Aspects of holiness : an abridged and rewritten version of Holiness, its nature, hinderences, difficulties, and roots

by J.C. Ryle

Holiness is much more than tears and sighs, bodily excitement, a quickened pulse, passionate attachment to some preacher or religious group. It is 'being conformed to the likeness of God's Son' (Romans 8: 29). It is something capable of being seen by others, in the detail of our character, habits and daily behaviour. (from Ryle's Introduction to his book)

Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

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

[Mark Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without holiness no one will see the Lord - Hebrews 12:14

This abridged version of Ryle's famous work Holiness is a fantastic resource on a greatly needed topic. I recommend this work highly because it is clear, concise, biblical, and sorely neglected in a vast majority of churches today.

Ryle exalts Christ throughout and points again and again to the Scriptures as our guide for pursuing holiness as we follow Jesus. I just pray my teaching can be half as clear and sharp as Ryle's and that I'll pursue wholeheartedly the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was told by my grandma that J.C Ryle is a practical writer, and he gives good advice to Christians on their walk in the Christian life, so I picked up this book off their bookshelf and gave it a read. It was not a complex read, and is simple enough for most people to understand. It was full of Biblical examples, and was very Christ centred. This is definitely a book I would recommend to new believers or those who want to start reading more books on Christian theology and doctrine. I enjoyed it, and will likely read it again in the future.

[Chip · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this 30 years ago and am rereading again. Packed full and personally challenging. As pertenant today as it was when written in 1898

[Ryan Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be a staple in the life of every believer. Something not just to read, but to study and apply to our lives.