J.C. Ryle: To Have No Heart-Faith is to be Without Christ

There are disciples of Christ who refuse to judge whether those around them are true believers of Jesus Christ.  Their fear of hurting others, receiving backlash, or even severing friendships with such individuals prevents them from seeing the spiritual condition of so many, even within the walls of the church.  With "Who am I to judge!" as their mantra, a lack of understanding of the Word of God and a fear of man is revealed.

These words of J.C. Ryle are as true today as they were one hundred years ago.  Let them sink in and may the true church of Jesus Christ stand firmly on the foundation of Christ, speaking the truth of the gospel message, and calling everyone (including many within our own churches) to KNOW Christ with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength.

"A man is 'without Christ' when he has no heart-faith in Him as his Savior.  It is quite possible to know all about Christ, and yet not to put our trust in Him.  There are multitudes who know every article of the belief, and can tell you glibly that Christ was 'born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried.'  They learned it at school.  They have it sticking fast in their memories.  But they make no practical use of their knowledge.  They put their trust in something which is not Christ.  They hope to go to heaven because they are moral and well-conducted, because they say their prayers and go to church, because they have been baptized and go the Lord's table.  But as to a lively faith in God's mercy through Christ - a real, intelligent confidence in Christ's blood and righteousness and intercession - they are things of which they know nothing at all.  And of all such people I can see but one true account.  They are 'without Christ.'

"I am aware that many do not admit the truth of what I have just said.  Some tell us that all baptized people are members of Christ by virtue of their baptism.  Others tell us that where there is a head knowledge we have no right to question a person's interest in Christ.  To these views I have only one plain answer.  The Bible forbids us to say that any man is joined to Christ until he believes.  Baptism is no proof that we are joined to Christ.  Simon Magus was baptized, and yet was distinctly told that he had 'no part or lot in this matter' (Acts 8:21).  Head-knowledge is no proof that we are joined to Christ.  The devils know Christ well enough, but have no portion in Him.  God knows, no doubt, who are His from all eternity.  But man knows nothing of anyone's justification until he believes.  The grand question is: 'Do we believe?'  It is written, 'He that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him.'  'He that believes not shall be damned' (John 3:36; Mark 16:16).  If Bible words mean anything, to be without faith is to be 'without Christ'" (Holiness, J.C. Ryle).