
“Growth in grace is evinced by a more habitual vigilance against besetting sins and temptations, and by greater self-denial in regard to personal indulgence. A growing conscientiousness in regard to what may be called minor duties is also a good sign. The counterfeit of this is a scrupulous conscience, which sometimes haggles at the most innocent gratifications, and has led some to hesitate about taking their daily food. Increasing spiritual mindedness is a sure evidence of progress in piety; and this will always be accompanied by deadness to the world. Continued aspirations to God, in the house and by the way, in lying down and rising up, in company and in solitude, indicate the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, by whose agency all progress in sanctification is made. A victory over besetting sins by which the person was frequently led away, shows an increased vigour in the renewed principle. Increasing solicitude for the salvation of men, sorrow on account of their sinful and miserable condition, and a disposition tenderly to warn sinners of their danger, evince a growing state of piety. It is also a strong evidence of growth in grace when you can bear injuries and provocations with meekness and when you can from the heart desire the temporal and eternal welfare of your bitterest enemies. An entire and confident reliance on the promises and providence of God, however dark may be your horizon, or however many difficulties environ you, is a sign that you have learned to live by faith; and humble contentment with your condition, though it be one of poverty and obscurity, shows that you have profited by sitting at the feet of Jesus.”
“The aged saint, laden with the fruits of righteousness, is like a shock of corn fully ripe, which is ready for the garner; or like a mature fruit which gradually loosens its hold of the tree until at last it gently falls off. Thus the aged, mature Christian departs in peace.”
– Archibald Alexander, Growth in Grace
Amen and Amen. I loved this.
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” ~ II Peter 3:18
^^ That is the theme verse of my site. I’m thankful to have found your blog.
May God continue to richly bless syou.
Heather Joy,
It is such a pleasure to meet you! I just visited your place and was so blessed and encouraged by your last two posts! I look forward to reading more and getting to know you!
Also, thank you for the encouragment! I’m glad you stumbled upon Heavenly Springs, too! 😉
Lord bless you!
Boy this sure was packed full of truth. This provides a great list of assurances of salvation, (or lack of).
I want to be that perfectly ripe fruit when it’s time to fall of the tree!
Thank you for this good encouragement.
Blessings!
It’s like a double edged sword for me — on the one hand, I see progress. On the other, I see just the opposite! Lord have mercy! And yes, I too want to just “gently fall off” when the time comes to be plucked from the tree!