I recently completed reading this powerhouse book Holiness by John Charles Ryle. This is one of those books that every Christian should have on their bookshelf next to their Bible and Pilgrim’s Progress.
This book is a collection of Ryle’s sermons and he conveys his messages clearly and bluntly. He’s very direct and pulls no punches when it comes to sound doctrine and defending the faith (many times from the heretical errors and influences of the Roman Catholic Church). Ryle’s contention throughout the book is that holiness should be one of the major components of a Christian’s life.
It’s very hard to find a good, biblically sound book that was written within the last century. They are out there, but are not so common (error and compromise is pervasive in our time). Many of you know exactly what I’m talking about. If you want good, solid teaching you have to read books from the 19th century or earlier. This book is one of those shining examples that lends support to my theory.
I firmly believe that if more Christians read books like this instead of the junk they read today (and the copious amounts of television to boot) they’d experience a greater growth in their walk. And if more pastors preached like this, their church numbers might become smaller in number, but they would be making an actual impact on the world.
Christ Alone Wyoming 
I just came across this book recently and have been reading some of it online. It’s wonderful…I plan to order it now from Amazon. You are so right about the junk we read (and watch on T.V.). Books like this should be how we spend our time as growing Christians.
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Thanks for the review. I look forward to getting a copy soon.
Michael
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I first read this book online, and I had to order a few copies. I am a pastor and I agree that there is very little that is preached in the pulpit today that sounds like this. It is so foundational and sound from a biblical stand point that it really is a must read.
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Just got done reading it on-line myself. One sitting. WOW! As a good friend of mine likes to say, “PWNED!” I found it a great comfort and great challenge.
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I realize your post is from a while ago, however it hasn’t lost it potency. Without a doubt, Ryle hits the nail on the head. J.C. Ryle’s writings are so clear cut and sharp, that by while reading them, you feel as if he talking directly to you. I discovered Ryle a few years back and have come to appreciate his no-nonsense, straightforward approach to writing and exposition of Scripture.
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