J.C. Ryle: To Not Have the Holy Spirit's Work Seen in Our Life is to be Without Christ

There is a problem within the church.  I used to think it was an isolated issue, one that only affected the church in the United States.  But reading these words of J.C. Ryle from over a hundred years ago is a reminder that this issue is not an American "thing."  It is a sin "thing."  There are many within the walls of our churches (perhaps even those reading these words) who are fooling ourselves. We believe with all our hearts that we are God's children, that our place in the heavenly mansion is set and reserved, but when others look at our life and actions in more detail they begin to question our "conversion."  The words below are not meant to guilt anyone into submission to Christ.  Only the Holy Spirit can convict.  But do we who profess to be children of the High and Holy God live out the holy calling to which we were called and do those around us see this calling being lived out?  May the words of J.C. Ryle shake us to our core.

"A man is 'without Christ' when the Holy spirit's work cannot be seen in his life.  Who can avoid being, if he uses his eyes, that myriads of professing Christians know nothing of inward conversion of heart?  They will tell you that they believe the Christian religion; they go to their places of worship with tolerable regularity; they think it a proper thing to be married and buried with all the ceremonies of the church; they would be much offended if their Christianity were doubted.  But where is the Holy Spirit to be seen in their lives?  What are their hearts and affections set upon?  Whose is the image and superscription that stands out in their tastes and habits and ways?  Alas, there can only be one reply!  They know nothing experimentally of the renewing, sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.  They are yet dead to God.  And of all such only one account can be given.  They are 'without Christ.'

"I am well aware that few will admit this.  The vast majority will tell you that it is extreme and wild and extravagant to require so much in Christians, and to press on everyone conversion.  They will say that it is impossible to keep up the high standard which I have just referred to, without going out of the world, and that we may surely go to heaven without being such very great saints.  To all this, I can only reply, 'What says the Scripture?  What says the Lord?'  It is written, 'Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'  ' Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.'  'He that says he abides in Christ, ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.'  ' If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His' (John 3:3; Matt. 18:3; 1 John 2:6; Rom. 8:9).  The Scripture cannot be broken.  If Bible words mean anything, to be without the Spirit is to be 'without Christ'" (Holiness, J.C. Ryle).