Grace is Glory Begun

Let us be exhorted to test the truth of grace in us, and by our care to proceed from glory to glory. Let us not deceive ourselves in our natural condition. Are we content to live the life of a sick man? No, we desire health. And when we have health, is that all? No; when we have health, we desire strength to encounter oppositions. If that is so in nature, is it not much more so in the new creature, in the new nature, in the divine nature? If there is life, there will be a desire to have health, so that our actions are not weak languishing actions. We desire that God, together with pardoning grace, may join healing grace to cure our souls daily more and more. And then, when we have spiritual health, let us desire spiritual strength to encounter oppositions, temptations, and afflictions, to make way through all things that stand in our way to heaven. Let us not deceive ourselves. If there is truth of grace in us, there is still a further desire of grace carrying us to further and further endeavour.
The more we grow in grace the more God smells a sweet sacrifice from us. The more we grow in grace, the more we grow in ability, in nimbleness, and cheerfulness to do others good. That which comes from a strong spirit of love and delight finds more acceptance with others. And the more we grow in grace, the more cheerful we will be with regard to ourselves. God instils the oil of grace further, to give us strength and cheerfulness in good actions, so that they come off with delight. Our own cheerfulness increases as our growth increases.
In a word, you see glory tends to glory, and that is enough to stir us up to grow in it. Seeing that glory here, which is grace, leads to glory in heaven, we should never rest until we come to that perfection. Grace is glory begun, and glory is grace perfected. Let us be always adding grace to grace, and one degree to another (2 Pet. 1:5-7).

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
Glorious Freedom, pp. 157-58 [170-72]
Banner of Truth has granted permission for the use of this material.