J.C. Ryle: If We Are Thirsty We Must Have Simple Faith

"He that thirsts and wants to come to Christ must remember that simple faith is the one thing required.  By all means let him come with a penitent, broken and contrite heart; but let him not dream of resting on that for acceptance.  Faith is the only hand that can carry the living water to our lips.  Faith is the hinge on which all turns in the matter of our justification.  It is written again and again that 'whoever believes shall not perish, but have eternal life' (John 3:15,16).  'To him that works not, but believes on Him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness' (Rom. 4:5).  Happy is he that can lay hold on the principle laid down in that matchless hymn:

     'Just as I am, without one plea,
     Save that Your blood was shed for me,
     And that You bid'st me come to You,
     O Lamb of God, I come!'"