Self-Inquiry | J. C. Ryle

Deep Dive into Practical Religion: Being Plain Papers on the Daily Duties, Experience, Dangers, and Privileges of Professing Christians by J. C. Ryle - Self-InquiryIn the excerpts from his book Practical Religion, J. C. Ryle presents a guide for Christians to examine their spiritual lives, writing from the perspective of an Evangelical Churchman. He notes that while his era is a time of immense spiritual privilege and widespread religious activity, it is also fraught with the danger of empty, outward professions of faith. He warns against a trend of emotionalism and excitement-seeking in religion, urging readers instead to engage in serious, calm self-examination.To guide this self-inquiry, Ryle poses ten probing questions. First, he asks whether individuals actually think about their souls, rather than being entirely absorbed by worldly pursuits. Second, he questions whether they take concrete action regarding their faith, rather than merely thinking or talking about it. Third, he challenges those who rely on formal, mechanical religion without genuine inward heart involvement.Ryle further asks if readers have personally received the forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus Christ, and whether they have truly experienced conversion and spiritual regeneration. He emphasizes that true saving faith will inevitably produce practical Christian holiness in everyday life. Additionally, he prompts readers to consider whether they genuinely enjoy the means of grace, such as Bible reading, prayer, and public worship, rather than performing them as lifeless duties.Finally, the self-inquiry addresses whether Christians actively seek to do good in the world instead of living selfishly, whether they maintain habitual, daily communion with Christ rather than settling for mere elementary faith, and whether they are living in a state of readiness for Christ's second coming. Ryle concludes by offering tailored encouragement to various readers, urging the spiritually asleep to awaken and the burdened to bring their doubts and trials directly to a sympathizing Savior.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainerSpotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1t5dz4vEgvHqUknYQfwpRI?si=e-tDRFR2Qf6By1sAcMdkdwhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730