That carelessness about sin, that trifling with temptation, that earnestness about the things of time, that forgetfulness about eternity, that readiness to swim with the tide about religion, that unwillingness to become more serious than your neighbors, that fear of being thought righteous overmuch, that love of the world’s good opinion—is this what you call coming out of great tribulation? Is this living in the Spirit? Is this striving and laboring after eternal life? Oh, look to your foundations, set your house in order. No empty ‘trust in God’s mercy’ will ever save you. You were not baptized unto idleness and indifference. Without a real hatred of sin, and a real forsaking of sin, Christ can profit you nothing. You never can be made white with the blood of the Lamb—unless you desire to have this earth’s defilements really washed away!
~ J.C. Ryle
The Christian Race & Other Sermons, “The Blood of the Lamb”, [Moscow, ID: Charles Nolan Publishing, 2002], 253.
These words are convicting and true. Christ did not die in vain or for sentimental fixes so that we can feel better about our sins.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by dan layman, Zack Kirby. Zack Kirby said: Forsake Sin and Look to Christ! http://bit.ly/bS18zQ via @JCRyleQuotes // Great exhortation this morning. [...]
I am an editor for Christian.com which is a social network dedicated to the christian community. As I look through your web site I feel a collaboration is at hand. I would be inclined to acknowledge your website offering it to our users as I’m sure our Christian reformed audience would benefit from what your site has to offer. I look forward to your thoughts or questions regarding the matter.
Vicky Silvers
vicky.silvers@gmail.com