That was the second blessing,
an epochal experience, unlike anything which preceded, or
anything to follow. And now their peace and joy and rest were
full.
There had to be the first and second blessings in this
relationship of man and wife, but there is no third. And yet in
the sense of those who say they have received fifty blessings
from the Lord, there have been countless blessings in their
wedded life; indeed, it has been a river of blessing, broadening
and deepening in gladness and joy and sweet affections and
fellowship with the increasing years.
But let us not confuse thought by disputing over terms and
wrangling about words.
The first blessing in Jesus Christ is salvation, with its
negative side of remission of sins and forgiveness, and its
positive side of renewal or regeneration--the new birth--one
experience.
And the second blessing is entire sanctification, with its
negative side of cleansing, and its positive side of filling with
the Holy Ghost--one whole, rounded, glorious, epochal experience.
And while there may be many refreshings, girdings, illuminations,
and secret tokens and assurances of love and favour, there is no
third blessing in this large sense, in this present time.
But when time is no more, when the ever-lasting doors have lifted
up, and the King of Glory comes in with His Bride, and, for ever
redeemed and crowned, He makes us to sit down with Him on His
throne, then in eternity we shall have the third blessing--we
shall be glorified.
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