Practical Religion - Ryle - XVIII - Chapter 17

Required reading
Practical Religion by JC Ryle (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Read Chapter 17 (The great gathering).   

My summary
Today we look at the 'Great Gathering' that will happen at the end.

Firstly we see that the gathering will happen when Christ returns and the Christians are taken to glory.  Ryle tells us that the gathering will be great, wonderful and humbling.

Secondly Ryle explains why this gathering should be desired.  It will be:
(i) a state of things totally unlike our present condition;
(ii) an assembly entirely of one mind;
(iii) a meeting at which none shall be absent;
(iv) a meeting without parting.

What grabbed me
I thought Ryle's point about saints in heaven experiencing a humbling was well made: 'It will make an end of bigotry and narrow-mindedness forever. The Christians of one denomination will find themselves side by side with those of another denomination; if they would not tolerate them on earth, they will be obliged to tolerate them in heaven. Those Christians, who will neither pray together nor worship together now, will discover to their shame that they must praise together for all eternity. The very people who will not allow us to sit with them at the Lord's Table now, will be obliged to acknowledge us before our Master's face, and to let us sit down by their side. Never, will the world see such a complete overthrow of sectarianism, party spirit, unbrotherliness, religious jealousy, and religious pride. Finally, we will all be completely "clothed with humility."'

What a wonderful day it will be when Jesus sweeps away the divisions between Christians!

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 18 (The great separation).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.