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  A HEAVEN HERE AND A HEAVEN HEREAFTER
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: The state of true grace brings happiness, safety, and
assurance, yielding a heaven here and a heaven hereafter.

Topics: "Assurance of Salvation", "Grace"
Scripture References: Psalm 16:11, Matthew 5:8, John 10:28, Romans 5:1, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:8-9, Philippians 4:7, Colossians 3:3, 1 Peter 1:8-9, 1 John 5:13

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes that being in a state of true grace brings
eternal happiness and security, making the soul cherished by God. He
explains that while grace itself ensures a future in heaven, the
awareness of being in that state provides a present joy and comfort,
creating a 'heaven here' as well. Assurance of grace is portrayed as the
pinnacle of a Christian's happiness, often accompanied by profound joy
and peace. Brooks notes that many lack this assurance, yet it is a vital
aspect of a blessed life. Ultimately, possessing grace and the certainty
of it is akin to experiencing heaven on earth.

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CONTENT
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To be in a state of true grace, is to be miserable no

more; it is to be happy forever. A soul in this state is

a soul near and dear to God. It is a soul much beloved,

and very highly valued by God. It is a soul housed in

God. It is a soul safe in God's everlasting arms. The

being in a state of grace makes a man's condition

happy, safe, and sure.

But the seeing, the knowing of himself to be in such a

state, is that which renders his life sweet and comfortable.

The being in a state of grace will yield a man a heaven

hereafter; but the seeing of himself in this state will yield

him both a heaven here and a heaven hereafter. It

will render him doubly blessed--blessed in heaven, and

blessed in his own conscience.

Assurance is the beauty and apex of a Christian's happiness

in this life. It is usually attended with the strongest joy, with

the sweetest comforts, and with the greatest peace. It is a

pearl that most want--a crown that few wear. His state is safe

and happy, whose soul is adorned with grace, though he sees

it not, though he knows it not. To have grace, and to be sure

that we have grace, is heaven on this side heaven.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/a-heaven-here-and-a-heaven-hereafter/
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