Holiness: For the Will of God Is Your Sanctification – 1 Thessalonians 4:3 [Annotated, Updated]

by J.C. Ryle

The nearer one grows to God and the more he sees of God’s holiness and perfection, the more thoroughly he is aware of his own countless imperfections. The farther he travels on the way to heaven, the more he understands what Paul meant when he said that he was not already perfect (Philippians 3:12), that he was not worthy to be called an apostle (1 Corinthians 15:9), that he was less than the least of all saints (Ephesians 3:8), and that he was chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). The more ready he is for glory, the more, like the ripe corn, he hangs down his head. The brighter and clearer his light and understanding are, the more he sees of the shortcomings and infirmities of his own heart. When first converted, he would tell you he only saw a little of them compared to what he sees now. Do you want to know if you are growing in grace? Be sure that you look within for increased humility.