Holiness
Lately I have been reading J.C. Ryle’s marquee work simple entitled “Holiness” I have learned a lot thus far about two important theological topics: justification and sanctification. Issiah came undone in the sixth chapter of his commission and proclaimed ” Woe is me, I am undone.” This is the clarion response of all the stories in the Bible and reveals the unfathomable holiness of God. Too often, God is seen as the “Big man or a Buddy” in the evangelical milieu, and as Christians, we are sinners in need of God’s grace through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God sent His Son to redeem sinners and to give them new life. To neglect the doctrine of justification is to confuse sanctification. Ryle wrote brilliantly and succinctly about this distinction, and I pray that I find my identity in the finished work of Christ, who obeyed, died and rose for my justification. Christians are called to be holy as our heavenly father is perfect, but we easily confuse what the law reveals with what the gospel does to free us from the condemnation of the law.
Another book that first awakened me to this all important theme in the Bible was R.C. Sproul’s book “The Holiness of God.” In my early years as a Christian I didn’t have much exposure to this doctrine of Scripture. At times, the reign of sin seems inescapable. The good I want to do is marred by the evil that is right beside me. Yet the Good news is that Jesus took upon Himself that egregious and hell-worthy sin on the cross. We proclaim Christ and Him crucified for sinners, and trust that He who began a good work will bring it to completion in Christ Jesus. Paul fought the good fight of faith, and reckoned himself the chief of all sinners. He had nothing to boast in except our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Ryle also addressed growing in grace and assurance. i encouraged by this book and pray that I put on the whole armor of God to resit the wily machinations of the devil, the world and the flesh.
