Holiness - Ryle - XVII - Chapter 17

Required reading
Holiness by J C Ryle (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Read Chapter 17 (Thirst relieved).

My summary
Ryle now looks at John 7:37-38 and the thirst that all man has.

Firstly he describes the thirst as the desire for pardon, forgiveness, absolution and peace with God.

Secondly Ryle shows that the remedy is belief in Jesus Christ, the 'Fountain of living water which God has graciously provided for thirsting souls'.

Thirdly we see the the promise that is given to those who drink from Christ:
(i) their own soul's wants will be satisfied;
(ii) they shall also become a source of blessing to the souls of others.

What grabbed me
I was encouraged by Ryle's comparison between the promises of man and the promises of God: 'But there is one grand difference between the promises of Adam’s children and the promises of God, which ought never to be forgotten. The promises of man are not sure to be fulfilled. With the best wishes and intentions, he cannot always keep his word. Disease and death may step in like an armed man, and take away from this world him that promises. War or pestilence or famine or failure of crops or hurricanes may strip him of his property, and make it impossible for him to fulfill his engagements. The promises of God, on the contrary, are certain to be kept. He is almighty; nothing can prevent His doing what He has said. He never changes; He is always ‘of one mind,’ and with Him there is ‘no variableness or shadow of turning’ (Job 23:13; James 1:17). He will always keep His word.'

The promises of God will always be kept and so it is with great confidence that we place our souls in his hands.

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 18 (Unsearchable riches).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.