This quote from Spurgeon sounds inspiring but Spurgeon was fallible. He’s not the pope. I would also add that in certain places in his sermons, Spurgeon was an Arminian. This is probably due to his “fellowship” with Arminians and his conversion at a methodist church.

Justification is by faith/belief alone. Sanctification is the fruit which naturally springs forth from a believer but sanctification is always imperfect. Not even “loving” others is perfect and can therefore never be the basis or ground for our justification.

Charlie

Interesting how they both echo each other on this topic.

This post was mentioned on Twitter by JCRyleQuotes: JC Ryle – Head Knowledge Christianity http://bit.ly/iWCQ5...

No one would dispute that sanctification is unimportant. Sanctification is the fruit of true belief and understanding of the Gospel. However, to add any aspect of sanctification to justification is to add works to justification by believing/faith alone.

I think if read the 39 Articles of Religion, Articles 9 through 18, you will see that works are treated as separate from faith but that works spring naturally out of true faith:

Article XI
Of the Justification of Man
We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by faith, and not for our own works or deservings. Wherefore that we are justified by faith only is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort; as more largely is expressed in the Homily of Justification.

De Hominis Iustificatione
Tantum propter meritum Domini ac Servatoris nostri Jesu Christi, per fidem, non propter opera et merita nostra, iusti coram Deo reputamur. Quare sola fide nos iustificari, doctrina est saluberrima, ac consolationis plenissima; ut in Homilia de Iustificatione hominis Fusius explicatur.

Provenance
Based on the Confession of Würtemberg.

Article XII
Of Good Works
Albeit that good works, which are the fruits of faith and follow after justification, cannot put away our sins and endure the severity of God’s judgement, yet are they pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, and do spring out necessarily of a true and lively faith, insomuch that by them a lively faith may be as evidently known as a tree discerned by the fruit.

From: http://www.members.tripod.com/~gavvie/39articles/articles.html

Maybe I should have called the title of this Ryle quote: “Beware of a Mere Intellectual Christianity”, since that is exactly the thrust of Ryle’s quote. No, “head knowledge” is not directly used; however, it is most certainly implied.

Ryle is making sure, as he does so very well, that the Bible is not just known intellectually, but that it permeates and has “influence over our hearts, and wills, and consciences.”

Pick up a copy of Ryle’s commentary on Luke, which is linked directly below the Ryle quote, for the entire context.

Soli Deo Gloria Charlie.

In fact, Gordon H. Clark argues strongly that 70-75% of the biblical references to “heart” in fact speak of the “mind” or of “thinking.” Therefore, true faith is understanding and believing or assenting to the propositional truths taught in the Bible. Sanctification is what follows justification and the two most certainly not be confused. Justification is perfect because it is accomplished by Christ in his active and passive obedience for us. Justification takes place outside of us on the cross while sanctification is inherent in our hearts and is always short of the mark and imperfect.

I would highly recommend to everyone Gordon H. Clark’s book, What Is Saving Faith?. It’s published by the Trinity Foundation and is a worthwhile read. See: http://www.trinitylectures.org/product_info.php?products_id=60

You can also read a fair review of the book at:

http://www.faithalone.org/journal/bookreviews/clark,%20gordon.htm

The one complaint I have about this review is where Gary Nebecker says: ” Further qualification is likewise due in the distinguishing between “generic faith” and saving faith. In the case of the latter, this reviewer suggests that the pre-regenerating work of the Holy Spirit affects the will and enlightens the mind to the truth of the Gospel; whereas the former does not necessarily include divine intervention. ”

Clearly, Nebecker is taking a view similar to Arminianism where he thinks saving faith is preceeded by a general grace given to all and the deciding factor must be the will, not regeneration. However, the biblical view is that saving faith itself is a gift of God preceeded by regeneration (John 3:3-8; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 6:36-47, 65). The will cannot be changed apart from regeneration (Titus 3:4-7).

Charlie