- Thank you! Very edifying, encouraging and sobering. I especially liked the line: “I have only to live habitually in His light, and the light will shine more and more.” As Prov. 4:18, PTL. I hope to read the remaining scripture references and comments later on. Blessings to all!
William Trudeau — Edited
Dear Sister Leslie, You are not allowed to do your housework until you have read everything at Faithlife. Haven't you read our rules for membership?! 😂- Hahaha! 😁 Good thing I am learning to balance “one thing is needful “with “seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings…” However as I am still out walking I have begun to read the comments, anyway! PTL 🙏😊
Holiness in Death
Follow peace with all men,
and holiness,
without which no man shall see the Lord:
Hebrews 12:14
Death is a lurking devourer never satisfied which most men would be wise to fear (Hebrews 2:14-15; Prov 30:15-16). Thy soul is required in an hour unknown (Luke 12:20).
The grave is conquered by the risen Victor, Jesus Christ, Who broke the bonds of sin and death bringing life and immortality to life by the Gospel (1 John 3:8; 2 Timothy 1:9-10; 1 Corinthians 15:54,55).
Holiness is the sure way to eternal life without which no man shall pass the parted veil into joyous life in the presence of God. The unknown hour wherein the wick is extinguished is made a secure passage when holiness lights the soul (Hebrews 12:14; Matthew 6:22).
With these thoughts, I encourage you to mediate on the following words from the Scottish minister and biographer of R. M. M'Cheyne, and Evan Hopkins - Alexander Smellie (1857-1923)
I REMIND MY SOUL
Setting forward on my pilgrim march through the year, I remind my soul.... Without holiness no man shall see the Lord....They who stay with God, either here or hereafter, must sympathize with His aims, must share His likeness, and must be set on fire with His passion for truth and hatred of sin. Else, what community of interest can there be between Him and them? what fellowship of a friendly sort? So let me be certain that my sanctification deepens and increases with every day of the year. It will be a gradual process, a slow and patient ascent. But there will be no doubt of its ending, if I keep steadfast company with Christ. I have only to live habitually in His light, and the light will shine more and more. And one happy morning, in the nearer or farther future, I shall find myself— myself who am so unworthy and so unclean—perfect even as my Father in heaven is perfect. — Alexander Smellie (1857-1923) In the Secret Place - London - Andrew Melrose 16 Pilgrim Street (1907) p. 2