"Do You Love Me?" Love in Sincerity

This unique mark of love of a true Christian is one which we find mentioned several times in the Bible.  Faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ is an expression which many Christians are familiar with.  Let it never be forgotten that love is mentioned by the Holy Spirit in almost as strong terms as faith.  Great as the danger is of him that believes not, the danger of him that loves not is equally great.  Not believing and not loving are both steps to everlasting ruin.

Hear what the Apostle Paul says to the Corinthians: If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. (1 Corinthians 16:22)  Paul allows no way of escape to the man who does not love Christ.  He leaves him no loophole or excuse.  A man may lack clear head-knowledge and yet be saved.  He may fail in courage and be overcome by the fear of man, like Peter.  He may fall tremendously, like David, and yet rise again.  But if a man does not love Christ he is not in the way of life.  The curse is yet upon him.  He is on the broad road that leads to destruction.

Hear what Paul says to the Ephesians: Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. (Ephesians 6:24)  Here the Apostle is sending his good wishes, and declaring his good will to all true Christians.  Many of them, no doubt, he had never seen.  Many of them in the early Churches, we may be very sure, were weak in faith, and knowledge, and self-denial.  How then shall he describe them in sending his message?  What words can he use which will not discourage the weaker brethren?  He chooses a sweeping expression which exactly describes all true Christians under one common name.  All had not attained to the same degree, whether in doctrine or practice.  But all loved Christ in sincerity.

To be continued...

Adaptations of the Writings of J.C. Ryle