# “Can you wonder that the true Christian loves Christ?” by J.C. Ryle

- Link: https://tollelege.net/2025/07/16/can-you-wonder-that-the-true-christian-loves-christ-by-j-c-ryle/
- Published: 2025-07-16T09:24:58-05:00
- Author: tollelege

“A true Christian loves Christ for all He _has done_ for him.

He has suffered in his stead, and died for him on the cross.

He has redeemed him from the guilt, the power, and the consequences of sin, by His
blood.

He has called him by His Spirit to self-knowledge, repentance, faith, hope, and 
holiness.

He has forgiven all his many sins, and blotted them out.

He has freed him from the captivity of the world, the flesh, and the devil.

He has taken him from the brink of hell, placed him in the narrow way, and set his
face toward heaven.

He has given him light instead of darkness, peace of conscience instead of uneasiness,
hope instead of uncertainty, life instead of death.

Can you wonder that the true Christian loves Christ?

And he loves Him besides, for all that He is _still doing_.

He feels that He is daily washing away his many shortcomings and infirmities, and
pleading his soul’s cause before God.

He is daily supplying all the needs of his soul, and providing him with an hourly
provision of mercy and grace.

He is daily leading him by His Spirit to a city of habitation, bearing with him 
when he is weak and ignorant, raising him up when he stumbles and falls, protecting
him against his many enemies, preparing an eternal home for him in heaven.

Can you wonder that the true Christian loves Christ?

Does the debtor in jail love the friend who unexpectedly and undeservedly pays all
his debts, supplies him with fresh capital, and takes him into partnership with 
himself?

Does the prisoner in war love the man who at the risk of his own life, breaks through
the enemies’ lines, rescues him, and sets him free?

Does the drowning sailor love the man who plunges into the sea, dives after him,
catches him by the hair of his head, and by a mighty effort saves him from a watery
grave?

A very child can answer such questions as these. Just in the same way, and upon 
the same principles, a true Christian loves Jesus Christ.”

–J.C. Ryle, _[Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties and Roots](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1848715064?tag=toletaupanre-20)_(
Carlise, PA: Banner of Truth, 1877/2014), 324-325.

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