“Hath God set before us such a glorious prize as the saints’ rest, and made us capable of such inconceivable happiness? Why, then, do not all the children of this kingdom exert themselves more to help others to the enjoyment of it? Alas! how little are poor souls about us beholden to most of us! We see the glory of the kingdom, and they do not; we see the misery of those that are out of it, and they do not; we see some wandering quite out of the way, and know, if they hold on, they can never come there; and they themselves discern it not. And yet we will not seriously show them their danger and error, and help to bring them into the way, that they may live. Alas! how few Christians are there to be found who set themselves with all their might to save souls! No thanks to us if heaven be not empty, and if the souls of our brethren perish not for ever.”
Richard Baxter (1615-1691) in The Saints’ Everlasting Rest (Grand Rapids: CCEL), Excerpt from Ch. 7 “The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints Rest, 95.
Few things stir my passion for spreading the gospel and advancing Christian mission than spending time with people like Rob Martin and Michael Cherenkov. I am with these two GTP board members on Whidbey Island, near Seattle.
In our time we have focused on how the work of GTP is writing a new story in countries. Helping ministries go from surviving to thriving so more people populate heaven. That’s what our work is all about.
How are you applying yourself? Did today’s post stir you to get more involved in helping people miss the misery and make it to glory. I am thinking about that this week as my aunt went home to be with the Lord.
Let’s give all we are and all we have to making known the inconceivable happiness of heaven and pointing people to the enjoyment not of the things of this world but of that blessed place. You won’t regret it.