J.C. Ryle on Mercy Without Christ

"I warn you plainly that all notions and theories about God being merciful without Christ, and excepting through Christ, are belles delusions and empty fancies.  Such theories are as purely an idol of man's invention act he idol of Juggernaut.  They are all of the earth, earthly.  They never came down from heaven.  The God of heaven has sealed and appointed Christ as the one and only Savior and way of life, and all who would be saved must be content to be saved by Him, or they will never be saved at all" (Holiness, J.C. Ryle).

John Calvin on the Teaching of the Unlearned

This passage by John Calvin is focused on the images of wood, stone, silver, and gold found in many churches.  He calls them idols and addresses the uselessness of them.

"Let papists, then, if they have any sense of shame, henceforth desist from the futile plea, that images are the books of the unlearned - a plea so plainly refuted by innumerable passages of Scripture. . . Very different from these follies is the doctrine in which God would have them to be there instructed. His [command] is, that the doctrine common to all should there be set forth by the preaching of the word, and the administration of the sacraments - a doctrine to which little heed can be given by those whose eyes are carried to and fro gazing at idols.  And who are the unlearned, whose rudeness admits of being taught by images only?  Just those whom the Lord acknowledges for his disciples; those whom he honors with a revelation of his celestial philosophy, and desires to be trained in the saving mysteries of his kingdom.

"Paul declares, that by the true preaching of the gospel Christ is portrayed and in a manner crucified before our eyes (Gal 3:1).  Of what use, then, were the erection in churches of so many crosses of wood and stone, silver and gold, if this doctrine were faithfully and honestly preached, i.e., Christ died that he might bear our curse upon the tree, that he might [atone for] our sins by the sacrifice of his body, wash them in his blood, and, in short, reconcile us to God the Father?  From this one doctrine the people would learn more than from a thousand crosses of wood and stone.  As for crosses of gold and silver, it may be true that the [covetous] give their eyes and minds to them more eagerly than to any heavenly instructor" (Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin).

J.C. Ryle on Christ as All in Heaven

"Like the altar in Solomon's temple, Christ crucified will be the grand object in heaven.  That altar struck the eye of everyone who entered the temple gates.  It was a great bronze altar, twenty cubits broad, as broad as the front of the temple itself (2 Chron. 3:4; 4:1).  So in like manner will Jesus fill the eyes of all who enter glory.  In the midst of the throne, and surrounded by adoring angels and saints, there will be 'the Lamb that was slain.'  And 'the Lamb shall be the light of the place' (Rev. 5:6; 21:23).

"The praise of the Lord Jesus, will be the eternal song of all the inhabitants of heaven.  They will say with a loud voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb that was slain . . . Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever' (Rev. 5:12, 13).

"The service of the Lord Jesus will be one eternal occupation of all the inhabitants of heaven.  We shall 'serve Him day and night in His temple' (Rev. 7:15).  Blessed is the thought that we shall at length attend on Him without distraction, and work for Him without weariness.

"The presence of Christ Himself shall be one everlasting enjoyment of the inhabitants of heaven.  We shall see His face, and hear His voice, and speak with Him as friend with friend (Rev. 22:4).  Sweet is the thought that whoever may be at the marriage supper, the Master Himself will be there.  His presence will satisfy all our wants (Ps. 17:15).