Holiness - Chapter 3 "Holiness" Part 2

In this post on Chapter 3 in J.C. Ryle's Holiness, we will look at "some reasons why practical holiness is so important."

(a) "...we must be holy, because the voice of God in Scripture plainly commands it." Over and over in Scripture, we find that God demands and requires holiness. God is holy, and as His people, we are to follow after Him, even as a child imitates his father. See Matt. 5:20, 48; 1 Pet. 1:15-16

(b) "We must be holy, because this is one grand end and purpose for which Christ came into the world... In short, to talk of men being saved from the guilt of sin, without being at the same time saved from its dominion in their hearts, is to contradict the witness of all Scripture. Are believers said to be elect? - it is 'through sanctification of the Spirit.' Are they predestined? - it is 'to be conformed to the image of God's Son.' Are they chosen? - it is 'that they may be holy.' Are they called? - it is 'with a holy calling.' Are they afflicted? - it is that they may become 'partakers of holiness.' Jesus is a complete Saviour. He does not merely take away the guilt of a believer's sin, He does more - He breaks its power" (1 Pet. 1:2; Rom. 8:29; Eph.1:4; 2 Tim. 1:9; Heb. 12:10).

(c) "We must be holy, because this is the only sound evidence that we have a saving faith in our Lord Jesus Christ." As the Apostle James points out in his epistle, faith without works is dead (James 2:17). You cannot have one without the other. A tree will be known by the fruit it yields!

(d) "We must be holy, because this is the only proof that we love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity." If we truly love our Saviour, we will do whatsoever He commands us to do (John 14: 15, 21, 23; 15:14), and strive against sin, following in His holy footsteps. As Ryle states: "Surely that man must be in unhealthy state of soul who can think of all that Jesus suffered, and yet cling to those sins for which that suffering was undergone. It was sin that wove the crown of thorns - it was sin that pierced our Lord's hands, and feet, and side - it was sin that brought him to Gethsemane and Calvary, to the cross and to the grave. Cold must our hearts be of we do not hate sin and labor to get rid of it, though we may have to cut of the right hand and pluck out the right eye in doing it."

(e) "We must be holy, because this is the only sound evidence that we are true children of God." Ryle reminds us that children usually imitate their parents, no doubt some more so, some less so, but nevertheless, it is very rare that you cannot find some family resmblence. So it is with us, the children of the Heavenly Father. If we truly belong to Him, our lives, our words, our actions will bear witness to it. See Rom. 8:14; John 8:39, 42.

(f) "We must be holy, because this is the most likely way to do good to others." Whatever we do, whether good or bad, will affect others. If we lead godly lives, our effect upon those around us will havea positive impact, whereas sin will only breed harm and mischief. In fact, we will cause non-believers to shun Christianity if our actions do not live up to the Name by which we are called.

(g) "We must be holy, because our present comfort depends much upon it." God designed it so that there is a connection between sin and grief, holiness and joy. Do you feel good when you break God's commands? If your heart is tender, then no, breaking God's law should not make you feel good. Rather, it should grieve you, and cause you sorrow. On the other hand, there is a certain feeling of peace, joy, and happiness which comes when one does the commands of Jesus fully and well. See 1 John 2:3; 3:19

(h) "We must be holy, because without holiness on earth we shall never be prepared to enjoy Heaven." What joy would a wicked man have in the presence of God's saints? A "Christian" who is not holy, has no mind or heart for the things of God, and does not delight in following Him - this man will have no joy in a place where all is holy and pure and perfect. Rather, he should feel most out of place, like a black sheep among the white ones. No, only those who strive after holiness in this life can expect to enjoy Heaven. See Rev. 21:27

My next post will cover the final part of Chapter 3.

Persevero,

Scribe