Grace and Glory

We see that the state of God's children both here and in heaven is called glory. The children of God are kings here, they will be kings in heaven. They are saints here, as they are saints in heaven. There is an adoption of grace as well as an adoption of glory (Rom. 8). There is a regeneration now of our souls; there is a regeneration then of soul and body. We are new creatures here; and we will be new creatures there.
Question. Why do both come under one name, the state of glory in heaven and the state of grace here? Is there no difference?
Answer. Yes, but the difference is only in degree, for heaven must be begun here. If we mean ever to enter into heaven hereafter, we enter into the suburbs here. We must be new creatures here. We are kings here; we are heirs apparent here; we are adopted here; we are regenerated here; we are glorious here, before we are glorious hereafter. We may read our future state in our present. We must not think to come out of the filth of sin to heaven, but heaven must be begun here.
Would you like to know what your condition will be afterwards? Read it in your present disposition. If there is not a change, and a glorious change, here, never look for a glorious change hereafter. What is not begun in grace will never be accomplished in glory. Both grace here and glory hereafter come under the same name.
Also, it is a reason for comfort: Why do we have the same term here? When we are in the state of grace, why are we adorned with the same title as we will have in heaven? It is partly for certainty. Grace is glory, and its perfection is glory, to show that where grace is truly begun it will end in glory. All the powers in the world cannot interrupt God's gracious progress. What is begun in grace will end in glory. Where the foundation is laid, God will be sure to put up the roof. He never repents of his beginnings.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
Glorious Freedom, pp. 143-44 [155-56]
Banner of Truth has granted permission for the use of this material.