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Holiness
He that wishes to attain right views about Christian holiness must begin by examining the vast and solemn subject of sin. The plain truth is that a right knowledge of sin lies at the root of all saving Christianity. The characters of God’s most eminent saints, as drawn and described in the Bible, form a most useful part of Holy Scripture.
561 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1877
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About the author
J.C. Ryle
823 books490 followers(John Charles Ryle) Ryle started his ministry as curate at the Chapel of Ease in Exbury, Hampshire, moving on to become rector of St Thomas's, Winchester in 1843 and then rector of Helmingham, Suffolk the following year. While at Helmingham he married and was widowed twice. He began publishing popular tracts, and Matthew, Mark and Luke of his series of Expository Thoughts on the Gospels were published in successive years (1856-1858). His final parish was Stradbroke, also in Suffolk, where he moved in 1861, and it was as vicar of All Saints that he became known nationally for his straightforward preaching and firm defence of evangelical principles. He wrote several well-known and still-in-print books, often addressing issues of contemporary relevance for the Church from a biblical standpoint. He completed his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels while at Stradbroke, with his work on the Gospel of John (1869). His third marriage, to Henrietta Amelia Clowes in 1861, lasted until her death in 1889.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 545 reviews
October 17, 2012
A remarkable number of books that promote 'formulas' for living the Christian life have had their day on the Christian bestseller lists, only to fade away as time goes on. Yet J.C. Ryle's Holiness, which was first published 126 years ago, shows no signs of going out of style. What could possibly account for the longevity of a volume that Reformation & Revival Journal once called "the finest work on living the Christian life available"? I offer three reasons:
1) It gives no formulas. Bishop Ryle, an evangelical Anglican minister from the mid-to-late 1800s, magnified the grace of God in Christ and spoke often of the joy, peace and assurance available to all who trust in the Son of God. And yet, as Holiness demonstrates, he had no illusions that the Christian life would be a walk in the park. Beginning immediately at Chapter One, where Ryle explains the terrible subtlety of sin and its power to trip up believers even though they are free from its domination, he takes nothing for granted. He dismantles many false ideas about Christian growth that damaged the lives of Christians of his time. Some believers (including this one) who read Holiness today will notice that many of these ideas are still around, and have messed them up at certain points of their lives.
2) It is remarkably accessible and easy to read, considering its age. Sometimes I see Ryle's books published in modern paraphrased versions, and I am at a loss to know why! Ryle's style is described by many as "plain and pointed", without any of the formalities that characterize 19th Century English (compare and his contrast his works with those of his great Baptist contemporary, Charles Spurgeon).
3) It is thoroughly biblical. If aspiring preachers and teachers want a great model whom they can follow of someone who effortlessly brought the whole counsel of Scripture to bear upon the subject being discussed, Ryle is their man!
1) It gives no formulas. Bishop Ryle, an evangelical Anglican minister from the mid-to-late 1800s, magnified the grace of God in Christ and spoke often of the joy, peace and assurance available to all who trust in the Son of God. And yet, as Holiness demonstrates, he had no illusions that the Christian life would be a walk in the park. Beginning immediately at Chapter One, where Ryle explains the terrible subtlety of sin and its power to trip up believers even though they are free from its domination, he takes nothing for granted. He dismantles many false ideas about Christian growth that damaged the lives of Christians of his time. Some believers (including this one) who read Holiness today will notice that many of these ideas are still around, and have messed them up at certain points of their lives.
2) It is remarkably accessible and easy to read, considering its age. Sometimes I see Ryle's books published in modern paraphrased versions, and I am at a loss to know why! Ryle's style is described by many as "plain and pointed", without any of the formalities that characterize 19th Century English (compare and his contrast his works with those of his great Baptist contemporary, Charles Spurgeon).
3) It is thoroughly biblical. If aspiring preachers and teachers want a great model whom they can follow of someone who effortlessly brought the whole counsel of Scripture to bear upon the subject being discussed, Ryle is their man!
January 13, 2011
Ryle's work is a classic Reformed defense of the pursuit of sanctification as an active enterprise against various late 19th century denigrations of that understanding. He is, in a way, a Puritan out of place in history (and easier to read than John Owen). In Holiness, Ryle stands against extremes among the Reformed and Lutheran that claim sanctification is all about faith, but also against the holiness movements of his day, arising in part out of a misdirection of Wesley's understanding of immediate sanctification.
He begins noting the difference between justification and sanctification: "In justification the word to be addressed to man is believe - only believe; in sanctification the word must be 'watch, pray, and fight.' What God has divided let us not mingle and confuse." At the same time each are integral to a complete understanding of the salvation won in Jesus Christ.
The book is a collection of addresses, not a completely systematic understanding, but his first three chapters (on sin, sanctification, and holiness) come close to that kind of completeness. His words are challenging and demand doctrinal understanding, deep personal awareness, and an application of doctrine to life. "Sanctification is that inward spiritual work which the Lord Jesus Christ works in a man by the Holy Ghost , when He calls him to be a true believer. He not only washes him from his sins in His own blood, but He also separates him from his natural love of sin and the world, puts a new principle in his heart, and makes him practically godly in life."
My criticism is two-fold (aside from the too constant Reformed denial of the possibility of holiness in this lifetime). Like the Puritans before him, Ryle makes holiness a mental experience, often ignoring the fact that we are embodied beings and might need direction in the physical realm. He also makes it too individual an experience, ignoring the communal call to holiness and the role of the church in achieving Christian maturity. As a spur to holiness this is a wonderful book, but it requires a "style of life" lived out in the physical world and amid Christ's body here on earth.
He begins noting the difference between justification and sanctification: "In justification the word to be addressed to man is believe - only believe; in sanctification the word must be 'watch, pray, and fight.' What God has divided let us not mingle and confuse." At the same time each are integral to a complete understanding of the salvation won in Jesus Christ.
The book is a collection of addresses, not a completely systematic understanding, but his first three chapters (on sin, sanctification, and holiness) come close to that kind of completeness. His words are challenging and demand doctrinal understanding, deep personal awareness, and an application of doctrine to life. "Sanctification is that inward spiritual work which the Lord Jesus Christ works in a man by the Holy Ghost , when He calls him to be a true believer. He not only washes him from his sins in His own blood, but He also separates him from his natural love of sin and the world, puts a new principle in his heart, and makes him practically godly in life."
My criticism is two-fold (aside from the too constant Reformed denial of the possibility of holiness in this lifetime). Like the Puritans before him, Ryle makes holiness a mental experience, often ignoring the fact that we are embodied beings and might need direction in the physical realm. He also makes it too individual an experience, ignoring the communal call to holiness and the role of the church in achieving Christian maturity. As a spur to holiness this is a wonderful book, but it requires a "style of life" lived out in the physical world and amid Christ's body here on earth.
December 16, 2022
Wonderful and relevant as one would expect from Ryle. The key to holiness is to see that Christ is all in all.
August 22, 2025
So so good. Many times I had to stop reading and go to the Lord to confess, to rejoice, and to thank him. Felt like this was like a sermon series in a book. I will return to this often!
September 22, 2012
WOW!!! This book was written in the late 1800s, but it reads like it was written today!! Each chapter is a separate paper written by J.C. Ryle, some were sermons, all focused on SCRIPTURAL holiness. Ryle's discussions are beautifully simple and completely scripturally founded. He begins with chapters on sin, sanctification, holiness, then continues on to offer biblical examples of his points. His chapter on Moses clearly represents Moses as a type of Christ: Moses left the rank and greatness and riches of Pharaoh's court to come down to the enslaved and persecuted children of Israel to choose suffering and affliction to deliver them. Sound familiar?? Moses' life is an illustration, a shadow of what Jesus Christ has done for us. Christ left the majesty of heaven to come down to a people enslaved and afflicted by sin to suffer for our deliverance. Christ is truly found on every page of the Bible, God's story of the redemption of His people. Ryle says, " You must learn to believe promises better than possessions; things unseen better than things seen; things in heaven out of sight better than things on earth before your eyes; the praise of the invisible God better than the praise of visible man. then, and then only, you will make a choice like Moses, and prefer God to the world." The last chapter is entitled, "Christ is all," because this is the ultimate goal of our pursuit of holiness: to be like Christ. We will never achieve this perfectly in this world, but we are to strive toward this goal. "Let us all learn and strive to do so more and more. Let us live ON Christ. Let us live IN Christ. Let us live WITH Christ. Let us live TO Christ. So doing, we shall prove that we fully realize that "Christ is all." So doing, we shall feel great peace, and attain more of that "holiness without which no man shall see the Lord."
(Hebrews 12:14)
This book is definitely one of my favorite books of all times, and I would highly recommend it to everyone, not only Christians, but anyone who wants to know what is at the heart of Christianity: CHRIST.
(Hebrews 12:14)
This book is definitely one of my favorite books of all times, and I would highly recommend it to everyone, not only Christians, but anyone who wants to know what is at the heart of Christianity: CHRIST.
July 19, 2019
Thank the Lord for the wonderful man J. C. Ryle is.
It just got better and better every chapter, with the pinnacle being the last three chapters...
This book is a BANGER. ALL CAPS!
It just got better and better every chapter, with the pinnacle being the last three chapters...
This book is a BANGER. ALL CAPS!
June 19, 2022
Okay, okay, okay. I keep trying to choose one passage from this book to share. One thing I could say that would MAKE everyone read this. To write my best review ever. Because that's what this book deserves. But honestly months have gone by since I finished it and I am no closer to accomplishing any of those things. I want to do a book like this justice, but frankly it's impossible for me to do so, because I'm just not that skilled.
So I'll just say, if I had one book...
One.
As a Christian.
That I thought you should read....
It would be this one.
This is *the best* book I've ever read in my life. Every page is covered in highlights and notes. It took me half a year to read this...why?
Because it was changing me.
I couldn't rush through it. It was too important. I could feel it settling into the base of my heart and seeping into the corners of my mind. Making me think and question and pray. I've been convicted and encouraged and I've truly learned. What else can I ask for in a book?
If I had a million dollars, I'd buy everyone a copy for Christmas. If I could make it required reading I would. What can I say to impress upon you that you need this one? Whatever it is, I'll say it.
I think reading this book will change your life.
Give it a try.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+❤️
So I'll just say, if I had one book...
One.
As a Christian.
That I thought you should read....
It would be this one.
This is *the best* book I've ever read in my life. Every page is covered in highlights and notes. It took me half a year to read this...why?
Because it was changing me.
I couldn't rush through it. It was too important. I could feel it settling into the base of my heart and seeping into the corners of my mind. Making me think and question and pray. I've been convicted and encouraged and I've truly learned. What else can I ask for in a book?
If I had a million dollars, I'd buy everyone a copy for Christmas. If I could make it required reading I would. What can I say to impress upon you that you need this one? Whatever it is, I'll say it.
I think reading this book will change your life.
Give it a try.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+❤️
October 21, 2018
This book will change your outlook on what it means to live a life worthy of the Gospel. Despite writing in 1877, Ryle speaks so clearly to the reader, and so insightfully into a society that has surprisingly changed very little.
August 23, 2024
Definitely top 5 favorite books of all time! Ryle is probably my favorite author I’ve read, love his writing style.
Read
September 6, 2020This was a very interesting and life-giving read, but also challenging and convicting. It is incredibly accessible and easy to read. The book is comprised of distinct papers that are all related to the topic of holiness but do not necessarily follow one after the other, save the first three chapters. The first three chapters set up the main thesis of the entire work and essentially establishes why a person should care about holiness. I would summarize his main points like this: sanctification and justification are never separate, though they ought to be distinguished. While both are works of God bought by the blood of Jesus, sanctification really does require serious work, prayer, and watchfulness on our part.
What follows is chapter after chapter of biblical exposition and practical application. Ryle's expositions are deep and insightful, and he is incredibly skilled at mining the texts of scripture for rich truths. What I love about Ryle, though, is that he seldom does this in a way that makes him seem "too smart," as if what he is doing with the Word isn't something I or any other person couldn't do ourselves. He simply presents it in such a way that stirs your heart to humility and worship. He is an experienced teacher of the law and preacher of the gospel, and this is seen on every page. At the heart of all his writings is an emphasis on and exaltation of the person of Jesus Christ, as if constantly beckoning his readers to "come, see a man."
The book is also immensely practical. I laughed at one point when Ryle wrote, "the best way to do something is to do it." But this light-hearted statement is indicative of how simple and direct he is in encouraging his readers in their pursuit of holiness. One of his favorite phrases, I noticed, was "there are no gains without pains." I appreciated how every chapter ended with points of application and piercing questions to equip his readers with wisdom and motivation to apply the biblical principles which preceded. His use of the second person and the prescient insightfulness of his questions made a book written in 1877 feel strangely personal.
Ryle's pastoral instinct was often felt in his precision and intentional use of language when addressing certain people. His words were careful and tender so as not to wound the faith of a weak or despairing reader, but were plainly spoken and sharp when addressing the proud or backsliding.
This is a book I would love to return to. I recommend it to new believers and mature Christians alike.
What follows is chapter after chapter of biblical exposition and practical application. Ryle's expositions are deep and insightful, and he is incredibly skilled at mining the texts of scripture for rich truths. What I love about Ryle, though, is that he seldom does this in a way that makes him seem "too smart," as if what he is doing with the Word isn't something I or any other person couldn't do ourselves. He simply presents it in such a way that stirs your heart to humility and worship. He is an experienced teacher of the law and preacher of the gospel, and this is seen on every page. At the heart of all his writings is an emphasis on and exaltation of the person of Jesus Christ, as if constantly beckoning his readers to "come, see a man."
The book is also immensely practical. I laughed at one point when Ryle wrote, "the best way to do something is to do it." But this light-hearted statement is indicative of how simple and direct he is in encouraging his readers in their pursuit of holiness. One of his favorite phrases, I noticed, was "there are no gains without pains." I appreciated how every chapter ended with points of application and piercing questions to equip his readers with wisdom and motivation to apply the biblical principles which preceded. His use of the second person and the prescient insightfulness of his questions made a book written in 1877 feel strangely personal.
Ryle's pastoral instinct was often felt in his precision and intentional use of language when addressing certain people. His words were careful and tender so as not to wound the faith of a weak or despairing reader, but were plainly spoken and sharp when addressing the proud or backsliding.
This is a book I would love to return to. I recommend it to new believers and mature Christians alike.
June 10, 2019
An excellent book on a much neglected topic in our day. The first few chapters are particularly helpful. At times his too repetitive and could hurt tender consciences if he is read wrongly. But overall a great book on how to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord. Highly recommended.
February 1, 2018
Review available on Vintage Novels.
February 23, 2025
Basic but beautiful
JC Ryle is the only 1800s author I’d read
JC Ryle is the only 1800s author I’d read
January 22, 2023
I’ve not read a book, other than the Bible itself, that has edified and convicted me as much as this one. I will forever recommend this one to my Christian brothers and sisters.
Without putting him on a pedestal, I have to note the wisdom and pure love for Christ that flowed from J.C. Ryle’s pen, onto these pages and then setting fire to my spirit. I savored this book for months, knowing it would change me. And it did.
I tried to choose just a few quotes from this book to share here but I found myself wanting to copy chapter after chapter. Friends, if you haven’t picked this one up yet I hope you read this. I hope you sit with it and let the conviction of Ryle’s words give you a new longing to live your days as close to the Father as you can.
5/5 ⭐️ - an incredible work; I’ll forever recommend this one.
“As a general rule, in the long run of life, it will be found true that ‘sanctified’ people are the happpeople on earth. They have solid comforts which the world can neither give nor take away.”
“Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God, according as we find his mind described in Scripture. It is the habit of agreeing in God’s judgment-hating what he hates-loving what he loves-and measuring everything in this world by the standard of his Word. He who most entirely agrees with God, he is the most holy man.”
Without putting him on a pedestal, I have to note the wisdom and pure love for Christ that flowed from J.C. Ryle’s pen, onto these pages and then setting fire to my spirit. I savored this book for months, knowing it would change me. And it did.
I tried to choose just a few quotes from this book to share here but I found myself wanting to copy chapter after chapter. Friends, if you haven’t picked this one up yet I hope you read this. I hope you sit with it and let the conviction of Ryle’s words give you a new longing to live your days as close to the Father as you can.
5/5 ⭐️ - an incredible work; I’ll forever recommend this one.
“As a general rule, in the long run of life, it will be found true that ‘sanctified’ people are the happpeople on earth. They have solid comforts which the world can neither give nor take away.”
“Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God, according as we find his mind described in Scripture. It is the habit of agreeing in God’s judgment-hating what he hates-loving what he loves-and measuring everything in this world by the standard of his Word. He who most entirely agrees with God, he is the most holy man.”
December 30, 2020
The book opens and closes with deep and articulate thoughts that inspire the Christian in their faith.
The middle is more dicy. He is obsessed with lists and that style is difficult for me to engage. At his best the author is profound and deeply scriptural. At his worst he takes on “sins” like novel reading and playing cards with the only support being his own opinions.
When he sticks to scripture his writing strikes the cord of deep truth. When his arguments spring from his prejudices and opinions his writings strike the cord of pettiness.
All told, while this book makes a solid the case that holiness is a good thing (duh?) and something to put real effort into, I did not find this book particularly helpful in terms of actually, practically chasing it.
The middle is more dicy. He is obsessed with lists and that style is difficult for me to engage. At his best the author is profound and deeply scriptural. At his worst he takes on “sins” like novel reading and playing cards with the only support being his own opinions.
When he sticks to scripture his writing strikes the cord of deep truth. When his arguments spring from his prejudices and opinions his writings strike the cord of pettiness.
All told, while this book makes a solid the case that holiness is a good thing (duh?) and something to put real effort into, I did not find this book particularly helpful in terms of actually, practically chasing it.
March 19, 2023
A brilliant study in biblical practical living. Worth a read and really quite enjoyable. I also think it has a helpful reminder to put Christ central and not what we and churches often idolise. J.C. Ryle is top quality again
December 4, 2019
First read (2013): loved
Second read (2019): still loved
Second read (2019): still loved
May 1, 2025
A book of solid doctrine and good applications on how to be sanctified by the gracious Lord Jesus.
March 2, 2025
This was excellent. We did it as a book group, and the version we got for our church was abridged with only ten chapters. We then went on to finish (my husband and I) on Sundays while driving to and from church. I agree that the ten chapters chosen for the abridged printing were the best. But they were so good and true and helpful that I’m giving the whole book 5 stars. We did think (as Baptists) on occasion that he would do better to emphasize the Bible more over the Church of England Articles of Faith or the Protestant Reformation, but that is a minor quibble; for the most part he is so very biblical, perhaps it’s even unfair to bring up the point.
August 6, 2025
This book is a must read for all Christians. I love the way Ryle writes. It can be a little rambling at times, but I love how he has lots of lists and examples in each of his chapters. It helps make everything so much more applicable. A lot of of these points were a smack across the face, but a much needed smack across the face! It made me realize how seriously you need to take your relationship with Christ! And how we fall so short most of the time!
February 28, 2024
Penetrating words of wisdom fill this book.
It is a must read. We are living in an age of lukewarm religion that has become useless. Christians must live by the truths we proclaim. This book gives clarity of what God requires of those He has saved. We are saved by faith alone, but we are not sanctified by faith alone. We must be in constant pursuit of Christ. Mr Ryle is straightforward in explaining how the redeemed are to think and behave in daily life.
It is a must read. We are living in an age of lukewarm religion that has become useless. Christians must live by the truths we proclaim. This book gives clarity of what God requires of those He has saved. We are saved by faith alone, but we are not sanctified by faith alone. We must be in constant pursuit of Christ. Mr Ryle is straightforward in explaining how the redeemed are to think and behave in daily life.
July 25, 2024
That took a little while.
July 10, 2025
Great read. A good book for anyone who wants to better understand the weight of sin. Drawing from scripture, Ryle gave several examples of our flawed view of Christian living and explained what it truly means to pursue holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
March 18, 2022
“It is impossible that ever you should be happy, except you are holy” (395).
Ryle, Bishop of Liverpool in the 1800s, was writing against revivalism, the effort to get crowds worked up in Christian emotionalism that had little to no lasting change or effect once the crowd was dispersed. Ryle’’s desire was to show that true Christianity and genuine holiness was expressed and advanced through the day to day activity of walking with Christ through the highs and lows of life. A common theme throughout the book is that if you have no desire for holiness on earth, then you will be most miserable in heaven, doubting that if you have no desire for holiness that you would even go to heaven.
It has been said that this is a book that all Christians should read once every year, and I plan on reading this book many more times as long as God has me on this earth.
Ryle, Bishop of Liverpool in the 1800s, was writing against revivalism, the effort to get crowds worked up in Christian emotionalism that had little to no lasting change or effect once the crowd was dispersed. Ryle’’s desire was to show that true Christianity and genuine holiness was expressed and advanced through the day to day activity of walking with Christ through the highs and lows of life. A common theme throughout the book is that if you have no desire for holiness on earth, then you will be most miserable in heaven, doubting that if you have no desire for holiness that you would even go to heaven.
It has been said that this is a book that all Christians should read once every year, and I plan on reading this book many more times as long as God has me on this earth.
May 29, 2021
Wow, Este libro es excelente, ¡Que manera de explicar la santificación!, y no sólo se queda ahí, va más allá, toca muchísimos temas, está muy bien organizado, tiene aplicaciones practicas, se dirige tanto a creyentes como a no creyentes, es muy fuerte y MUY confrontador. Es uno de los mejores que he leído este año, ha valido la pena!!. ¡Oh Cuánta esperanza!🙌. ¡¡Léelo, no te arrepentirás!!
"En cuanto a justificación las palabras para decirle al hombre son: Cree, sólo cree. En cuanto a santificación las palabras tienen que ser: Mantente en guardia, ora y lucha."
“No soy lo que debo ser, no soy lo que quiero ser, no soy lo que espero ser en el más allá, pero no soy lo que antes fui y, por la gracia de Dios, soy lo que soy”. John Newton
"En cuanto a justificación las palabras para decirle al hombre son: Cree, sólo cree. En cuanto a santificación las palabras tienen que ser: Mantente en guardia, ora y lucha."
“No soy lo que debo ser, no soy lo que quiero ser, no soy lo que espero ser en el más allá, pero no soy lo que antes fui y, por la gracia de Dios, soy lo que soy”. John Newton
September 6, 2018
"A união com Cristo que não produz qualquer efeito sobre o coração e a vida não passa de uma união meramente formal, indigna diante de Deus. A fé que não envolve uma influência santificadora sobre o caráter da pessoa não é melhor que a fé dos demônios. Antes, é uma fé morta, por estar sozinha. Não é o dom de Deus. Não é a fé dos eleitos de Deus. Em suma, onde não há santificação da vida, não há fé real em Cristo."
September 3, 2018
Um dos meus livros preferidos da vida!
July 29, 2023
All I can say is dear lord i finally finished it
September 24, 2023
I loved this book and it really helped me to view holiness differently as a follower of Jesus. Clear, thought out and careful instruction which was based solely on scripture.
August 31, 2024
This is one of my favorite books I have ever read.
Ryle masterfully positions holiness as a matter of affection towards God. Where many see holiness and the pursuit of godliness in the church today as unnecessary or an afterthought, he really positions his book around the idea that if you say you love the Lord, but you don’t have desire to follow His way He calls us to live, what makes you think you will love and enjoy heaven? Life in Christ today and the sanctification that comes by the Spirit is training us and growing us towards what heaven will be like.
This book is both convicting, but extremely encouraging, and is saturated in the gospel of grace that made me love Jesus more, and spurred on a greater desire for faithfulness and obedience to Him, and for that, this will be a book I come back to often.
Ryle masterfully positions holiness as a matter of affection towards God. Where many see holiness and the pursuit of godliness in the church today as unnecessary or an afterthought, he really positions his book around the idea that if you say you love the Lord, but you don’t have desire to follow His way He calls us to live, what makes you think you will love and enjoy heaven? Life in Christ today and the sanctification that comes by the Spirit is training us and growing us towards what heaven will be like.
This book is both convicting, but extremely encouraging, and is saturated in the gospel of grace that made me love Jesus more, and spurred on a greater desire for faithfulness and obedience to Him, and for that, this will be a book I come back to often.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 545 reviews