Practical Religion - Ryle - XIX - Chapter 18

Required reading
Practical Religion by JC Ryle (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Read Chapter 18 (The great separation).

My summary
Today's subject is the great separation.

Firstly we see that there are two great classes into which mankind may be divided: wheat (believers) and chaff (unbelievers).

Secondly we are shown the time when the great separation will take place - when Christ returns.  Therefore, before Christ returns:
(i) the separation is impossible;
(ii) it is useless to expect a perfect church;
(iii) it is vain to look for the conversion of the world.

Thirdly Ryle teaches us about the portion which Christ's people will receive when he comes to purge his floor.

Fourthly we learn what is the portion which remains for all who are not Christ's people.  They will receive a punishment that is most severe and eternal.

What grabbed me
Great advice from Ryle about not being afraid to teach about hell: 'Let others hold their peace about hell if they will—I dare not do so. I see it plainly in Scripture and I must speak of it. I fear that thousands are on that broad road that leads to it, and I would willingly arouse them to a sense of the peril before them. What would you say of the man who saw his neighbor's house on fire and never raised his voice and cried out, "Fire!"? What would be said about us as ministers, if we call ourselves watchmen of souls, who see the fires of hell raging in the distance, and never give the alarm? Call it bad taste, if you like, to speak of hell. Call it love to speak about pleasant things, and speak smoothly, and soothe men with a constant lullaby of peace. May I always be delivered from such notions of taste and love! My notion of love is to warn men plainly of danger. My notion of taste in the ministerial office is to declare the whole counsel of God. If I never spoke of hell, I would be holding something back that was profitable, and would look on myself as an accomplice of the devil.'

When you speak about the reality of hell you are speaking in good taste and with much love, despite what the hearers may think.

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 19 (Eternity).

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