Holiness-Its Nature

                HOLINESS: ITS NATURE, HINDRANCES, DIFFICULTIES AND ROOTS

Author J.C. Ryle

Publisher Ichthus Publications

978-1946971036

The writings of Bishop Ryle are little known today.  He was a well loved Anglican Bishop of Liverpool at the end of the nineteenth century.  The Puritans were his favourite authors and for a long while his writings have been neglected though they shortly appeared when published by Banner of Truth and even Baker Bookhouse when the latter brought out a book, “A Call to Holiness,” a smaller volume that is somewhat included in this later publication.  Here solid theology is to be found.  At the time of his writing, the ‘holiness’ movement was creating great attention.  Complete sanctification and meetings, often quite large, emphasising a second blessing of holiness were attracting many.  It was a needed thrust as far as the Christian church was concerned in the late nineteenth century, holiness of life had been neglected in many quarters.  I think this is why this particular book demands attention in our day.  Holiness, sanctification, fighting the fight of faith, becoming like Jesus, these are not emphases commonly heard in the preaching and ministry nowadays.  J.C.Ryle challenges the idea of a second blessing holiness doctrine.  He also follows the usual Puritan position that Romans seven sets forth what could be a normal Christian life.  Some readers of Ryle will dispute this analysis but this should not stop the reader from pursuing their way through these chapters.  They are challenging especially as they logically and systematically exposit scriptures that press home the point of holy living and what it is.  Particularly challenging is the necessity of fighting the good fight of faith and the serious cost to be a person holy unto the Lord.  For Ryle, evangelical (and in our day he would have said, “charismatic”) preaching that is not accompanied by a holy life is worse than useless in that it brings the truth of God into disrepute.  How much this is needed when there is little difference in the daily living of those who call themselves Christians and the world around about them.  If you want to be stretched by some sound and challenging doctrine and walk slowly through these pages and so embrace what is being said by the power of the Holy Spirit, this book could be life changing for you.  

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