Category Archives: Scripture

Running the race…

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We are to run our race “looking unto Jesus.” We are to run, depending on Him for salvation, renouncing all trust in our own poor frail exertions, and counting our own performances no better than filthy rags, and resting wholly and entirely, simply and completely, upon that perfect righteousness which He worked out for us upon the cross. We need not run uncertain of the end, we need not fight in ignorance of what shall follow. We have only to behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and believe that He has born our griefs and carried our sorrows, and will soon present us spotless and unblameable in His Father’s sight.

~ J. C. Ryle
from ‘The Christian Race & Other Sermons’

“Deep thinking is not my thing”

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I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.
— Psalm 119:15 (esv)

Many would argue against the practice of meditating on Scripture, or doing deep (theological) thinking, by saying “it’s not my thing” — as if it comes only by nature to some (and not to others). Puritan Thomas Manton (c. 1680) unmasks this excuse, and exhorts all believers to get it in gear.

“Many think it is an exercise that does not suit with their temper; it is a good exercise, but for those who can use it. It is true, there is a great deal of difference among Christians; some are more serious and consistent and have a greater command over their thoughts; others are of a more slight and weak spirit, and less apt for duties of retirement and recollection; but our unfitness is usually moral rather than natural; not so much by temper, as by ill use. … Partly, want [lack] of love; we pause and stay upon such objects as we delight in. Love naileth the soul to the object or thing beloved. “O how I love they law! It is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97).