Section 1165
Secondly, Positively, what that is which constitutes a readiness and preparation for death
That which is certain, constant, and abiding, let a man’s frames and circumstances be what they may; lies in the following things:
(1) In regeneration. Without this, a man cannot see, nor enter into the kingdom of heaven. It is by the washing of regeneration God saves men; and the life with which a man is then quickened, is connected with eternal life. The grace then implanted is a well of living water, springing up into a life that never dies. As soon as a man is born again, he is prepared for death, be his regeneration sooner or later, and from that moment always continues so.
(2) In sanctification, or a work of grace and holiness, which takes place immediately upon regeneration; and without which no man shall see the Lord; but where this is begun, it shall be carried on, and be performed, until the day of Christ; and so furnishes us with a readiness for that day. This is that oil of grace, which the wise virgins had in the vessels of their hearts, besides lamps of profession; and so were ready when the bridegroom came.
(3) The righteousness of Christ imputed, is a constant readiness for death and eternity. The church is said to make herself ready; which was done, by putting on the fine linen clean and white, the righteousness of Christ, which made her ready to meet him. Were it possible for a man to get into heaven, the marriage-chamber, without the nuptial robe, as it is not; he would be turned out, as unready and unfit, with, friend, how camest thou in hither, not having a wedding garment? And he speechless, having nothing to allege as a plea for his being there. Now such as are found in Christ, and clothed with his righteousness, will be found at death, neither naked nor speechless, but shall have a ready and an abundant entrance into Christ’s kingdom and glory.
(4) A being washed in the blood of Christ, and so clear from all guilt and charge of it, and condemnation by it, is a sure and lasting readiness for death. Christ’s blood is a fountain opened to wash in; and it has such virtue in it, as to cleanse from all sin whatever, and leaves none behind; so that a person once washed or purged by it, is clear from it, and when death comes, shall immediately inherit the kingdom of God: which none shall, but those who are washed, sanctified, and justified.
(5) Spiritual knowledge of Christ, and true faith in him, have eternal life connected with them inseparably; though not always clear, and unbeclouded, and in lively exercise, yet the principle itself always abides, and is never lost; and such who know in whom they have believed, are faithfully kept by him, to whom they have committed themselves, against the day of death and judgment.
There is another sort of readiness which is not always the same, and lies in the frame and posture of the soul, and which a saint is desirous of having when death comes, both for his own comfort and the glory of God; though he knows that his safety does not lie in it, yet he wishes to be found in the lively exercise of faith, and hope, and love, and patience, and resignation to the will of God: to be awake, and not in a slumbering frame; but watching and on his guard against the enemy, and expecting his Lord’s coming; to be frequently meditating on death, and making it familiar to himself, and so become freed from the fear and dread of it; and to be in such a disposition of mind, as to be desirous of death, and willing to depart; and rather choosing it, and longing for it; saying, why are his chariot-wheels so long in coming? And to be so fearless of death, as to triumph over it, and say, Death; where is thy sting! Grave, where is thy victory! Or however, he wishes to be in a waiting posture when death comes, waiting for the hope of righteousness by faith, and looking for his Lord’s coming with his loins girt and his lamp burning; and blessed indeed are those servants whom, when their Lord comes, he shall find so doing, 37, 43.
II. There are several things which may serve to reconcile men to death, though it is so disagreeable to nature; as, 1. The necessity of death to free them from sin and sorrow, without which they will not be free. Whilst they are in this tabernacle they are burdened with sin, and groan under their burden; nor will they be eased till the tabernacle is dissolved, or pulled down by death. Whilst they are in, this land, the Canaanites are in it, their inbred sins and corruptions, and these are thorns in their sides, and pricks in their eyes; and will continue such. But, when they have got through death into the better and heavenly country, there will be no pricking briar, nor grieving thorn, throughout the land. 2. Death is no other to saints, than going to their father’s and Christ’s father’s house; where there are many mansions provided, and where they shall enjoy the kingdom it is their father’s good pleasure to give, and where they shall have his presence for evermore. 3. It is in order to be with Christ, which is infinitely preferable to being in this world, and where they shall be for ever with him and behold his glory. 4. Which, though of lesser consideration than the former, yet it has something in it to reconcile to death, that that will introduce them into the presence and company of pious relations and friends that are gone before;. and died in Christ; so David took some satisfaction in this, that though his child was dead, and should not return to him, yet he should go to that, 2 Samuel 12:23. 5. Death is the time of the Lord’s ingathering of his people to himself; then it is he comes into his garden, and gathers his lilies, and this and the other flower, to put into his bosom. Heaven is his garner, into which lie gathers his wheat; and this is done at death. Now it is, that he makes up his jewels, his full number of them, one by one, and will lose none. 6. The death of the saints is precious in the sight of God, Psalm 115:16, and if it is precious to him, they should not shrink at it themselves.