Such a wretch you would have been! – Thomas Brooks

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3

There are but few upon whom God bestows His saving love.

Tell me, are not the gifts which Christ has given you rare gifts? What would you have been if Christ had not made a difference between you and others by those glorious gifts which He has conferred upon you? You look upon some, and see they are very ignorant of spiritual truth. O! What would you have been if God had not bestowed saving knowledge upon you? You look upon others who are unclean, profane, and filthy. Why! such a wretch you would have been if the Lord had not made a difference between you and them, by bestowing Himself, His grace, and Spirit upon you.

Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were! But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11