THE CHURCH WHICH CHRIST BUILDS

Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots

by J.C. Ryle

THE CHURCH WHICH CHRIST BUILDS

Chapter 13

Ref.   “Upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”—Matt. xvi. 18

The Church of our text is made up of all true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, of all who are really holy and converted people. It comprehends all who have repented of sin, and fled to Christ by faith, and been made new creatures in Him. It comprises all God’s elect, all who have received God’s grace, all who have been washed in Christ’s blood, all who have been clothed in Christ’s righteousness, all who have been born again and sanctified by Christ’s Spirit. All such, of every name, and rank, and nation, and people, and tongue, compose the Church of our text. This is the body of Christ. This is the flock of Christ. This is the bride. This is the Lamb’s wife. This is “the holy Catholic and Apostolic Church” of the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed. This is “the blessed company of all faithful people,” spoken of in the Communion Service of the Church of England. This is “THE CHURCH ON THE ROCK.”


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