What Distinguishes A True Christian From One Who Is Not? By J. C. Ryle

John Charles Ryle

John Charles Ryle (1816 – 1900) was the first Anglican bishop of Liverpool.  He was born at Macclesfield, and was educated at Eton and at Christ Church, Oxford, where he was Craven Scholar in 1836.  Ryle was a strong supporter of the evangelical school and a critic of Ritualism.  He was thoroughly evangelical in his doctrine and uncompromising in his principles. J.C. Ryle was a prolific writer, vigorous preacher, and faithful pastor.  Below is an excerpt from his great works:

A true Christian is not a mere baptized man or woman. He is something more. He is not a person who only goes, as a matter of form, to a church or chapel on Sundays, and lives all the rest of the week as if there was no God. Formality is not Christianity. Ignorant lip worship is not true religion. The Scripture speaks expressly: “They are not all Israel which are of Israel“ (Rom. 9:6). The practical lesson of those words is clear and plain. All are not true Christians who are members of the visible church of Christ.

The true Christian is one whose religion is in his heart and life. It is felt by himself in his heart. It is seen by others in his conduct and life. He feels his sinfulness, guilt and badness, and repents. He sees Jesus Christ to be that divine Savior whom his soul needs, and commits himself to Him. He puts off the old man with his corrupt and carnal habits, and puts on the new man. He lives a new and holy life, fighting habitually against the world, the flesh and the devil. Christ Himself is the cornerstone of his Christianity. Ask him in what he trusts for the forgiveness of his many sins, and he will tell you, in the death of Christ. Ask him in what righteousness he hopes to stand innocent at the judgment day, and he will tell you it is the righteousness of Christ. Ask him by what pattern he tries to frame his life, and he will tell you that it is the example of Christ.

But, beside all this, there is one thing in a true Christian which is eminently peculiar to him. That thing is love to Christ. Knowledge, faith, hope, reverence, obedience are all marked features in a true Christian’s character. But his picture would be very imperfect if you omitted his “love” to his divine Master. He not only knows, trusts and obeys. He goes further than this-he loves.

This peculiar mark of a true Christian is one which we find mentioned several times in the Bible. “Faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ” is an expression which many Christians are familiar with. Let it never be forgotten that love is mentioned by the Holy Spirit in almost as strong terms as faith. Great as the danger is of him “that believes not,” the danger of him that “loves not” is equally great. Not believing and not loving are both steps to everlasting ruin.

Hear what Paul says to the Corinthians “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha” (1 Cor. 16:22). Paul allows no way of escape to the man who does not love Christ. He leaves him no loophole or excuse. A man may lack clear head-knowledge, and yet be saved. He may fail in courage, and be overcome by the fear of man, like Peter. He may fall tremendously, like David, and yet rise again. But if a man does not love Christ, he is not in the way of life. The curse is yet upon him. He is on the broad road that leads to destruction. (“Do You Love Me?” – John 21:16)