Favor of Christ

Ray Ortlund post:  It will not be taken away from you

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.  Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”  Luke 10:41-42

“The true Christian’s portion is the grace of God.  This is the ‘good part’ which he has chosen, and it is the only portion which really deserves the name of ‘good.’  It is the only good thing which is substantial, satisfying, real and lasting.  It is good in sickness and good in health, good in youth and good in age, good in adversity and good in prosperity, good in life and good in death, good in time and good in eternity. . . .

The true Christian’s possession shall never be taken from him.  He alone, of all mankind, shall never be stripped of his inheritance.  Kings must one day leave their palaces.  Rich men must one day leave their money and lands.  They only hold them till they die.  But the poorest saint on earth has a treasure of which he will never be deprived.  The grace of God and the favor of Christ are riches which no man can take from him.  They will go with him to the grave when he dies.  They will rise with him in the resurrection morning, and be his to all eternity.”

J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, ad loc.