Surely, we cannot know
this CHRIST too well!
(J.C. Ryle, "Holiness, Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots" 1879)
It would be well if Christians studied
the four Gospels more than they do.
No doubt, all Scripture is profitable.
It is not wise to exalt one part of
the Bible at the expense of another.
But I think it would be good for some
who are very familiar with the Epistles--
if they knew a little more about the
writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Now, why do I say this?
I say it because I want Christians
to know more about CHRIST.
It is good to be acquainted with
all the doctrines and principles
of Christianity.
It is better to be acquainted with
CHRIST HIMSELF. It is well to be
familiar with faith and grace and
justification and sanctification.
They are all matters "pertaining to
the KING." But it is far better to be
familiar with JESUS HIMSELF, to see
the KING'S own face, and to behold
HIS beauty!
This is one secret of eminent holiness!
HE who would be conformed to CHRIST'S
image, and become a Christ-like man--
must be constantly studying CHRIST HIMSELF!
Now the Gospels were written to make
us acquainted with CHRIST. The HOLY
SPIRIT has told us the story of HIS life
and death, HIS sayings and HIS doings--
four times over. Four different inspired
hands have drawn the picture of the SAVIOR.
HIS ways,
HIS manners,
HIS feelings,
HIS wisdom,
HIS grace,
HIS patience,
HIS love,
HIS power--
are all graciously unfolded to us
by four different witnesses.
Ought not the sheep to be
familiar with the Shepherd?
Ought not the patient to be
familiar with the Physician?
Ought not the bride to be
familiar with the Bridegroom?
Ought not the sinner to be
familiar with the SAVIOR?
Beyond doubt it ought to be so.
The Gospels were written to
make men familiar with CHRIST,
and therefore I wish men to study
the Gospels.
On whom must we build our
souls, if we would be accepted
by GOD? We must build on
the Rock, CHRIST.
From whom must we draw
that grace of the SPIRIT
which we daily need in order
to be fruitful? We must draw
from the Vine, CHRIST.
To whom must we look for
sympathy when earthly friends
fail us or die? We must look
to our elder Brother, CHRIST.
By whom must our prayers be
presented, if they are to be heard
on high? They must be presented
by our Advocate, CHRIST.
With whom do we hope to spend
the eternity of glory? With the KING
of kings, CHRIST.
Surely, we cannot know
this CHRIST too well!
Surely there is not a word, nor a deed,
nor a day, nor a step, nor a thought
in the record of HIS life, which ought
not to be precious to us. We should
labor to be familiar with every line
that is written about JESUS!
this CHRIST too well!
(J.C. Ryle, "Holiness, Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots" 1879)
It would be well if Christians studied
the four Gospels more than they do.
No doubt, all Scripture is profitable.
It is not wise to exalt one part of
the Bible at the expense of another.
But I think it would be good for some
who are very familiar with the Epistles--
if they knew a little more about the
writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Now, why do I say this?
I say it because I want Christians
to know more about CHRIST.
It is good to be acquainted with
all the doctrines and principles
of Christianity.
It is better to be acquainted with
CHRIST HIMSELF. It is well to be
familiar with faith and grace and
justification and sanctification.
They are all matters "pertaining to
the KING." But it is far better to be
familiar with JESUS HIMSELF, to see
the KING'S own face, and to behold
HIS beauty!
This is one secret of eminent holiness!
HE who would be conformed to CHRIST'S
image, and become a Christ-like man--
must be constantly studying CHRIST HIMSELF!
Now the Gospels were written to make
us acquainted with CHRIST. The HOLY
SPIRIT has told us the story of HIS life
and death, HIS sayings and HIS doings--
four times over. Four different inspired
hands have drawn the picture of the SAVIOR.
HIS ways,
HIS manners,
HIS feelings,
HIS wisdom,
HIS grace,
HIS patience,
HIS love,
HIS power--
are all graciously unfolded to us
by four different witnesses.
Ought not the sheep to be
familiar with the Shepherd?
Ought not the patient to be
familiar with the Physician?
Ought not the bride to be
familiar with the Bridegroom?
Ought not the sinner to be
familiar with the SAVIOR?
Beyond doubt it ought to be so.
The Gospels were written to
make men familiar with CHRIST,
and therefore I wish men to study
the Gospels.
On whom must we build our
souls, if we would be accepted
by GOD? We must build on
the Rock, CHRIST.
From whom must we draw
that grace of the SPIRIT
which we daily need in order
to be fruitful? We must draw
from the Vine, CHRIST.
To whom must we look for
sympathy when earthly friends
fail us or die? We must look
to our elder Brother, CHRIST.
By whom must our prayers be
presented, if they are to be heard
on high? They must be presented
by our Advocate, CHRIST.
With whom do we hope to spend
the eternity of glory? With the KING
of kings, CHRIST.
Surely, we cannot know
this CHRIST too well!
Surely there is not a word, nor a deed,
nor a day, nor a step, nor a thought
in the record of HIS life, which ought
not to be precious to us. We should
labor to be familiar with every line
that is written about JESUS!
~ ~ ~ ~
GraceGems has published J.R. Miller's encouraging 2 page article,
"Cheerful Counsel for Christians".
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