmet at his dying hour. His crown will not get him this helmet, but your helmet will bring you a crown, a crown not of gold, but of glory, which once on will never be taken off.

Remember, Christian, it has not been long since you had only a fearful expectation of hell instead of a hope of salvation. But God took away the chains of guilt which weighed you soul down in despair and gave you favor in His celestial court. Of all men in the world, you are the most indebted to God's mercy. If you thank Him for crust and rags-- food and clothing-- how much more should you thank Him for your crown?

After you have praised Him with your spirit, you should collect the praises to God of your friends too-- and then, in heaven, continue thanking Him throughout eternity for your helmet of salvation. It will be a debt you will never be able fully to pay.

Live up to your hopes. Let there be a suitable agreement between your principles and your practices-- your hope of heaven and your walk on earth. As you look for salvation, walk the way your eye is looking. If the Christian fails to walk in the worthiness of his calling, he betrays God's hope for him. And the Word emphasizes the necessity of this walk. It stirs us up to act "as becometh saints" (Romans 16:2) and as " it becometh the gospel of Christ" (Philippians 1:27).

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