Without the Spirit man is so infirm that he cannot, with all other means whatsoever, be enabled to think one right saving thought of God, of Christ, or of his blessed things.
John BunyanRead
Christian, let God's distinguishing love to you be a motive to you to fear Him greatly. He has put His fear in your heart, and may not have given that blessing to your neighbor, perhaps not to your husband, your wife, your child, or your parent. Oh, what an obligation should this thought lay upon your heart to greatly fear the Lord! Remember also that this fear of the Lord is His treasure, a choice jewel, given only to favorites, and to those who are greatly beloved.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's love and fear as a unique blessing that comes with a sense of obligation.
John Bunyan highlights the profound relationship between divine love and the accompanying fear of the Lord. He suggests that this fear is a treasured gift that denotes a special status among believers, and it should instill in them a greater responsibility to honor and revere God, acknowledging that not everyone may share in this blessing. By recognizing the uniqueness of their relationship with God, individuals are encouraged to deepen their reverence and commitment to Him.
Themes
GodLoveFearResponsibilityBlessing
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon discussing the significance of spiritual blessings.
More from John Bunyan
All quotes →I saw, moreover, that it was not my good frame of heart that made my righteousness better, nor my bad frame that made my righteousness worse; for my righteousness was Jesus Christ himself, the same yesterday and today and forever.
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For to speak the truth, there are but few that care thus to spend their time, but choose rather to be speaking of things to no profit.
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I saw a man clothed with rags . . . a book in his hand, and a great burden upon his back.
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Look how fears have presented themselves, so have supports and encouragements; yea, when I have started, even as it were at nothing else but my shadow, yet God, as being very tender of me, hath suffered me to be molested, but would with one Scripture or another, strengthen me against all; insomuch that I have often said, Were it awful, I could pray for greater trouble, for the greater comfort's sake.
John BunyanRead
There can be but one will the master in our salvation, but that shall never be the will of man, but of God; therefore man must be saved by grace.
John BunyanRead
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