If (when) we're near to Jesus - Charles Spurgeon

The Lord Jesus gives special revelation of Himself to His people.

Even if Scripture did not declare this, many children of God could testify to the truth of it from their own experience....

...when Jesus manifests Himself to His people, it is heaven on earth; it is paradise in embryo; it is bliss begun.

Special manifestations of Christ exercise a holy influence on the believer's heart.

One effect will be humility.

If a man says, "I have had such-and-such spiritual communications; I am a great man," he has never had any communication with Jesus at all; for "the LORD regards the lowly, but the haughty He knows from afar" (Psalm 138:6).  He does not need to come near the haughty to know them and will never give them visits of love.

Another effect will be happiness; for in God's presence there are pleasures forevermore.

Holiness will be sure to follow. A man who has no holiness has never had this manifestation [God's revelation]. Some men profess a great deal, but we must not believe anyone unless we see that his actions agree with what he says.

 "Do not be deceived. God is not mocked" (Galatians 6:7). He will not bestow His favors upon the wicked, for He will neither cast away a perfect man, nor will he respect an evildoer.

Thus there will be three effects of nearness to Jesus--humility, happiness, and holiness.

May God give them to you, Christian!

           --  Charles Spurgeon