Heaven, Christ the Key into – Charles Spurgeon

THE great King has made a banquet, and he has proclaimed to all the world that none shall enter but those who bring with them the fairest flower that blooms. The spirits of men advance to the gate by thousands, and they bring each one the flower which he has thought the best: but in crowds they are driven from his presence, and enter not into the banquet. Some bear in their hand the deadly nightshade of superstition, or carry the flaunting poppies of Rome, but these are not dear to the King, the bearers are shut out of the pearly gates. My soul, have you gathered the rose of Sharon? Do you wear the lily of the valley in your bosom constantly? If so, when you come up to the gates of Heaven you will know its value, for you have only to show this, and the porter of the gate will open, not for a moment will he deny you admission, for to that rose the porter opens ever. You shall find your way with this rose in your hand up to the throne of God himself, for Heaven itself possesses nothing which excels the rose of Sharon, and of all the flowers that bloom in Paradise there is none that can rival the lily of the valleys. Get Calvary’s blood-red rose into your hand by faith, wear it; by communion preserve it; by daily watchfulness make it your all in all, and you shall be blessed beyond all bliss, happy beyond a dream. So be it yours forever.