The grand secret of daily
comfort in Christianity!
(J.C. Ryle, "Do You Have a Priest?")
has entered Heaven, JESUS the SON
of GOD." Hebrews 4:14
CHRIST, the great High Priest in Heaven,
is ever doing the work of a Friend, a Protector,
a Counselor, and an Advocate, on behalf
of HIS redeemed people. HE is ever watching
over the interests of HIS people, and providing
a continual supply of all that they need.
To . . .
sympathize with them in all their troubles,
guide them in their perplexities,
strengthen them for their duties,
preserve them in their temptations--
all this is part of CHRIST'S present
priestly office.
Note HIS tenderness and sympathy--
so that HE can be touched with
the feeling of our infirmities.
Note HIS forbearance and patience--
so that HE can bear with our weaknesses
and pity our mistakes.
Note HIS wisdom, HIS faithfulness,
HIS readiness to aid--
who can describe or number
up these things?
CHRIST, as our great High Priest,
is ever interceding for us in Heaven.
It is written,
who come unto GOD by HIM, because
HE ever lives to make intercession
for them!" (Hebrews 7:25.)
It is asked by Paul,
No one! CHRIST JESUS who died--
more than that, who was raised to life--
is at the right hand of GOD and is also
interceding for us!" (Romans 8:34.)
JESUS is carrying believers safely
from grace to glory, by HIS almighty
intercession!
Reader, let us thank GOD daily that
CHRIST is doing the work of a Priest
for us in Heaven. Let us be thankful
for the "precious blood" of CHRIST--
but let us not be less thankful for HIS
precious intercession.
Christ's continual Priesthood is the grand
secret of a saint's perseverance to the end.
Left to ourselves, there would be little
likelihood of our getting safely home
to Heaven. We might begin well--
and end ill.
So weak are our hearts,
so busy is the devil,
so many and ensnaring
are the temptations of the world--
that nothing could prevent our
making shipwreck!
But, thanks be to GOD, the Priesthood
of CHRIST secures our safety. HE who
never slumbers and never sleeps
is continually watching over our
interests, and providing for our needs.
While satan pours water on the fire
of grace, and strives to quench it--
CHRIST pours on oil, and makes it
burn more brightly.
CHRIST'S continual Priesthood is
the grand secret of daily comfort in
Christianity. Oh, what an unspeakable
comfort it is to remember that we have
a great High Priest in Heaven, who
never forgets us night or day, and
is continually interceding for us,
and providing for our safety!
Christian, that great High Priest who
died for you and intercedes for you--
will never forget HIS people, or allow
one lamb of HIS flock to perish!
The merciful and faithful High Priest
who began a work for you on the cross,
will bring that work to a triumphant
conclusion.
Reader, think of JESUS CHRIST
as a loving Friend, to whom you may
go morning, noon, and night, and
receive mercy and find grace to help
in our time of need. Of all the offices
that CHRIST exercises on behalf of HIS
people, none will repay thought and
study so richly, as that of HIS
present priesthood.
~ ~ ~ ~
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