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Faithfulness and Holiness: The Witness of J.C. Ryle
As eldest son and heir to a fortune, J. C. Ryle had a hopeful future until the day his father declared bankruptcy. In a single moment, he was stripped of everything--land, title, wealth, security--and life as he knew it no longer existed. Ryle was devastated. And yet, had this not happened, Ryle would likely have entered Parliament rather than becoming a clergyman, and he might never have written a single book or tract or sermon, or become one of the most influential evangelical leaders of the 19th century. What could have broken Ryle beyond despair became the very instrument that led him towards holiness. Here in a single volume are not only J. I. Packer's reflections on the life of John Charles Ryle, but the very words of Ryle himself in a reprint of his classic work, Holiness . We see the faith that encouraged him through his difficulties. The hope that gave him a future. The God who blessed Ryle more than he ever imagined possible. And we are encouraged that the very God who worked a miracle in Ryle's life is the same One who works in us, leading us to holiness.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 24, 2002
10 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
J.I. Packer
446 books925 followersWhat do J. I. Packer, Billy Graham and Richard John Neuhaus have in common? Each was recently named by TIME magazine as among the 25 most influential evangelicals in America.
Dr. Packer, the Board of Governors’ Professor of Theology at Regent College, was hailed by TIME as “a doctrinal Solomon” among Protestants. “Mediating debates on everything from a particular Bible translation to the acceptability of free-flowing Pentecostal spirituality, Packer helps unify a community [evangelicalism] that could easily fall victim to its internal tensions.”
Knowing God, Dr. Packer’s seminal 1973 work, was lauded as a book which articulated shared beliefs for members of diverse denominations; the TIME profile quotes Michael Cromartie of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington as saying, “conservative Methodists and Presbyterians and Baptists could all look to [Knowing God] and say, ‘This sums it all up for us.’”
In a similar tribute to Dr. Packer almost ten years ago, American theologian Mark Noll wrote in Christianity Today that, “Packer’s ability to address immensely important subjects in crisp, succinct sentences is one of the reasons why, both as an author and speaker, he has played such an important role among American evangelicals for four decades.”
For over 25 years Regent College students have been privileged to study under Dr. Packer’s clear and lucid teaching, and our faculty, staff and students celebrate the international recognition he rightly receives as a leading Christian thinker and teacher.
(https://www.regent-college.edu/facult...)
Dr. Packer, the Board of Governors’ Professor of Theology at Regent College, was hailed by TIME as “a doctrinal Solomon” among Protestants. “Mediating debates on everything from a particular Bible translation to the acceptability of free-flowing Pentecostal spirituality, Packer helps unify a community [evangelicalism] that could easily fall victim to its internal tensions.”
Knowing God, Dr. Packer’s seminal 1973 work, was lauded as a book which articulated shared beliefs for members of diverse denominations; the TIME profile quotes Michael Cromartie of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington as saying, “conservative Methodists and Presbyterians and Baptists could all look to [Knowing God] and say, ‘This sums it all up for us.’”
In a similar tribute to Dr. Packer almost ten years ago, American theologian Mark Noll wrote in Christianity Today that, “Packer’s ability to address immensely important subjects in crisp, succinct sentences is one of the reasons why, both as an author and speaker, he has played such an important role among American evangelicals for four decades.”
For over 25 years Regent College students have been privileged to study under Dr. Packer’s clear and lucid teaching, and our faculty, staff and students celebrate the international recognition he rightly receives as a leading Christian thinker and teacher.
(https://www.regent-college.edu/facult...)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 1, 2023
I’ve never tired of re-reading this book over the years.
December 26, 2019
This edition of the book contains two parts. The first is a biography of J.C. Ryle written by J.I. Packer. This section provides meaningful information about Ryle, his life and theology, that makes it easier to understand the background and purpose of the second part of the book which is Ryle's original book titled "Holiness". Ryle dives deep into the theology of holiness and how the Christian is to live in this world. Even though he wrote this book in the 19th century I was amazed at how applicable it was to today. How the struggles and remedies during his lifetime are still very much in force today. I especially enjoyed Ryle's breakdown of the differences between Justification and Sanctification. These weighty theological truths are often confused but Ryle makes it very easy to understand. The Christian's life is meant to be one in the pursuit of holiness but with the understanding that left to ourselves we can never achieve that goal. It is only by the grace of God and the promise of the Holy Spirit working in the believer's life that allows them to pursue this great truth. I hope this book continues to be a great encouragement to its readers in the future.
October 13, 2019
This is a fantastic book. The biography at the front end was helpful. But the real meat was from Ryle himself. Ryle is forthright, concise, and full of practical wisdom from Scripture. The book walks through the nature and necessity of holiness in the Christian life. I will keep this one on my shelf for future reference.
December 4, 2019
"Faithfulness and holiness" is a book consisting of two works within its pages. There are very few books like this one, I can count on one hand books I have read can even come close to its calibre. I felt challenged, and convicted on every page, and on many occasions had to put the book down to ponder the words. This is a book I would urge any new believer to read, and even the most seasoned christian in my estimation could benefit from its pages.
I Appriciated the first work in the book "Faithfulness" a biography by Packer. Faithfulness is a short biographical work that gives the reader an introduction of Ryle before they read one of his most famous books. Packer wrote it in an unusual and yet thoughtful way, dealing with it more topically rather then chronologically. Yet it was still a good read that was easy to follow.
"Holiness" the second work in this book, takes the reader on a reasonably systematic journey through holiness. What it means, what's included, it's foundation, and how to improve it. It is not extensive but even Ryle himself says this many times through out the read. Nevertheless it is enough to learn much about the topic. I Appriciate the trait of Ryle to speak freely on anything he is talking about. He never shys away from what he thinks need to be said even when it is dead against popular thought of most Christians today. It is quite amazing for a man that lived 1816-1900, many many of the things he faced seem to be quite similar to us today... The time in which he lived by no means makes his words irrelevant. If anything should intrigue someone to want to read his work all the more.
In total I would tell anyone to read this book. I would consider it very high on my list of good books. One of the few that aided me greatly in my Christian walk.
I Appriciated the first work in the book "Faithfulness" a biography by Packer. Faithfulness is a short biographical work that gives the reader an introduction of Ryle before they read one of his most famous books. Packer wrote it in an unusual and yet thoughtful way, dealing with it more topically rather then chronologically. Yet it was still a good read that was easy to follow.
"Holiness" the second work in this book, takes the reader on a reasonably systematic journey through holiness. What it means, what's included, it's foundation, and how to improve it. It is not extensive but even Ryle himself says this many times through out the read. Nevertheless it is enough to learn much about the topic. I Appriciate the trait of Ryle to speak freely on anything he is talking about. He never shys away from what he thinks need to be said even when it is dead against popular thought of most Christians today. It is quite amazing for a man that lived 1816-1900, many many of the things he faced seem to be quite similar to us today... The time in which he lived by no means makes his words irrelevant. If anything should intrigue someone to want to read his work all the more.
In total I would tell anyone to read this book. I would consider it very high on my list of good books. One of the few that aided me greatly in my Christian walk.
September 18, 2022
Amazing intro and biography of J.C. Ryle by Packer but "Holiness", Ryle's book, is a must for Christians. Truth is powerful and his words such as "Dim or indistinct views of sin are the origin of most of the errors, heresies, and false doctrines of the present day" speak just as clearly today - 2022 as they did when he wrote in 1816! Ryle clearly understands the deceitfulness of the human heart and explores with humility how to grow in the grace of God and manifest His glory more and more. He speaks of "growth in grace" as the "increase in the degree, size, stregth, vigour, and power of the graces which the Hopy Spirit plants in a believers heart.
Chapters on "the fight" and "the cost" are compelling but the best of all, was the last chapter - "Assurance" - he explains how the assurance of one's salvation will affect their entire walk with Christ and how effectively they can live out their calling as His child. He doesn't dismiss the difficulty of assurance but points to scripture to explain that it is possible, beautiful and keeps one from searching their heart with constant anxiety, but instead... live in freedom, charity and joy!
This is a book I will keep close to my bible and reference often.
Chapters on "the fight" and "the cost" are compelling but the best of all, was the last chapter - "Assurance" - he explains how the assurance of one's salvation will affect their entire walk with Christ and how effectively they can live out their calling as His child. He doesn't dismiss the difficulty of assurance but points to scripture to explain that it is possible, beautiful and keeps one from searching their heart with constant anxiety, but instead... live in freedom, charity and joy!
This is a book I will keep close to my bible and reference often.
March 28, 2017
This continues to be one of my favorite books of all time. I did not (yet) read Packer's biography of Ryle in the first part of this book, but this is the third time I've read Ryle's "Holiness," and each time, I am challenged by it and encouraged by it.
I recommend this book for those who believe that the Bible is indeed God's Word, and who want some clarity on what it means to be "holy" as a Christian.
I recommend this book for those who believe that the Bible is indeed God's Word, and who want some clarity on what it means to be "holy" as a Christian.
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August 17, 2018One of the best books I've ever read. Worth reading and re-reading.
November 27, 2013
In this dual-book, J.I. Packer recounts the faithful witness that the late J.C. Ryle was to England, nay, to the world. Faithfulness is Packer's ode to the wonderful Anglican minister, as it recounts his life and growth from birth unto death. I really appreciated this aspect since I have been such a fan of Ryle, but had not known of his background other than the nominal facts. It is so amazing how God uses devastation to bring about His purposes!
The second portion of the book is Holiness by Ryle himself, which is a must have of every serious student of the Word. Ryle makes a strong case for the Holiness of God, and without of which, we could not see God. He talks about many pressing issues during his day in England, that are so pertinent and relevant even to the reader today in the modern Western world. Holiness by J.C. Ryle is one of the best Christian exhortations ever written, and is definitely a book that will be read over and over again throughout my life. I am thankful for the life and faithful witness of J.C. Ryle.
Brent McCulley (11/27/13)
The second portion of the book is Holiness by Ryle himself, which is a must have of every serious student of the Word. Ryle makes a strong case for the Holiness of God, and without of which, we could not see God. He talks about many pressing issues during his day in England, that are so pertinent and relevant even to the reader today in the modern Western world. Holiness by J.C. Ryle is one of the best Christian exhortations ever written, and is definitely a book that will be read over and over again throughout my life. I am thankful for the life and faithful witness of J.C. Ryle.
Brent McCulley (11/27/13)
January 14, 2019
When I say that this book is written by a Victorian-era Anglican bishop in his early 60's, it might pop into your head that such a piece sounds difficult to read, stodgy and dull, perhaps one of those antiquated old treatises that are best left to theologians to study. This book is no such thing. The only connection Ryle's book 'Holiness' has to such a notion is to act as an almighty rebuttal to it.
What's so good about Ryle is that its so feisty and yet compassionate. He knows just what to say to make you go "Eek that's me", but at the same time he utilises the experience of many years pastoral care to build up, stir and encourage.
To top it all off this is bound up in a writing style that is simple, punchy and often beautiful.
In every chapter you arrive at, Ryle sets about the readers heart like a 30 mph jousting lance to the sternum. With biblically-sourced spiritual conviction he knocks you down to the floor. Repeatedly and rigorously. If he left it at that, it would leave you with a depressingly stationary analysis of oneself. No, rather than leave you there, he points you to where and why you need to go, helps you get back up and gets you running faster than you ever were towards a goal that you now long for even more.
A spur pricks a horse to hurry onward, this book does similar (but less cruelly, and for the users immense benefit). An absolute stunner.
P.S. This version of the book has JI Packer credited as the main author but as he writes less than half the page count, it should really be Ryle on the front.
P.P.S The author references 41 out of 66 books of the bible extensively. That's pretty impressive.
What's so good about Ryle is that its so feisty and yet compassionate. He knows just what to say to make you go "Eek that's me", but at the same time he utilises the experience of many years pastoral care to build up, stir and encourage.
To top it all off this is bound up in a writing style that is simple, punchy and often beautiful.
In every chapter you arrive at, Ryle sets about the readers heart like a 30 mph jousting lance to the sternum. With biblically-sourced spiritual conviction he knocks you down to the floor. Repeatedly and rigorously. If he left it at that, it would leave you with a depressingly stationary analysis of oneself. No, rather than leave you there, he points you to where and why you need to go, helps you get back up and gets you running faster than you ever were towards a goal that you now long for even more.
A spur pricks a horse to hurry onward, this book does similar (but less cruelly, and for the users immense benefit). An absolute stunner.
P.S. This version of the book has JI Packer credited as the main author but as he writes less than half the page count, it should really be Ryle on the front.
P.P.S The author references 41 out of 66 books of the bible extensively. That's pretty impressive.
February 6, 2019
This is a difficult book to review as it is really two books in one. I will try to review each in turn.
The first writing is an appreciation of the life of J.C. Ryle by J.I. Packer. While I enjoyed his praise of several areas of Ryle's life, I did seem to miss the humanity of a man that Packer so loved. I believe that it could have been much of an appreciation of the life of Ryle while sharing just as much his faults as his virtues. In all, it was a helpful account of Ryle, which gave me insight into his history, but I believe it's strength might have lay in a greater balance.
The second writing is a reprint of Ryle's work on "Holiness" which was a fantastic read. Ryle punches hard and rarely apologizes, which it seems would have done much for England's faith, were it more universal. This work on pursuing holiness shows that there were too few Spurgeons and Ryle's in this time. Ryle is unapologetically a fan of the Puritans and the reformers and his views of Scripture come out in strong support of this. This work would be a fantastic resource for those who want to avoid becoming a "Pharisee," yet want to know the Savior more.
The first writing is an appreciation of the life of J.C. Ryle by J.I. Packer. While I enjoyed his praise of several areas of Ryle's life, I did seem to miss the humanity of a man that Packer so loved. I believe that it could have been much of an appreciation of the life of Ryle while sharing just as much his faults as his virtues. In all, it was a helpful account of Ryle, which gave me insight into his history, but I believe it's strength might have lay in a greater balance.
The second writing is a reprint of Ryle's work on "Holiness" which was a fantastic read. Ryle punches hard and rarely apologizes, which it seems would have done much for England's faith, were it more universal. This work on pursuing holiness shows that there were too few Spurgeons and Ryle's in this time. Ryle is unapologetically a fan of the Puritans and the reformers and his views of Scripture come out in strong support of this. This work would be a fantastic resource for those who want to avoid becoming a "Pharisee," yet want to know the Savior more.
February 4, 2019
Really good! Made some really challenging points of the distinctions between sanctification and justification, our Biblical responsibility to pursue growth, how you can never see the work of justification, but you can see the fruits of sanctification, and where you have one you will always have the other, and lastly that a true believer may have faith without and assurance of salvation, but assurance is a sweet means of grace to be pursued and enjoyed for our comfort.
Highly recommend!! 4.5 stars
Highly recommend!! 4.5 stars
July 31, 2017
Specifically for Ryle's Holiness: This was a great read. Ryle does an excellent job of exhorting readers to pursue holiness. Ryle is thoughtful and humble yet doesn't pull any punches about what scripture says about putting to death the things of this world. Both challenging and encouraging, this could easily be a book to read on an annual basis.
May 27, 2019
Review of the 1st part of the book, the appreciation by JI Packer of JC Ryle.
Packer highlights and emphasizes Ryle's strong points in his beliefs, teaching, the legacy he left, influence he had, etc...
Much of the appreciation talked about the context Ryle lived in the Victorian era.
Best parts: excerpts from Ryle's writings!
Packer highlights and emphasizes Ryle's strong points in his beliefs, teaching, the legacy he left, influence he had, etc...
Much of the appreciation talked about the context Ryle lived in the Victorian era.
Best parts: excerpts from Ryle's writings!
February 16, 2023
The later half of this book contains the original seven chapters that comprised the first printing of Ryle's Holiness. For those who have read the later and expanded printing, this half of the book offers nothing new. Even so, the first eighty-eight pages, Packer's biographical sketch and appreciation, are more than worth the price of admission.
December 27, 2017
Despite the cover, the majority of this book is J C Ryle's work 'Holiness' with several biographical essays on Ryle by Packer. The essays are fine, but 'Holiness' on its own is worthy of five stars, its the kind of book you cannot only read once.
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February 21, 2019“He that has learned to feel his sins, and to trust Christ as a Saviour, has learned the two hardest and greatest lessons in Christianity.”
February 22, 2019
Convicting but excellent.
December 4, 2019
Wonderful book.
February 20, 2025
Excellent book, the first half a great mini-biography of J. C. Ryle, the second half Ryle's classic book on Holiness.
January 2, 2019
I got this book mainly for the 2nd half of the book, which is the full text of the 1st edition of Ryle's Holiness. It's been a tremendous help for my own spiritual life - gospel-focused and yet not watering down on the gospel imperatives. A practical book which I would like to re-read again.
April 30, 2015
This book is a half remembrance of the first bishop of Liverpool, J.C. Ryle, and half Ryle's book on holiness. This book was penned by J.J.Packer, a modern day bible scholar who helped bring The English Standard Version of the Bible for Crossway into being.
The first half was written almost as if it was a Doctorate thesis. It was very factual and sometimes tough to get through. However, it was worth the effort. I didn't know who Ryle was or why he mattered prior to reading this volume. He lived his life leaning towards the Puritanical thought. He identified with them and was somewhat outspoken against the type meetings that are fueled by emotion and heat. He was speaking of the beginnings of the early charismatic movement. What I found fascinating was the problems we experience in our walk as individuals and as a church as a whole are exactly the problems he experienced back in his time. This coming from a devout Church of England man.
The second half of the book is Ryle's classic book on holiness and it is a fascinating study. Very much spiritually based, (although he did not have the benefit of the later, more accurate translations) Ryle makes a call for sanctification from a Puritanical point of view that screams through the ages to us today and to our children's children tomorrow. I agree with much of what Ryle says, and I'm a product of the modern Christian theology.
The second half of this book serves as a warning to Christians. It's a very hard read but is most definitely needed. I'm sure this book isn't in many bookstores, so I suggest getting a hold of it's publisher, Crossway to get a copy. It's strenuous but definitelyy worth the investment in terms of time and money. Perhaps the Puritans had more on the ball then we as a society give them credit for.
The first half was written almost as if it was a Doctorate thesis. It was very factual and sometimes tough to get through. However, it was worth the effort. I didn't know who Ryle was or why he mattered prior to reading this volume. He lived his life leaning towards the Puritanical thought. He identified with them and was somewhat outspoken against the type meetings that are fueled by emotion and heat. He was speaking of the beginnings of the early charismatic movement. What I found fascinating was the problems we experience in our walk as individuals and as a church as a whole are exactly the problems he experienced back in his time. This coming from a devout Church of England man.
The second half of the book is Ryle's classic book on holiness and it is a fascinating study. Very much spiritually based, (although he did not have the benefit of the later, more accurate translations) Ryle makes a call for sanctification from a Puritanical point of view that screams through the ages to us today and to our children's children tomorrow. I agree with much of what Ryle says, and I'm a product of the modern Christian theology.
The second half of this book serves as a warning to Christians. It's a very hard read but is most definitely needed. I'm sure this book isn't in many bookstores, so I suggest getting a hold of it's publisher, Crossway to get a copy. It's strenuous but definitelyy worth the investment in terms of time and money. Perhaps the Puritans had more on the ball then we as a society give them credit for.
January 3, 2023
Faithfulness and holiness is a great book for any serious Christian. I really appreciate the first half of the book as it is the work of J.I. Packer in describing the life and times of J.C. Ryle.
The second half of the book, Holiness by J.C. Ryle, is definitely one of those books that belongs on the bookshelves of every student of the Word. In it, Ryle makes the argument that without holiness no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). Wow! In chapters 3-6 is where Ryle shines! Here he nails every aspect of Holiness, the Christian Fight, The Cost of following Jesus, and Christian growth. I especially appreciate how incredibly thorough he is, addressing the topic from every angle.
This book leaves no stone unturned and will most definitely challenge the new Christian as well as the mature. It is amazing that this book, while written in the mid 1800's, is still fresh and entirely applicable to the Christian life today. As I read it I am amazed at how some things never change. The book is very relatable and easy to read. I highly recommend it!
The second half of the book, Holiness by J.C. Ryle, is definitely one of those books that belongs on the bookshelves of every student of the Word. In it, Ryle makes the argument that without holiness no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). Wow! In chapters 3-6 is where Ryle shines! Here he nails every aspect of Holiness, the Christian Fight, The Cost of following Jesus, and Christian growth. I especially appreciate how incredibly thorough he is, addressing the topic from every angle.
This book leaves no stone unturned and will most definitely challenge the new Christian as well as the mature. It is amazing that this book, while written in the mid 1800's, is still fresh and entirely applicable to the Christian life today. As I read it I am amazed at how some things never change. The book is very relatable and easy to read. I highly recommend it!
December 2, 2014
A refreshing book which reflects on the life and ministry of J.C. Ryle and includes the first edition of his classic work, Holiness. In the first half of the work, Packer gives good insight and information about Ryle as one of the last of the Puritans. I'm not sure why Packer used the first edition in the second half (copyright?), but there is much challenge to "walk the walk," not just talk about being a Christian, in Ryle's writing. This is greatly needed in the church today. A good dose of theology is intertwined in this practical, classic text. I don't understand historically why Ryle emphasized that a person may not have assurance and still be saved. It must have been an issue during his writing in 1877. He even adds an appendix to support his view from other Puritan authors.
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February 9, 2019What do I think of Ryle's enduring little work, "Holiness"? A great deal. So much so that I named one of my twin boys after him. Packer's tribute/biographical sketch is helpful, especially in detailing the unique shape suffering took in Ryle's life, that propelled him into and shaped his ministry.
I would also add Packer gives some insight into why he sees the Puritans as the peak and flower of evangelical Christianity and I think he makes his case very well (pp. 81–83), especially as he helps us see that Spurgeon and Ryle, and then Lloyd-Jones, are really just grandchildren, and a great grandchild, of those eminent men. Packer himself is probably the great great grandchild!
I would also add Packer gives some insight into why he sees the Puritans as the peak and flower of evangelical Christianity and I think he makes his case very well (pp. 81–83), especially as he helps us see that Spurgeon and Ryle, and then Lloyd-Jones, are really just grandchildren, and a great grandchild, of those eminent men. Packer himself is probably the great great grandchild!
May 30, 2016
This is a review of Packer's Ryle mini-bio "Fauthfulness" and not the full-volume. For my review of "Holiness" by Ryle, look it up in my shelves.
Packer's 90 page mini-bio does a decent job of giving an overview of the legacy left by JC Ryle. I wish that Packer would've gone into more detail, instead of giving what amounts to a Cliff Notes of Ryle's life, thought, and theology. However if you're looking for a quick introduction to Ryle, this may be just the right thing for you in order to get a brief understanding of who Ryle was before reading his masterful "Holiness" included in this volume.
Packer's 90 page mini-bio does a decent job of giving an overview of the legacy left by JC Ryle. I wish that Packer would've gone into more detail, instead of giving what amounts to a Cliff Notes of Ryle's life, thought, and theology. However if you're looking for a quick introduction to Ryle, this may be just the right thing for you in order to get a brief understanding of who Ryle was before reading his masterful "Holiness" included in this volume.
October 10, 2015
The Ryle book is definitely better than the hagiography that Packer writes about Ryle. I think that it's worth reading, if only for the fact that the words of a 19th century preacher are still relevant to us today. You sometimes forget that he is in fact writing nearly 150 years ago.
April 26, 2011
Read the first half of the book for a short biography on Ryle. It was a good synopsis of his life.
June 12, 2012
One of the first reformed books I read. Introduce me on how to think properly about Romans 7. Strong antitode against Charismatic wackiness.
Want to read
December 25, 2015want my own copy of this one.
Febish
Febish
August 7, 2011
Brilliant. If you read one book this year let this be it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews