GREAT PROMISES
GREAT PROMISES
The exceeding great, precious promises are given through “glory and virtue”, the former the consummation, the latter the habit of soul in which we are progressing thereto.
All the promises are fulfilled, either in the glory or in the energy of life leading us thereto. It is evident then, that in proportion to the virtue, or energy of life now, so is the conscious apprehension or entrance into the consummation or the glory, but it is from realisation of the glory that there is vigour and inclination to act down here with reference to it. The root must be in the glory, on this principle, they that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God; (Psalm 92: 13) If divine life in me, though rooted in Christ in glory, is not manifesting its abilities, developing the divine nature in me down here, it is plain that I cannot be realising the vigour and gain of my roots being in glory. I am not sensible of their [p. 128] living there. Whereas if the energy of life is constant and consistent to itself in manifestation here, there must be a daily deepening conviction of my grasp and portion in the glory. Elijah manifested much energy of life the last day before he was taken up. Thus an abundant entrance was ministered to him. So with Stephen the “virtue” was most vigorous, and surely the entrance was most abundant. So with Paul, “I am now ready to be offered .. . I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course .. . henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness”. (2 Timothy 4: 6 - 8) The more the vigour of that life down here, the easier and the brighter the transit; for it is only the one and selfsame life in different regions. The products of virtue assure the soul of three great blessings first, not barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord; second, election sure; third, abundant entrance into His kingdom and glory.