February 2014

by Abraham Booth

in .mobi, ePub & .pdf formats

THE gospel of Reigning Grace, being a doctrine truly divine, has ever been the object of the world's contempt. It was of old a stumbling-block to the self-righteous Jew, and foolishness to the philosophic Greek. Paul, who was a resolute asserter of the honours of grace, and indefatigable in preaching Christ, found it so by repeated experience; and that not only among the illiterate and profane, but also among the learned and the devout. Nay, he had frequent occasion to observe, that the religious devotees of his age were the first in opposing the doctrine he preached, and the most hardened enemies against the truth of God. The polite, the learned, the religious, were all agreed to load both his character and his doctrine with the foulest reproaches. Nor was this treatment peculiar to Paul, but common to all his contemporaries, who espoused the same glorious cause, and laboured in the same beneficent work. The doctrine they preached was charged with licentiousness. Their enemies boldly affirmed that they said; Let us do evil that good may come. Thus were their character and their labours impeached: that, as hateful to God; these, as destructive to man.

One of the core doctrinal distinctives of many modern-day evangelicals is that the Holy Spirit would never unilaterally come in and change people's hearts against their will. But this is an assumed conviction which arises only from human reasoning or extra-biblical philosophy because none can point to anywhere in Scripture that would give authority to such an idea. Rather, the Bible teaches that the human will is always captive to sin and opposed to God such that no one would ever willingly follow Christ unless God, in His great mercy, supernaturally intervened to change the natural disposition of this heart (2 Tim. 2:26; Rom 3:11-18; 1 Cor 2:14; Deut 30:6; Ezek 36: 26; John 3:1-8; 6:63-65; Eph 2:1, 5). Man would never agree to this. But when he is given a new heart, he willingly follows the Savior.

When our children do something to put themselves in danger of losing their life, what would be the most loving? 1) to let them continue in their folly and choose for themselves or 2) to intervene, against their will, to deliver them from it? Of course #2. We know better than our children what is good for them. This everyday example disproves that tired old argument that man must have a free will for their to be real love. Actually helping someone who cannot help themselves is the most loving thing we can do.  And this is what God did for those who were captive to sin.  He delivered them. He did not consult our will ... or no one would have been saved.

"Even Roman Catholics believe that salvation is by grace... that is not the issue...and never has been ... the issue is that salvation is by grace ALONE. In other words, Jesus is not only necessary but sufficient to save us to the uttermost."

Sadly, even many Protestants claim they believe in "grace alone" in their confession but deny it with their theology. In many cases, such claims are largely meaningless and without substance. For example, if you believe a man can lose his salvation then, by definition, you already affirm that YOU must maintain your own just standing before God. Christ may be necessary in the process but He only partly helps - or maybe even contributes a large part. But "part" is not "all" of Christ, or else loss of salvation would be an impossible supposition ... but because there is something you could do to lose it, you must, therefore, maintain it. With the help of grace yes... but such grace, by itself, is not enough if you can do something to lose it ... it is grace plus my effort. That is not "All of Christ" or "Christ alone" by any definition.

by J. C. Ryle

This exceptional book is now available free from Monergism in mobi, ePub & .pdf formats. I would encourage every Christian to carefully read and digest the contents.. Ryle's words speak directly to the condition of many modern churches. These words are gems full of wisdom from a wise pastor which will edify and equip you for discernment.

In .mobi, ePub & .pdf formats

The ambiguity and obscurity of statements from religious leaders today often confuse ordinary Christians. J.C. Ryle s writings were of a different character. His outspoken comments can still help us towards clear Bible-based convictions.

The church s doctrine and practice are in constant danger of being corrupted from their original divinely-given character. Seeing this, Ryle felt compelled to utter a warning, however controversial this might prove. As he observes, There are times when controversy is...a benefit. Give me the mighty thunderstorm rather than the pestilential malaria. The one walks in darkness and poisons us in silence...The other frightens and alarms us for a little season. But it is soon over, and it clears the air .

Strong convictions and clarity of expression always mark Ryle s writings. Nowhere is this more evident than in the addresses and articles brought together as Warnings to the Churches.

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