Holiness by J C Ryle (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example)
Firstly we see that 'Christ is all' in the counsels of God:
(i) before the creation of the world;
(ii) at the creation of the world;
(iii) at the fall of man;
(iv) at his incarnation;
(v) at his return;
(vi) at the judgement.
Secondly we see that 'Christ is all' in the Bible. In:
(i) the animal sacrifices;
(ii) Abel;
(iii) Enoch;
(iv) Abraham;
(v) Jacob;
(vi) the ceremonial law;
(vii) the wilderness;
(viii) the judges;
(ix) David;
(x) the prophets;
(xi) the New Testament.
Thirdly we see that 'Christ is all' in the religion of true Christians. Jesus is their:
(i) justification;
(ii) sanctification;
(iii) consolation;
(iv) hope.
Fourthly we see that Christ will be all in heaven.
I particularly enjoyed what Ryle said about Christ being all in ministry: 'I might show how Christ ought to be all in a ministry. The great work which ordained men are intended to do is to lift up Christ. We are to be like the pole on which the bronze serpent was hung. We are useful so long as we exalt the great object of faith, but useful no further. We are to be ambassadors to carry tidings to a rebellious world about the King’s Son, and if we teach men to think more about us and our office than about Him, we are not fit for our place. The Spirit will never honor that minister who does not testify of Christ, who does not make Christ all.'
We must resist the temptation to make the focal point of the ministry something other than Christ. Jesus is truly in all and this should be reflected in the ministry of his servants.
Next week's reading
Begin Practical Religion by JC Ryle (Available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) by reading the Preface and Chapter 1 (Self-inquiry).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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