The Cross: Crucified with Christ, and Christ Alive in Me

by J.C. Ryle

Paul, a blaspheming, persecuting Pharisee, had been washed in Christ’s blood. He could not hold his peace about it. He was never weary of telling the story of the cross. This is the subject he loved to dwell upon when he wrote to believers. It is wonderful to observe how full his epistles generally are of the sufferings and death of Christ and how they run over with “thoughts that breathe and words that burn”[2] about Christ’s dying love and power. His heart seemed full of the subject. He enlarged on it constantly; he returned to it continually. It is the golden thread that runs through all his doctrinal teaching and practical exhortations. He seemed to think that the most advanced Christian could never hear too much about the cross.[3] This is what he lived all his life from the time of his conversion. He told the Galatians, The life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20). What made him so strong to labor? What made him so willing to work? What made him so unwearied in endeavoring to save some? What made him so persevering and patient? I will tell you the secret. He was always feeding by faith on Christ’s body and Christ’s blood. Jesus crucified was the meat and drink of his soul.

"This is what he lived"!