Introduction to J.C. Ryle and the work for Exhorting [Young] Men

The Gospel for Life

Introduction to J.C. Ryle and the work for Exhorting [Young] Men
1. J.C. Ryle’s Background
Introduction: J.C. Ryle, a prominent Anglican bishop, theologian, and writer from the 19th century. the first bishop
of Liverpool. He was an ardent defender of Evangelicalism in the face of opposition. J. C. Ryle had a gift for clear
communication to the working class, and his legacy of exhortation and evangelism continues to speak volumes
today. His insights continue to inspire and challenge Christians today.
Q: What has been your personal exposure to J.C. Ryle?
Part 1: Early Years & Theological Convictions
Ryle was born in 1816 in Macclesfield, England.
Ryle summed up the spiritual condition of his family and childhood as follows:
The plain truth is that neither in my own family nor among the Hurts or Arkwrights with whom I was most mixed up
when young can I remember that there was a whit of what may be called a real spiritual religion. There was literally
nothing to make us young people thorough Christians. We never heard the gospel preached on Sunday and vital
Christianity was never brought before us by anybody from the beginning of the year to the end or on a weekday.
In his autobiography Ryle mentions a number of significant events that he believed the Holy Spirit used in a special way to convert him. Two important one to highlight
1. The first was a rebuke from a friend.
2. The Second was the start of a new Church and it’s Evangelical ministry; St. George’s in Sutton. The beginning of Ryle’s Christian pilgrimage was not easy. He had no spiritual mentors or guides. He was left to “fight out
everything” for himself and, as a result, “made sad blunders” - Perhaps reason for him to write “Thoughts for Young Men”
2. J.C. Ryle’s Evangelicalism
Ryle’s theology is best described as Protestant, Reformed, Puritan, Evangelical, Anglican, and Premillennial.
Ryle regularly and repeatedly identified himself as an “evangelical,” and evangelical religion, according to Ryle, was
characterized by five leading features.
1. First, evangelicals assign absolute supremacy to the Holy Scripture and regard it as the only rule for faith and practice.
2. Second, evangelicals emphasize the doctrine of human sinfulness and corruption and the need for a radical cure.
3. Third, evangelicals attach paramount importance to the person and work of Christ and the necessity of faith in Him.
4. Fourth, evangelicals stress the importance of the inward work of the Spirit in the heart of the believer and an experimental acquaintance with it.
5. Finally, evangelicals insist that the inward work of the Spirit will always be manifested outwardly by a holy life.
For Ryle, these points and the importance of the diligent use of the means of grace. These included Bible reading, private
prayer, regularly attending public worship, regularly hearing the preaching of God’s word, and regularly receiving the
Lord’s Supper constituted the essence of the evangelical gospel and the Christian faith.

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