Holiness by J.C. Ryle
What is Holiness?
Holiness is a word that is often used in religious contexts, but what does it actually mean? J.C. Ryle, a 19th-century Anglican bishop, defined holiness as "the conformity of the heart and life to the revealed will of God." In other words, holiness is living in accordance with God's standards and commandments. Christianity teaches that in order to get to heaven, one must live a holy life.
Holiness is not something that we can achieve on our own. It is a gift from God, made possible through the work of Jesus Christ. When we repent of our sins and put our faith in Christ, we are forgiven and cleansed from all unrighteousness. We are then given the Holy Spirit, who helps us to live holy lives.
Why is Holiness Important?
Holiness is important for several reasons. First, it is essential for our relationship with God. God is holy, and he cannot tolerate sin. If we want to have a close relationship with God, we must be holy. "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).
Second, holiness is important for our witness to the world. When we live holy lives, we show others that Christianity is not just a set of rules and regulations. It is a way of life that is characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Our holiness can be a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the gospel.
Third, holiness is important for our own happiness. When we live holy lives, we experience the peace and joy that come from knowing that we are pleasing to God. We also avoid the guilt and shame that come from sinning.
How Can We Live Holy Lives?
Living a holy life is not easy, but it is possible. Here are a few tips:
- Spend time in prayer and Bible study. The Bible is God's Word, and it contains everything we need to know about how to live holy lives. Prayer is how we communicate with God and ask for his help.
- Surround yourself with other Christians. The people we spend time with have a big impact on our lives. If we want to live holy lives, we need to surround ourselves with other Christians who will encourage us and support us.
- Be accountable to others. It is helpful to have someone in our lives who we can talk to about our struggles and who will hold us accountable for our actions.
- Don't give up. Living a holy life is a lifelong journey. There will be times when we fail and sin. When this happens, we need to repent of our sins and ask for God's forgiveness. We must not give up on our goal of living holy lives.
Holiness is an essential part of the Christian life. It is not something that we can achieve on our own, but it is a gift from God that is made possible through the work of Jesus Christ. When we live holy lives, we glorify God, witness to the world, and experience the peace and joy that come from knowing that we are pleasing to him.
Frequently Asked Questions about Holiness by J.C. Ryle
What is holiness?
Holiness is a state of moral and spiritual purity, free from sin and dedicated to God. It involves striving to live in accordance with God's will and commandments.
Why is holiness important?
Holiness is essential for a meaningful relationship with God and is necessary for salvation. It is also a source of strength, joy, and peace in life.
How can I achieve holiness?
Holiness is a gift from God, but it also requires our active participation. We can pursue holiness through prayer, Bible study, worship, and obedience to God's commands.
What are the benefits of holiness?
Holiness brings joy, peace, and satisfaction in life. It also strengthens our faith, improves our relationships, and helps us witness to others about God's grace.
What are the obstacles to holiness?
Obstacles to holiness include sin, temptation, and worldly influences. We must constantly guard against these and seek God's help in overcoming them.
How can I overcome obstacles to holiness?
To overcome obstacles to holiness, we need to rely on God's grace, confess our sins, resist temptation, and seek support from other believers.
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in holiness?
The Holy Spirit empowers us to live holy lives. He convicts us of sin, guides us into righteousness, and helps us grow in spiritual maturity.
How can holiness impact my relationships?
Holiness improves our relationships by promoting love, patience, and forgiveness. It also helps us set a positive example for others.
How can holiness impact my witness to others?
Holiness is a powerful witness to the world. It demonstrates the transformative power of God's grace and attracts others to Christ.
How can I maintain holiness throughout my life?
To maintain holiness, we need to be persistent in prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. We must also seek God's guidance and strength daily.
