Thursday, April 10, 2008

There must be a difference

There must be a difference

(J. C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Matthew" 1856)

"You are the salt of the earth." Matthew 5:13

"You are the light of the world." Matthew 5:14

Surely, if words mean anything, we are meant to learn from these two figures, that there must be something marked, distinct, and peculiar about our character, if we are true Christians.

It will never do to idle through life, thinking and living like others, if we mean to be ownedby Christ as His people.

Have we grace? Then it must be seen.

Have we the Spirit? Then there must be fruit.

Have we any saving religion? Then there must be a difference of habits, tastes, and turn of mind, between us and those who thinkonly of the world.

It is perfectly clear that true Christianity is something more, than being baptized and going to church.

5 comments:

Doorman-Priest said...

I'm a bit wary of starting the Mexican wave of "Amens" again, so: Halelujah!

Joe A. said...

This means Christians must be committed to following God's will daily, whatever the cost.

“If anyone would come to me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

It's honestly something I'm failing to do daily right now.

Dawg said...

Well Joseph, each day we wake up we are given another opportunity to start fresh.

It always starts with the basics.

Prayer -
Bible reading -
Application -

Note: This applicable for me too!

Anonymous said...

Amen, if you have faith that doesn't result in life change and overall spiritual progress, you basically are in the same company as demons. Not good.
(James 2:18-19)

Blessings,
Chris

http://chris-kratzer.blogspot.com

Roland said...

And more than just talking about Him or writing about Him on blogs as well. ;)
Good post.