Many have been lost who thought they were saved.
Now the first motive that I shall lay down to provoke you to get a well-grounded assurance, is, solemnly to consider, That many are now dropped into hell that have formerly presumed of their going to heaven; as those that came bouncing at heaven-gate crying "Lord, Lord, open to us, for we have prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have case out devils, and in thy name have done many wonderful works." And yet that direful and dreaded sentence is passed upon them, "Depart from me, ye workers of iniquities," Matt. 7. 22, 26, 27.
The foolish virgins were in the a golden dream that they were as happy as the best, and yet, when they were awakened, they found the bridgegroom enterd into his glory, and the door of mercy shut against them, Matat. 25:10-12. Men are naturally prone to flatter themselves that they have grace when they have none; and that their grace is true, when it is but conterfeit; and that their condition is not so bad as that of others, when it is worse; and, with Agag, that the bitterness of death is past, when God hath his sword in his hand ready to execute the vengeance written.
I have read of a madman at Athens that laid claim to every rich ship that came into the harbour, whereas he was poor, and had no part in any. Ah! This age is full of such mad souls, that lay claim to God and Christ, and the promises and gospel privileges, and all the glory of another world, when they are poor, and blind, and miserable, and wretched, and naked, when they are Christless and graceless, &c. Ah! Christians! Labour for a well grounded assurance, so that you may not miscarry to all eternity, but may at last be found worthy to receive a crown of glory and to enter into your Master's joy, which is a joy too great and too glorious to enter into you, and therefore you must enter into it, Matt. 25:21-23. [Thomas Brooks—Heaven on Earth Pages 126-127]
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