Holiness: For the Will of God Is Your Sanctification – 1 Thessalonians 4:3 [Annotated, Updated]

by J.C. Ryle

Count up and compare the trouble that true Christianity involves and the troubles that are in store for the wicked beyond the grave. Admit for a moment that Bible reading, praying, repenting, believing, and holy living require effort and self-denial. It is all nothing compared to that wrath to come that is stored up for the impenitent and unbelieving (1 Thessalonians 1:10). A single day in hell will be worse than a whole life spent carrying the cross. Where their worm does not die, and the fire is never quenched are things that we cannot fully conceive or describe (Mark 9:48). It is written, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime didst receive thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted here, and thou art tormented