Let us never forget the sacrificial character of Christ’s death. Let us reject with abhorrence the modern notion that it was nothing more than a mighty instance of self-sacrifice and self-denial.
The J.C. Ryle Archive
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Grasp the Truth of the Cross by J.C. Ryle
Thursday, June 1, 2023
6 Marks of the Believers' Growth in Grace by J.C. Ryle
Let me take it for granted that we do not question the reality of growth in grace, and its vast importance. So far so good. But you now want to know how anyone may find out whether he is growing in grace or not?
And with Abraham, "I am dust and ashes!"
And with Jacob, "I am not worthy of the least of all Your mercies!"
And with David, "I am a worm!"
And with Isaiah, "I am a man of unclean lips!"
(Job 40:4; Genesis 18:27; 32:10; Psalm 22:6; Isaiah 6:5; Luke 5:8). The nearer he draws to God, and the more he sees of God's holiness and perfections — the more thoroughly is he sensible of his own countless sins and imperfections. The further he journeys in the way to Heaven — the more he understands what Paul meant when he says,
"I am not fit to be called an apostle!"
"I am less than the least of all saints!"
"I am the chief of sinners!"
(Philippians 3:12; 1 Corinthians 15:9; Ephesians 3:8; 1 Timothy 1:15).
His heart and His intentions,
His offices as Substitute, Intercessor, Priest, Advocate, Physician, Shepherd and Friend
his temper,
his words and
his actions. He is more watchful over his conduct in every relation of life. He strives more to be conformed to the image of Christ in all things, and to follow Him as his example — as well as to trust in Him as his Savior. He is not content with old attainments and former grace. He forgets the things that are behind, and reaches forth unto those things which are before, making "Higher!" "Upward!" "Forward!" "Onward!" his continual motto (Philippians 3:13). On earth, he thirsts and longs to have a will more entirely in unison with God's will. In Heaven, the chief thing that he looks for, next to the presence of Christ — is complete separation from all sin. Would anyone know if he is growing in grace? Then let him look within for increased holiness.
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Christ’s View of His Servants by J.C. Ryle
The least and lowest of believers will find that he is counted among Christ’s servants, and that his labor has not been in vain in the Lord.
Monday, May 22, 2023
Grasping Biblical Christianity by J.C. Ryle
Hundreds of professed converts, under religious revivals, go back to the world after a time, and bring disgrace to religion. They begin with a sadly mistaken notion of what is true Christianity. They fancy it consists in nothing more than a so-called ‘coming to Christ’, and have strong inward feelings of joy and peace.
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Steadily Following Christ by J.C. Ryle
Oh that Christians, the very best of them, were not so slack in following! Some stop to trifle with the perishable things of earth. Some stop to pick up the gaudy, scentless flowers by the wayside.
Monday, May 15, 2023
Equal Before Christ by J.C. Ryle
There is no royal road to rest of soul. Let that never be forgotten. There is only one way to the Father – Jesus Christ. One door into heaven – Jesus Christ. One path to heart-peace and rest – Jesus Christ. By that way all laboring and heavy-laden ones must go, whatever their rank or condition.
Friday, May 12, 2023
We Cannot Know This Christ Too Well! By J.C. Ryle
He that would be conformed to Christ’s image, and become a Christ–like man, must be constantly studying Christ Himself. Now the Gospels were written to make us acquainted with Christ. The Holy Spirit has told us the story of His life and death, His sayings and His doings, four times over.
Monday, May 8, 2023
Wealth and Poverty from God’s View by J.C. Ryle
Let us never give way to the common idea that people are to be valued according to their income, and that the person who has most money is the one who ought to be the most highly esteemed.
Sunday, May 7, 2023
The Tender Mercy of Christ by J.C. Ryle
Never, never let us curtail the freeness of the glorious Gospel, or clip its fair proportions. Never let us make the gate more straight and the way more narrow than pride and the love of sin have made it already.
Saturday, May 6, 2023
The Right Heart in Prayer by J.C. Ryle
Of all the list of Christian duties there is none to which there is such abounding encouragement as prayer. It is the duty which concerns all.
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
7 Marks of a Right Heart Before God by J.C. Ryle
It is a heart which has new tastes, new joys, new sorrows, new desires, new hopes, new fears, new likes, new dislikes. It has new views about the soul, sin, God, Christ, salvation, the Bible, prayer, heaven, hell, the world, and holiness. It is like a farm with a new and good tenant. “Old things are passed away. Behold all things are become new” (2 Cor. 5:17).
~ J.C. Ryle
Monday, May 1, 2023
When Believers Die by J.C. Ryle
The very moment that believers die, they are in paradise. Their battle is fought; their strife is over. They have passed through that gloomy valley which we must one day tread; they have gone over that dark river which we must one day cross. They have drunk that last bitter cup which sin has mingled for man; they have reached that place where sorrow and sighing are no more!
Desire Holiness? Start with Christ by J.C. Ryle
Would you be holy? Would you become a new creature? Then begin with Christ! You will do nothing, until you feel your sin and weakness—and flee to Him! He is the beginning of all holiness.
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
No Holy Spirit = No Christ = No Heaven by J.C. Ryle
Let it be distinctly understood that the person who does not have the Spirit, does not have Christ. They who do not have Christ have no pardon of their sins—no peace with God—no title to heaven—no well-grounded hope of being saved.
Sunday, April 23, 2023
Getting Beyond A Hearer of Truth by J.C. Ryle
The man who hears Christian teaching, and never gets beyond hearing, is like “a foolish man who built his house on the sand” [Matt. 7:26]. He satisfies himself with listening and approving, but he goes no further.
Saturday, April 22, 2023
Are You a Noble-Minded Berean? By J.C. Ryle
The state of mind we should always desire to possess is that of the noble-minded Bereans.