The Cure for Cold Religion

So encouraging to know the neither the problem nor the solution has changed in the last 350 years:

The reason our affections are so chilled and cold in religion—is that we do not warm them with thoughts of God. Hold a magnifying glass to the sun, and the glass burns that which is near to it. So when our thoughts are lifted up to Christ, the Sun of righteousness, our affections are set on fire. No sooner had the spouse been thinking upon her Savior’s beauty—but she fell into love-sickness. (Song of Sol. 5:8). O saints, do but let your thoughts dwell upon the love of Christ, who passed by angels and thought of you; who was wounded that, out of his wounds, the balm of Gilead might come to heal you; who leaped into the sea of his Father’s wrath, to save you from drowning in the lake of fire! Think of this unparalleled love, which sets the angels wondering—and see if it will not affect your hearts and cause tears to flow forth! — Thomas Watson (The Great Gain of Godliness), p. 87

Possibly Related posts:

1. Thou Didst Stumble to a Throne
2. quote || cross-centered holiness
3. Religion vs. Gospel
4. Why I Hate Religion
5. Why Jesus is to be valued above all else, part ii :: because of his unique qualifications as Savior

5 Responses to “The Cure for Cold Religion”

1. Jon says:

   February 3, 2010 at 4:43 pm

   Well, about 1650 years before that as well, and quite a bit farther back depending on your theological grid. Same point, our real problems are spiritual and so is the Real Solution.
2. The Cure for Cold Religion « Already Not Yet says:

   February 4, 2010 at 1:18 pm

   [...] (HT: Erik Raymond) [...]
3. Kristin says:

   February 4, 2010 at 1:35 pm

   Oh how I needed this!
4. Erik says:

   February 5, 2010 at 9:50 am

   Absolutely Jon. You are exactly right. If you can date Gen 3.15 that would work too. And while your at it the covenant of redemption J. I appreciate your contribution to the post.
5. Vanessa says:

   February 8, 2010 at 8:44 am

   Thanks for the frequent and sweet reminders of God’s glory in the gospel Erik!

   Those puritans sure were good at drawing your affections to behold the beauty of Christ!