# “The gospel has not lost its power” by J.C. Ryle

- Link: https://tollelege.net/2012/12/02/the-gospel-has-not-lost-its-power-by-j-c-ryle/
- Published: 2012-12-02T15:30:19-06:00
- Author: tollelege

“Weak, and feeble, and foolish as it may seem to man, the simple story of the Cross
is enough for all the children of Adam in every part of the globe. The tidings of
Christ’s death for sinners, and the atonement made by that death, is able to meet
the hearts and satisfy the consciences of all nations, and peoples, and kindreds,
and tongues.

Carried by faithful messengers, it feeds and supplies all ranks and classes. ‘The
preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but to us who are saved
it is the power of God.’ (1 Cor. 1:18.)

Five barley loaves and two small fishes seemed scanty provision for a hungry crowd.
But blessed by Christ, and distributed by His disciples, they were more than sufficient.

Let us never doubt for a moment, that the preaching of Christ crucified,—the old
story of His blood, and righteousness, and substitution,—is enough for all the spiritual
necessities of all mankind. It is not worn out. It is not obsolete. It has not lost
its power.

We want nothing new,—nothing more broad and kind,—nothing more intellectual,—nothing
more efficacious. We want nothing but the true bread of life which Christ bestows,
distributed faithfully among starving souls. Let men sneer or ridicule as they will.

Nothing else can do good in this sinful world. No other teaching can fill hungry
consciences, and give them peace. We are all in a wilderness. We must feed on Christ
crucified, and the atonement made by His death, or we shall die in our sins.”

–J.C. Ryle, [_Expository Thoughts on John, Vol. 1_](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1848711360?tag=toletaupanre-20)(
Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1869/2012), 229-230. Ryle is commenting on John 6:
1-14.

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