Forgiveness

by J.C. Ryle

Who needs forgiveness and why? According to J. C. Ryle, the short answer is that all men need forgiveness because all are sinners. He elaborates on this at some length and then offers a concise summary, “The first step towards heaven is to see clearly that we deserve hell. There are but two alternatives before we must either be forgiven, or be miserable forever.” He next addresses the question of how we are forgiven. Speaking directly to the unsaved, he implores them, “Cast your soul, with all its sins, unreservedly on Christ; cease completely from any dependence on your own works.” After describing several characteristics of those who have been forgiven—they hate sin, they love Christ, they are humble, holy, and forgiving—Ryle ends with a solemn warning to those who know they are not forgiven, and a word of exhortation to those who are.

30 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 22, 2017

About the author

(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.

Reviews

[Nehemiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forgiveness is a difficult thing for Christians nowadays. They say they are forgiven yet they CANNOT forgive others. (Maraming Filipinong Christians ngayon! lalo na yung mga nahumaling sa PROSPERITY GOSPEL) Even though the book is heavily written for non-believers, it's a must read for those who confess their faith in Christ. I love the tone of the book which I think it is written in devotional/sermon like style. Ryle is talking in front of you.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone really interested in reading about forgiveness, this is your book!!! 11/10