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

by J.C. Ryle

Whenever a church avoids Christ crucified or puts anything whatever in that foremost place that Christ crucified should always have, from that moment a church ceases to be useful.

The cross is the grand center of union among true Christians.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).

where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian nor Scythian, slave nor free: but Christ is all, and in all (Colossians 3:11).

Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of his grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

“A crucified Savior will never lay upon

me anything that is not good for me. There is a need; it must be well.”

I believe that holiness is nowhere learned so well as on Calvary; I believe you cannot look at the cross much without feeling your will sanctified and your tastes made more spiritual.

Its pleasures now no longer please, No more content afford; Far from my heart be joys like these, Now I have seen the Lord. As by the light of opening day The stars are all concealed; So earthly pleasures fade away, When Jesus is revealed.[6]