Navigating Civil Duties In chapter 24 of To the Judicious and Impartial Reader: Baptist Symbolics Volume 2, Renihan discusses the role and responsibilities of civil magistrates along with the Christian duty to obey and pray for such authorities. The discussion of the confession is based on two key passages: Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-17. These letters were likely written during the 1st century in a culture that was morally depraved and deeply hostile towards the Christian faith....

Lot’s Lingering Life In chapter 9 of Ryle’s Holiness, the account of Lot’s lingering life is presented as a negative example and cautionary tale for the Christian. Genesis 13 and 19 suggest that Lot was strongly swayed by worldly temptations and competing desires, hesitating to trust in God’s word, and seeking to please man. The fruits of his life include: His weak influence on his family and neighbors His despicable decision to offer his daughters to worthless men The notorious loss of his worldly wife His drunk, degenerate behavior with his daughters in a cave Additionally, the enduring legacy he leaves – the emergence of the Moabites and Ammonites, perennial adversaries of God’s people – stands as a testament to the lasting impact of a life marred by indecision and spiritual compromise....

Faith and The Pursuit of True Treasure In Chapter 8 of Holiness, Ryle presents Moses’ story as a worthy example of faith for believers. Overcoming the temptations of rank and greatness, pleasures, and riches in Egypt, Moses willingly chooses suffering and affliction, the company of a despised people, and reproach and scorn, much like Christ. Hebrews 11:26 reveals a profound truth of how Moses overcame these great temptations of man:...

Legal vs. Evangelical Repentance In Chapter 15 of To the Judicious and Impartial Reader: Baptist Symbolics Volume 2, Renihan explains the crucial difference between two forms of repentance: legal and evangelical. Legal repentance is characterized by remorse and regret stemming from a troubled conscience. It is driven by the fear of consequences and judgment, with no appeal to God’s mercy or grace. There are many examples of this type of repentance in the Scriptures....

Workplace Holiness In chapter 3 of Holiness, Ryle paints a vivid picture of true practical holiness, which extends far beyond mere outward appearances or isolated expressions of godliness. He explains that holiness should be holistic: “A holy man will follow after faithfulness in all the duties and relations in life” (Ryle 52). Holiness is not a matter of putting on a façade on Sundays or during Bible studies with other Christians; rather, it involves a faithfulness that characterizes every aspect of one’s life....