Pursuing Christlikeness: Reflections on J.C. Ryle’s Holiness

Introduction

I have been trying to read through J.C. Ryle’s book Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots for a while now, and I’ve managed to get through about fifty percent. I find Ryle’s preaching style to be one of great depth and direction, always delivered with the utmost seriousness. Preacher Ryle consistently points us toward Christlikeness, urging believers to confront the reality of sin and pursue a life transformed by the Holy Spirit. His work is a powerful call to examine our hearts and align our lives with God’s will. I highly recommend Holiness to anyone seeking depth in preaching and a renewed focus on spiritual growth. The following are notes I’ve compiled from my reading so far, reflecting Ryle’s profound insights into sin, sanctification, and the Christian’s call to holiness.

The Nature and Pervasiveness of Sin

Ryle defines sin as any deviation from perfect conformity with God’s mind and law, whether through actions, words, thoughts, or omissions (p. 13). He emphasizes that sin is not only doing what we ought not but also failing to do what we ought, as seen in Jesus’ condemnation of those who neglected to feed the hungry or give drink to the thirsty (Matthew 25:41-42, p. 14). Even ignorance does not excuse us, as Christ teaches that the servant who did not know his master’s will still faces punishment (Luke 12:48, p. 14). Ryle warns against measuring sinfulness by our own imperfect standards, urging us to trust God’s Word alone to define sin (p. 14). He describes sin as a universal disease infecting every part of our moral constitution—our understanding, affections, reasoning, and will—rendering even our conscience unreliable without the Holy Spirit’s guidance (Isaiah 1:6, p. 15). This corruption is evident worldwide, from civilized nations to remote islands, where the human heart is “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9, p. 16).

Reflection: As believers, we must acknowledge sin’s pervasive grip and reject the temptation to minimize it. Only by relying on God’s Word and the Holy Spirit can we discern and confront our sinfulness, trusting not in our own strength but in God’s grace to overcome.

The Ongoing Battle Against Sin

Ryle underscores that even regenerate believers carry the roots of sin, which persist until death (p. 16). The Christian life is marked by a daily struggle between the flesh and the Spirit, a warfare that testifies to sin’s vitality (Galatians 5:17, p. 30). Yet, this conflict is a sign of spiritual life, as Ryle notes, “A true Christian is one who has not only peace of conscience, but war within” (p. 30). He portrays believers as soldiers under Christ’s command, engaged in a universal fight against sin, the world, and the devil (p. 61). This warfare requires vigilance, prayer, and the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-13, p. 60). Ryle warns that a lack of conflict may indicate a soul still captive to Satan, where “the strong man armed keepeth the house, and his goods are at peace” (Luke 11:21, p. 61).

Reflection: The presence of spiritual struggle is evidence of God’s work within us. Rather than despairing over our battles, we should take heart, knowing that our fight against sin is fought under Christ’s leadership, with the Holy Spirit’s strength. Let us pray daily for grace to persevere.

Sanctification: The Path to Christlikeness

Sanctification, Ryle explains, is the inward work of the Holy Spirit that separates believers from their natural love of sin, implants a new principle in their hearts, and makes them practically godly (p. 26). It is an inseparable outcome of regeneration and true faith, as “where there is no sanctification of life, there is no real faith in Christ” (John 15:5, James 2:17-20, p. 27). Sanctification is a progressive work, dependent on diligent use of means like Bible reading, prayer, and worship (p. 30). It involves habitual obedience to God’s law, striving to do Christ’s will, and showing mercy and humility (pp. 35, 44). Ryle stresses that sanctification is essential for salvation, as “without holiness no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14, p. 39). It is not optional but a necessary evidence of faith, preparing us for heaven (p. 32).

Reflection: Sanctification is not achieved by our own efforts but through the Spirit’s transformative power. We must actively engage with God’s Word and prayer, trusting Him to mold us into Christ’s image. Are we diligent in these means, or do we grieve the Spirit through neglect?

The Cost and Reward of Holiness

Ryle is clear that pursuing holiness comes at a cost. It requires renouncing all sin, even those we cherish, and breaking off every habit contrary to God’s will (Ezekiel 18:31, p. 74). It demands diligence, forsaking the love of ease, and daily vigilance over our behavior (Proverbs 13:4, p. 74). Yet, the reward is profound: a sanctified life brings peace, assurance, and readiness for heaven (pp. 40, 104). Assurance, the flower of faith, enables believers to face trials with confidence, knowing their salvation is secure in Christ (Romans 8:33-34, p. 104). Ryle urges us to seek this assurance through fervent prayer and a close walk with Christ, warning that inconsistency and cherished sins dim our spiritual vision (p. 112).

Reflection: The cost of holiness is high, but the cost of neglecting it is far greater—eternal separation from God. Let us count the cost, surrender our sins, and lean on Christ’s strength, knowing that a life devoted to Him is the happiest life (p. 68).

Conclusion

J.C. Ryle’s Holiness challenges us to confront sin’s reality, engage in the spiritual battle, and pursue sanctification with unwavering dependence on the Holy Spirit. His words remind us that we cannot achieve Christlikeness in our own strength but must rely on God’s grace. As we strive for holiness, let us trust in Christ, our Captain, who leads us to victory. May we heed Ryle’s call to examine our hearts, reject complacency, and press toward the mark of God’s high calling (Philippians 3:14).