‘Partakers of the heavenly calling’  (Hebrews 3:1)

Dear friends, God has called us by His grace and gospel, into the knowledge of Christ; into the favour of Jesus; to partake of the Spirit of His Son; to enjoy fellowship with Christ; to wear the image of Christ; and to possess and enjoy His righteousness, strength, wisdom, unsearchable riches, and eternal glory.

This calling is heavenly in its origin, nature, tendency, and consummation; it is from heaven and to heaven. All believers partake of the same calling; they are called by the same voice, to the same Cross and Throne, to possess and enjoy the same title, and to claim and use the same blessings.

This calling is the greatest honour that can be conferred upon a sinner; it is altogether a favour, the fruit of free and everlasting love; its enjoyment calls for gratitude and praise.

Are we called with a heavenly calling? Then we should come out from the world, walk with God, imitate the Saviour, set our affections upon things above, and prepare for, and hasten to, our blessed home, our glorious inheritance. Let us make our calling and our election sure, and then sing !

As Thou wilt dispose of me
Only make me one with Thee;
Make me in my life express
All the heights of holiness:
Sweetly in my spirit prove
All the depths of humble love.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘O that my will, was in every thing, conformed to the will of God! It is a sweet state of mind, I am busily employed, using both the pulpit and the press, for the Lord, whether I shall do much good remains to be seen. I bless God, that I ever wrote for the press, for I often hear of good done by these labours; this encourages me to go on, may the Lord work in me, by me, and for me; and may I greatly benefit his people, enlarge his cause, and glorify his name.’