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KNOWING CHRIST
J. C. Ryle
. . . that I may know Him. . .-Php_3:10
Religion without a knowledge of Christ is like a watch without a mainspring. All endeavors, whatever they may be, will be in vain. But let me not be misunderstood. It is not the mere knowing Christ's name that I mean; it is knowing His mercy, grace, and power. It is not merely the hearing of the ear, but by the experience of your hearts. It is knowing Him as your peace and strength, your life Paid consolation, your Physician and Shepherd, your Savior and your God.
In Christ alone all fulness dwells (Col_1:19). In Him alone there is full supply of all that we require for the necessities of our souls. Of ourselves we are all poor, empty creatures; empty of righteousenss and peace; empty of strength, and comfort; empty of corrage and patience; empty of power to stand, or go on, or make progress in this evil world. It is in Christ alone that all these things are to be found; grace, peace, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
It is just in proportion as we live upon Him that we are strong Christians. It is only when self is nothing and Christ is all our confidence that we are armed for the battle of life, and shall overcome. To live on Christ, to draw all from Christ, to do all in the strength of Christ, to be ever looking unto Christ, this is the secret of spiritual life.
Christ Jesus is the treasury of our souls. Go to Christ then and find all you will ever need. Do you need a friend? He is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother (Pro_18:24). Do you feel unworthy because of your sins? Fear not: His blood cleanseth from all sin. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool (Isa_1:18).
Christ says, Come unto me. Then He says, him that cometh I will in no wise cast out. He can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, for He suffered Himself, being tempted. Surely you will be without excuse if you turn away from such a Savior and Friend as this. If you love life, seek to know Jesus Christ, the only knowledge worth having.
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