True repentance begins with KNOWLEDGE of sin. It goes on to work SORROW for sin. It leads to CONFESSION of sin before God. It shows itself before a person by a thorough BREAKING OFF from sin. It results in producing a DEEP HATRED for all sin.
– JC Ryle –
Fear not because your prayer is stammering, your words feeble, and your language poor. Jesus can understand you.
– JC Ryle –
I am persuaded the more light we have, the more we see our own sinfulness: the nearer we get to heaven, the more we are clothed with humility.
– JC Ryle –
We could not be happy if we reached the kingdom of glory with a heart loving sin. The company of saints and angels would give us no pleasure. Our minds would not be in tune for an eternity of holiness. Let these things sink down into your hearts. We must repent as well as believe, if we hope to be saved.
– JC Ryle –
from Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, 1856
Happy are those Christians who have learned of Jesus to live for others more than for themselves, and who understand that is is “more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
– JC Ryle –
from Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Luke, 1858
Whatever you read, read the Bible first. Beware of bad books: there are plenty in this day. Take heed what you read.
– JC Ryle –
Humility is the highest grace that can adorn the Christian character.
– JC Ryle –
Praying and sinning will never live together in the same heart. Prayer will consume sin, or sin will choke prayer.
– JC Ryle –
There was an officer in the city of Rome who was appointed to have his doors always open, in order to receive any Roman citizen who applied to him for help. Just so the ear of the Lord Jesus is ever open to the cry of all who want mercy and grace. It is His office to help them. Their prayer is His delight. Think of this. Is not this encouragement?
– JC Ryle –
from A Call to Prayer