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

by J.C. Ryle

Last, but not least, if we know anything about growth in grace and desire to know more, let us not be surprised if we have to go through much trial and affliction in this world. I firmly believe it is the experience of nearly all the most eminent saints. Like their blessed Master, they have been men of sorrows, and acquainted with weakness (Isaiah 53:3), and made perfect . . . through sufferings (Hebrews 2:10). It is a remarkable saying of our Lord, that every branch in Him that bears fruit, His Father purges it that [it] may bring forth more fruit (John 15:2).