'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — October 31

O the sweet enjoyment of love and joy in heaven! What a high favour that God allows us to love him and embrace him with arms that have embraced lust and sin before him! But this is not all—he returns love for love and a thousand times more. Christian, believe this and think on it; you will be eternally embraced in the arms of everlasting love. The love that brought the Son from heaven to earth, from the earth to the cross, from the cross to the grave, from the grave to glory; the love which was weary, hungry, tempted, scorned, scourged, buffeted, spit upon, crucified; that love will eternally embrace you. What shall we say to these things? No wonder the angels desire to peer into this mystery. All of Christ's ways of mercy end in the saints’ joy; he wept, sorrowed, suffered that we might rejoice; he sent the Spirit to be our Comforter; he multiplied his promises that our joy might be full. It is not our joy only, but mutual joy and mutual love. If there is joy in heaven at your salvation, will there not be joy at your glorification? Will not the angels welcome you there and congratulate your safe arrival? Christ Jesus rejoices at the outcome of his suffering, and is admired by all that believe. We are the fruit of his soul's travail. The Father himself rejoices as we enter our rest and joy. How quickly did the father see the returning prodigal afar off! With what compassion he fell on his neck and kissed him! He put on him the best robe, a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. He killed the fatted calf that they might eat and be merry. This is nothing compared to the embraces and the joys of our great meeting in heaven. The Lord rejoices and takes pleasure in his people. He is now preparing a place for you and will come again and receive you to himself, that where he is there you may be also.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
Richard Baxter, The Saints' Everlasting Rest, pp. 46-55
Banner of Truth has granted permission for the use of this material.