Here's another paragraph that simply drips with the honey of truth...
Sanctification depends greatly on a diligent use of scriptural means. The "means of grace" are such as Bible reading, private prayer, and regularly worshiping God in Church, wherein one hears the Word taught and participates in the Lord’s Supper. I lay it down as a simple matter of fact that no one who is careless about such things must ever expect to make much progress in sanctification. I can find no record of any eminent saint who ever neglected them. They are appointed channels through which the Holy Spirit conveys fresh supplies of grace to the soul and strengthens the work which He has begun in the inward man. Let men call this legal doctrine if they please, but I will never shrink from declaring my belief that there are no "spiritual gains without pains." Our God is a God who works by means, and He will never bless the soul of that man who pretends to be so high and spiritual that he can get on without them.
Now here, it becomes evident whom Ryle argues against in his day - those who believed that 'sanctification' was a done deal at once, and that growth in holiness was not something every believer needs to not only have, but pursue with vigor. How refreshing are his words, particularly when juxtaposed with some of the earlier material I've quoted from him. Where are the Ryles of today?
Posted by toddpedlar at July 3, 2004 02:38 PM | TrackBack