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The Cross
A call to the fundamentals of religion What do you think and feel about the cross of Christ? You live in a Christian land. You probably attend the worship of a Christian Church. You have perhaps been baptized in the name of Christ. You profess and call yourself a Christian. All this is well. It is more than can be said of millions in the world. But all this is no answer to my question, “What do you think and feel about the cross of Christ?”
24 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2010
660 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Ryle
822 books483 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 70 reviews
April 10, 2021
Back to the basics. Been reading so all over the place lately. It was unbelievably refreshing to read this short book cover to cover during a long and cloudy Saturday morning. Reminded of how much I love reading, and the Lord, and reading about the Lord.
The content of this book was basically a long-form commentary on Galatians 6:14 and it was pretty good. Probably wouldn’t give it 5 stars if I read it another day. But whenever you rate a book you’re really rating the books objectively quality combined with your subjective experience reading it. And coming off a few political biographies and cultural opinion pieces, this book was fresh water.
The content of this book was basically a long-form commentary on Galatians 6:14 and it was pretty good. Probably wouldn’t give it 5 stars if I read it another day. But whenever you rate a book you’re really rating the books objectively quality combined with your subjective experience reading it. And coming off a few political biographies and cultural opinion pieces, this book was fresh water.
February 4, 2025
Simply boast in Christ and Christ crucified. A beautiful dive into Paul and what made him a great man of God was his humility towards the cross, his focus on the cross, and his boast in the cross. “He was always feeding by faith on Christs body and Christs blood. Jesus crucified was the meat and drink of his soul.”
June 7, 2022
In this short booklet, the preacher considers three subjects:
1. What the apostle Paul did not glory in.
2. What Paul gloried in.
3. Why all Christians should think and feel about the cross like Paul.
His responses are biblical, reasoned, and heart-warming. I enjoyed, and was encouraged, by this brief re-examination of the centrality and simplicity of the message of Christ crucified.
1. What the apostle Paul did not glory in.
2. What Paul gloried in.
3. Why all Christians should think and feel about the cross like Paul.
His responses are biblical, reasoned, and heart-warming. I enjoyed, and was encouraged, by this brief re-examination of the centrality and simplicity of the message of Christ crucified.
May 17, 2020
Classic Ryle. Every paragraph is worth highlighting. In this little booklet, he directs the Christian to Christ in simple language, and with theological and pastoral care. The necessity of the cross is crucial, not only in the life of the Church, but in the live of the devotional life of the saint.
“Whenever a church avoids Christ crucified or puts anything whatever in that foremost place that Christ crucified should always have, from that moment a church ceases to be useful. Without Christ crucified in her pulpits, a church is little better than a hindrance, a dead carcass, a well without water, a barren fig tree, a sleeping watchman, a silent trumpet, a dumb witness, an ambassador without terms of peace, a messenger without tidings, a lighthouse without fire, a stumbling block to weak believers, a comfort to infidels, a hotbed for formalism, a joy to the devil, and an offense to God.”
“Whenever a church avoids Christ crucified or puts anything whatever in that foremost place that Christ crucified should always have, from that moment a church ceases to be useful. Without Christ crucified in her pulpits, a church is little better than a hindrance, a dead carcass, a well without water, a barren fig tree, a sleeping watchman, a silent trumpet, a dumb witness, an ambassador without terms of peace, a messenger without tidings, a lighthouse without fire, a stumbling block to weak believers, a comfort to infidels, a hotbed for formalism, a joy to the devil, and an offense to God.”
June 22, 2020
A very good little book on putting all your hope on Christ crucified. We often are tempted to rely on our own merits for our salvation, even us Reformed folk. We base our salvation off of what we know or believe, on all our knowledge or on our actions. But Ryle points us back to Christ, using Paul as his primary example. As the greatest apostle, Paul never boasted of his knowledge or deeds but put all his reliance on Christ crucified. Yet many Christians seem to think they're greater than Paul. This was very good, humbling. Place your boasts in Christ alone.
August 18, 2021
In Rejoice and Tremble, Reeves encourages meditation on the cross. I thought I'd hunt for some Puritan or Puritanish titles on the topic, but I'm finding precious little, and even less that's available on audio. But this little volume by Ryle turned up, an it was good, just very brief. If you've got recommendations, drop 'em in the comments, please!
August 29, 2020
Do not be discouraged by this early writing. It is very clearly written and easy to understand. A very thought provoking read!
August 23, 2025
As Paul only boasted in the cross, may we also boast in it too. Not our own actions do we boast, but in Christ actions do we boast.
February 27, 2021
Excelente libro! Ryle te deja ver la hermosura y el poder de la cruz de Cristo.
July 6, 2023
Look to the cross
June 24, 2020
Very epic. This is great
BUT
I disagree with ryles separation of the foundation of grace and its communicating means as well as with his insistence upon the necessity of "feeling" that christ's cross forgives us. Neither baptism nor the supper nor the Word preached are works that we do, but the very voice of God telling us that we are forgiven. The organic connection between the means of grace and the cross of christ is so unmistakable that paul states, baptism saves you, not by the washing of dirt from your body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience through the resurrection of Christ and this having nothing to do with how we feel
BUT
I disagree with ryles separation of the foundation of grace and its communicating means as well as with his insistence upon the necessity of "feeling" that christ's cross forgives us. Neither baptism nor the supper nor the Word preached are works that we do, but the very voice of God telling us that we are forgiven. The organic connection between the means of grace and the cross of christ is so unmistakable that paul states, baptism saves you, not by the washing of dirt from your body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience through the resurrection of Christ and this having nothing to do with how we feel
January 26, 2021
Excellent little book on the central importance of the cross of a Christ.
My two key takeaways were:
If the apostle Paul decided not to take any comfort for his salvation or boast in anything from his long list of merits, but solely on the cross of Christ, who then now living can look at his merits and say, “I will boast in this”?
Union on outward points only is union only for a time. Union about the cross is union for eternity. Error on outward points is only a skin disease. Error about the cross is disease at the heart. Union about outward points, is a man-made union. Union about the cross of christ can only be produced by the Holy Spirit.
My two key takeaways were:
If the apostle Paul decided not to take any comfort for his salvation or boast in anything from his long list of merits, but solely on the cross of Christ, who then now living can look at his merits and say, “I will boast in this”?
Union on outward points only is union only for a time. Union about the cross is union for eternity. Error on outward points is only a skin disease. Error about the cross is disease at the heart. Union about outward points, is a man-made union. Union about the cross of christ can only be produced by the Holy Spirit.
March 15, 2021
The Cross - Crucified with Christ, and Christ Alive in Me ~ J.C. Ryle
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
I enjoyed this short book , looking at the cross and it's meaning. What do we boast in? J.C. Ryle reminds us that truly nothing other than the cross of Christ is worth boasting in. Although it's s short book it is a classic and great for meditation on the cross which Jesus died. I love the author and how he always asks questions of the reader, this book is worth the read and was free on Amazon as a E Book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
I enjoyed this short book , looking at the cross and it's meaning. What do we boast in? J.C. Ryle reminds us that truly nothing other than the cross of Christ is worth boasting in. Although it's s short book it is a classic and great for meditation on the cross which Jesus died. I love the author and how he always asks questions of the reader, this book is worth the read and was free on Amazon as a E Book.
April 3, 2020
Great Reminder
This little booklet will not take much of your time. It will be time well spent. For some it will open your eyes to your failure to ever live up to God’s standard of perfection and to others it will remind, comfort and convict you of the centrality of the cross in the Christian life!
This little booklet will not take much of your time. It will be time well spent. For some it will open your eyes to your failure to ever live up to God’s standard of perfection and to others it will remind, comfort and convict you of the centrality of the cross in the Christian life!
April 18, 2021
A must read for every Christian
It doesn't take much time to get through this straightforward reminder of why we believe. J.C. Role starts with the apostle Paul's words and life, which is more than enough to get the message. However, he goes on with other practical examples to seal the importance of the cross in Christian life.
It doesn't take much time to get through this straightforward reminder of why we believe. J.C. Role starts with the apostle Paul's words and life, which is more than enough to get the message. However, he goes on with other practical examples to seal the importance of the cross in Christian life.
November 28, 2021
Spiritual Eye Opener
I consider this book an important read even though it is concise. We as Christians should renew our focus to the cross of Christ daily. We, Christians, have been crucified with Christ, it should no longer be us who lives, but Christ living through us. To God be the glory. Amen.
I consider this book an important read even though it is concise. We as Christians should renew our focus to the cross of Christ daily. We, Christians, have been crucified with Christ, it should no longer be us who lives, but Christ living through us. To God be the glory. Amen.
February 27, 2024
Very clear and bold message about the Cross of Christ
Bishop J C Ryle has explained a very clear and bold message about the Cross of Christ and taken Scripture passages from the writings of Paul. This is a must read book for every Christian to understand how important is the message of the Cross
Bishop J C Ryle has explained a very clear and bold message about the Cross of Christ and taken Scripture passages from the writings of Paul. This is a must read book for every Christian to understand how important is the message of the Cross
March 10, 2020
This book gives a clear message
J C Ryle presents the centrality of the cross in Christian doctrine. He argues that Paul gloried only in Christ crucified and urges us to do the same.
J C Ryle presents the centrality of the cross in Christian doctrine. He argues that Paul gloried only in Christ crucified and urges us to do the same.
April 14, 2021
The Cross
Magnificent!!! Recommended for anyone who truly wants to know the full extent of what our precious Lord and Savior has gone through - from the beginning of time.... There is no greater love!!!
Magnificent!!! Recommended for anyone who truly wants to know the full extent of what our precious Lord and Savior has gone through - from the beginning of time.... There is no greater love!!!
April 30, 2021
Christ alive in me
What an amazing man of God . Even with all that he went through he still preached the word of God . His love for the gospel was what drove him to preach . I'm thankful for His steadfastness to spread the gospel.
What an amazing man of God . Even with all that he went through he still preached the word of God . His love for the gospel was what drove him to preach . I'm thankful for His steadfastness to spread the gospel.
May 16, 2021
A short and great encouragement for readers to always and only looked at the Cross of Jesus and His work of Redemption. I thank God for this free eBook and I thank God for a great Pastor, Minister, Theologian like J.C. Ryle. Let God be glorified!
May 27, 2021
Most read
Its pleasures now no longer please,
No more content afford;
Far from my heart be joys like these,
Now I have seen the Lord.
As by the light of opening day
The stars are all concealed; S
o earthly pleasures fade away,
When Jesus is revealed.
Its pleasures now no longer please,
No more content afford;
Far from my heart be joys like these,
Now I have seen the Lord.
As by the light of opening day
The stars are all concealed; S
o earthly pleasures fade away,
When Jesus is revealed.
February 16, 2022
Convicting
You can't read this without being affected by it. I thank God for bringing it to my attention. I know I will be returning to it frequently. I've never read anything by JC Ryle that I didn't profit from.
You can't read this without being affected by it. I thank God for bringing it to my attention. I know I will be returning to it frequently. I've never read anything by JC Ryle that I didn't profit from.
March 9, 2022
I am new to reading JC Ryle, this is the second book I’ve read: the first being a call to prayer. This small book is excellent an in this age, a timely reminder of focusing on Jesus, and Him crucified.
April 11, 2022
Glory in the Cross of Christ
Here’s a short exposition on the absolute necessity of Christ’s death on the cross for our salvation. Reading it helps the interested person grow in appreciation of what Christ did for us.
Here’s a short exposition on the absolute necessity of Christ’s death on the cross for our salvation. Reading it helps the interested person grow in appreciation of what Christ did for us.
June 19, 2022
Moved
This book brings us back to what is important. We cannot have a secure walk in this life without acknowledging the cross. When we loose sight of Christ crucified. We are walking on a slippery slope.. God's love for us is demonstrated in Jesus sacrifice.
This book brings us back to what is important. We cannot have a secure walk in this life without acknowledging the cross. When we loose sight of Christ crucified. We are walking on a slippery slope.. God's love for us is demonstrated in Jesus sacrifice.
March 18, 2023
The Cross center of the Gospel
J.C. Ryle wrote an excellent exhortation that the Cross is the center of the Gospel. To which all sinners should feel guilty and fathom the depth of their rebellion against God.
J.C. Ryle wrote an excellent exhortation that the Cross is the center of the Gospel. To which all sinners should feel guilty and fathom the depth of their rebellion against God.
October 7, 2023
Outstanding
Inspiring reminder to keep in mind the cross of Christ. There are some things in life that you never should get over or forget, and the cross of Christ is the main thing.
Inspiring reminder to keep in mind the cross of Christ. There are some things in life that you never should get over or forget, and the cross of Christ is the main thing.
March 17, 2024
Look to the cross
A great though brief read. In fact, that may be one of its strengths - brief enough for anyone to read yet impactful. Don't skip his biography at the end. You will see why.
A great though brief read. In fact, that may be one of its strengths - brief enough for anyone to read yet impactful. Don't skip his biography at the end. You will see why.
November 26, 2024
The Cross Never Loses its Importance
J.C. Ryle writes in this short book the power of the cross. The Christian faith centers on the cross, and it is the cross that points to salvation
J.C. Ryle writes in this short book the power of the cross. The Christian faith centers on the cross, and it is the cross that points to salvation
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews