I love this vivid
word-picture of Christian faith given by nineteenth century pastor J. C.
Ryle—it shows both the active nature of trust in Jesus, yet faith is rightly
portrayed not as our work but dependence on the all-sufficient work of Christ:
Saving faith is
the hand of the soul. The sinner is like
a drowning man at the point of sinking. He
sees the Lord Jesus Christ holding out help to him. He grasps it and is saved. This is faith (Hebrews 6:18).
Saving faith is
the eye of the soul. The sinner is like
the Israelite bitten by the fiery serpent in the wilderness, and at the point
of death. The Lord Jesus Christ is
offered to him as the brazen serpent, set up for his cure. He looks and is healed. This is faith (John 3:14-15).
Saving faith is
the mouth of the soul. The sinner is starving for want of food, and sick of a
sore disease. The Lord Jesus Christ is
set before him as the bread of life, and the universal medicine. He receives
it, and is made well and strong. This is faith (John 6:35).
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