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(J.C. Ryle, "Christ's Greatest Trophy!" 1879)
"I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise!" Luke 23:43
The very moment that believers die, they are in paradise. Their battle is fought; their strife is over. They have passed through that gloomy valley which we must one day tread; they have gone over that dark river which we must one day cross. They have drunk that last bitter cup which sin has mingled for man; they have reached that place where sorrow and sighing are no more! Surely, we would not wish them back again! We should not weep for them--but for ourselves!
We are still warring--but they are at peace!
We are laboring--but they are at rest!
We are watching--but they are sleeping!
We are wearing our spiritual armor--but they have forever put it off!
We are at sea--but they are safe in harbor!
We have tears--but they have joy!
We are strangers and pilgrims--but they are at home!
Surely, better are the "dead in Christ"--than the living! Surely the very hour the poor saint dies--he is at once higher and happier than the happiest upon earth!
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