Two Question

Two questions naturally arise here. (1) Have we truly accepted the fact that generically we are as heavenly as He who adorns the Father's throne? (Compare John 17:16 with Heb. 2:11.)
(2) How far does the character and order of our lives make obvious that our former earthly standing has been eternally abrogated to make room for the new and indissoluble relations we hold to the Man through whom God has gratified His own heart in exalting Him to highest glory? If believers could answer these questions satisfactorily, it would be utterly impossible that they should go on in practical fellowship with the course and current of this world, or that they should be governed by its principles, giving utterance to its maxims, aiding its objects, adopting its practices, and accepting its patronage. The fruit of this is as the apples of Sodom whose reaping shall ever be leanness and poverty and wretchedness of soul.
May He, "THE HEAVENLY," so blessedly connect with Himself the hearts of those who have accepted His heavenly call, that our Christianity may not conform with that of this poor, faithless world. But may they be, through grace, ever acquiring in an increasing degree a character suited to its divine origin: a character expressive of its celestial destiny and redolent with the graces and the virtues of a glorified Christ!