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

by J.C. Ryle

flower. Faith is that poor trembling woman who came behind Jesus in the crowd and touched the hem of His garment (Mark 5:27). Assurance is Stephen standing calmly in the midst of his murderers, saying, I see the heavens opened and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God (Acts 7:56). Faith is the penitent thief crying, Lord, remember me (Luke 23:42). Assurance is Job sitting in the dust, covered with sores, saying, I know that my redeemer lives (Job 19:25); though he slay me, yet I will trust in him (Job 13:15). Faith is Peter’s drowning cry as he began to sink, Lord, save me (Matthew 14:30). Assurance is that same Peter later declaring before the council, This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men in which we can be saved (Acts 4:11-12). Faith is the anxious, trembling voice, Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief (Mark 9:24). Assurance is the confident challenge, Who shall accuse the chosen of God’s elect? God is he that justifies them. Who is he that condemns them? (Romans 8:33-34). Faith is Saul praying in the house of Judas at Damascus, sorrowful, blind, and alone (Acts 9:11). Assurance is Paul, the aged prisoner, looking calmly into the grave and saying, I know whom I have believed. There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 1:12; 4:8). Faith is life. How great the blessing! Who can describe ...